the courier - march 2012

STEM coming to District 15KURT BECKERCURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR

At its February 13 meeting, the Inde-pendent School District 15 School Board approved a STEM pilot at the 4th grade level in at least one classroom at all three elementary schools for the 2012-13 school year. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This is the first phase of a plan that will expand STEM opportunities for students in multiple grade levels at the elementary and second-ary levels. While there are details yet to be worked out, there is no doubt that this is a great step forward for students of ISD 15.

Some may be wondering what STEM is and why the district would choose to implement a STEM program. This ap-proach to teaching and learning incorpo-rates engineering and technology into in-tegrated math and science curriculums, as well as curriculums in other content areas. Classrooms are more student-centered and inquiry-based in a STEM program. There is a great deal of emphasis on rigorous concepts and real-world lessons where stu-dents make connections between the class-room and the community. Students learn

to become problem-solvers, innovators, logical thinkers, and inventors with a high degree of curricular engagement. Through an effective STEM program, students are well prepared for life after graduation.

The ISD 15 STEM program will be standards-based, but the district will take students beyond the Minnesota Academic Standards. While developing the STEM program, ISD 15 will also consult the National Science Education Standards, the National Council of Teachers of Mathemat-ics Standards, the National Education Technology Standards for Students, and the Standards for Technological Literacy.

The Courier

MARCH 2012 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 8 WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

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

What’s InsideSchools in Action .............................................. 2School Board Highlights ..............................11Community Education .................................13Community & Business ................................16Easter Events ....................................................20Sports ..................................................................28Life .......................................................................33Classified ............................................................36

To celebrate “I Love to Read” month, preschool classes at the Lifelong Learning Center had guest readers from throughout the district including Corey Tramm, Independent School District 15 technology coordinator, who read the interactive story Jack and the Beanstalk from an iPad. SUBMITTED BY ISD 15 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Easter Events PAGE 20

All day kindergarten to begin this fall at no cost to parentsTOM LARSONSTAFF WRITER

Meetings and planning by Inde-pendent School District 15 admin-istrators to bring all day every day kindergarten at no cost to families have been ongoing for the past five months. Starting with the 2012-13 school year, families with kinder-gartners will be enrolled in the all day program.

Currently, every day half-day kindergarten is offered. Kinder-garten Plus, an all day every day option, is available for families at a cost of $2,900 per year. The state provides funding for half-day kin-dergarten only.

Research shows early learning opportunities and all day kinder-garten programs is fundamental in achieving goals in reading, math and science. The legislature has supported these venues but has not necessarily provided additional funding to school districts.

Through sound fiscal manage-ment, the all day kindergarten program is cost-neutral to the dis-trict by reworking bus routes in the middle of the day, saving $101,365. Other funding includes dedicating $254,623 in literacy aid allocated by the legislature last session, dedicat-ing $353,526 in intervention funds and repurposing $99,856 in Tween Time programming for current kindergarten students, allowing ISD 15 to offer the all day program at no cost to parents. Current teaching staff will fill the positions of the all day program.

The school board approved all day every day kindergarten at the February 13 meeting. Parents are encouraged to register their kinder-gartners now so planning can take place. Visit the district’s website at www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us or call your child’s school to begin the registration process for the 2012-13 school year.

CONTINUED, Page 23

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

Schools in Action School Board Highlights PAGE 11

Community Education PAGE 13

SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNEREDWARD SAXTON

It is real tough to find a back-to-school display this time of year; however, find a kindergarten parent and they’ll have plenty to share. Kindergarten in Independent School District 15, starting with the 2012-13 school year, will be an entirely new experience. Every kindergartner in our

district will be participating in an all day every day model with no fee for parents.

Our elementary principals and teachers are extremely excited about this shift in the delivery of instruction. Early intervention has been an effective strategy for improving learning. With educational intervention, a solid argument is “the sooner, the better.”

As superintendent, I have the opportunity and responsibility to conduct teacher observations as part of our Quality Compensation (Q-Comp) program. This year, in a post-observation with a first grade teacher, I was once again reminded that the achievement gap starts early and is predictable.

This observant instructor said that within a few weeks, it becomes evident which of her first graders had attended all day every day and which had attended every day half day kindergarten. She also stated both our current kindergarten programs are preferred to what our district has offered in the past. She smiled and said, “All day every day for all students would be the very best.”

Our teachers in the current all day every day program have seen firsthand what an extended learning experience yields. Reading with expression, quality work in math, and writing complete sentences with punctuation are just a few of the many positive outcomes.

Parents will have questions

as we transition to this all day every day model. Questions may surface related to the pace of learning, the logistics of lunch at school, or even the joy of learning. All of these and more will be addressed by teachers and principals as we move forward.

The one question parents will not have to answer is, “Can our personal household budget afford the enriched experience of an all-day-kindergarten program?” Additional details for the no fee to parents program logistics are in the works.

A second initiative in 2012-13 is the introduction of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) at the fourth grade level in at least one classroom in each of

our three elementary schools. This five-year roll out plan will focus on comprehensive STEM offerings in grades 4-12 by the 2017-18 school year.

Details for the STEM initiative will be more complex. This shift has considerably more avenues to pursue: professional development for selected instructors, parent survey, admission requirements, information distribution, and program design. After the initial meetings, additional pertinent focal points may surface.

The entire process will be exciting; more opportunities for students and more choices for families. Kindergarten parents have always kept a

CONTINUED, Page 3

Don’t miss this great community event!

$500* grand prize! • Free admission! Giveaways and drawings!

Food and activities!

5TH ANNUAL

2012

Saturday, April 21 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Francis High School

CO-SPONSORED BY THE ST. FRANCIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ISD 15 COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SERVICES

Promote your business to the community—be a vendor!

Showcase your business!

Meet hundreds of potential customers!

Network with other business owners!Showcase your products and services

with a demonstration or seminar.Vendor-only prizes including Twins tickets!

For registration information: www.stfrancischamber.org

[email protected] 763-438-5163

Join the Chamber when you register for extra savings!

*Grand prize awarded in Chamber Cash—redeemable at St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce businesses.

Pay for your

booth by March 15

and receive a $50

discount!

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

LIFETIME GUARANTEE – 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION!

COLLISION 2000The collision repair shop

you can trust.

FenderBender

Specialists

3345 Viking Blvd.Oak Grove

763-753-0002Monday-Friday 8am-5pmSaturday by Appointment

FREE LOANER CAR while we do the work on yours

•FREE ESTIMATES

•Collision Repair

•All Insurance Companies

•Paintless Dent Removal

•Computerized Color Matching

•Customs/Restorations

$100 OffAny repair over $1,000

$50 OffAny repair over $500

Coupon must be presented before repair is started. Not to be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Expires 4/3/12.

Collision 2000Oak Grove763-753-0002

IMPORTANT: Minnesota State Insurance Law states that you have a right to have your vehicle repaired in the shop of your choice.

County Road 22H

Coun

ty Ro

ad 9

23212 St. Francis Boulevard NW

Suite 1300 St. Francis

763-954-9340

Not valid with any other offers. Expires April 4, 2012

Coupon good at St. Francis Dairy Queen/Orange Julius

Buy One, BLIZZARD®

Get One of equal or lesser value for

99¢

Treat Some Buddy!ANY ICE CREAM CAKE

$3 OFF

Not valid with any other offers. Expires April 4, 2012

Coupon good at St. Francis Dairy Queen/Orange Julius

St. Francis Dental Care

Dr. Timothy Johnson DDSDr. Kurt Huether DDS

Family & Cosmetic Dentistrywww.stfrancisdentalcare.com

Now providers for Delta Premier, Health Partners, Assurant and others. Call for details.

3715 Bridge Street St. Francis, MN 55070

763•753•1900

www.NorthSuburbanHomeShow.org

Featuring nearly 100 home improvement and remodeling exhibitors

with products and services related to home improvements and gardening.

Over 1,300 area residents visited the show last year. Don’t miss out!

The first 200 children accompanied by their parents will have the opportunity

to build a wooden project. Kids Workshop sponsored by,

14th Annual North

Suburban Home Improvement

Show Andover Community Center

Saturday, March 24 • 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Andover YMCA/Community Center

15200 Hanson Boulevard, Andover (Crosstown & Hanson)

The North Suburban Home Improvement Show is sponsored by the cities of Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Ramsey,

and the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce.

Free KidsWorkshops

100+ Exhibitors

and City

Representatives

Prize

Drawings

DemonstrationsDNR/Forestry & Master Gardener

Cub Scout Pack 609 accepting food shelf

donations for the ACBC

Food Shelf

612-805-8838

TENTRENTALS

Tables/Chairs, Etc.Graduation • Reunion • Birthday • Wedding • Parties

MIDWEST FAMILY COUNSELING, P.A.

Individual – Relationship Adolescent – Child – Adult

Sensitive – Caring – Experienced

763-753-945923038 Rum River Boulevard, St. Francis

By St. Francis High School

Bruce W. Barton, M.Div., M.A., LMFT, LP

Village Bank

Bridge Street

Rum

Riv

er B

oule

vard

Midwest FamilyCounseling

9

SF High Schoolkeen eye on back-to-school in February because of registration. The decision to address the achievement gap at the kindergarten level will set the stage for a more fulfilling educational experience for our students.

Conversations about kindergarten and snow days rarely take place in the same week. Don’t be surprised if it happens this March.

At the end of February, I read a book to our preschool students, many of whom will start kindergarten next year. If my shared experience with them is any indicator, they are ready for a truly enriched experience.

For a quick read with a positive message about handling adversity, pick up Pete the Cat. You may be glad you did.

Helen Strand, a retired teacher and 102 years old, discusses conti-nents and countries around the world with Holly Bergstrom’s 5th grade class at St. Francis Elementary School. Emily O’Connell, one of the students in the class, is a friend of Helen’s and helped arrange the visit. Strand told the students to learn from other cultures, re-spect all people and study hard. The students showed Strand how they use a SMART Board in the classroom. BARB ANDERSON

FROM PAGE 2

Superintendent ST. FRANCIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


GRAND OPENING!

Saturday, March 3110 am-8 pm

23168 St. Francis Blvd. Suite 100St. Francis, MN 55070

763-753-9700M-F 10 am-8 pm • Sat & Sun 10 am-5 pm

New Used

Buy • Sell Consign

Designer ApparelWedding

FormalHome Goods

Furniture and more…

Accepting consignments

Wednesdays 4-8 pmSaturdays noon-4 pm

Stop by or call for details!

The St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m.

Stop by and help us celebrate our

Support the ST. FRANCIS

HIGH SCHOOL Softball Team by ordering a six month supply of Water Softener Salt today!Contact any softball player or Coach Schlomann

([email protected] or 763-213-1607) to order. Order must be placed by Friday, March 16.

A St. Francis High School softball player will deliver the salt to your home or

business on Saturday, March 24.

•Extra-Coarse .... $6/bag

•Pellets ........... $6.5/bag

•Rust-Out........... $7/bag

We do ask that you order a minimum of 3 bags!

Thanks for your support of St. Francis High School softball!

Visit with over 80

college and military

representatives.

Wednesday, March 286:00-8:00 p.m.

St. Francis High School Gymnasium

3325 Bridge Street, St. Francis

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

Visit www.mn-acac.org for a complete list of colleges or

contact Dawn Abraham at 763-213-1580 for more information.

EAST BETHEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

On January 19, students and their families braved the snow and cold to attend East Bethel Community School’s monthly Family Reading Night. During the evening, students and parents were able to read books and take a computerized test, earning points for prizes throughout the year. After reading and completing a test on a book, students and families enjoyed a Minnesota Float—hot chocolate with ice cream. Parents reported that they loved the family reading opportunity, spending quality time with their child, and the warm treat. After enjoying the treat, many families continued reading several stories and taking tests on them. DEBBIE SUNDBERG, EBCS 2ND GRADE TEACHER


You’re in Luck!

We take ALL express scripts plans, including

UCare and TriCare.

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

We’re also close to home.

Now there’s one more way to be prepared for a tornado. Our free Tornado Warning Service is available exclusively for American Family Insurance homeowners and farm/ranch insurance customers. We’ll call you to let you know when it’s time to take shelter.

Call today to learn more and sign up.

Mary L. Dresch Agency3747 Bridge StreetSt. Francis, MN 55070 [email protected]

American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its SubsidiariesAmerican Family Insurance CompanyHome Office — Madison, WI 53783amfam.com

© 2010 004345 – 3/10

CHILDCARE CENTER23256 St. Francis Blvd. NW • St. Francis

763-753-5010Proudly accepting Child Care Assistance

March is Nutrition Awareness Month.

Sign up in March and we will donate $50 to the North Anoka County

Emergency Foodshelf.Save Sunday, July 15 to help us celebrate our

10th Anniversary with a Family Fun Day Open House.

Saving taxpayer dollars—ISD 15 on-site health clinicTOM LARSONSTAFF WRITER

Independent School District 15 has embarked on a data driv-en decision to become self-in-sured, by providing an in-house health clinic to reduce insurance costs. One of the largest expen-ditures that a company has is providing health coverage to its employees. The cost of health insurance has sky-rocketed into almost double digit increases every year with the burden of the increase falling more and more on employees, along with their place of employment. ISD 15 has made changes in an effort to level those costs and to ultimately reduce personnel insurance health costs to both the employee and the school district.

Human Resources Director David Lindberg, who brings a background in dealing with the insurance industry and statistics, approached the ISD 15 School Board last fall with the plan to reduce the district’s health insurance costs by be-coming self-insured and open-ing an on-site medical clinic to service district employees.

The school board reviewed the data presented by Lind-berg which showed a direct correlation between not going to the doctor, because of costs of co-pays, resulting in more expensive stays in the hospital later on. The cost of less doctor visits and more hospitalization creates the epidemic of health insurance cost growth. By ad-dressing a health issue early, statistically, hospitalization decreases. Insurance companies use those statistics and costs to review data and determine rates.

The in-house clinic will ini-

tially be open two days a week and will be contracted through NeoPath Health. It will have all the conveniences of a regular health clinic, but the doctor visit and prescriptions will be free to employees who are part of a bargaining group that has settled negotiations or who are included in the schedule of benefits structure.

“The whole idea is to take away the issue of not going to the doctor, therefore increas-ing the statistics of later having to be hospitalized at a greater cost,” said Lindberg. “We anticipate that the district could save $1.2 million in costs and ultimately reduce our health insurance burden to the health provider, in this case Health-Partners.”

A safety net of an umbrella insurance policy, beyond the district’s self-insurance, will provide necessary safeguards.

The school board approved moving forward with the plan in December and entered a ten-tative agreement with NeoPath Health to provide services as outlined, beginning February

17. The school district plans to potentially place the clinic at St. Francis High School in a repurposed classroom near the Performing Arts Center. Re-modeling plans were drawn up and an ordinance amendment and conditional use permit were requested from the city of St. Francis.

“The high school is in the center of the district with four buildings housing students and staff in a two-mile square area,” said Lindberg. “It made sense to look at something central, with appropriate parking and an entrance into the clinic.”

Until ordinance and condi-tional use permits for the high school clinic location are ap-proved by the city of St. Fran-cis, the temporary clinic site is located at the Sandhill Center for the Arts in Bethel, using the south parking lot and entrance.

ISD 15 joins the public school districts of Farmington, Brooklyn Center and Robbins-dale in participating in this new trend to lower health costs by operating on-site clinics and self-insuring.

CEDAR CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOL

STUDENT UPDATE

Mary Hunt, daughter of Richard and Barbara Hunt of East Bethel, has been named to the fall 2011 dean’s list in the College of Education and Human Service Professions at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Hunt, a 2011 graduate from St. Francis High School, achieved a 3.50 grade point average or higher for the semester.

Amanda Luby, daughter of Doug and Jennifer Luby of Ando-ver, has earned the distinction of being named to the dean’s list for the 2011 fall semester at the College of Saint Benedict. Luby is a sophomore mathematics major. Dean’s list students must have a semester grade-point average of at least 3.80 and have com-pleted 12 credits.

DAWN SPITZERCCCS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT

Children with special needs can appreciate a good book, too! Celebrating Cedar Creek Community School’s annual decorate a door during I Love to Read Month, children in occupational therapy created a great variety of rainbow fish inspired by the book Rainbow Sea by Jane Edgecombe.

Occupational therapy is a related service to special education and is provided to children that demonstrate fine motor and sensory integration delays that interfere in academic achievement.

Through this project children worked on building fine motor control, bilateral coordination, hand strengthening and manipulation skills in a fun and creative way.

Decorating for I Love to Read Month

DAWN SPITZER

Cherise Foley • 763-753-969622001 Lake George Blvd., Anoka

Let us help you with your Easter baking!

Wedding, Bridal Shower, Birthday, Baptism cakes, cup cakes and much more!

Chuck’s Portable Toilets

Reasonable RatesServing Isanti and Anoka Counties

For All Occasions763.444.6795


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Production Binie Bertils

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

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

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

Mark your calendar!

Cedar Creek Community School

Spring CarnivalDATE: Saturday, March 31TIME: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.LOCATION: Cedar Creek

Community School 21108 Polk Street NE Cedar

Join us for:✿ GAMES — Money Machine, Dunk

Tank, Rock-Climb-Slide, Face Painting, Plinko, Obstacle Course

✿ FOOD ✿ SILENT AUCTION BASKETS — Theme

baskets provided by the classrooms and local businesses. Bidding takes place 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. the day of the Carnival. Need not be present to win.

✿ RAFFLE DRAWINGFood & Game Tickets are on sale in the

Main Office and the day of the Carnival. Two tickets for $1.

Raffle Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased from any CCCS student, in the Main Office and the day of the Carnival.

Need not be present to win.

The Spring Carnival is sponsored by the

CCCS PTO

Everyone Welcome!

Saturday, March 24 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

St. Francis Elementary School22919 St. Francis Boulevard NW, St. Francis

Join in the fun with friends…Games • Prizes • Raffle • Food

Silent Auction • Cake Walk

Contact [email protected] for more information

Sponsored by the St. Francis Elementary School Association of Parents & Teachers

CEDAR CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Box Tops contest a huge successPATTY NORBERGCCCS PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The Cedar Creek Community School Parent Teacher Organiza-tion (PTO) held their Box Tops for Education contest, November 16 through January 13. Over $4,000 Box Tops were collected by students. All classrooms participated and teachers with the high-est number of Box Tops per grade level were declared the win-ners. The funds will be used to purchase educational materials. Winning classrooms were: kindergarten, Sandy Benson, $181.60; 1st grade, Julie Kellerman, $270.70; 2nd grade, Michele Mozzetti, $623.40; 3rd grade, Anne Carter, $150.50; 4th grade, Kristin Ros-sow, $129.60; 5th grade, Mary Kay Tonsager, $243.60; and special education, Christy Meld, $148.40.

Items that have been purchased so far consist of new books, including Accelerated Reader books, and sensory games.

Thank you to all the students, families, and teachers who sup-ported this contest and to our PTO volunteers who counted the Box Tops!

Kindergarten students at Cedar Creek Community School celebrat-ed the 100th day of school on February 9. Kathi Greene’s half-day classes partnered with third graders from Cathy Perkins’ class. They participated in activities centered around the number 100, which also support kindergarten standards in mathematics. Students made necklaces with 100 fruit loops, answered questions about the number 100, and took 100 steps around the school. What a fun way to learn! KATHI GREENE, CCCS KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

There was an all-school “drop everything and read” (DEAR) time at Cedar Creek Community School on the first day of February. Every-one went into the hallways and read together. It was a wonderful and very quiet time! There were many other activities planned for I Love to Read Month that encourage students to read, read, read. HOLLY VANGILDER, CCCS TEACHER

Cedar Creek Community School

Spring Carnival

Volunteers NeededSaturday, March 31

Two shifts to select from: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. –OR–

1:00-3:00 p.m.You will receive a free meal for your efforts!

Please contact Dana Erickson at

[email protected] or Patricia Norberg at

[email protected], or call Patty at 612.747.0129.

Volunteers are needed for the games. We appreciate

your support!

The CCCS student council bought books and pencils for the birthday kids in our school. During the morning announce-ments, Principal Hahn gives out names and the birthday stu-dents go to the library where Mrs. Smith lets them pick out their gifts. The kids in the school enjoy hearing

their names announced. It also gives the teachers and staff a chance to wish them a happy birthday.

BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON, CCCS 5TH GRADER & STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBER


East Bethel Community School

Carnival/Pizza Night

Friday, March 305:30-8:00 p.m.

East Bethel Community School21210 Polk Street NE

Oak Grove

Games • Fun Friends • Food

3-D mapping BETH ANDERSON SFES KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Kindergarten students across the district participate in a social studies mapping and three-dimensional shape math unit during the school year. Some of the kindergarten classes have combined these two units by creating 3-D community maps. Students create a 3-D build-ing at home and bring it to school to create the classroom map which is then shared with kin-dergarten families at winter conferences. Along with the 3-D map, a large map mural is created to teach students about map symbols and map keys or legends. Students work together in teams to create the map symbols that are then put together on a large mural display for the entire school to see. Another map making experience that the kindergartners have is to follow a recipe to build a cookie map, making an edible map—yum!

Green frosting symbolized the land, blue frosting symbolized lakes and rivers, other delicious in-gredients are added to symbolize houses, roads, businesses, schools and more. Most kindergarten classrooms have a Pirate Day to test their newly acquired map reading skills by reading a map of the school building to find a treasure that is shared by one and all. A fun and motivating way to learn a valuable skill.

