Valorie Arrowsmith has studied 13 languages, she lived abroad for years, and she’s one of two people in the state certified to teach K-12 Swedish.

Arrowsmith, known in the area for her involvement with the St. Croix River Education District and the We R Able program, was born in Braham, and like