Students from Andrea Klins-ing and Lynda Skogquist’s 4th grade classes at St. Francis Ele-mentary School discovered how to build an elec-tromagnet as part of a science unit on magne-tism and elec-tricity.ANDREA KLINSING

ST. FRANCIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Teacher SpotlightBETH ANDERSONSFES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Cathy Paquay is a reading specialist at St. Francis Elementary School who is always looking for ways to motivate stu-dents to learn. Paquay goes out of her way to support staff and students alike. She has been extremely helpful in getting the newly adopted reading curriculum organized and ready for classroom use. Paquay has also organized summer reading incentive programs for SFES students over the years. She is instrumental in planning and implementing Family Math and Reading Nights held monthly in the SFES Media Center. Paquay was always involved in planning many fun and motivating activi-ties during February’s I Love to Read Month. Last school year, she launched One Book One School, which is where all classrooms throughout SFES, kindergarten through 5th grade, read the same chapter book. Older students do some independent reading and younger students are read to by their teachers. This year’s book selection is Beryl: A Pig’s Tale by Jane Simmons. This allows for all students to have a common reference point for discussions and activities throughout the month. SFES is proud to have Paquay as part of its school community; she adds so much to the learning process at school.

I Love to Read eventsCATHY PAQUAYSFES TITLE I TEACHER

“There’s no place like home—if you can find one!” said Beryl.

Jane Simmon’s humorous and colorful cast of animal characters is the focus of this year’s chapter book for One Book, One School. Each of the St. Francis Elementary School classroom teachers from kin-dergarten to 5th grade is read-ing Beryl: A Pig’s Tale aloud to their students and discussing the various themes of preju-dice, friendship, loyalty and love. This activity is designed to create a shared reading experience within our school community and to heighten and promote interest in dis-cussing the book school-wide.

As always, I Love to Read Month is full of creative and enjoyable activities related to reading including DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time; Spotlight on Reading (reading time with students using flash-lights); Book BINGO; Celebrate Seuss! Family Reading Eve-ning; students earning reading “hearts” for minutes/pages read; a motivating staff video; and new this year, a special weekly presentation of award winning Caldecott books by former SFES teacher and media spe-cialist, Judy Graham. Graham is also treat-ing 1st and 2nd grade students to a special program highlighting Beatrice Potter’s Peter Rabbit collection of books.

Because there was

no school on March 2 (Read Across America Day), we encouraged parents to spend this day reading. You may also want to check out the SFES website to access further in-formation regarding activities and videos for I Love to Read Month at SFES.

Cathy Paquay

Kindergarten students proudly displaying the cookie maps they created on Pirate Day.

All students at SFES read Beryl: A Pig’s Tale as part of I Love to Read Month.


LaurenTorkilsen, PA-CFamily Medicine

ThomasBlankenship,MD, FamilyMedicine

At Fairview Clinics – St. Francis, our doctors, nurses, and clinic staff work together to understand your unique needs and deliver personalized care. We focus on your health, wellness and prevention.

With extended hours, virtual visits by phone and email, same-day appointments and 24/7 scheduling, we make it easy for you to get the care you need, when you need it. Call 763-502-3900 or visit us online at Fairview.org/fairviewclinics to schedule an appointment today.

Fairview Clinics – St. Francisis conveniently located at:

23671 St. Francis Blvd.St. Francis, MN 55070

Fairview.org/stfrancis

Fairview Clinics – St. Francis

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

SFHS Counselor’s Corner JILL SALOSFHS COUNSELOR

Thank you to all of the teachers, counselors and administrators at St. Francis Middle School for providing the time, support and encourage-ment to the eighth graders during this time of transition as they registered for 9th grade classes. Also, thanks to the parents of the eighth grade students for helping support their son or daugh-ter and for attending registration night at St. Francis High School. A record number of parents came with their students and it was exciting to meet so many of our incoming freshmen.

Financial aid night was also very popular for students who plan to attend a post-secondary institution. All seniors interested in seeking out scholarship opportunities should contact their counselor and career advisor for assistance. It is possible for parents and students to predict what types of funding they might be eligible to receive to attend college. Students and parents who are interested in information about financial aid forecaster websites should contact the counselor assigned to their student.

As always, students are reminded to get the best grades they can in order to receive the most opportunities available to them after high school. We are available to assist students and parents as they work through obstacles that sometimes

come up during high school. Please feel free to make an appointment by calling 763-213-1590.

Please take note of the following activities of SFHS clubs and organizations:Open Minds

The Open Minds diversity club has had an active month. Please read more about the club in the article on page 9. LINK

LINK students were involved in the regis-tration process by helping counselors present information to middle school students and as-sisting with Red-Out Week. Red-Out Week was developed to raise awareness and funding for the American Heart Association. GSA

The GSA has also had a productive month. The purpose of GSA is to help SFHS become a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The group recently celebrated No Name Calling Week and received approximately 350 voluntary pledges during lunch from students promising not to bully others. Additionally, the group has been working from a Moodle webpage that lists many resources available to students who may be struggling. Examples include PFLAG, SAVE and Discovery Education. Not only are there resources for students, but there are resources listed for parents and educators.

Teaching about AsiaJOEL OLSONSFHS TEACHER

Google the phrase “Asian Century,” and you’ll find hundreds of websites analyzing Asia’s growing cultural and economic presence in the world.

As a language arts teacher at St. Francis High School, I was accepted to a seminar sponsored by Indiana University and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA). The 33-hour course held January 11 through March 21, funded by the Freeman Foundation, provides opportunities for educators to learn more about the history and culture of a region containing over one-half the world’s population.

“The Freeman family, who founded AIG Insurance in Shanghai, is convinced that the only way America will be able to compete globally is to understand and collaborate with its Asian partners,” said Professor P. Richard Bohr who leads the seminar and is a professor of history and the director of Asian Studies at the College of St. Catherine and the College of St. John’s in Collegeville, Min-nesota.

Several Minnesota school districts are represented in the 2012 seminar including St. Francis, Red Wing, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Osseo, and Elk River. Teachers taking the course are from several content areas including language arts, social studies, and art.

“Across the nation, NCTA seminars have reached tens of thou-sands of K-12 teachers. Here in Minnesota, the number is well over one hundred teachers who have inspired hundreds of students to study aspects of Asia,” said Bohr.

During a recent session, University of Minnesota biophysicist Dr. Joseph Lin taught seminar participants to draw Chinese char-acters. Lin is a professor by day, but the art of Chinese calligraphy is his passion, and he enjoys sharing his appreciation of a writing style that dates back more than 4,000 years.

“I’ve been practicing Chinese calligraphy since I was a young child in China. To do calligraphy you must clear your mind and quiet your heart. Calligraphy is just like yoga—it’s good for medi-tation and requires a lot of mental and physical activity,” said Lin.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s social studies teacher Megan Kern ap-plied for the seminar to broaden her understanding of Asian people and their culture. Kern plans to incorporate information and strate-gies from the seminar in her teaching at Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

“I’ve spoken with an art teacher here at school and we’re plan-ning some cross-curricular lessons regarding calligraphy. She’ll teach the form and pro-vide the materials, and I have had the Chinese character app installed on the school’s iPads,” said Kern.

At St. Francis High School, grade 12 students study world literature as part of the language arts cur-riculum. The course focuses on literature of non-English speak-ing cultures includ-ing China and Japan, among others. For example, students read the Chinese writings of Confucius, Lao Tzu, and the Tang Dynasty poets. The NCTA semi-nar has provided con-text for these readings and introduced ideas for making the litera-ture more understand-able and interesting to students.

More importantly, perhaps, the NCTA seminar reminds teach-

Dr. Joseph Lin demonstrates proper brush technique for creating Chinese characters. The symbol shown is the Chinese word yong which means ever-lasting. Lin shared his passion for Chi-nese calligraphy at a recent session of the NCTA seminar, Teaching About Asia. “There are about 50,000 individual Chi-nese characters in total. The average Chinese students are expected to know 3,500 characters by the time they gradu-ate,” said Lin. SUBMITTED PHOTOCONTINUED, Page 9


• Cardiology clinic • Dedicated cardiology nurse• Stress testing• Echocardiography• Cardiac imaging• Heart rhythm disorders • Heart failure care

• Cardiac rehabilitationTo schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, call 763-389-6587 or visit fairview.org/northland

Expert heart care is this closeEasy access to some of the world’s � nest heart care is as close as Fairview Northland Medical Center in Princeton. We partner with University of Minnesota Physicians Heart to provide a full-range of innovative care — from prevention to treatment of the most complex heart conditions.

Advanced heart care, close to home

> Answer 10 simple questions to learn your risk of heart disease by taking a free online assessment. Visit fairview.org/hearttest3

7/10

Music Lesson ProgramRENTAL

NEW • USED Band, Orchestra, Guitars, DrumsRentals • Sales • Lessons Repairs • Guitar Supplies

Buy Used Instruments Piano Books (In Stock or Order)

MUSIC & Consignment Center763-421-1062

108 Main Street, Anoka www.reynoldsmusicanoka.com

Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30-8; Fri 9:30-6; Saturday 9-4

EDUCATOR APPROVED

INSTRUMENTS

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

dents would not have been able to experience the activities. In participating in these activities, our hope is students will have a greater acceptance among the students at SFHS, a greater discussion among students re-garding differences and helping others, and a greater number of students volunteering in other community opportunities.

The Open Minds is a student led group advised by Jaymie Helle. Our mission statement is to acknowledge and value our diverse qualities and promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in our school. Our mission is in line with Diversity Outreach Team, a St. Francis

community organization. Students have the option of lettering in Open Minds and participate in the weekly group meetings as well as the after-school committee meetings hosted by our co-presidents, Jessica Pavek and John Bakken.

Our day of service and ex-ploration was to create experi-ential learning activities to gain knowledge in tolerance and ac-ceptance by servicing and role-playing in minority roles. This was a successful trip with the willingness and volunteerism of the Open Minds students and the generous donation and support of Target.

A day of service and exploration JAYMIE HELLESFHS COUNSELOR AND OPEN MINDS DIVERSITY CLUB ADVISOR

On a Saturday in February, 12 students from Open Minds Diversity Club participated in an experiential field trip including the Midtown Global Market, Simpson Housing Ser-vices, and the Mall of America. Experiential learning is one of the most effective ways of teaching. Through these experi-ences, my hope is that students have a deeper understanding of diversity through service and experiences.

At the Midtown Global Mar-ket, students roamed the mar-ket in small groups and tried ethnic foods and shopped for handicrafts that are representa-tions of many cultures from around the world. Students were very open to trying new foods including camel, goat, gyro, tamarind candy, gelato, and dishes from Asia, Latin-America, and Somalia.

Our second stop was the Simpson Housing Services Inc. We received an educa-tional tour of their services and learned about who is impacted in Minnesota by homelessness. Christina Giese, the Volunteer Service Manager, reported 13,100 people were homeless in Minnesota in 2009. Simpson Housing Services provides shelter to about 22 women and 44 men every night. Students were extremely engaged in

learning more about homeless-ness and what Simpson strives to provide people in need. Simpson’s goal is to end the cycle of homelessness by find-ing low-income housing and helping them become inde-pendent. Our group donated supplies for sandwiches and students packed lunches for 130 people while there. One student also brought three bags worth of hotel toiletries to donate, which they openly welcome as donations.

We ended the day with an experiential learning activity where students were in groups of three and experienced shop-ping in a wheelchair. Each stu-dent took a turn and shopped in the wheel chair for 45 minutes. Students completed a reflection paper and discussed their experiences and what it was like to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Students reported at our last Open Minds meeting the struggles of mobility in the crowded mall, the difficulty in fitting between clothes racks, the responses from on-lookers, etc. They also reported some shop workers to be very accommodating and caring, people holding eleva-tors for them, and they them-selves having a greater under-standing for those that live this day in and day out.

This opportunity was pro-vided by a grant we received from Target. Without their generous donation, these stu-

ers that course content should be made relevant to the de-mands of our changing world. In a recent class meeting, for example, the group discussed the interconnected nature of the American and Asian market-place. According to Bohr, stu-dents need teachers to provide tools that will enable them to work with their Asian coun-terparts as they move into the workforce. He tells his students in Collegeville, “It’s up to you guys—you students—to figure out how we’ll run, how we’ll operate this global economy.”

FROM PAGE 8

Asia

Students made 130 sandwiches for those seeking shelter at the Simpson Housing Services in Minneapolis. Pictured left (L-R): Dan Vang, Ellisana Blumb, Aubrie Ricker, Katie Vang, Jenna Swanson, Ashley Quiram, David Barlou, Sarah Haley, Stephanie Siebert, Brandy Bickman, Emily Webb, Jaymie Helle, and Michaela Jones. SUBMITTED PHOTO


ORTHODONTICSSmiles by Doctor Jonak and Associates

NO CHARGE FOR INITIAL EXAM • NO REFERRALS NEEDED

3725 Bridge Street St. Francis

Walking distance from St. Francis Schools

763-753-3393

800 NE Main Street Blaine

Located next to Roosevelt Middle School

763-757-2768

1/12

CROSSROADS SCHOOL & VOCATIONAL CENTER

Staff Spotlight – Language ArtsGRETA LINTONCROSSROADS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

This month, Crossroads School and Vocational Center would like to spotlight lan-guage arts teachers Angela Schmid and Greta Linton.

Schmid grew up in Stillwater until she left for Concordia College in Moorhead. She received two degrees, one in Spanish and the other in English Education, with a minor in communications. She is currently working on her masters through Concordia University in St. Paul in Educational Technol-ogy. Schmid has been at Crossroads for five years. Before that, she taught for two years at a 6-8 middle school in Bakersfield, California where she taught reading/language arts/intervention class and ELD (English Language Development), and one year at a high school, where she taught 9th and 10th grade college prep (advanced) English. She doesn’t have a favorite subject to teach; she enjoys teaching almost every aspect of language arts. Inter-ests outside of school include reading, knitting, traveling, sing-ing. Her sister and family live in Austin, Texas and the rest of her family lives in Minnesota. She has one black cat at home.

Linton was born and raised in Cambridge. She went to Jamestown College in North Dakota for one year before transfer-ring to Bethel University, where she graduated in 2004 with a degree in communications and a minor in music. She decided to go back to Bethel to finish her teaching degree in literature and communication arts. Linton has been in the district for six years; she started out doing day-to-day and long-term subbing and got hired full-time in 2008. She loves reading novels related to the Holocaust with her students, including The Boy in the Striped Pa-jamas, Milkweed, The Diary of Anne Frank, etc. and enjoys teaching writing and public speaking as well. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kyle, who is also a teacher in the district, and their one-year-old son, Channing, participating in community theatre and choir, camping, and canoeing.

GREG DOWNSCROSSROADS SCHOOL STUDENT, SHERBURNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VOLUNTEER

I am interested in raising awareness and to help save lions. Here is some interesting information about lions.

Lions once roamed in Africa, southern Europe, and parts of

Asia. Today their primary habi-tats are in Africa, with a few still living in the Gir Forest of India.

Although adult lions have no natural predators, evidence suggests that the majority die violently from humans or other lions. Lions, especially in captivity, are vulnerable to the canine distemper virus and other diseases.

Students produce podcast featuring weather and scienceDAVE BERGERSCIENCE TEACHER AT CROSSROADS SCHOOL AND VOCATIONAL CENTER

It started with an idea to have students create a podcast and broadcast to a real (world-wide) audience. Dave Berger has been teaching science to at-risk students at Crossroads School in Independent School District 15 for 14 years. He learned how to produce a sim-ple audio program and then publish it online. He thought this would be an engaging ac-tivity for students. The podcast has proven to provide several benefits to students. Students are sometimes shy or self-conscious about speaking and recording.

Their own voice, and some may not feel they can be suc-cessful with electronics. But it doesn’t take them long to discover how fun and gratify-ing it is to produce and record a podcast. Multiple intelli-gences are incorporated when students design the podcast. Some students update the script with current weather conditions, some students con-tribute artwork, while other students incorporate a science concept from the daily lesson. They learn to be successful with technology, work together and gain confidence speak-ing to a worldwide audience. The podcast is available on the district website, www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us/crossroads.

Jazz band performs in honor of Black History MonthGRETA LINTONCROSSROADS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

In honor of Black History Month, the St. Francis High School jazz band visited Crossroads School and Vocational Center on February 22 to perform for students. Led by band director Heidi Stodola, the jazz band played several pieces for the students, including Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones (the Austin Powers theme song), Blues Brothers Review by Otis Redding, and 25 or 6 to 4 by Robert Ramm. Band students also shows the different instru-ments that make up a typical jazz band. Crossroads students and staff would like to thank the jazz band for coming and perform-ing again this year, especially after a long day at a music competi-tion in Elk River where the jazz band took second place, missing first place by only two points.

Crossroads School and Vocational Center’s language arts teachers Angela Schmid and Greta Linton.

SFHS Jazz Band entertains the students at Crossroads School and Vocational Center in honor of February’s Black History Month.

The majestic lion is disappearingTheir numbers there are

rapidly decreasing, with an estimated 30-50 percent decline over the last two decades. Esti-mates of the African lion popu-lation range between 16,500 and 47,000 living in the wild in 2002-04, down from early 1990s estimates that ranged as high as 100,000 and perhaps 400,000 in 1950. Primary causes of the decline include disease, habitat loss and conflicts with humans.

Several coordinated efforts involving lion conservation have been organized in an at-tempt to stem this decline.

If you want to donate to help the lion, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW.org) is a good organization to sup-port.

Visit www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us/crossroads to read more facts about the majestic lions.


School Board Highlights

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

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

Monday, March 26Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Monday, April 9Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.

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

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

Janet Glover, Vice Chairwoman 763-221-5341

Suzanne Erkel, Clerk 763-413-1195

Harry Grams, Treasurer 763-856-4350

David Anderson, Director 763-434-9457

Amy Kelly, Director 763-744-8458

Matthew Rustad, Director 763-568-8847

Email: [email protected]

SCHOOL BOARD HIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY 13, 2012

All board members present.Site Report - Crossroads School & Vocational Center

Crossroads Principal Keri Neubauer presented highlights of Crossroads School & Voca-tional Center. Crossroads School is a special K-12 school that provides education not only for children living at Bar-None Residential Treatment Center but also for students living in District 15 and other neighbor-ing districts who, for many reasons, cannot be successful at their regular school of at-tendance. Crossroads School provides core basic and special education in a small, structured setting. The Harbor Program within Crossroads School assists District 15 students in middle and high school with atten-dance, behavior and academic issues. The mission of Cross-roads School is to give students skills to be productive citizens and lifelong learners. Goals for the school this year include in-creasing math skills, attendance, vocational opportunities and technology access. Crossroads School Community Relations Coordinator and Language Arts teacher Greta Linton reported on technology and activities. The school enhances student learning with iPads and SMART Boards and schedules many cultural and diversity activities throughout the year. Current enrollment is 76 students, with a capacity for up to 120 students. School Board Policy Discussion

School Board Chairwoman Marsha Van Denburgh ques-tioned the timing of supple-mental material sent to board members related to items on the agenda. Additional ma-

terial related to the 2012-13 educational programming (All Day K, STEM) resolution was sent to board members on the afternoon of February 13. Van Denburgh moved to remove the All Day K and STEM discussion from the agenda and place it on a future board meeting. The superintendent and cabinet had been working on the 2012-13 budget and addition of All Day K and STEM since December (40-50 hours of time); the pro-posals are time sensitive. Any delay, according to the superin-tendent, placed our community families looking to register for kindergarten (starting February 21) at a disadvantage and a like-lihood of enrolling elsewhere. Van Denburgh referenced School Board Policy 106.1 C: The tentative agenda and support-ing documents shall be sent to the school board members five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled school board meet-ing. Van Denburgh argued that the financial information related to all day every day kindergar-ten and the list of disbursements were received too late to make an informed decision. The su-perintendent indicated that the chairwoman had set the agenda in a meeting with the superin-tendent and Human Resources Director Lindberg days before, and was provided with specific information regarding the cost neutral plan to implement the programs in question. Direc-tor Harry Grams requested the additional kindergarten infor-mation days prior and argued it was not supplemental material, only additional information that anyone could have asked for. Director Lindberg indicated that further review of Policy 111 states that the superintendent can make changes in the school structure and program without

approval of the school board and that by bringing it forward at this time was to inform the board of changes for the 2012-13 school year. In addition, Chair-woman Van Denburgh request-ed to delay action on vendor bill disbursement due to not receiving information within the policy noted five day window. Director of Business Affairs Mae Hawkins explained that dis-bursements have been handled in this manner and are time sensitive. Delaying payment to vendors would have adverse consequences of late fees which would be an additional bur-den on taxpayers and possible unwillingness to do business in the future. The superintendent and cabinet members urged the board to act on the all day every day kindergarten recommenda-tion made by the Financial Plan-ning Action Committee (FPAC) and to approve disbursements. The motion to remove these items from the agenda failed. High School Report

Student representative Nathan Lipinski spoke about re-cent activities at the high school including Snow Week and the talent show. Winter sports are wrapping up and spring break is coming soon. High school students will organize a Moon Walk in May, an evening cancer fundraiser. Superintendent Report

Superintendent Edward Saxton announced that the Teacher Academy instructional specialist positions were filled. FPAC recommended all day every day kindergarten to ad-dress the achievement gap. It is a budget neutral proposal—cur-rent funding will be repurposed. Saxton addressed a board ques-tion from a previous meeting regarding tracking donations to schools. Saxton explained that the budget accounting codes lend themselves to tracking due to a 17-digit numerical system that begins with the fund and school number and narrows down to specific accounts. Saxton would like to know how the board members would like to receive information—whether by mail, email or a combination. Human Resources Study

Human Resources Director David Lindberg presented a video that touched on research of district enrollment, popu-lation, open enrollment and parent survey results. A pilot program called STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) is proposed for some 4th grade students for the 2012-13 school year as a result of parent survey

results showing a desire for this type of educational pro-gramming. The district is also proposing all day every day kindergarten to all kindergarten students, with no parent fee. Superintendent Saxton and the administrative cabinet, in light of the research data provided, encouraged the board to take ac-tion on these matters and offer parents what they requested.Technology Discussion

Board member Matthew Rustad proposed the purchase of iPads or netbooks for each board member so all had the same access to technology and communication. Saxton shared that iPads for every board mem-ber would range from $2,700-$4,950, in addition to monthly data fees. Rustad requested a copy of the school board bud-get. Kelly said she would rather see the iPads in the hands of students. The issue will be discussed at a future meeting once members have viewed the budget.

Van Denburgh said she has received complaints about audio during the school board meetings. Board member Kelly indicated that in her tenure on the board, she has not received any complaints regarding the audio. Saxton shared a quote to upgrade the current audio sys-tem that came in at more than $14,000. The current system is just a few years old. The topic will not be pursued at this time. Educational Programming Resolution

The issues of all day every day kindergarten and STEM provided debate brought on primarily through the request to remove the agenda item by Chairwoman Van Denburgh. The board did proceed to discuss the educational pro-gramming resolution. Most feedback has been extremely supportive of no fee all day every day kindergarten and 4th grade STEM pilot. Saxton said all day kindergarten can make a real difference in helping close the achievement gap. Funding will come from transporta-tion savings and repurposing staff. STEM for some 4th grade students will involve recruiting current teachers to refocus their teaching to these topics. The only cost will be supplies and curriculum. These changes are part of the district’s five-year plan to increase student achieve-ment and enrollment. The costs to implement the two additions for next year were cost neutral. The resolution passed 7-0.

SCHOOL BOARD HIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY 27, 2012

KATHLEEN MILLERSTAFF WRITER

Board Chairwoman Marsha Van Denburgh was absent.Consideration of Visitors

Oak Grove resident Mike Starr approached the board with two concerns. The first was in reference to an article in the Feb-ruary 17 Anoka County Union, “District 15 board members con-sider purchasing iPads.” Starr stated that the board members that made the request are not putting students first. At a time when funding is tight, some board members suggested a pay increase for their positions as well. Starr stated he is embar-rassed by the requests from some of the new school board members. The second concern was the removal of books from school media centers. He cited a U.S. Supreme Court 1982 decision, Case 14, where it was decided that school boards cannot remove books from a school library simply because they find the ideas in the books objectionable. Starr was refer-ring to books removed from shelves during the summer at the request of a parent/commu-nity group. St. Francis High School Student Report by Mercedez Johnson

A Random Act of Kindness Day was recently held at the high school, and Johnson said it turned out to be a very positive and fun day. Classes are wrap-ping up before spring break, which is March 2-9. On March 1, students will stay after school to helping out custodians, which Johnson reported she is looking forward to.Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Ed Saxton met with the Anoka County attorney to discuss truancy. St. Francis High School Principal Paul Neubauer was also in at-tendance. Saxton and several ISD 15 staff participated in a we-binar hosted by Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota Department of Education. The topic was about the state of Minnesota receiving regula-tory flexibility from the federal government for the No Child Left Behind initiative. Minne-sota was the first of 11 states to apply for the waiver. The su-perintendent attended the state high school gymnastics meet; two students from St. Francis

CONTINUED, Page 12


Andover YMCA Community Center15200 Hanson Boulevard East • Andover, MN 55304

763-230-9622Kindergarten Power

Children will explore their world in small groups through age and development appropriate activities which will help in preparing for school success.

Entering or just completed Kindergarten

Summer PowerFascinating adventures in a safe, quality childcare program.

Fun activities, special themes, exciting field trips, clubs and more keep kids active, engaged and motivated all summer long! 3-, 4- or 5-day options.

Grades K–5 in fall 2012 at PACT Charter School; Grades 1–5 in fall 2012 at Andover YMCA

Summer UproarHigh-spirited adventures result in growth experiences for youth.

Preteens and Teens Grades 6–8 in fall 2012.

YMCA Day Camp Guy RobinsonMemorable camping experiences by day, kids come home at night! Canoeing, kayaking,

archery, swimming, fort building, crafts, cook outs, climbing, horses and more! Bus transportation available. Ages 4–14

daycampguyrobinson.org

ymcatwincities.orgRegister online or in person at any Y branch. You need not be a member to register.

SCHOOL BOARD PERSPECTIVE HARRY GRAMS

Starting in the fall of 2012, Independent School District 15 will begin a new standard with all day every day kindergarten classes throughout the district. This board-approved initiative will now provide the same level of learning for all kindergarten students while providing more time for a variety of academic experiences. Under our current kindergarten model, if you choose all day every day, it is offered on a family pay basis at a cost of approximately $2,900 per student. Even those willing

High School competed. He also attended STEM meetings and planning for all day every day kindergarten for the 2012-13 school year.Administrative Reports

Human Resource Director David Lindberg aired the pod-cast he recently created regard-ing data privacy. The podcast can be found on the district’s website under the Human Resources Department commu-nication page. HR Highlights is a new communication tool from the Human Resources Depart-ment.

Business Services Director Mae Hawkins provided the board with information regard-ing Uniform Financial Ac-counting Reporting Standards (UFARS), the 17-digit account coding framework that is used by the district. The information will assist board members in understanding the fund, site, program, source and other de-

tails when approving disburse-ments. Other Matters

Policy 106.1 School Board Meeting Agenda was discussed. The current policy, which was adopted August 11, 2008, states, “The tentative agenda and sup-porting documents shall be sent to the School Board members five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled School Board meeting.” The five calendar days was discussed at the previ-ous meeting and several board members would like to see that policy changed. Information could be received by the board prior to a meeting which would assist in making decisions without the restriction of a time frame. Superintendent Saxton commented that the five calen-dar days was more of an issue when U.S. mail was the primary means of communication. This policy and any others that contain a set time frame will be discussed as one item at the next board meeting and will be acted on at the following meeting.

FROM PAGE 11

Board Highlightsto pay were not guaranteed to participate due to limited class availability. When this idea was proposed and discussed at the district’s last Financial Planning and Action Committee (FPAC), obviously many questions arose. Will all our kindergarten parents be required to pay as all day every day students do now? No. Due to re-appropriating dollars currently being used for bussing our half day every day kindergarten students, the use of Literacy Aid and the repurposing of intervention dollars, the financial liability will be cost neutral. Another concern is the physical demands that kindergartners would experience in a full day model. In conversations with some of our current all day every day kindergarten teachers and parents of those students, our current curriculum is intertwined with carefully paced activities that have resulted in very few, if any, reported problems. An

even larger issue that was also discussed at the FPAC meeting is that if the district did not go to an all day every day for all kindergarten students and we continued to use the current model in place, would we be creating our own achievement gap between our all day students and our half day students as they entered first grade? One would have to think yes.

One thing that I have witnessed while being on the school board for the past six years is that anytime some sort of change is introduced, there is usually a fair amount of skepticism and resistance involved with the process. All day every day kindergarten for all students is one of those few initiatives that have been fairly well received by parents, staff and community. And as a board member, I feel those that will gain the most will be our students…and that’s the way it should be. Enjoy the rest of our mild winter and Go Big Blue!


Community Education Health & Wellness PAGE 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us • www.the-courier.org • www.communityed15.org

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

Middle School TrackTrack & Field is so much more than just running. Come and experience what it has to offer. This spring track season will include hurdles, relays, throws, long jump, high jump, running events and more.Dates: April 12–May 17Days: Mon/Tues/ThursTime: 2:30-4:00 p.m.Grades: 6-8

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead to Spring 2012 activitiesRegistration for spring activities now open

FROM THE REC DEPARTMENT

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

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

Register

NOW!

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

Jim LaBarre, assistant wildlife manager, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area was the presenter at the February Lunch & Learn Program. He framed his topic around “Questions people want to know about Carlos Avery Game Farm.”Who was Carlos Avery?

Carlos Avery was an early pioneer committed to conservation and wildlife. He served as the state game and fish commissioner and was instrumental in the establishment of the game farm. Subsequently the farm was named after him.When was Carlos Avery established?

Carlos Avery was actually established in 1933 with 8,000 acres obtained from the Crex Carpet Company.What was there before Carlos Avery?

Loggers and farmers who came into the area in 1870 inhabited this area in Anoka

and Chisago counties. Later the Crex Carpet Company controlled the area, harvesting wiregrass for making into rugs. A camp was built to house the migrant workers that were employed to harvest this crop.Are the buildings original?

The first buildings were started in 1935 and are a colonial revival style. There are 14 that are now on the National Register of Historic Places.What is raised at the game farm?

Production of bobwhite quail began in the early years and continued until 1955. The refuge also hosted breeding for ring-necked pheasants, Chukar partridge, reintroduction of the Canadian geese and trumpeter swans. In 1981 the management philosophy changed and large-scale breeding programs changed. The focus became one of improving habitat and providing nesting cover and food.Where was the tree nursery?

A tree nursery was started in 1938 at the end of the drought. It was the first state nursery to propagate fruit bearing trees, primarily to provide natural

food for the wildlife. These areas are now used to plant corn and rye for deer and pheasants.Who were the O’Kasick brothers?

The O’Kasick brothers were known criminals in the 1950s who killed a Minneapolis policeman. State Highway Patrolman James Crawford captured them in Carlos Avery in an attempted escape.Why are there dams in Carlos Avery?

Carlos Avery is part of the Sunrise River watershed. Dams are used on the property for wildlife habitat and flood control. Certain waterfowl prefer a shallow lake, which is rare in Minnesota. The damming process helps to create the shallow lake habitat for these species.Didn’t a large fire start in 2000?

Yes, on October 19, 2000 a fire started which burned over 8,000 acres of the game farm and threatened homes in the

surrounding area. Cause of the fire was an out-of-control rubbish burn by a landowner on land bordering the game farm.How big is Carlos Avery today?

Today the sanctuary contains 24,000 acres, two-thirds of which is wetlands. A 4,500-acre sanctuary is off limits to all hunting and trespassing. Outside this area, primary recreational opportunities include hunting for waterfowl, deer, bear, small game, forest game birds, pheasants and turkeys. More than 272 species of birds are attracted to the refuge, providing opportunities for bird watching.

LaBarre shared additional

facts about the history and development of the area, the importance of the ecology of the farm and its relevance to wildlife study and conservation today.

Even though Carlos Avery Game Farm has been a part of our school community for over 70 years, many of the Lunch

Questions and answers about Carlos Avery Game Farm

Jim LaBarre, assistant wildlife manager, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area was the pre-senter at the February Lunch & Learn Program. SUBMITTED PHOTO

CONTINUED,


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

Local Food Movement, Farmer’s Markets & Community Supported AgricultureTuesday, March 20Larry Golyer, Owner, Lone Wolf NurseryPat Nudd, Owner, Will Heal FarmThe local food movement promotes local purchasing which supports local economies. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) enterprises is an example of the local food movement. Lone Wolf Nursery and Will Heal Farm, Oak Grove, are two examples of local producers of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Learn about these businesses and the contributions they make to the local food movement.

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

members; $2.00 per class for non-members.

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

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

members; $2.00 per class for non-members.

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

Jerry & Shirley Spanhanks Tuesday, March 13 The husband/wife duo of Jerry and Shirley Spanhanks entertain audiences with banjo, dobro, fiddle, guitar and accordion. They perform original songs and old favorites from artists such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Elvis Presley.

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

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

Summer Kids Connection 2012Kids Connection is a summer childcare

program for Independent School District 15 students who have completed kindergarten

through grade 5.Location: Lifelong Learning

Center in Oak Grove

Dates: June 6-August 24 Closed July 4, 5, 6

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Weekly Themes • Gym Time • Field Trips Nature Activities • Arts & Crafts

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

Call 763-213-1641 for information and registration.

Registration begins April 2Registration will stay open until program is full. Any registrations received after May 31 could have a delayed start date.

Program Fees One ChildOne Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00Two Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00Three Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90.00Four Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115.00Five Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$130.00Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00/tripRegistration Fee . . . . . . . . . $25.00/child $45.00/family

includes one Kids Connection T-shirt per child

NANCY MESSERSCHMIDTISD 15 ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Community Weight Loss Challenge

Join personal trainers Eric and Sherri Ortman in an eight-week weight loss challenge.

There will be weekly weigh-ins, and group workouts. These classes will be motivating, inspiring and informative. Included will be prizes, challenges and handouts. Winners are determined by the highest percentage of weight lost at the end of eight weeks. Weight will be kept confidential; only percentage of weight lost will be posted. Weekly prizes for highest percentage of weight lost. Prizes determined by number of participants. Overall winner will receive a Visa gift card. #AE12142 8 Sessions Day: SaturdayDates: March 24-May 19Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m. Instructors: Sherri & Eric

Ortman Fee: $55

Minnesota Twins Baseball

Here is your chance to attend a Minnesota Twins baseball game at beautiful Target Field! The Twins opponent for this early evening game is the Toronto Blue Jays. We will arrive at Target Field early enough for you to wander and enjoy the sights and sounds. Please be prepared to walk a short distance to the

field (three blocks) as there is a designated motorcoach parking area upon arrival at the stadium there is elevator service to seating area. Join us for this fun and relaxing day! We will be traveling with our friends from Cambridge-Isanti and Braham. Registration closes on April 2. No refunds after this date. Fee includes deluxe motorcoach transportation and game ticket.#AE12108 1 SessionDate: Saturday, May 12Location: Depart from

St. Francis High School at

3:45 p.m.; return at approx.

10:30 p.m.Fee: $59

RegisterOnline.

Visit communityed15.com and use your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover to register.By Phone.

Have your credit card ready when you call 763-213-1640 to register.In Person.

Visit us at the Community Education Office located in St. Francis High School, 3325 Bridge Street, St. Francis

Adult Community Education Offeringsand Learn participants did not know what it was; its history or the size and scope of the property and the projects that are presently being conducted. For additional information on Carlos Avery, check out their website www.dnr.state.mn.us/wmas.

The next Lunch & Learn program is scheduled for

Tuesday, March 20 and will feature two local food producers, Larry Golyer, owner of Lone Wolf Nursery and a leader in local farmer’s markets and Pat Nudd, owner of the Will Heal Farm a community supported agriculture enterprise. Make your reservations today by calling Sandhill Center for the Arts, 763-213-1616 or on the website www.communityed15.com.

FROM PAGE 12

Lunch & Learn


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

Bright BeginningsBright Beginnings in ISD 15 Early Childhood

Plan your year with Early Childhood Family EducationLooking for special events and trips? Register for them NOW!The Place to Go, Things to Do brochure features special events and field trips for families. Call 763-753-7170 or visit us online at www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us to register.

Upcoming ECFE Special Events & Field TripsFOR CHILDREN ONLY!

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

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

Down on the Preschool FarmSpring brings out all the animals on the farm. What do farmers do on the farm?Dates: Tuesdays, April 10 & 17Time: 12:45-2:45 p.m.Fee: $8 per child

FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN!

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

30 (no class February 10, March 2 & 9)

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

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

Upcoming topics:March 16: Picasso FriendsMarch 23: Springtime SillinessMarch 30: Planes, Trains

and Cars

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

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

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

Upcoming topics:March 14: Marching into

March (gym)March 21: Changing ColorsMarch 28: Windy WeatherApril 4: Spring Has Sprung

Children’s Museum Field TripTwo hours of exploration in six play-filled, hands-on galleries! After a brief orientation, you and your child(ren) may explore the museum on your own. Bring a bag lunch which you will eat before getting back on the bus. Fee includes admission and transportation.Date: Friday, March 30Time: Bus leaves at 9:15 a.m.

from the Lifelong Learning Center; returns by 1:45 p.m.

Fee: $7 per person

Coon Rapids DamTravel with us to Three Rivers West Coon Rapids Dam in Brooklyn Park to welcome nature coming alive. We’ll enjoy a puppet show, then go outside to see some of the first signs of spring. Come dressed for the weather and bring a bag lunch.Date: Friday, April 27Time: Bus leaves Lifelong

Learning Center at 9:30 a.m.; returns by 1:30 p.m.

Fee: $7.50 per personDeadline: April 19

Have a concern about your child?Are you concerned about your child’s development, speech, or behavior? If your child is under three years of age, contact Tim Finn at: [email protected] or 763-753-7172 to reach ISD 15 Help Me Grow services. If your child is at least three years of age and not yet in kindergarten, ISD 15 Early Childhood Screening is the first step in confirming any concerns you have; call for an appointment at 763-753-7187 and mention your concerns.

Family Advocate Do you need additional support in your parenting role? Would you like to know more about resources in your community? Issues we can help with include relationships, parenting, child development, finding help with finances, etc.

Call your Early Childhood Family Advocate Cynthia Behling at 763-753-7178 or email [email protected].

Early Childhood Advisory Council

18th Annual Children’s Used

Clothing & Toy Sale

Here’s your opportunity to clean out those closets and make some extra cash, plus support Early Childhood Programs in your community.Start collecting your items now because garage sale tags are on sale Monday, March 12, until they are gone. Tags are on sale at the Early Childhood office at the Lifelong Learning Center. Shop early by volunteering at the sale. Sign up to volunteer when you purchase your sale tags. The Early Childhood Advisory Council will keep 15 percent of the total sale.

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

Preschool Place 15 registration

for the 2012-13 school year is

taking place now!Classes offered at the Lifelong Learning Center in Oak

Grove and Sandhill Center for the Arts in Bethel.

• Programming takes place September through May

•Morning, afternoon, late afternoon and evening

sessions available

•One, two, three or four times per week

• Two hour-fifteen minute or

two-and-a-half hour sessions

• Several age specific class options

• Sliding fee scale is available

based on family size and income

• Busing available for a limited number of classes

The mission of Preschool Place 15 is to provide a safe

environment where young children of all abilities can grow and

experience success and their parents can be partners in learning.

Thank you for making the carnival such a successThe ISD 15 Early Childhood Advisory Council would like to thank the following for their donations to the 2012 Family Carnival. Their generosity was greatly appreciated.

Mansetti’s Pizza, Christian Dollar Plus, Hong Kong Delight, Great Clips St. Francis, Jam Hops Gymnastics, Subway St. Francis, Ham Lake Lanes, Minnesota Zoo, Dairy Queen-St. Francis, YMCA Andover, East Bethel Theatres, Chip Shoppe, Rapid Sport Marine Center, Dave’s Heating and Air, Opp Chiropractic, Amanda Hoskins, Marie Langlie, Jackie Mann, Paula Spautz, Ilona Hough, Betsey Roed, Nancy Wallace, Anita Jones, Rhonda Haukos, and Michelle Bauer.

We would also like to thank all of the many volunteers who donated their time. A special thank you to the Anoka County Sheriff Reserves, St. Francis High School National Honor Society students Mark, Jake, Dan, Kayla, Melissa, Megan, Keetha, Nick, Jordan, Brandon, Wayne, Lorenzo, Gabbi, Taylor, Emma, Monica, Maggie and Jeremy and to Sandhill Center for the Arts volunteers Juanita, Dick and Wilma.


Community & Business Easter Events PAGE 20

ATTENTION ALL AREA BUSINESSES

Let’s get ready to kick-off the annual Pioneer Days celebration! This is your chance to be a part of the coupon book received

when a Pioneer Days Button is purchased. If you would like to advertise your business, include a

coupon in this year’s book or have questions, contact City Hall at 763-753-2630

or email [email protected]

Please respond by April 19.

A copy of last year’s coupon is available upon request.

City of St. Francis PIONEER DAYS • JUNE 8-10

CRAFTERS WANTEDThe St. Francis Pioneer Days Committee is looking for

crafters to participate in this year’s celebration. If you would like an application, please contact St. Francis City Hall at 763-753-2630 or visit the

city’s website at www.stfrancismn.org.

ST. FRANCISPIONEER DAYS MEETING

St. Francis Pioneer Days meetings are scheduled for Thursday, March 15 at 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. at the

St. Francis Community Center located at 23340 Cree Street NW, St. Francis, MN 55070.

Pioneer Days will be held June 8-10. The parade is Saturday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m.

All businesses, organizational groups and interested volunteers/residents are invited to attend one of these meetings.

Friday nights during Lent March 9, 16, 23, 30 • 5:00-6:45 p.m. Fish fry -or- pasta; served with vegetables, slaw or salad, bread, dessert and a beverage.

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

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

Church of St. Patrick19921 Nightingale Street NW • Oak Grove

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

763-753-6614David Johnson

www.highlandmoneymgmt.com

Securities offered through Sammons Securities Company, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Are you changing jobs or retiring? Call me to rollover your 401k to an IRA.

Retirement • Investments • College Planning • Life Insurance

23624 St. Francis Blvd., Suite #5St. Francis, MN 55070

TODD MAHONANOKA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Anoka County Historical Society will present the history of St. Francis, April 14, 2:00 p.m., at the Rum River North Shelter Building, 23100 Rum River Boulevard, St. Francis.

During this free educational event, relive local history by listening to stories of St. Francis’ past and seeing artifacts that were used in everyday life. A slide show of photographs from the past takes guests on a virtual tour through the history of this small town turned suburb on the northern edge of Anoka County. This is backyard history and it’s best presented at one of the area’s most scenic spots, the Rum River North Park shelter building.

For more information call 763-753-2131 or visit www.ac-hs.org.

The history of St. Francis

MONICA CAMPBELLANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY

Anoka County Library is presenting several classes in March and April for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those planning to start a small business. Classes are free to partici-pants, but seating is limited.

The following classes will be held at the Rum River Library, located at 4201 6th Avenue in Anoka and at the Northtown Library, located at 711 County Road 10 NE in Blaine:

Business Orientation—Learn what it takes to start and finance a business before you invest your time and money. Offered at:} Rum River Library

Saturday, April 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.How to Write a Business Plan—Explore the

components of a business plan that can distin-guish your business in a positive, concise and persuasive way, with tips for planning a feasible and viable business model. Offered at:} Northtown Library

Saturday, March 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon} Rum River Library Saturday, April 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Understanding Business Accounting—Learn the basics of simple bookkeeping and under-standing financial statements. Offered at:} Northtown Library Saturday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.} Rum River Library

Saturday, April 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.How to Get a Lender to Say Yes—Get tips

on small business financing, underwriting guidelines that determine whether a loan will be approved, as well as what makes an effective business loan proposal. Offered at:} Rum River Library

Saturday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.-noon“Being your own boss is the dream of many

people,” said Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart. “These classes can help an entrepreneur make the dream a reality.”

These Anoka County Library programs are presented by Women Venture and the Neighbor-hood Development Center and are funded by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

For more information about these classes and other library programs, call 763-712-2322 or visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

Anoka County Library presents small business and entrepreneur classes

MAROLYN BAUMANST. FRANCIS LIONESS

We would like to thank ev-eryone who attended Breakfast with Santa and helped make it a great success. Everyone was

St. Francis Lioness news and eventsso impressed with the delight-ful decorations provided by the 1st grade students at St. Francis Elementary School. A very spe-cial thank you goes out to the St. Francis Ambassadors and their families. They helped decorate

the night before and helped clean tables and kept the crowd moving.

Spring is coming fast and we are planning many activities. We are hoping you will take part in some of them.

Empty Bowl is a collection for the food shelf and will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Oak Grove on March 15. Be sure you don’t miss out on our famous Salad Luncheon and Fashion Show that will be held on March 24 at St. Francis American Legion. On March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Community Park, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt hosted by St. Francis Lionesses and Lions and Oak Grove Lions. These two groups will also once again help at the St. Francis Senior All Night Party on June 8 as well as the Pioneer Days food booth at the ball park.

We are always looking for new members. If you want to have some fun working to make your community better, please join us the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. We meet at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree St, NW at 7:00 p.m. We even have fun at our meet-ings, so please join us. For more information, call Lioness Jean Schuldt, 763-753-1205.

Large House Special

Large thin crust House Special Pizza

$1699


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

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

763-753-4577 • Expires 4/3/12.

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

St. Francis Mansetti’s OnlyNot valid with any other specials or coupons.

763-753-4577 • Expires 4/3/12.

FREE SODAwith purchase of lunch buffet

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

763-753-4577 • Expires 4/3/12.

Hwy 47 & Pederson Drive, St. Francis, MN

763-753-4577Place your order online at

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

WE DELIVER Premium Pizza to You!

Take one of our

U-Bake Pizzashome today.

Tuesdays Kids Eat FREE!

One with each paid adult. Only

+tax

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR RESOLUTION ALREADY?

We found it, claim it at

Receive a FREE FITNESS CONSULTATION ($100 value) and REDUCED RATE AND PROCESSING.

Come to a club that you don’t already have to be “in shape” to join!

* Some restrictions may apply. One time security card activation fee.

ST. FRANCIS 763.753.3399ZIMMERMAN 763.856.0400

Let us help you achieve your resolution.Qualifying Health Insurance Reimbursement

Save $20 per month

St. Francis Lioness & Lionsinvite you to come to our

Fishing for New Spring Styles

Saturday, March 24 at the St. Francis American Legion

3073 Bridge Street, St. Francis

Donation $7.00. Tickets at the door.

All proceeds will be used for St. Francis High School

scholarships.11:00 a.m. SocialNoon Luncheon

12:30 p.m. Fashion ShowFor more information,

please contact Lioness Marolyn Baumann

at 763-753-2041 or Lioness Sandi Hanson

at 763-753-2848.

East Bethel Community School kindergarten students were given the opportunity to learn all about pigs and other agricultural topics through a visit from Juanita Reed-Boniface of Anoka County Farm Bureau February 7. She read to the three kindergarten classrooms and shared information about all kinds of farms. EBCS was also given a generous gift of books for the library, classroom materials and goodie bags for all the kindergarten children. SUBMITTED

CHRIS LARSONDYNAMIC SEALING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Community, business and political leaders joined together January 27 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor local manufacturer Dynamic Sealing Technologies, Inc. (DSTI).

Despite the cold blistery

weather, over 1,000 people attended this day-long celebration.

Many elected officials were in attendance including: Governor Mark Dayton, State Senator Michelle Benson, State Representatives Peggy Scott and Tim Sanders, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and

Andover manufacturer celebrates expansion

Sen. Michelle Benson, Rep. Peggy Scott, President DSTI Jeff Meister, Production Manager DSTI Scott Ilstrup, VP of Sales DSTI John Knoll, Governor Mark Dayton and Andover Mayor Mike Gamache celebrate the expansion and 10th anniversary of Andover-based manufacturer Dynamic Sealing Technologies, Inc. on January 27. SUBMITTED

Anoka County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah, Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo, Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart and the Andover Mayor Mike Gamache.

“It’s great to see DSTI doing what they do so well! Creating Minnesota jobs is very exciting and we’re happy to have them in our community.” said Rep. Tim Sanders.

DSTI has more than doubled in size from 36,000 square-feet to an 80,000 square-foot facility. With specialties in developing and manufacturing rotary unions DSTI now exports to 35 countries and is the 45th fastest growing private manufacturing company in America for 2011, according to Inc. Magazine.

“This is really an exciting day for DSTI, Andover and all of Minnesota” Gov. Dayton said. “I just want to thank the founder and owners of the company who made a

commitment to Minnesota and all the Minnesotans who are working in such a dedicated way to save people from cancer, protect our troops from IEDs. Those kinds of projects are ones that I hope you take great pride in being part of.”

“A celebration like this was

a great way for us owners to say thank you to so many that have helped along the way,” noted Jeff Meister President of DSTI. “We couldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for our great families, employees, vendors, suppliers and amazing community support.”


Styling Aids Gifts • Jewelry

Mad Bags • Mad Hats

Full Service Salon & Spa763.427.0550 14029 Round Lake Blvd. NW

AndoverM-F 9 am-9 pm • Sat 8 am-4 pm

Monday

Pedicure $30

Manicure $15

Not valid with any other coupons or offers.

Mondays only. Expires 4/3/12. TOTAL LOOK 763.427.0550

Tuesday

Add Chem Shot or Arch

to any service for $10

Valid with select stylists. Not valid with any other

coupons or offers. Tuesdays only. Expires 4/3/12.

Total Look 763.427.0550

WednesdayBeauty BundleStyled Haircut,

Chem Shot & Arch $40Valid with select stylists. Not valid with any other

coupons or offers. Wednesdays only. Expires 4/3/12.

Total Look 763.427.0550

Thursday

T-Zone 7 Foils

$35Valid with select stylists. Not valid with any other

coupons or offers. Thursdays only. Expires 4/3/12.

Total Look 763.427.0550

Friday

$20 Styled Haircut with any color or perm service

Valid with select stylists. Not valid with any other

coupons or offers. Fridays only. Expires 4/3/12.

Total Look 763.427.0550

Saturday

Gel Polish Manicure

$25Valid with select stylists. Not valid with any other

coupons or offers. Saturdays only. Expires 4/3/12.

Total Look 763.427.0550

Find us on Facebook atTotal Look Salon & Spa 2011

for unadvertised specials.Daily Specials

East Bethel763.434.4462

Cambridge763.689.1212

East Cambridge763.691.1341

Princeton763.389.4350

Edina952.831.8253

St. Paul651.291.5777

Member FDICwww.e-peoplesbank.com

PEOPLES

IRASAVINGS

Your future willGROW WITH US!With as little as $100you can open up aPeoples IRA Savings today!

The St. Francis Lions Club hosted its 2nd annual, Remembering The King, a Tribute to Elvis dinner and show on February 11 at the St. Francis American Legion. Toward the end of the show, Lion Tim Ho-len and Club President Mike Starr, pictured with Tommy and Steve Marcio, presented a $1,000 donation to the Mark Evans scholarship fund. Mark Evans was a former St. Francis High School student who passed away. Steve and Tommy Marcio donated their time and mu-sical skills to kick off a scholarship fundraiser to honor Mark Evans five years ago. The St. Francis Lions Club each year continues to add to the scholarship fund with their annual fundraiser by hosting the Elvis experience. This year was a sold out event and the Lions plan to do it again next year on February 9, 2013. Thank you to all the Elvis fans who attended this year’s event. SUBMITTED

MARTHA WEAVERPUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER

Hours of operation for Anoka County’s five license centers are being adjusted to better serve customer needs and save taxpayer dollars. Beginning March 1, the total number of license center service hours will increase to 54 hours per week. However, weekly business hours at individual license centers will be cut from 47 to 42 hours per week. A study of customer service needs at each center showed that staggering the open and close times at each site provided better and more tailored service unique to each location’s customers.

For example, the Columbia Heights License Center will now open at 7:00 a.m. four days a week—the earliest opening time offered at any metro area license center—and all license centers will be open until 7:00 p.m. one night

a week.“This move is in direct response to

changing customer needs,” said Anoka County Board Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah. “It gives people more flexibility on where and when to conduct business.”

The change in hours will save up to $90,000 in labor costs annually. It also allows greater flexibility to schedule staff as business volume dictates.

Hours of operation will remain 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Anoka County’s Vital Statistics Office located in the Government Center in Anoka.

As determined by federal law, not all services are available at all License Centers or the Vital Statistics Office. Go to www.anokacounty.us/license for a detailed summary of where services are offered.

County license center hours changing March 1


21250 Yellow Pine Street Oak Grove, Minnesota

2012 SEASON MEMBERSHIPSMembership With Cart*Individual ....................................$1,499Couples .......................................$2,199 (spouse or significant other, any day)Senior Individual (60 & Up) ...........$1,099Senior Couple ..............................$1,799 (spouse or significant other, any day)Junior (17 & Under)** ...................$199College (18-21)*** ......................$299

* Membership fee includes cart use, does not include tax.** Weekdays before 8:00 a.m. and weekends and holidays after 2:00 p.m.

only with an adult, all season. Does not include cart.*** Weekdays before 10:00 a.m. and weekends and holidays after 2:00 p.m.,

all season. Does not include cart.

Check out website for special golf rates throughout the season.

Want to have fun and compete?Call the golf shop for details on our Men’s, Senior Men’s and Ladies golf leagues.Call about our corporate memberships.

Phone: 763-753-8383Website: www.refugegolfclub.com

The perfect place for…Wedding Receptions and Gatherings

Banquets and Group Outings

Easter and Mother’s Day Brunch

For pricing and availability, please contact our Banquet Coordinator, Jami at 763-753-8383 or email her at [email protected].

Make your Easter Brunch reservations with us.

Easter Sunday, April 810:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Call 763.753.8383The Easter Bunny will be here from

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. An Easter Egg Hunt is planned for 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

ERICA SUNDEM MALLAKEAST BETHEL SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT COORDINATOR

The time of year has come when the East Bethel Scholarship Pageant is looking for young women from the community to participate in our program. We are a non-profit organization that provides young women and girls opportunities to participate in community service and to be goodwill ambassadors for the city of East Bethel and surrounding

communities. We are excited to be accepting

applications for young women ages 16-21. The chosen ladies will travel throughout the state of Minnesota, receive an educational scholarship, and learn valuable skills such as public speaking and interviewing. Miss East Bethel will have the opportunity to participate in the Queen of the Lakes program through the Minneapolis Aquatennial in July 2012.

This is the second year the East Bethel Scholarship Pageant has the Junior Princess program. This is for girls ages 11-13. They will participate in the program along with Miss East Bethel candidates.

We are also looking for candidates for our Little Miss program for girls ages 6-8 by July 1. The chosen girl will travel with the older girls and receive a savings bond.

Pageant rehearsals will be in June and July. Candidate events include an ice cream social, car wash, and traveling with current ambassadors to a coronation and parade in Isanti. This year’s pageant will be held July

21 in conjunction with East Bethel Booster Day. All candidates will be in the Booster Day Parade. Following the coronation of the new ambassadors, the first appearance will be at the Firemen’s Dance that evening.

Candidates can come from the Forest Lake School District, Andover Schools, in addition to Independent School District 15, St. Francis. If you go

to school in one of these districts, you are eligible to become a candidate for the East Bethel Scholarship Program.

If you are interested in having a fun summer of traveling, meeting new people, and earning some money for college, please visit our website at www.eastbethelroyalty.org. You can also email us at [email protected] or call 763-221-0902.

The 2011-12 East Bethel Royalty.

East Bethel Scholarship Pageant seeks participants

.com

Let yourWedding Memories

begin at Elaine’sCall today to schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation with one of our Bridal Designers.

www.elainesflowersandgifts.net

Elaine’s Flowers & Gifts IIMon.-Fri. 8:30-6; Sat. 9-2303 Credit Union Dr., Isanti 763-444-4022

EASTER deliveries

anywhere in the world!

Order flowers for St. Francis High School eventsMORP by March 23Prom by April 2

to a piece of cardboard to make tails, using double-sided tape on the back. Spin kids around and try to attach the tail.

Treasure hunt: Instead of children racing around to find hidden eggs, parents can draw up a treasure map that takes

the children, via different clues, to a special treasure hidden. It could be a chocolate bunny or a basket of treats.

Who Am I? Print Easter-related phrases onto cards that then attach to a headband or hat with a small piece of tape or Velcro-type


Check us out on Facebook

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

Ne i g h b o r h o o d ba r & gr i l l

easterSunday, April 8 • 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brunch — featuring a Carving Station

Kids under 5 eat FREEAll-U-Can-Eat Fish Fry every Friday during Lent.

ST. PATRICK’S DAYSaturday, March 17 we will be serving Corned Beef & Cabbage all day.Shake your shamrocks with DJ Troy, 9:00 p.m.

WE FEST KARAOKE CONTEST Sing for tickets — contest began March 1 and will run through April 5 and in-house finals are April 12.Stop by or call for more information.

LIVE MUSIC THE SOUPBONES Friday, March 9, 9:00 p.m. www.thesoupbones.com

Sponsored by the St. Francis Lioness, Lions

and Oak Grove Lions

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 3110:00 a.m. Sharp

Rain or ShineSt. Francis Community Park

For ages 1-10Coloring Contest • Prizes

Bring your camera and have your child’s picture

taken with the Easter Bunny.

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

Check out our weekend specials!} Gifts, decorations and supplies

for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter} 75¢ Greeting Cards} Craft items and school supplies

always in stock

Check out our weekend specials!

HIDDEN HAVEN Golf Club20520 NE Polk Street

East Bethel763-434-4626

Pro Shop 763-434-6867www.hiddenhavengolfclub.com

Join us for

Easter Brunch

Sunday, April 810 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 763-434-4626

for reservations

Stop in on St. Patrick’s

Day

Saturday, March 17

for Corned Beef and Cabbage!

Easter EventsColoring Easter eggs,

hiding them and hunting for them has been a holiday staple for generations. Every now and then, Easter celebrants desire something different to make this year’s event fun unique.

There are several different

Creative alternatives to Easter egg huntsways to celebrate Easter that don’t have to involve hidden eggs. Try out these ideas for some enjoyment.

Pin the tail on the Easter bunny: Make a variation on the donkey game by drawing (or buying) a picture of a bunny. Glue some cotton balls

CONTINUEDPage 22

St. Francis American Legion 3073 Bridge Street • St. Francis • 763-753-4234 Post 622

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

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

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

ThursdayAll-U-Can-Eat Buffet �� 5-7 p�m� or until goneBar Bingo��8 p�m�

Friday Meat Raffle ��6 p�m�

Friday & SaturdayKaraoke with Music Box �� 7:30 p�m�

SundaysBINGO ��4 p�m�

Reception Hall RentalNo cost to nonprofit organizations

Jim Peterson AUCTION IS BACK!

Saturday, March 10 • 1:00 p.m. Lots of great finds—

something for everyone!

Corned Beef & Cabbage All Day • Friday, March 16

Corned Beef Sandwiches All Day • Saturday, March 17

St. Francis Lioness Fashion Show 11:00 a.m. • Saturday, March 24

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


OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL

Sunday Worship at 8:00, 9:15 & 10:45 a.m. on Jackson StreetWednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.

EASTER WEEKMaundy Thursday on April 5 Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday on April 6 Worship services at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at church in East Bethel, noon at the Chapel in Ham Lake.

Saturday, April 7 Easter Eggstravaganza for the kids at 10:00 a.m., Worship at 6:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 8 Worship at 6:30, 8:00, 9:15, 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. with Communion at all services

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

19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel, MN 55011, West County Road 22 south and Jackson StreetFor information call 763-434-6117 or visit our website at www.oursaviourslc.org.

ELC

A

A Life-Giving ChurchMeets at St. Francis Elementary School

22919 St. Francis Boulevard, St. Francis

Easter Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 8

Huge Egg Hunt for ages Pre-K through 5th grade during ServiceFor information, call 763-516-5995, go to sfbridge.org or look us up on Facebook.

Join us this Lenten Season!Lenten Wednesdays

March 7, 14, 21 and 28 • 7:00 p.m. ‘Finding Your Life’s Purpose’

Palm Sunday, April 1Worship at 10:30 a.m.

Good Friday, April 6Carry the cross with us—meet at St. Francis Mall

3220 Bridge St. NW at 6:00 p.m. followed by service at church at 7:00 p.m.

He is Risen!Easter Sunday, April 8

Worship at 10:30 a.m., fellowship following

St. Francis United Methodist Church

3914 229th Avenue • St. Francis, MNwww.stfrancis-umc.org

763-753-2273

Saturday, March 10Elk River Arts Alliance

Performance Series presents jazz singer Connie Evingson, 7:30 p.m., Elk River High School. Tickets are $16 adults, $14 Arts Alliance members and seniors, $10 students. Thursday, March 15

Area Lions and Lion-ess clubs will host Empty Bowls, free will dinner and auction to benefit the NACE Foodshelf, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19921 Nightingale St. NW, Oak Grove. Menu includes soup, chili, breads, bars and ice cream. Auction items include golf packages, gift packages and more. Donations for the auction can be dropped off at NACE,18511 Hwy 65, East Bethel. Cash donations can be mailed to: NACE, PO Box 2, Cedar, MN 55011. Food and cash donations accepted the

night of the event. More infor-mation contact Joanne Yackel, 763-434-7685, [email protected], www.nacefoodshelf.org.Friday, March 30

The Nowthen Lions are hosting a Fish Fry 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Nowthen Alliance Church, 19653 Nowthen Blvd., Nowthen. Cost is a free will do-nation. Proceeds given back to community through donations and projects. For more informa-tion, contact the Nowthen Lions at [email protected], March 31

Come join in the fun and attend three Nowthen commu-nity events.

The Nowthen Heritage Festival Committee invites you to start your day at the 2nd An-nual Gourmet Spring Pancake Breakfast at Nowthen Alliance Church, 8:00–11:00 a.m. Cost is a free will donation. Breakfast will be prepared by nationally

known Chef Tom. Children will receive a grab bag of good-ies and adults can register for a free drawing. Proceeds will support the 5th Annual Nowthen Heritage Festival. For more information call Mary Rainville, 763-753-6919 or email [email protected].

Be sure to visit the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Elk River bake sale at the Old Nowthen Town Hall, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For information call Celeste, 763-295-5306 or email [email protected]

The Nowthen Lions Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp in Nowthen Memorial Park. Bring the kids to hunt for Easter eggs and to see the Easter Bunny. Bring a basket for your eggs. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information contact Patty at 763-241-1341, [email protected].

FUNDRAISERS, BENEFITS, EVENTS


Join us at Trinity for

HOLY WEEK beginning with…

Maundy Thursday Worship service on April 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Worship service on April 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday Celebration services on April 8 at 6:30, 8:00,

and 10:30 a.m.Breakfast served in our Family Center

beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Taking on Something for Lent: Luther’s Catechisms

Lenten services are every Wednesday now through March 28 at 6:00 p.m. with

Soup Suppers served in our Family Center beginning at 4:30 p.m. for a free-will donation.

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

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

Trinity Lutheran Church & School Latchkey/Childcare

229th & Ambassador Boulevard, St. Francis, MN763-753-1234 • www.trinitysf.org

Easter Services Good Friday, April 6

7:00 p.m. Communion Service

Easter Sunday, April 8

“A L I V E!”Really Living

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Regular Worship Schedule 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship

19653 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Anoka

Intersection of CR 5 & 22 in Nowthen For more information,

call 763-441-1600www.nowthenalliance.org

Join us for Lent ServicesWednesday, March 7 – 7:00 p.m. • Soup Supper, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14 – 7:00 p.m. • Soup Supper, 5:30 p.m.Wednesday, March 21 – 7:00 p.m. • Soup Supper, 5:30 p.m.Wednesday, March 28 – 7:00 p.m. • Soup Supper, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4 – 7:00 p.m. • No Soup Supper

Holy Week Maundy Thursday, April 5 – 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday, April 6 – 7:00 p.m.Easter Sunday, April 8 Service – 8:00 & 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast served

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

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

3921 277th Avenue NW, Isanti, MN763-444-5315 • www.longlakeluth.org

Long Lake Lutheran Church ELCA

Easter Services

Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

County Roads 5 & 23, Isanti763-444-4035 • stelizabeth-isanti.org

Sunday, April 1 7:00 p.m. Penance ServiceThursday, April 5 7:00 p.m. Holy Thursday Evening

Mass of the Lord’s Supper 8-10 p.m. AdorationFriday, April 6 7:00 p.m. Good Friday of the Lord’s PassionSaturday, April 7 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil ServiceSunday, April 8 9:00 a.m. Easter Mass

Did you know?Spring ushers in several major (and minor) holidays that can

provide reasons to get together with friends and family:} Passover: A time of reflection for Jewish people.} Easter: The holiest day of the year for Christians.} April Fool’s Day: Celebrate April by fooling a few friends.} Arbor Day: Plant a tree on a warm, spring day.} Earth Day: Celebrate with environmental activities.} Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate the Mexican victory over the French

army.

FROM PAGE 20

Egg huntmaterial. The person has to guess the word (without seeing what it is) by the clues others provide.

Easter crafts: Scour the craft store for wooden eggs, crosses, baskets, and similar items. Purchase colored pencils or water colors and encourage children to decorate their items. This can keep children busy after the meal when adults want to socialize.

Relay races: Enjoy any number of outside games (weather permitting), including relay races with the family.

Fashion show: Little girls can model their Easter bonnets and frilly dresses for a family audience.

Lucky duck: Parents can create the carnival game at home by marking a painted dot under a few of several rubber ducks that are afloat in a bucket, bathtub or kiddie pool. The children who pick a duck with a mark on the bottom win a prize.

FILE PHOTO

DELI SALADS/LUNCHES BAKERY

MEAT COUNTER FRESH PRODUCE

Old fashioned service…we bag & carry out your grocery order

ST. FRANCIS FOODSShop 7am-9pm 7 Days a Week | 763-753-2610 St. Francis Mall, Bridge Street in St. Francis

ALL VARIETIES, WHITE

Oak Grove Milk

189St. Francis FoodsSt. Francis Mall | Bridge StreetSt. Francis763-753-2610

Limit one item per coupon. With a $15 additional purchase.

Coupon good only at St. Francis Foods. Coupon expires 4/3/12.

GALLON

Ham, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, dessert—we have everything you need to make

this Easter dinner memorable.

Happy Easter from the staff at St. Francis Foods


Zion Lutheran Church & School of Crown

From Hwy. 47, 5 miles west on Cty Rd. 8 or from Hwy 169 (Zimmerman) 6 miles east on Cty. Rd. 4, then north on County Road 7 one mile

763-856-2099 • www.ZionLutheranCrown.com

Wednesday Evening Lent Services, March 7, 14, 21, 28Meal Served .....................................................5:30 p.m. Worship Service ...............................................7:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday, April 5Worship Service ...............................................7:00 p.m.

Good Friday, April 6Worship Service ...............................................7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 8Worship Service ................................... 6:00 & 9:00 a.m.Easter Breakfast ...............................................7:00 a.m.

THELUTHERAN CHURCHMISSOURI SYNOD

5730 179th Lane NW (Highway 47 and County Road 27) Ramsey, MN

763-753-2057

Wednesday Lenten ServicesNow through March 28

Free Will Dinner 5:30-6:30 p.m.Worship 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Confirmation 7:20-8:00 p.m.

Palm SundayApril 1 • 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Services April 5 • 6:00 & 7:30 p.m.

Good FridayApril 6 • 7:00 p.m.

Easter ServicesApril 8 • Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m.

7:45, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Regular Sunday Services 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Easter Worship

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

9231 Viking Boulevard NW, Elk River, Minnesota 55330763-441-3646 or 763-441-6616 • www.sjlcas.net

Pastor Bill Pieper • Principal Evan Anwyl

Maundy Thursday April 5, 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday April 6, 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday April 8

6:30 a.m. “Son Rise”8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

“Easter Celebration”

Easter Breakfast hosted by church youth

7:30-9:30 a.m.

The 2012 St. Francis Area Business & Community Expo will be held Saturday, April 21, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at St. Francis High School. Chamber members receive $80 off the price of a booth! Register and pay for your booth by March 15 and save an additional $50! Vendors will automatically be entered in a special drawing for great prizes including Twins tickets!

If you have not been a part of this event in the past, consider being an exhibitor this year. It is a great opportunity to promote your business to hundreds of potential customers and network with other business

owners. Last year more than 700 people attended the Expo!

The Chamber is looking for door prizes and demonstrations. Showcase a product or service by holding a demonstration or seminar. This opportunity is free to all vendors, first come, first served. Call 763-438-5163 or email [email protected] to learn more.

The Expo gets bigger every year. It is your chance

as an area business to reach hundreds of potential customers face to face!

Help make the Expo another great community event everyone will be talking about! Sign up for this opportunity to promote your business to local consumers.

Register now for the 2012 St. Francis Area Community & Business Expo! For your convenience you can register electronically and pay online at www.stfrancischamber.org.

Chamber seeks vendors for 5th annual business expo

18975 Lake George Boulevard, Oak Grove1/4 mile south of County Road 22 on County Road 9

763-753-5717 • www.newlifeoakgrove.org

Our mission is to Invite, Ignite, and Excite all people about Jesus Christ!

Welcome to New Life Church

We are an LCMC Church

Come as a guest, leave as our family.

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

Holy Week Service

Thursday, April 5 • 7:00 p.m.

Easter Service Sunday, April 8 • 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast and

Easter Egg Hunt • 10:15 a.m.

Family Movie Night “Courageous”

Friday, March 9 • 6:30 p.m. Message series on

“Courageous” begins Sunday, March 11 • 9:00 a.m.

Youth Night Sunday, March 18 • 6:30 p.m.

All of these are considered world-class standards. ISD 15 students will be provided with a world-class education that goes above and beyond the quality education that students are already receiving.

There is much work to do over the next few months, but there is a great deal of excite-ment swirling around the STEM idea in the district. As details are finalized, parents and community members can expect to receive more infor-mation that outlines exactly what the STEM program will look like now and in the future. It’s a great time to be a student in Independent School District 15.

FROM PAGE 1

STEM


Springtime at Green BarnWe have all your gardening suppliesHuge selection of seeds• Flower• Perennial• Vegetable• Herb• Organicheirloomseeds

Bulk vegetable seeds

Planting supplies

GREEN BARN GARDEN CENTER & Farm Market

3 miles south of Isanti on Hwy. 65 & 265th

763-444-5725Early March Hours

Tues-Sat9a.m.-5:30p.m.

www.greenbarngardencenter.com

Free Gardening ClassesBeginner Vegetable Gardening Saturday,March2410:00-11:15a.m.

Growing Fruit in your Backyard Saturday,March31orThursday,April1210:00-11:15a.m.

New Plant Fashion ShowSaturday,April1410:00-11:15a.m.

Call for more information and to sign up. Class description can be found on our website.

PATRIOT LANES & LOUNGE3085 Bridge Street • St. Francis • 763-753-4011

Hours 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

at Patriot Lanes.

Join us St. Patrick’s Day Saturday, March 17!Reuben Sandwich Basket ALL DAY only $5.99Moonlight Bowling at 9:00 p.m.

Fabulous apartment homes for adults 55 and better.

Now is

the time!

Call Paula at 763-753-8385 for a personal tour and visit

www.oaksoflakegeorgeapts.comSpecial is for new residents only.

Offer valid through May 31, 2012.

21202 Old Lake George Blvd., Oak Grove, MN 55303

The Oaks of Lake George is offering a great move-in special!

24 for 22RENT FOR 24 MONTHS PAY FOR ONLY 22

(with a 24 month lease or one month free on a 12 month lease)

One FREE heated garage space with a 24 month lease

Rent starts at $828 per monththis superb value includes: heat, water, sewer and trash removal

Pancake BreakfastSaturday, March 31 • 8:00-11:00 a.m.

Nowthen Alliance Church SE Corner of County Roads 5 & 22 in Nowthen

Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, beverages

Questions? Call Mary Rainville 763-753-6919 or email [email protected]

Breakfast proceeds will fund the 5th Annual Heritage Festival

September 22

FREE WILL OFFERING!

Kids Gift Bags Drawings

JACQUIE GOEDELMISS ST. FRANCIS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Miss St. Francis Ambassador Program is looking for candidates between the ages of 6-8 and 15-19!

The program strives to support the growth and development of young women in St. Francis through excellence, scholarship, achievement, self confidence and community involvement.

The Ambassador Program is a non-profit organization run completely by volunteers.

Applications will be sent home with students or check us out on our website at www.sfambassadors.com. For more information, contact Jacquie Goedel at 612-282-7226.

St. Francis Ambassadors seek candidates

Cambridge, MN • July 18-22, 2012

Be a part of the

For Vendor & Fair info,visit www.isanticountyfair.com

Questions? Call 763-444-9418

This year’s theme

Discovering Living

History!

RUTH PASCHKEISANTI COUNTY FAIR

This year marks the 135th Anniversary of the Isanti County Fair and we would like to invite all businesses to be a part of this great community get-together. The dates for this year’s fair are July 18-22. With a theme of Discovering Living History, the fair will be providing the public with historical educational attractions such

as an encampment of the ‘Old West Society,’ Great Lakes Lumberjack Show, and regional ethnic music by the Chmielewski Band.

Showcase your business and get your name and product or services out there to the public. The Isanti County Fair is the ideal venue for exposure to the community and with an expansion of the outside vendor space, there will be plenty of space for anything

you wish to display. This year the fair will be offering discounted rates of commercial spaces for early reservations.

All inside spaces are 8'x 10' and come with electrical outlets, curtains, and back drops and start at $150 if reserved by June 1. Inside vendor areas are secured at night and open 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and are ideal for the small business owner or those just starting out.

Outside spaces for commercial exhibitors are available throughout the grounds and also includes space in the Kennel Shelter Building. This roofed building with an asphalt floor, has open sides is a busy and well-traveled area providing shade

and protection from inclement weather. Exhibitor space in the shelter is available with electrical outlets and lighting and start at $10 per running foot with sizes and prices negotiable depending on what you would like to display. Minimum cost in shelter building is $100 with early reservation.

Basic outside spaces on paved walkways with electrical, water hook-ups, and access to 50 amp go for $10-$20 per running foot depending on location when reserved prior to June 1. With more outside space available this year, there are locations available for businesses needing additional space to display their products. Prices for these locations is

Commercial exhibitor space available for Isanti County Fairnegotiable.

Returning exhibitors receive first chance to reserve their location and after Sunday, April 15, all unreserved spaces will be available to new inquiries. Vendors are reminded to get their reservation in as soon as possible to get the best locations.

Complete information and applications are available at the Fair Office, located at 3101 Hwy 95 NE in Cambridge or by logging on to www.isanticountyfair.com. If you would like an application to be mailed out to you, please contact Ruth Paschke [email protected] or 763-444-9418.

Kraig Domogalla“Your Real Estate Specialist”

763-767-1231www.kraigdomogalla.com

ResultsEach office Independently Owned and Operated


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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR On January 28, the St. Francis Basketball Program held their

annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser and chose our family to be the recipients of this event. We are extremely grateful for their time and efforts. We want to thank the coaches for choosing our family as this year’s recipients and for allowing us the help needed to defray insurmountable medical costs. Many thanks go out to all the basketball parents who worked so tirelessly behind the scenes organizing all of the different activities. Your efforts made this event very successful and your program should be commended for its participation in the Coaches vs. Cancer cause.

We moved to St. Francis because it was a small, close-knit community, and after 25 years, that small town closeness is still alive and well. This community really comes together to support its own. Thank you to the businesses and individuals who donated items to the silent auction. Your generosity was so kind.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank all of the people who attended the benefit. Your presence and generosity made this a very successful event. We feel very fortunate to have been blessed with amazing family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers who have touched our lives through this cancer journey. Your support is what keeps us going one day at a time, because no one can fight this battle alone.

The John Fryer Family, St. Francis Residents

To the staff at The Courier - Thank you for the new/updated Courier format. As a community member with no children in Independent School District 15 schools, it is very helpful to read about what is happening in each school. This is critical for a healthy community to be aware and appreciative of the positive education taking place. The Courier provides this for many of us. Thank you for keeping us connected.

Barb Anderson, Oak Grove Resident

Events sponsored by the Nowthen LionsFor more information email to [email protected]

Fish Fry

Friday, March 30 4:00-7:00 p.m.

At Nowthen Alliance Church 19653 Nowthen Blvd. NW

Nowthen

On the menu is breaded Alaskan Pollock, boiled red

potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, bread, cookies

and beverages.

The cost is a Free Will Donation.

All proceeds will be given back to the community of

Nowthen through donations and projects.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 31 9:30 a.m. SHARP!

At Nowthen Park 19800 Nowthen Blvd. NW

Nowthen Bring the kids to

hunt for Easter eggs and to see the Easter Bunny—don’t forget

your camera. There will be several

age groups for the egg hunt. Please supply your own basket. The event will take place rain

or shine! For more information contact Patty at 763-241-1341 -OR- [email protected]

Call for Employment Opportunities

Child Care Center

East Bethel763-434-1980

Isanti763-444-3774

We Have Infant Openings!Now Taking Enrollment

Both Locations, All Ages

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

Taking care of businessWe are making our way

through what we expect to be a relatively brief 2012 legislative session.

This is not a budget year, so our focus is on policy initia-tives. We will take care of some important business and then end the session. It could be one the shortest sessions in the last decade or more. There is no point in staying at the Capitol until the end of May just for the sake of inventing new laws.

Besides, new legislative boundaries are in place this year and legislators will be eager to get home so they can start meeting people in their new territories. Our legislative maps are updated every 10 years, a process called redistricting. This is performed to reflect popula-tion changes shown in the latest census. Some district changes may be slight and others may be more pronounced.

One bill I am working to get through the Legislature before the session ends would allow youth to use publicly funded

gun ranges for firearms safety training purposes. There is a lack of gun range availability in some parts of our state. A num-ber of local governments have ranges which could be used, but these facilities often are limited to members of law enforcement.

My bill opens up these pub-licly funded ranges to provide a safe, practical place for certified instructors to provide youth firearms classes and testing for certification purposes. My bill does not open these facilities up for everyday recreational pur-poses, limiting accessibility to those in the process of obtaining certification from an instructor.

Another proposal we are discussing at the Capitol would establish hunting and trap-ping seasons for timber wolves. These animals have become more than a nuisance in some parts of the state, particularly where they take down farmers’ livestock. The current plan is for a bag limit of one wolf per hunter/trapper. The state plans to closely monitor the take early

to make sure the wolf popula-tion is managed, but not over-harvested.

Part of our policy work at the Capitol involves decisions on public safety. A bill to protect school children at bus stops had passed both bodies in the Legislature at press time and was being prepared to be sent to Governor Dayton for his action.

The bill mandates that all buses manufactured for use in Minnesota after January 1, 2013, include a safety arm extending forward from the front right bumper when a bus is loading or unloading passengers. These crossing arms force children to walk several feet forward from the bus before they can cross the road. This ensures the driver can see the children as they cross, eliminating the blind spot near the front bumper. The crossing arm retracts against the bumper while the bus is in motion.

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

Seldom-heard St. Patrick’s Day facts

There are many things the public knows about St. Patrick’s Day, but there’s much they may not know about the holiday or Irish-American heritage for that matter. Here are some facts and trivia that might surprise even the most devoted of Patty’s Day revelers.} Despite St. Patrick being alive

centuries earlier, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations didn’t begin until 1737.

} More people of Irish heritage live in the United States than currently live in all of Ireland.

} Green is not the official color affiliated with Saint Patrick. It is really blue. However, green became a familiar hue during the nineteenth century more for being associated with the magic of Irish legends than St. Patrick himself.

} The three-leaf shamrock has more historical significance with regards to Saint Pat-rick’s day than a four-leaf clover. That’s because the three leaves were believed to be used by St. Patrick to explain the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

} Contrary to popular belief, Ireland does not top the list with respect to showing Irish pride. New York City boasts the largest parade honoring the holiday and Irish heri-tage.


I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS RANDY GERDIN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN

You talk. We listen. In person.Blake A CheeleyFinancial Advisor

23306 Cree Street NWSt. Francis, MN 55070763-753-2988

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

763-772-5094 MustariCPA.com [email protected]

Tax and accounting services for you

and your growing business.

FTM Tax & Accounting

James A. Jensen

Business Phone: 763-444-4856 Fax: 763-444-4513

•TaxPreparation Farm, Business

& Personal

•TaxManagement Financial Planning

Assistance Accounting & Payroll

KELLY’SKELLY’STAX SERVICE

Tax preparation for individuals, families, and small businesses

Up to date on new tax laws

763-753-206722491 Cedar Drive NW (Hwy. 13) • Bethel, MN 55005

Lynn Karasch, MBA, CPASpecializing in Individual & Small Business Returns

By appointmentPhone 763-413-3090Fax 763-434-4739www.ldkaccounting.comOpen year round for all of your accounting needs.

TA X P R E PA R AT I O N

• Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

• Consulting• Payroll Services• Business Startup

Services

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

Income Tax and Accounting Services

763-753-5555Member: NATP; NAEA; MNSEAEnrolled to Practice Before the IRS

19531MarigoldStreetNW•OakGrove,MN55303www.roesnertax.com

Valerie L. TempCertified Public Accountant

Accounting and Income Tax ServicesOffered Year-Round for Individuals and Businesses

763-753-5521Serving the St. Francis area since 1987

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

Specializing in accounting and taxes for closely-held and family-owned businesses since 1974.Tax Season Office Hours through April 15

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-Noon

763-434-59291207 Constance Blvd. NE • Ham Lake, MN 55304

www.sannerudsavarese.com

SERVICES INCLUDE: Individual Income Taxes • Business Taxes

Tax Planning • Quickbooks & Peachtree Assistance

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

23306 Cree Street, Suite 103 (next to St. Francis City Hall)

www.Sauer-CPA.com

The Great Investigations

It seems that the world of fixing cars and trucks can be a lot like being a detective.

Lately our shop has had a number of vehicles that have been a real puzzle. And at times it is what you don’t know that can get you. I can think of four vehicles in the last month that fit this bill.

The first is a regular sedan, a daily driver, going to work kind of car. The customer had brought in the vehicle with the complaint that it ran poorly, worse when they first started it in the morning. They also gave us a list of about eight different parts that they had installed in an attempt to get the car fixed. Some of the parts were used, some were new, but none of their work had paid off. They said they had gone to a friend and got the car’s diagnostic codes read out of the computer. They told us that they had been on the internet and armed with that information had been working to try to get the car running properly. They also told us that they still had the same codes as when they started and were totally frustrated with the

vehicle. I certainly can understand

that, vehicles can be frustrating. So now our shop has the car and we put on our detective’s hat. We take the info provided by the driver, as well as an initial test drive, to verify the symptoms. We then start our testing. We need to pay attention to not only what codes are stored, but more importantly, what the computer data is telling us.

The first rule to remember is just because there is a code for a certain item does not mean that particular item is the problem. Each vehicle year make and model can be different as far as the computer program is concerned. When a code is set, the yellow check engine light usually will come on (but not always). The codes

that are set are important but serve only as a guide as to what the computer thinks is happening.

In our case, there was an oxygen sensor lean code. Many people would go ahead and replace the oxygen sensor. This may or may not fix the problem. In most cases it does not. What this code is telling us is that the computer thinks that the car is running with not enough fuel, so the computer will provide enrichment until it cannot provide enough.

The owner of our car replaced many components based on what he had learned and what seemed reasonable to him. It turned out that the problem was not that there was not enough fuel, but that there was too much air getting in, as well as an engine misfire, making the oxygen sensor think that there was a lean condition. What we found was a substantial vacuum leak letting in too much air as well as a defective ignition coil on one of the cylinders. A gasket set and coil took care of the situation.

It did take some serious evaluation to pinpoint this problem because many of the items that had been previously replaced also could have been the problem. What was missing for the driver was the ability to test the components electrically and to be able to alter the fuel/air ratio and monitor the results.

A commercial vehicle came in to the shop recently with some strange symptoms. The horn would randomly sound, the clock/radio display would randomly change, and the cigarette lighter was inoperative. The vehicle would stall and would not restart until waiting for about 20 minutes. The power windows would sometimes operate at about half speed. Things seemed so random. We found no communication with the scan tool, a fuse fixed that and the cigarette lighter. Once we had communication, we found six codes stored in the computer for various things.

After testing and checking various systems and circuits we discovered that the battery had been replaced and the negative cable was extremely loose. We cleaned and tightened the connections and the problem was solved.

Sometimes it’s the simple basics that can mask a very strange and complex problem.

I hate when that happens.


Spring into savings at your local St. Francis True Value

Come in and see more in-store savings!

10060W Fluorescent BulbItem #784-296

200Ajax Laundry Detergent2X Ultra concentrated liquid 50-oz.

80040 pk True Value Batteries40 pk AA alkaline batteries

Find the right products for your project and expert, local advice at True Value.

Sale Ends 3/31/2012Prices for listed items are good at St. Francis, MN

True Value Hardware only.

©2010 True Value® Company. All rights reserved.

St. Francis True Value Hardware3645 Bridge Street

St. Francis, MN 55070763-753-1265

www.stfrancishardware.com

200Fantastik CleanerAll purpose cleaner 32-oz.

200CloroxClorox bleach 96-oz.

200Ziploc Bags20-count gallon, or 25-count quart, Ziploc Storage Bags

Don’t forget to feed the birds! We have everything you need.

Mike Rivard of Rivard Companies in East Bethel (center) presents Tim and Rich Holen of St. Francis True Value Hardware with a trophy in honor of their service to the community at the St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner held January 27 at The Refuge Golf Club in Oak Grove. More than 125 area business owners and community members attended the Chamber’s annual fundraising dinner. Proceeds go toward Chamber and community events and projects. THE COURIER

Larry D. Anderson, GRIREALTOR®

23038 Rum River Boulevard NWSt. Francis, Minnesota 55070

Cell: (763) 360-4551Office: (763) 323-8080

Fax: (763) [email protected]

www.results.net/larry.andersonEach Office Independently Owned and Operated

Morning Light Montessori School

Small classes, 2½ years to kindergarten

Now enrolling for summer and fall class• Developsloveoflearning,independence,selfdiscipline,respect,kindnessandcreativity

• Fullsetofhands-onMontessorimaterials• Phoneticlanguage,math,science,geography,art,andmusicwith12acresofgardensandnaturetrails

• Internationally(AMI)certifiedteacherwithover30yearsexperience

Call Elaine Grossman at 763-753-0447

Montessori School

Morning Light

BLAKE CHEELEYEDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR

It’s important to understand which investments to own, and when to buy them. But you should also know when it’s time to sell an investment—and why.

Unfortunately, many people sell investments for the wrong reasons. Some people want the money to purchase so-called hot investments, even if these new investments aren’t appropriate for their needs. Others own in-vestments that have lost value, and fearing further losses, they decide to sell—thereby violat-ing the oldest rule of investing: “Buy low and sell high.”

These types of behavior can lead to at least two major prob-lems. First, if you’re constantly selling investments, you’ll likely incur fees, commissions and taxes that can erode any returns you did manage to achieve. And second, by frequently sell-ing off your investments and buying new ones, you’ll find it difficult to follow the type of consistent, long-term financial strategy that’s essential to help you work toward your goals.

If you shouldn’t sell invest-ments to find quick gains or to avoid losses that may not even occur, when should you sell?

You might want to sell:If your goals have

changed—you bought cer-tain investments because you thought they would help you make progress toward your objectives. But over time, your

Sell investments for the right reasonsgoals may change, so in re-sponse, you may need to sell some investments and use the money to purchase new ones that are more suitable for your new goals. For example, early in your career, you might have benefited from owning invest-ments that offered high poten-tial for growth, but as you near retirement, you may need to shift some—but certainly not all—of your growth-oriented vehicles to income-producing ones.

If the investments them-selves change—you might have bought a stock because you liked the company’s products, business plan or management team. If any of these factors change significantly, though, you might need to re-evaluate your ownership of this invest-ment.

If you need to rebalance your portfolio — You may have decided that your investment portfolio should be composed of specific percentages of stocks, bonds and “cash” instruments. But due to changes in the value of your investments, these percentages can shift somewhat, resulting in a portfolio that no longer reflects your goals and risk tolerance. If that happens, you’ll need to rebalance your holdings, which may require you to sell some of your invest-ments.

If an investment has chroni-cally underperformed —some-times, an in-vestment simply doesn’t perform as well as you had hoped. When this happens,

you may be better off by selling the investment and using the money to pursue new oppor-tunities. However, don’t rush to judgment. Before you sell an underperforming investment, try to determine why it hasn’t done well. Is it because the mar-ket as a whole has slumped? If so, your investment could rebound when the market does. Or are there separate factors, unique to this investment, that have caused its problems? If the investment’s fundamentals and prospects still look good, you might want to simply give it time to prove its worth.

By knowing when you should hold an investment, and when you shouldn’t, you can avoid costly mistakes and help improve your chances for long-term investment success. So think carefully before put-ting up the for sale sign on your investments.

Sports & Outdoors

ASCENSION BODYWORKSLooking for people who want to achieve higher ground.

Stop in on Saturday, March 24, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and take a tour of our newly remodeled facility. • Meetourstaff;allofourcurrentandnew

instructorswillbepresent• We’veaddedmorehoursforconvenience• DuringtheOpenHousewe’llhavespecialoffers

andsampleswillbeavailable• HomeofTheTabata,Kettlebell,KravMaga

(selfdefense),MaxMusclesportsnutritionandsupplements.We’realsoyourplaceforYoga.

CHECK OUT www.ascensionbodyworks.com

FOR MORE DETAILS

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, March 24

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

19580TamarackStreetCedar

UpstairslevelofCarlHansonDrywall

763-267-2198

Just added FREE Ju-Jitsu workshop, March 16, 6:30 p.m.—call for more details!

Katie Bownik and Autumn Lefever qualify individually

MICHELLE KEENANSFHS HEAD GYMNASTICS COACH

The St. Francis High School gymnastics team hosted the Section 7AA tournament February 17. The Saints were prepared, fresh off another North Suburban Conference championship. They have been undefeated the last seven years in the conference. The section meet was one for the record books. Unfortunately, the team lost by .25, a very small margin for gymnastics.

The Saints came out fight-ing; freshman Celine Eide hit her first vault and her team-mates followed by hitting five spectacular vaults. They hit four out of five bar routines and were leading Cambridge-Isanti by .5. The Bluejackets stumbled on beam and it looked like the door might be open for the Saints. However, the beam was just as costly for the Saints; only two girls stuck to their routines. The team came back fighting on floor and hit all five routines. However, Cambridge-Isanti had the upper hand and knew the scores they needed to win and were able to pull off the

victory with a 140.825 to the Saints 140.575. The Saints had their highest team score of the season. The meet was well fought for both teams.

The Saints qualified two individuals to the state tourna-ment; the top four individu-als on each event and in the all-around qualify for the state tournament. Junior Katie Bownik won the uneven bars with a personal best score of 9.175. Junior Autumn Lefever will join Bownik at the state tournament in the all-around, beam, and floor. Lefever won the all-around competition with a personal best 36.475, placed 2nd on beam with a 9.0, and 2nd on floor with a per-sonal best 9.5. Junior Macken-zie Walsh narrowly missed the state tournament on floor with a score of 9.325 placing her 5th. Other top ten finishes for the Saints included Kaeli Kortan (8th) and Mackenzie Walsh (9th) on vault, Autumn Lefever (5th) and Kaeli Kortan (6th) on bars, Emily Schake (10th) on beam, Sarah Schake (9th) on floor, and Natalie Wasche (11th) in the all-around.

Bownik and Lefever com-peted at the state tournament February 25 at the University of Minnesota Sports Pavilion.

The section also announced the All Section Academic Team. This included gymnasts with a cumulative GPA of 3.8

Members of the St. Francis High School gymnastics team that competed at sections (front, L-R): Emily Schake, Natalie Wasche, Celine Eide, Sarah Schake; (back): Katie Bownik, Mackenzie Walsh, Lindsey Langer, Autumn Lefever, and Kaeli Kortan. SUBMITTED PHOTO

High school gymnastics team narrowly misses a trip to state tournament

or higher. The following St. Francis High School gym-nasts were named: Autumn Lefever, Mackenzie Walsh, Kaeli Kortan, Emily Schake, and Sarah Schake. The Saints also earned an Academic Gold Star as a team with a team GPA

of 3.77. Head Coach Michelle Keenan was named the Section 7AA head coach of the year.

The St. Francis High School gymnastics team would like to thank the following businesses in the community for their donations at the section tour-

nament: Village Bank, Hong Kong Delight, Dairy Queen, Mansetti’s, Subway, Ando-ver Cinema, King’s County Market, Taco John’s, Christian Dollar Plus, Wasche Commer-cial Finishes, Inc., and Custom Art Concepts, Inc.

The 16U Dig It Junior Olympic volleyball team took first place in a Duluth tournament February 12, playing their hearts out for the win against Carlton in the championship game. The team also took third place in the mid-winter classic tournament in Onamia February 5. Pictured, (front row, L-R): Marissa Johnson, Aimee Cottrell, Caitlin Luby, Marissa Baumann, Abby Garin; (back row, L-R): Coach Kristi Johnson, Kaitlyn Lemke, Ashley Wells, Krista Sanow, Megan Lero, Rachel Hermanson, and Rachel Ulrich. JULI LEMKE



Our Saviour’s PreschoolAn Educational Christian Preschool

helping children to know Jesus.

We are registering for the 2012-13 school year!

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church19001 Jackson Street NE

East Bethel

For more information call 763-434-6117

Maggie Ewen named Athlete of the YearANDY FORBORTSFHS HEAD TRACK COACH

St. Francis High School junior Maggie Ewen was

honored by USA Track & Field-Minnesota February 18 at their annual banquet. Ewen was named the female high school athlete of the year. Last spring, she broke the all-time state record in the discus (166'8") while earning her second con-secutive state title in the event and also won the state shot put title.

Ewen’s success contin-ued after the state meet last spring as she competed in the USA Youth Championships in Myrtle Beach, South Caro-lina. She won the youth girls’ shot put with a mark of 48 feet 3-1/4 inches and took the discus title with a throw of 159 feet 4 inches.

The track and field season

will begin March 12. St. Francis High School will be hosting two home meets this spring. The first will be a conference triangular on Thursday, April 12 competing against Benilde-St. Margaret’s and North Branch. The annual Saints Invite will be held Saturday, April 21.

Seniors at St. Francis High School signed letters of intent February 1 to play college sports as they con-tinue their education. Pictured (L-R): Tyler Dustman, who will be playing football at Bemidji State Univer-sity; Debbie Evans, who will be playing softball at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota; Kelsey Gale, who is also playing softball at Northern State University; Logan Schwartzwald, who will be playing volleyball at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton; and Tanner Aho, who will be playing football at Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Congratulations! SUBMITTED BY SFHS ACTIVITIES OFFICE

Student athlete updateJEFF FINKSFHS ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

University of Minnesota freshman Adam Zutz, a redshirt athlete for the track team, had a tremendous weekend. Zutz, a 2011 graduate of St. Francis High School, competed in the junior division of the USA Cross Country Championships in St. Louis February 11. Zutz (pictured at right, number 500) placed second overall for the race. The top five individual finishers earn the opportunity to represent the USA at the NACAC Championships in Port of Spain, Trinidad March 17. More information on Zutz’s race and results can be found at www.gophersports.com/sports/m-xc/spec-rel/021112aaa.html. Zutz’s parents, Greg and Betsy, are both teachers in Independent School District 15.

RENTAL CARS

Available!

23615 Highway 47 in St. Francis

763-753-6116www.sfcollision.com

FREE Loaner Cars & Estimates!

HoursMon-Fri

7:30 am-5:30 pm or by appt.

Have the winter collision blues?Whether a collision, wild animal encounter,

parking lot dent or hail, we’re here to get you back on the road

in a timely manner.

We work with ALL insurance companies

and guarantee all repairs.

How may we help you?

Full Service Auto Body Repairs & Paint and LIGHT MECHANICAL WORK

Maggie Ewen poses with her parents Bruce and Kristi at the annual USA Track & Field Minnesota banquet. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Adam Zutz, pictured at right, number 500. SUBMITTED PHOTO


ST. FRANCIS YOUTH TRAVEL BASEBALL 2012

Coaches needed – visit www.stfrancisbaseball.org for an application

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

TRYOUTSTryouts at St. Francis High School Gymnasium Saturday, March 179 & 10 year olds: 8:00-10:15 a.m. 11 & 12 year olds: 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

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

Players must have registered in

February in order to try out.

Open to any player in

Independent School District 15

Oak Ridge Auto Body Inc.

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

763-434-4772

East Bethel Auto Body Inc.

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

763-434-7373Recommended by insurance companies

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

Friendly and dependable serviceCOLLISION SPECIALISTS

Saints finish second in conference

KELLY LIPINSKISFHS ASSISTANT WRESTLING COACH

It’s been said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This could be no truer than with the St. Francis High School Saints wrestling team. Over the season, the Saints have been dealt some pretty signifi-cant blows. First, senior captain and two-time state runner-up Austin Leibel experienced a season ending injury, which saddened the team, coaches, and fans. It is hard to see such a talented and motivated wrestler have his season cut short. Three more starters for the Saints also experienced injuries that have affected their ability to compete in January and February. At this point, some would say that the Saints didn’t have a prayer to be competitive; they would have

been wrong in several instances.On January 12, the Saints

took on conference rival To-tino Grace. Over the years the Saints and Eagles have battled for conference supremacy and many matches have been settled by a very small margin. Freshman Daniel Worthington avenged a prior season loss to Jaxon Sommers by pinning him in 3:11. At 113 pounds Andrew Wasche decisioned Jared Florrel 9-8. Wasche was losing 7-8 when he scrambled for a reversal to go up 9-8 as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Later on in the dual at 220 pounds Sam Gerlach needed an individual win to seal up the team win for the Saints. His opponent, Joe Schiller, pinned Gerlach just one short year ago. The difference this year though was the fact that Sam Gerlach worked his tail off in the offseason and he major decisioned Schiller 11-2, giving the Saints the lead and a shot at a conference champion-ship. The night ended with a

team score of 36-28 in favor of the Saints.

At Centennial High School on January 14, the Saints com-peted in a six-team dual meet tournament. The Saints first opponent was Simley, class AA number one ranked team. Even though the Saints first three wrestlers lost, the coaches were happy with how hard they battled. All of them were ninth graders and none gave up more than a decision. At 152 pounds the Saints Taylor Charles scored a 5-2 decision over Simley’s Hecter Rabelo. The Saints were beaten by Simley 53-9. Next up the Saints faced Roseville. This dual went back and forth until the final match. The Saints were down 27-32 and nothing less than a pin would win the dual for the Saints. Stepping on the mat at heavyweight was Adam Blue. He was taking on John Falkowski of Roseville. At 1:10 Adam locked up a headlock and threw Falkowski to his back for a pin at 1:20. The crowd roared and the Saints won the match 33-32. In the final dual of the day the Saints took on an ath-letic Champlin Park team. Com-ing away with wins were Daniel Worthington (106 lbs.) who won by a pin, Alex Eastman (145 lbs.) who won by decision 6-2, and Conan Sandberg (182 lbs.) who won by a pin. The Saints would fall in this dual 15-52. With four

starters out of the line-up it was a tough day for the Saints.

On January 27 the Saints hosted conference opponent Spring Lake Park. At 120 pounds, seventh-grader Tyler Dahlstrom battled hard against Spring Lake Park senior Daryn Roufs. Dahlstrom put in a great effort but came up short losing 0-7. Going into the 170 pound match the Saints were win-ning the dual 24-22. Tyler Reitz ended up winning his match at 170 pounds by a score of 6-1 over Ollie Perez of SLP. The Saints would win the last four matches, three of which were by pin to close out the dual meet with a win of 48-22.

The Saints played host to Elk River January 31. Prior to the match, four seniors were rec-ognized for their commitment to St. Francis High School wres-tling. This year’s seniors and captains are Austin Leibel, Cole Ostendorf, Nate Lipinski, and Alec Simoneau. The dual started off great for St. Francis High School as Daniel Worthington pinned Elk River’s Garrett Cal-don in 1:16. At 145 pounds, Alex Eastman came away with a 13-4 major decision over Ryan Os-berg of Elk River. Unfortunately, it was not enough to overcome the Elks as the Saints lost 28-41.

On February 3, Scott West and Shakopee came to St. Francis for a triangular. West is currently ranked number two in class AA and Shakopee is ranked ninth in AAA. These two

Wrestlers defeat Totino Grace but fall to Chisago Lakes in conference duals

teams are very talented and pro-vided the Saints wrestlers with a good challenge. The match against Scott West resulted in a loss for the Saints by a score of 18-56. The team would also suf-fer a loss to Shakopee, 27-43.

The next day the wrestlers found themselves at the Anoka dual meet tournament. The team suffered losses to Hast-ings, 15-59, and Anoka, 10-50. The team finished the day with a win over Andover by a score of 40-30. Taylor Charles came away with a hard fought 7-5 win over Cole Westerlund of Andover.

On January 9, the Saints headed south to take on the Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks. Under new head coach Eric Rogness, the Hawks were ready to wrestle but were no match for the Saints. Coming away with pins for the Saints were Cole Ostendorf, Alex Eastman, Taylor Charles, Alec Simoneu, Nate Lipinski, and Adam Blue, with a final score of 64-12.

The Saints wrapped up the regular season with a home triangular against Stillwater and Cambridge Isanti. In the first dual, the Saints fell behind the Ponies 0-27 leading into the 138 pound match. Senior captain Cole Ostendorf got the first win of the night, a 7-2 decision. From 152 pounds to 220 pounds the Saints would win every match and bring the score to 28-33 in favor of the Ponies. Stepping on the mat for the Saints at heavyweight was Adam Blue. He battled hard but lost by fall. The final was Saints 28, Ponies 37. In the last dual of the night the Saints wrestled number four ranked Cambridge Isanti. The lone win of the match came from Conan Sandberg, a pin in 3:53 over Ben Zins. The Saints would lose 6-66.

The Saints wrestlers headed into sections February 16. A full post-season season recap will appear in the April Courier.

Senior Captain Alec Simoneau works for a pin against Fridley’s Alan Anjanic. Simoneau would get that pin in a time of three minutes and three seconds. PENNY WORTHINGTON

Senior Captain Cole Ostendorf works to lock up a cross face cradle on Robbinsdale Coo-per’s Derek Mend. Ostendorf pinned Mend in a time of 1:42. PENNY WORTHINGTON


REPLACE YOUR CAR ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION, not your car! Engine or Transmission Replacement

SAVE $100

Expires: 4/3/12. Not valid with any other offers. Good at Gerdin Auto & Tire in St. Francis. Coupon must be presented at time of service.

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

www.gerdinauto.com

• Initial savings through a JASPER remanufactured component can be tremendous.

• A JASPER remanufactured engine only costs about 20% of a three year vehicle lease.

• Look at the facts…then choose JASPER! www.jasperengines.com

• 3 Year/100,000 Mile Warranty

Heat Mizer Glass, Inc.HOME & BUSINESS

New Construction • Remodeling and Repair • Commercial

Residential Windows & Doors Glass of All Types • Plastics

Shower Doors • Mirrors

AUTO GLASSAuto Glass Repaired & Replaced

Boat • RVTractor & Heavy Equipment

Insurance Specialists

30678 Hwy 47 NWIsanti, MN

Free Estimates!

763-444-9234

“Give Us

A Break”HEAT M

IZER

MN GlassAssociation

Used Motor Oil Drop-Off • Used Tires

ST. FRANCIS AUTO PARTS763-753-4698

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

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

Nationwide parts

locating!

Paying $200 for most junkersBonus for ’03 and newer

JASON MAURERSFHS ASSISTANT WRESTLING COACH

The St. Francis High School Fighting Saints 9th grade and under wrestling team com-peted in the 9th grade state team tournament in Hastings January 21. The team quali-fied for the tournament after finishing the region schedule undefeated with wins over St. Michael Albertville, Cham-plin Park, Cambridge-Isanti, Buffalo, Blaine, Anoka, Elk River, Coon Rapids, Zimmer-man, and Andover. The Saints first opponent of the day was the Wolves of Milaca. Daniel Worthington got the Saints off to a quick start with a pin over Logan Majeus of Milaca in 52 seconds. With the Saints trail-ing 32-27 going into the final two matches, the team would have to depend on the upper weights to secure victories to win the dual. Bo Blanske got a takedown in overtime to win

over Zack Peterson, narrow-ing the margin to 32-30. The match rested on the shoulders of Anthony Norman, bump-ing up from 195 to wrestle heavyweight. At the end of three periods, Norman found himself tied with Colton Sailor of the Wolves. With seconds remaining in the third over-time period, Norman secured a takedown as the Saints won by a narrow margin, 33-32.

Continuing on, the Saints won 43-30 over Farmington. At 113 pounds, Andrew Wasche picked up a fall over Tyler Erikson. At 126, Aaron Wilson won a major decision 9-0 over Mason Hawkins. With Farm-ington forfeiting at 160, Seth Dammann was asked to move up a weight class and secure the dual at 170. He wasted no time in doing that, with a fall over Joey Herrera in 1:19. At this point the Saints found themselves in the champion-

St. Francis High School 9th grade wrestling team went undefeated in the regular season. The team fin-ished in 4th place at the state tournament January 21 in Hastings. Pictured (front, L-R): Anthony Nor-man, Ross Perkins, Mason Hall, Andrew Wasche, Tony Strutnz, Tanner Engberg, Aaron Wilson, Abe Serre, Daniel Worthington, and Kain Lee; (back): Coach Jason Maurer, Lucas Scherburne, Blaine Nordin, Alex Wilson, Tyler Dahlstrom, Zach Engberg, Nick Kauppi, Austin Bigelbach, Bo Blanske, Carter Hopkins, Seth Dammann, Alan Blue, Coach Mac Rivard, and Coach Andy Robinson. JENNIFER ENGBERG

St. Francis High School 9th grade wrestlers finish 4th at state

Congratulations 7th grade girls basketball for a first place finish at the Champlin Park tournament finish! Pictured (front, L-R): Anja Wiita, Emily Hewitt, Elsie Johnson, Sarah Willner, Natalie Mon-nier; (back): Carissa Artz, Ashlin Peterson, Justyne Schake, Payton Tradewell, Taylor Karasch. The team, coached by Mike Schake and Darrin Willner, had a very successful and exciting season. The coach-es look forward to Grade State in March and continuing with the team into the spring season. MIKE SCHAKE

Celebrate spring with Anoka County Parks & RecreationSpring is almost here!

Anoka County Parks and Recreation has a variety of programs to help you celebrate all the things spring brings: additional sunlight, warmer temperatures, and maple syr-up! Learn more about Anoka County Parks and Recreation and register for programs at www.anokacountyparks.com, or call 651-429-8007.

Maple Syrup Madness: tree tapping, sap collecting, and syrup tasting! Celebrate the season by participating in the venerable art of collecting maple sap, cooking it down over a roaring open fire, and

then tasting it. Pre-registration is required.$4/person (plus tax); Sunday, March 18; 2:00-4:00 p.m.Wargo Nature Center

Shop Local on a Budget – Simple Living Series: Get the inside scoop on how to shop local on a budget. We’ll cover co-ops, CSAs, farms, and farmers markets. Learn how to shop sustainably and affordably. This class fills quickly! Pre-registration is required.$4/person (plus tax); Wednes-day, March 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m.Wargo Nature Center

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Bird Hike: If you want to catch a glimpse of the early spring migrants, you need to get outdoors. Chances are you’ll still find some of our winter visitors. This walk will be in Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Ages 10 and up are welcome with a maximum of 15 participants. Pre-registration is required.$5/person (plus tax); Saturday, March 17, 8:00-10:00 a.m.Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground Visitor Center

ship semifinals against a very talented Hastings Squad. The Saints fell to the host Raiders from Hastings 21-55. Daniel Worthington kept up his win-ning ways with a technical fall (16-0) over Cole Benson. At 106, Tanner Engberg picked up a fall against Ben Route. Tyler

Dahlstrom at 120 also picked up a fall over Henry Schlagel. After the tough loss to Hast-ings the Saints faced Albert Lea for third place. Mason Hall picked up a major deci-sion (14-3) at 100 over Ryleigh Bure. Kain Lee won 8-2 over Chris Nelson, and Bo Blanske

won with a pin over Colton Poplow to keep the dual close. Unfortunately the Saints lost 36-42, finishing in 4th place. Going undefeated on the day at 94 lbs. was Daniel Worthing-ton, going 4-0 against some of the toughest completion in the state.


FOR ALL YOUR CLEAN UP NEEDS!•6•10•15•20•30YardDumpsters

•HouseholdJunk•ConstructionDebris•Delivery7daysaweek•Familyowned&operated

Call today!763-444-6992

COMBINE YOUR INSURANCE TOGETHER FOR GREAT SAVINGS.

Great low rates | Dependable local service | Customized plans

ST. FRANCIS INSURANCE AGENCYAcross from St. Francis High School

Call Gary Zimmerman today for a free policy review and quote!

763-753-3595Auto • Home • Business • Snowmobile • Risk • Recreation

For all your Automotive Repairs & Maintenance

21388 Johnson Street NE, 1 block W of Hwy. 65 & Sims Road in East BethelMonday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 763-413-3445

Athena Awards celebrates 40th anniversarySYLVIA SCHOENPUBLICITY, ATHENA AWARDS INC.

The Minneapolis Athena Awards committee, which hon-ors and recognizes outstanding senior female athletes from high schools throughout the metro and suburban Minne-apolis area, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary May 4 at the annual luncheon to be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

To honor this historic anniversary, the committee would like to recognize past Athena win-ners. If you are a past winner or know a former winner, please contact us at: [email protected] or Athena Awards Commit-tee, PO Box 23452, Richfield, MN 55423. Submit the year the award was won, high school name, maiden name and some-thing about the individual. If interested in attending the May 4 luncheon, please indicate this and a reservation form will be sent at a later date.

MARIE CULLENST. FRANCIS TRAVELING BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

On January 28, the St. Francis High School boys and girls bas-ketball coaching staff along with players and parent committee members sponsored the annual Youth Night. Approximately 175 youth basketball players participated in watching girls and boys varsity basketball games, face painting, an airplane toss, and a relay race along with many chances to win prizes throughout the night. Proceeds from the event were donated to the John Fryer family, a local family battling cancer.

The St. Francis High School basketball parent committee would like to thank the players, parents and student volunteers, and the following sponsors for making this night such a success: Mansetti’s, St. Francis Dairy Queen, Taho Sports, McDonald’s, Billy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, St. Francis Great Clips, Burger King, All Season’s Dollar Store, Bridge Street Coffee, Lori Jochum, Wendy Carlberg, St. Francis Middle School, East Bethel Theatres, Tracy Hewitt and the St. Francis Basketball Traveling Association.

Congratulations to the St. Francis Peewee C hockey team for being the District 10 League Champions. Pictured (top, L-R): Tristan Robinson, Layne Sabby, Bobby Arrett, Jacob Anderson, Autumn Doerr, Kylie Lyman, Steph Peck, Maddie Olson, Colin Tollefson; (bottom): Gage Grams, Dominic Hillyard, Alex Stockton, Chase Beedle, Ben Allord and Goalie: Kade Hemme. LORI PECK

Youth Night shows support to community


SPINAL COLUMN SAMANTHA WHEELOCK PTA, PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT NORTH BRANCH PHYSICAL THERAPY

Life Classified PAGE 36

EAST BETHEL SENIOR EVENTS

Senior DanceHave fun dancing with us!

Dances are 1:00-4:00 p.m. Old time music will be played by Tony Jambor on Friday, March 16. No dance is scheduled for April. Mike Elsenpeter will be the musical entertainment on Friday, May 4. The cost is $5 and includes lunch.Pancake Breakfast

All are welcome to the East Bethel Seniors Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 11, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Serving Kookie’s Pancakes, French toast, sausage, juice, coffee, and scrambled eggs, additional 50¢ per egg. Cost for breakfast is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 10.

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

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

Dr. Eric J. Daniels

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

alignchiromn.com

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

regular visits to the dentist. We provide comprehensive dental care

for the whole family.

In the

Oak Grove Crossing3154 Viking Boulevard NW

Oak Grove

763-753-5336

New Patients

Welcome!

Hwy. 47 to 277th Avenue, East to Long Lake and

left to Captain’s, 27821 Bayshore Drive NW

763-444-5897

www.captainsonlong.com • Find us on Facebook

The Galley at Captain’s

7 Days a WeekM-F 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

All new menu for family dining

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Saturday, March 17

Available for Weddings and other Events

Banquet Hall and 40x90 foot Pavilion by the lake

Hours: M-F 11 a.m.-1 a.m. • Sat & Sun 7 a.m.-1 a.m.

Falls preventionNow that winter has fully

engulfed what was once a warm winter, icy sidewalks and parking lots are something that all of us are going to have to deal with. This raises an im-portant question…how do we walk safely on ice so that we don’t fall? We will be review-ing some tips on how we can achieve this.

When walking make sure to walk with a flat, slightly turned out foot (like a pen-guin). By putting your feet in this position, you keep a large portion of your foot on the ice and this will help with bal-ance.

Keep your arms free of extra objects if possible. By keeping your arms free you will be able to balance with your arms for support.

Walk with small steps. By doing this, it decreases the chance of slipping.

Wear appropriate footwear. No flip flops! It is winter time so we need foot wear that will not only keep us warm but also grip the pavement. Example: Boots.

Last but not least—plan for the weather, take your time with walking and be patient when you see others walking slowly.

By following these tips you will be able to safely walk. However, what happens if you do fall? What should you do?

The Physi-cal Therapy clinics are doing free fall assessment tests. The test is designed to measure a person’s bal-ance and see if there is room for improve-ment.

See the Physical Therapy ad on page 39 for clinic locations.

PHOTO ROYALTY-FREE/CORBIS

763-421-014113855 Round Lake BLvd. nW

andoveR, Mn 55304

VSP ProVider

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

TODD S. MAHONEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANOKA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Minnesota author Dean Ur-dahl will speak at the Anoka County Historical Society’s annual meeting on Sunday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Anoka City Hall. Urdahl has written three fiction books set during the events of the Da-kota War of 1862 and makes use of real historical figures. His presentation will provide a background for the war, its causes and its legacy. The event costs $7.00 and refresh-ments will be provided.

When the United States was embroiled in the Civil War in the summer of 1862, a second war broke out when a number of Dakota tribes, angry over broken promises in the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux and other grievances, attacked rural Minnesota com-munities, starting in Acton. The Eighth Minnesota was sent to fight the Dakota and offer protection to the farmers and small towns. Company A of the Eighth was largely made up Anoka County men

Historical Society’s annual meeting looks at Dakota War

(and a woman) as it was recruited by John S. Cady, a prominent Anoka surveyor. The Eighth pursued the war-ring Dakota across the state and engaged in several battles, including the Battle of Kill-deer Mountain. In 1864 they were sent south to engage the Confederacy.

Historical Society staff will set up a small display that looks at the history of the Eighth Minnesota and some of its Anoka County members, including Lydia Hancock, a woman who fol-

lowed the Company and acted as its nurse. A short business meeting that will include an annual report and board elec-tion results will precede the program.

The Anoka County Histori-cal Society, organized in 1934, is headquartered in the Anoka County History Center and Library at 2135 Third Avenue North in Anoka. For more in-formation on its programs and activities please visit www.ac-hs.org or look for them on Facebook.

COMPLETE FAMILY DENTISTRY Round Lake DENTAL

Dr. Thomas Swenson

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

2 minutes north of Highway 10 on Round Lake Boulevard

www.roundlakedental.com

Open Evenings Nitrous Oxide

AvailableCosmetic Dentistry


Gentle Individualized Personal Care

All major insurance accepted23624 St. Francis Blvd. (Hwy. 47) Suite 1 St. Francis, MN

Johnson FamilyCHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Mary J. Johnson

763-753-3126Acupuncture Available

with Rachel Nudd, L.Ac., D.O.M.612-516-4386

Jeffrey W. Williams, O.D.

Alicia M. Yantes, O.D.

St. Francis Eyecare

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

763.753.6019

Andover Family Eyecare

3480 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Suite #101 Andover

763.712.9854Providers for EyeMed,

VSP, Medica, BCBS, HealthPartners, Preferred One,

Davis Vision, and many more.

Within everyone’s day,there are dark hours. Times when the light has gone out. Moments of need.

But Easter reminds us there canbe joy in the morning.

Thank you for trusting us in your momentsof need. Now let us share togetherthe hope that this season brings.

Happy Easter.

Isanti Chapel • 763.444.5212 409 E. Broadway, Isanti, Minnesota 55040

Cambridge Chapel • 763-689-2070 720 1st Avenue East, Cambridge, Minnesota 55008

For information on grief and funeral related topics you are welcome to stop by, call or visit our website at: www.strikefuneral.com

LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLEMELISSA ENZLER ST. FRANCIS ANYTIME FITNESS, OWNER

Question: Is it beneficial to get my body fat percentage

checked and, if so, what method provides the best result?Answer:

Whether or not you get your body fat checked depends on how meticulous you are when it comes to your own health and well-ness. Some people are perfectly content to just workout and watch what happens. Others want to track and analyze everything and, as a result, like to have a starting point for body fat, among other things. If you’re in this latter group, then go ahead and get a test done.

There are numerous ways to analyze your body fat percentage, from the very expensive to the ridiculously inexpensive, and from the very accurate to the incredibly inaccurate.

Some of the best methods include getting a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, or getting weighed underwater. However, these are the more expensive options, and require sophisticated equipment and skilled technicians.

You could also try stepping on a Tanita scale, which uses something called bioelectrical impedance to determine your body fat percent-age. Unfortunately, the accuracy is somewhat questionable with this method.

When it comes to cost, accuracy, and prac-ticality, you really can’t go wrong with a skin fold caliper test. It takes about five min-utes, it might cost you $10-$50 (depending on whether a consult is included or not), and it’s reasonably accurate. You just need to find a personal trainer or other health profes-sional, that has done hundreds or even thousands of tests.

And remember, the initial number isn’t necessarily all that important anyway—you just need a starting point. As long as that number trends down over time, that’s all that really matters, right? Don’t discount the fact that a low body fat percentage is a very important part of living a long, healthy life.FILE PHOTO


Quilts can warm much more than your toes. They can warm your heart, too! They tell stories, paint pictures, and bring back memories of good times and bad. Come to the Rum River Library, located at

4201 6th Avenue in Anoka on Saturday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. for a historical look at quilts and the stories they tell.

Quilts reflect our lives and the lives of the women who made them--today as well as in centuries past. This program includes slides of quilts from the collection of

Bringing local history to life: quilts and their storiesthe Anoka County Historical Society and the stories behind those quilts. There are some hands-on components, too, as preservation tips and the history behind some of our beloved quilts patterns are shared.

“Quilting is a unique American tradition that evolved from being a necessary item into a piece of art symbolic of our traditions and heritage,” said Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart. “A quilt can send a message, weave a story, and gives a glimpse into its creator’s heart and soul.”

This historical look at quilts is sponsored by the Anoka County Library and is presented by the Anoka County Historical Society. This program is free and open to the public and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information about this and other library programs, call 763-576-4695 or visit your local Anoka County Library or the website at www.anoka.lib.mn.us.


Dr. Francis S. Ryan, DentistMain Street at First Avenuekitty-corner from The CreameryIsanti, Minnesota 55040

Se Habla Español Aqui – Poco.

Telephone 763-444-4063

WEIGHT LOSSSTOP SMOKING/CHEWING

• Stop Smokingimmediatelywithoutwithdrawal,cravings,orweightgain.• Lose Weight—stopcravingsandobsessionswithfood.Getmotivatedtoexercise.

Tuesday, April 3 at St. Francis High School

6:15-6:30 p.m. Check-in time 6:30-7:15 p.m. Introduction

Weight Loss and Smoking clients must attend.6:15-8:15 p.m. WEIGHT LOSS HYPNOSIS

6:15-9:00 p.m. STOP SMOKING HYPNOSISRegister with ISD 15

Community Ed at 763-213-1640Bring a pillow, blanket and sleeping bag for added comfort.

New Way Hypnosis Clinic, Inc.320-255-9680 (Office)Dr. Mary Fischer, D.C.H. Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy

Private therapy will be available at a higher cost, call 1-877-255-9680.

Visit our website at www.hypnosisclinic.net

$5000per person

per group seminar

Guaranteed Lifetime

(FREE reinforcement CD)

FAITH LISTINGSBethel Community Church23860 Dewey Street NW

Bethel • 763-434-9834

Catholic Church of St. Patrick19921 Nightingale Street NW

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

Cedar United Methodist Church17541 Jefferson Street NEHam Lake • 763-434-7463

email: [email protected]

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church5730-179th Lane NW

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

First Baptist Church & Christian School K–12

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

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church16180 Round Lake Boulevard

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

Living Hope Evangelical Free Church

23038 Rum River BoulevardSt. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.LivingHopeEFC.org

Long Lake Lutheran Church3921 277th Avenue NW

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

New Life Church17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW

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

New Life Lutheran Church LCMC18975 Lake George Boulevard NW

Oak Grove • 763-753-5717 www.newlifeoakgrove.org

Nowthen Alliance Church19653 Nowthen Boulevard

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

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE

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

St. Francis United Methodist Church 3914 229th Avenue NW

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

The Bridge Meets at St. Francis Elementary

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

www.sfbridge.org

Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Latchkey/Childcare

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

www.trinitysf.org

West Bethel United Methodist Church

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

VIVIAN PLUMMER, LPTAPHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT ST. FRANCIS PHYSICAL THERAPY

Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies. During sleep our bodies work on resetting our internal systems and repairing and replacing cells. When we do not get adequate sleep, the result is injury or illness to those cells. Sleep deprivation can cause an increase in weight, increased pain and can affect glucose and blood pressure. Lack of sleep can also affect motor skills and cognitive skills, similar to drinking three to four alcoholic beverages.

Patients with chronic pain suffer the worst from sleep deprivation. In a report from the national sleep

foundation, 66 percent of chronic pain sufferers have sleep deprivation compared to 15 percent of the general population. When a chronic pain patient goes to bed they do not have the distractions

they did during the day so the brain’s main focus is the pain.

It is suggested that a person gets seven to nine hours of sleep with several rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycles. Chronic pain patients have

interrupted sleep, therefore a vicious cycle ensues of poor sleep, leading to more pain, leading to more restless sleep cycles.

Adopting good sleeping habits may help patients with chronic pain. Going to bed and waking up at the same time is a start. Even if you go to bed a little late, wake up at the same time the next morning. Make sure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet and at a stable temperature. Eating a light snack of carbohydrates,

protein and calcium can help promote a good night sleep and help prevent nighttime hypoglycemia. Drinking caffeine or alcohol or eating a heavy meal before bed should be avoided. Light exercises four to five hours prior to going to bed can help sleep quality as well.

Taking steps to a good night’s sleep can help the body repair itself, promote healing and decrease pain in people suffering from acute or chronic pain.

Sleepless in St. Francis

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

Call 763-753-1277 for an Appointment

1/11

Kendall W. Goodian, D.C.Chiropractic Orthopedist

Specializing in Sports, Industrial and Auto Accident Injuries

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

FILE PHOTO


Need help getting free eBooks from the library? The Anoka County Library system now offers drop-in assistance at the following times and locations.

Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle in Circle Pines; Mondays , noon-2:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Northtown Library, 711 County Road 10 NE in Blaine; Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room

Johnsville Library, 12471 Oak Park Blvd. in Blaine; Tuesdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Rum River Library, 4201 6th Avenue NW in Anoka; Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Free assistance will be provided on a first come, first helped basis. Remember to bring

your device, your user account and password associated with your device, and your Anoka County or Columbia Heights Public Library card.

“Hundreds of people have already taken advantage of our eBook classes in the past month,” said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board liaison Jim Kordiak. “It only makes sense that we make these a regular part of the library offerings so that more people can take advantage of the ease and mobility of eBooks.”

Anoka County Library offers a wide variety of eBooks for adults, teens, and children—both fiction and nonfiction. More titles are added every month, so visit the library website often to find the latest eBook additions. For library locations or more information about drop-in help, please call 763-712-2322 or visit the website at www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

Anoka County Library offers drop-in eBook help


Classified BY MAILThe Courier

4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070

ONLINEwww.the-courier.org

24-hours-a-day

BY PHONE763-753-7031

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

IN PERSON4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

ISSUE DEADLINE DELIVERY BY2012

April 3/16/12 4/8/12May 4/13/12 5/6/12June 5/18/12 6/10/12July 6/15/12 7/9/12August 7/13/12 8/5/12September 8/17/12 9/9/12October 9/14/12 10/7/12November 10/19/12 11/11/12December 11/16/12 12/9/12

UPCOMING ISD 15 SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS: March 12 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.; March 26 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Central Services Center, Community Room, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis.

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY planning committee will meet monthly in the Athletics Conference Room at SFHS on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Dates are: March 15, April 12, May 10, and May 24. For more information contact Michelle Wenker, volunteer coordinator, at [email protected].

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. downstairs in Elim Baptist Church, but is not affiliated with any religious organization, 114 Dahlin Ave., Isanti, MN 55040. For more information contact Maggie at 612-390-0747 or Chris at 763-441-3918.

ST. FRANCIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Breakfast with the Chamber is on March 14 at Billy’s in St. Francis, 8:00-9:00 a.m., $3 for breakfast. The next scheduled board meeting is March 21 at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street NW, 11:00 a.m. The Business & Community Expo is on April 21 at St. Francis High School. Visit www.stfrancischamber.org for more information or call 763-438-5163.

TOPS CHAPTER MN #1774 meets every Wed. morning at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly and is a weight loss support group. Come check us out on Wed. mornings or visit www.tops.org.

BNI – REFERRALS UNLIMITED meets every Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 19001 Jackson Street NE, East Bethel. For more information, check www.bni-mn.com.

AA MEETS at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 3921 277th Avenue NW in Isanti, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.

OAK GROVE SENIORS meet the 2nd Wed. of the month at noon for potluck and a short business meeting, 4th Wed. of the month at noon for a catered meal and short business meeting. BINGO follows each business meeting. For information about the club and events, call Dick Tuott at 763-434-8215.

ST. FRANCIS SENIORS If you are 55 or older, come join us for some fun at the St. Francis American Legion. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Thurs. of each month, from noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information, call President Ray Steinke at 763-753-1871.

EAST BETHEL SENIORS meet 3rd Thurs. of the month at 2241 221st Avenue NE in East Bethel for business meeting and noon lunch; 2nd Wed. of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon w/potluck noon-1:00 p.m. celebrate birthdays of the month; 4th Wed. of the month crafts 9:00 a.m.-noon; Pancake Breakfast is held 2nd Sun. of each month, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Dance the 1st Fri. of every month, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; each Thurs. is 500 Cards 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Cribbage held once a month–call 763-434-6179 for day and time. The East Bethel Senior Center is available for rent, contact Dennis at 763-434-9244. All seniors are welcome to join for only $7 per year.

ST. FRANCIS JAYCEES meet on the third Friday of every month during the fall, winter and spring months at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Francis City Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. For info, visit our website at www.stfrancisjaycees.org. Walk-ins welcome.

ST. FRANCIS AREA WOMEN OF TODAY meet the 1st Tuesday of the month at St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street, 6:30 p.m. is social time with the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the Women of Today, visit us at www.sfawt.org or call Dana at 763-753-5010.

CEDAR/ EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Ham Lake VFW. Call Marilyn at 763-434-6599 for more information.

CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB meets bimonthly, 1st and 3rd Tues., 7:00 p.m., at the Ham Lake VFW. Call Greg Ricki at 763-434-7893.OAK GROVE LIONS meet every 2nd and 4th Tues. of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Lion Tim Newell at 763-753-4492 after 6:30 p.m.NOWTHEN LIONS CLUB Are you looking to serve in your community of Nowthen? Meet new friends? Have a lot of fun? Come join the Nowthen Lions Club! The Nowthen Lions meet on the first Thursday of the month for the Board Meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the Membership Meeting. Please call Patty Wirz at 763-241-1341 or email at [email protected] CLUB— ST. FRANCIS meets monthly. 1st Wed., administrative board, and 3rd Wed., general membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at St. Francis City Hall. For more information, call Jean Schuldt at 763-753-1205 or Illa Torgerson at 763-753-2002.LIONS CLUB—ST. FRANCIS meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. 1st Wed. board meeting; 2nd Wed. regular business meeting; 4th Wed. social & program. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Call Lion Brian Heichel for more information at 763-753-4415.AMERICAN LEGION POST 622—ST. FRANCIS General membership meets monthly the 2nd Thurs. at 7:00 p.m. All members of the post are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 622— ST. FRANCIS General membership meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the auxiliary are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234.

Classified AdsFirst 10 words FREE, each additional word is 25¢. Email addresses may be considered as two words.

Meetings & EventsFirst 5 lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00Each additional line . . . . . . . . . $1.50Payment is due when placing an ad.

Copy & Display Ad Deadline

CHILDCARELOOKING FOR A SUMMER NAN-NY? I am a college student who has experience in child care. I am Red Cross certified and available full-time this summer. Please contact me if you are interested in an interview, Alaina 612-716-8816.

OAK GROVE licensed daycare has openings for infant and preschooler, Jen 763-753-1026.

CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE enrolling infants through kindergarten. Trin-ity Lutheran Church & School, hours 5:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Call Sharon at 763-753-1234.

KIDS COUNTRY CHILDCARE CEN-TER in St. Francis enrolling. Call 763-753-5010 for more information.

LICENSED CHILDCARE has open-ings for all ages! Weekly music lady! Food program! Preschool program! East Bethel Community School. Lo-cated behind St. Francis High School. Call Sara at 763-753-0021.

ST. FRANCIS LICENSED DAYCARE has openings, reasonable rates, Christina 763-258-7282.

IN-HOME LICENSED DAYCARE has opening for ages 6 wks-11 years old. 1/2 off first week with enrollment. Fun and loving environment. CPR/first aid certified. Food program. Please call Lisa; 763-458-1948.

FITNESSKETTLEBELL, YOGA-FIT and per-sonal fitness training classes start-ing soon. Call 763-267-2198 or visit our website at www.ascensionbody-works.com.

FOR RENTWAREHOUSE SPACE 5,238 square foot office/warehouse space for lease with Hwy. 47 frontage in St. Francis, 763-753-6116.

FOR SALE20% OF SILPADA JEWELRY sales donated to NACE, www.mysilpada.com/kristin.genser, 763-441-9197.

REAL ESTATEFOR SALE 4 bed, 3 bath on 2.5 acre wooded lot, open plan, $310,000. 763-443-0000.

SERVICES BUDGET BLINDS 30% off your entire order. Free estimates 651-765-4545.

BROKEN BLINDS? We repair. Free estimates. Call today 651-765-4545.

PIANO TUNING—Violin, piano, and guitar lessons, Michael, 763-219-4883, [email protected].

HANDYMAN SERVICES—Plumb-ing, electrical, masonry, remodeling. Call Butch at 763-300-9869.

PIANO LESSONS—Beat those win-ter blahs, make music! Carmel 612-220-0235.

STUMP GRINDER 763-691-0690.

COUNCIL & TOWNSHIP MEETINGS

Andover City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

1685 Crosstown Blvd. NWAndover, MN • 763-755-5100

Bethel City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m.

165 Main St. • P.O. Box 64 Bethel, MN • 763-434-4366

Nowthen City CouncilMeets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

19800 Nowthen Blvd. NWAnoka, MN • 763-441-1347

East Bethel City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Wednesday

7:30 p.m.2241 • 221st Ave. NE

East Bethel, MN • 763-367-7840

Oak Grove City CouncilMeets 2nd Monday 7:00 p.m. &

last Monday 7:00 p.m.19900 Nightingale St. NW

Oak Grove, MN • 763-404-7000

St. Francis City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Monday 6:00 p.m.

ISD 15 Central Services CenterSt. Francis, MN • 763-753-2630

Stanford Town BoardMeets 1st Monday 7:00 p.m.

Co. Rd. 8 (261st Ave NW)Isanti, MN • 763-444-6370

AREA MEETINGS & EVENTS

Place a Classified Ad with us and the first 10 words are FREE!

Deadline for April classified ads is March 23.A classified form is available online at www.the-courier.org or at

The Courier office.Call 763-753-7031 for more information.


RogersScharber & Sons

763.428.4107

Ham LakeSuburban Lawn Center

763.755.2347

IsantiIsanti County Equipment

763.444.8873

Long LakeScharber & Sons

952.473.5634

SavageWeekend Freedom Savage

952.890.9242

Quality products. Knowledgeable staff. Committed to your satisfaction.Committed to your satisfaction.

Five Locations to Serve You www.mnequipmentsolutions.com

Quality products. Knowledgeable staff.

*On qualifying furnace, A/C & heat pump purchases.

Heating & Cooling Solutions proudly accepts:

www.heatcoolsolut.com

Financing options are availableContact us for details

$100 Off(Or A Free Filter)

Furnace, Heat Pump or A/C Installation

“MEETING YOUR COMFORT NEEDS”

Contact us today at 763-434-8893

Call Heating & Cooling Solutions for details at

763-434-8893Offer valid on Bryant efficiency heat pumps, furnaces & AC install. Must be present at time of quote. Cannot be combined with any

other offers or cash back rebates. Call for details.

BRYANT FACTORY REBATES

up to $550*

UTILITY REBATES

up to $805*

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

– Title Insurance Agents –

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

3296 Bridge Street NW, St. Francis, Minnesota 55070

763-753-3028

MASTER GARDENERCAROL BRAY ISANTI COUNTY MASTER GARDENER

Spring fever

Spring fever is an annual occurrence that seems to strike every gardener I know. And, spring fever can lead to all kinds of impulsiveness that can be hard on the pocketbook and possibly leave one scratching their head and wondering “where can I stick that plant that I just had to have.”

The gardener in you can be savvy with a little planning and awareness. Recognize these key factors before you go to the garden centers this spring:

Take stock, make a list and set a budget. Look around your garden to note plants that are dead or damaged. Decide on your budget so you can prioritize.

Photograph and measure containers. Place your containers in their “home” location and take a photo. Note the diameter and depth of each pot on paper. Determine how much potting soil you’ll need by using the online calculator: www.jollylane.com/greenhouse/growing-tips/soil-calculators.php.

Review last year’s garden. Hopefully you took photos or kept a journal or have a good memory to confirm where you’ll need plants that need replacement or dividing or adding to.

Choose hues. Selecting a color palate is key when making choices. Here are some good color combinations: pink and purple, orange and silver, white and green and blue/purple and yellow.

Bring pictures of the plant you want if you do not know the Latin or scientific name for the plant you desire. Common names and people’s pronunciations of plants vary.

Make a bouquet. As plants wither and die, they leave gaps. Cut samples of the leaves and flowers that are established so you can make a wise choice in plants that will harmonize in your garden.

Buy your plants after they have bloomed in the garden center—usually for a reduced price. Remember to allow enough space in your garden for each plant at its mature size. Do your homework—know your zone, sun and desirable mature size requirements of plant.

For more gardening infor-mation, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website

at www.extension.umn.edu or call the Isanti County Master Gardeners at 763-689-1810.

You can also find the Isanti County Master Gardeners on Facebook.

PHOTO BY CAROL BRAY

JOLYNN K ERIKSON21471 ULYSSES ST NEEAST [email protected]

I can help you make sure your coverageis up-to-date. Call me today.

(763) 434-2343

Insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Insurance Company and AllstateProperty and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois © 2009 Allstate InsuranceCompany.


Fido’s Barber Shop19847 Orchid St. NW, Oak Grove

All Breed Professional Dog Grooming and Personal Care BoardingDay and Evening Appointments

763-213-8143www.fidosbarber.com

Ask Fido:

“Easy, four free walks a day, every day I’m here!”

More personal care boarding perks:•$18perdayplusamultidogdiscount•Pick-up/drop-off365daysayear•24houron-sitecare•MaintainingFido’sroutineofpottyingoutside—we’renotinthebusinessofstartingbadhabits

•Freemedicationadministration

WhatmakesFido’syourfavoritehomeawayfromhome?

10% OFF FOR NEW

GROOMING CUSTOMERS!

Recycling is now easier with simple sort recycling. You no longer need to sort items. Just place them all in the large roll-off container provided by your hauler. If you have

any questions about what is acceptable or would like to start a new service, call your hauler:

Ace Solid Waste 763-427-3110 Allied Waste 763-784-2104East Central Sanitation 763-689-2171

2012 Goal 650 Tons

43 TonsRecycled in January

“We treat your pets like our own”

St. Francis Veterinary Clinic763-444-9359

Doctors on staff Dr. Tracey Thomas Dr. Jill Hergenrader Dr. Kelly Pawlenty Dr. Nicole Perreault

Two miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47Visit us on the web at www.sfvetclinic.com

•Smallanimalmedicine,surgeryanddentistry•Freeinitialpuppyandkittenexams•Earlymorningdropoffavailablebyappointment•Eveningappointments•HeartwormandLymetesting•MicrochippetID

Buy one Lunch Buffet receive one

Lunch Buffet ½ OffExpires 4/3/12. One coupon per order.

Must purchase two Lunch Buffets. Void with other offers. Eat-in, take-out or delivery.

Coupon good at Tasty Pizza in St. Francis.

Buy any large 2 or more item

pizza and get a FREE small (8") single item pizza

and a liter of popExpires 4/3/12. One coupon per order.

Void with other offers. Eat-in, take-out or delivery. Coupon good at Tasty Pizza in St. Francis.

Buy any ½ rack of ribs for dinner and get the second

½ rack of ribs for only $5 Expires 4/3/12. One coupon per order.

Good for large dinner size only, must buy two. Void with other offers. Eat-in, take-out or delivery.


Get two large, two topping pizzas for only ��

$22Expires 4/3/12.

One coupon per order. Must buy two. Void with other offers. Eat-in, take-out or delivery.


$5 OFF A purchase of $25 or more

Expires 4/3/12. One coupon per order. Void with other offers.


TRY OUR “TASTY” LUNCH BUFFET!Monday-Friday 11:00 a�m�-2:00 p�m�

St. Francis Mall • Bridge Street in St. Francis

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

DELIVERY AVAILABLE

ENGAGEMENT

Felicia Wisen of East Bethel is proud to announce the engagement of her brother, Joe Wisen to Shannon Slater. Shannon is the daugh-ter of Troy and Lori Slater of East Bethel. Joe is the son of Jeff and Christine Wisen of East Bethel. Shannon and Joe met in high school and have been together for seven years. They currently live in Mora. The wedding date is set for September 8. The ceremony will be held in Wisconsin at Shannon’s grandmother’s and the reception will be held in Minnesota. SUBMITTED PHOTO

BIRTHS

Nolan Richard Bittner was born January 11, 2012 at Mercy Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21¾ inches long. Proud parents are Rick and Naomi Bittner of East Bethel. Nolan is welcomed by big brother Connor (2), grandparents David and Cheryl Anderson of East Bethel, and Dick and Julie Bittner of Rush City.

Hailey Ashlyn Efram was born January 22, 2012, at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20½ inches long. Proud parents are Katie and Dan Efram of Isanti. Hailey is welcomed by sibling Riley, 2.

Nolan Richard Bittner SUBMITTED BY NAOMI BITTNER

The Red Cross will be having a blood drive…Monday, March 19, 1:00-7:00 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church 229th & Ambassador Boulevard, St. Francis

Walk-ins are welcome, but it is helpful if you make an appointment. You may do so by calling

763-753-1234 or online at www.redcrossblood.org.


Physical therapy close to home.

Isanti Physical TherapyEnterprise Avenue

763-444-8680

Andover Physical Therapy1574 154th Ave NW

763-433-8108

St. Francis Physical Therapy Wellness Center

763-753-8804

Ham Lake Physical Therapy18415 NE Hwy. 65, Cedar

763-413-0880New

Location!

Get those knots out with therapeutic massage by a licensed massage therapist, and you’ll feel

stress and tension slip away. Available at all Physical Therapy locations.

Got Tension?

Amy Morgan, D.V.M.Lisa Johnson, D.V.M.Kaija Youngner, D.V.M.

19035 Lake George Blvd. NWOak Grove, MN 55303763-753-6336www.oakgrovevet.net

FREE TOENAIL TRIM with pet boarding in March.$15 ValueNot valid with any other offer. Expires 3/31/12. Oak Grove Animal Hospital 763-753-6336

Need to board your pet?

We offer a clean, spacious, safe and friendly environment for your

dog or cat while you’re away.

RHYTHM OF LIFE ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC•Trychiropracticforahealthier,happierpet.

•It’sgentle,naturalandaffordable!•Chiropractichelpswithlimping,arthritis,whileincreasingimmunefunctionandperformance.

Ilookforwardtohearingfromyou 651-278-8940.

1444 147th Avenue NE • Ham Lake (located inside Canine Crossing)www.rhythmoflifechiro.com [email protected]

$2 OFF PER NIGHT WITH A 2 NIGHT STAY

at Gold Star KennelsSome exceptions apply. Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts.

763-753-5450 Expires 4/3/12

$5 OFF GROOMING at Gold Star Kennels

Add ons, matt charges, etc., still apply, ask for details. Limit one per family. Not good

with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 Expires 4/3/12

$50 OFF TRAINING

at Gold Star Kennels Limit one per family.

Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 Expires 4/3/12

COUR

IER

3/12

COUR

IER

3/12

COUR

IER

3/12

If your pets could talk, they would insist on…

Award winning 4-Star pet facility!

Going on vacation?

Reserve a spot for your pet

today!

763-753-5450 6560 Norris Lake Road

Elk River, MN 55330 (Nowthen) www.goldstarkennelsofmn.comOpen 7 days a week ~ By appointment only

“We’re not the biggest…just the best!”

$10 Off Just Ask PaulComputer Repair763-323-PAUL (7285)14033RoundLakeBlvd.,Andover

www.justaskpaul.infoCoupondoesnotexpire.

Visit our website www.justaskpaul.info

AUTHORIZED RETAILERSATELLITE TELEVISIONAUTHORIZED DEALER

any computer repair

Virus Removal$69

25% Off Grooming

New customers only. Cleo’s C & C Pet Grooming. Expires 4/3/2012.

Cleo’s C and C PET GROOMING

Boarding Day Care Mid Day Walks Training

Treat your pet to professional pampering by Carol & Chris Cornelius.

763.434.8997www.cleostotalpetcare.com

Oak Grove, MN 55011

Nail Trims always

$400

Deals for your best friend!

Justice Marvin Perry was born January 30, 2012, at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud parents are Mac and Diana Perry of Stanchfield. Justice is welcomed by sibling Samantha.

Garrett John Blaser was born February 1, 2012 at Mercy Hospital weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Proud parents are Jade Gardas and Jared Blaser, both from St. Francis. Garret is welcomed with joy by grandparents Jeff and Lisa

Gardas and Rich and Angie Blaser, and aunties Jessica Blaser, Paige Gardas and Brooke Gardas, all from St. Francis.

Ella Ryann Hanson was born February 7, 2012, at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19¾ inches long. Proud parents are Joe

and Stephanie Hanson of Bethel.

Sorsha Amber Mayville was born February 16, 2012, at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds and was 19¾ inches long. Proud parents are Tim and Rachel Mayville of Bethel. Sorsha is welcomed by sibling Evangeline.

Garrett John Blaser SUBMITTED BY LISA GARDAS

Want to submit an article, photo, or announcement?

Information can be found on The Courier website www.the-courier.org; click on “Submissions” then “Submit an Announcement.” Or call 763-753-7031 for more information.


23122 St. Francis Blvd. • St. Francis, MN 55070763-753-3334

OPEN SEVEN DAYS Monday-Saturday 5:00 a.m.-Midnight • Sunday 6:00 a.m.-Midnight

ATM•GoodrichPharmacy•GiftCards•Floral•BakeryFullServiceDeli•ServiceMeatCase

EXPRESS GASOLINES

Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires4/3/12.

Notgoodwithotheroffers.Limitonepervisit.ValidonlyatSt.FrancisCountyMarket.

5¢PerGallonAllGrades

ofGas

OFF

X1001C O U P O N

EXPRESS GASOLINES

Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires4/3/12.

Notgoodwithotheroffers.Limitonepervisit.ValidonlyatSt.FrancisCountyMarket.

5¢PerGallonAllGrades

ofGas

OFF

X1001C O U P O N

Car WashCheck out our Discount CardsCar wash pre-paid cards make perfect gifts for friends, gift exchanges, graduations, birthdays and more!

5-Count Prices

Save 20% with 5-Count

Car Wash Cards

$36

$32

10-Count Prices

Save 30% with 10-Count

Car Wash Cards

$63

$56

Working with 9th grade writersVERONICA CICHSFHS STUDENT & YEARBOOK REPORTER

The transition from eighth grade to ninth grade is a difficult one. Students find themselves at a new school, with new teachers and new classes. On top of all that, ninth graders have to take the Minnesota Comprehen-sive Assessments (MCA) writing test which is required for graduation.

Last year’s writing scores at the high school were approximately four percent lower than in 2010, but less than 1 percent below the state average. Teachers at St. Francis High School are working with ninth graders to improve writing scores. According to ninth grade teacher Mike Stoffel, it is challenging to reach every student’s area of concern, but teachers try hard to give students what they need.

“If a student is having a problem with comma splic-es, we do activities on that specific area,” said Stoffel.

As a language arts teacher, Stoffel works with a lot of ninth graders on their writing. In his class, ninth graders write many personal narratives and answer prompts. Stoffel emphasizes editing and revision skills. He teaches students to edit by having them switch stories in class. His goal is to have each student be able to edit and revise their own papers.

“Students learn to be better editors through prac-tice, practice, practice. I often model what and how we should edit,” said Stoffel.

Language arts instructors at the high school teach the writing process and prepare ninth graders to write thoughtful, organized responses to the kinds of ques-tions used on the state test. According to high school language arts teacher Mary Lundquist, the MCA writ-ing test prompts can be complex and require that teens really think about what to write and how to explain it over a five paragraph form.

“I think the prompts are getting more complex. The test might ask a student to think of a favorite story from a book or movie and then describe why they like it. If students can’t think of a favorite story, they prob-ably won’t do well on the test,” said Lundquist.

According to Lundquist, writing prompts that stu-dents do not understand or that do not interest them effect the way students write. Teachers at the high school prepare students to have a mindset that allows them to write on just about anything.

Even though language arts teachers have the job of teaching writing, students use basic writing skills in every class. According to Stoffel, teachers in all areas at the high school work with students on their writing.

“I have faith that a math teacher can sit down with a student and help them with their writing when a short answer doesn’t sound right,” said Stoffel.

Sometimes answering the prompt is not the prob-lem. The problem is handwriting. Not all students have perfect handwriting. According to Stoffel, students need to try to make their writing legible when they

take the writing test. Students should slow down when they write and write in cursive to make it neater.

“Handwriting is important on the test. If the scorer can’t read what is written, then it’s a problem,” said Stoffel.

Language arts teachers at the high school have been working to identify struggling writers before they take the writing test to help them acquire the skills they need to pass.

“Starting the intervention early is key,” said Stoffel.Stoffel makes an effort to push the ninth graders to

be the best they can and to give them the opportunities and skills to pass the writing test. At some point, how-ever, it’s up to the students whether they use the skills they’ve learned to pass the test.

St. Francis High School language arts teachers are teach-ing ninth grade students the writing skills they need to succeed. SUBMITTED PHOTO

the courier - march 2012

Documents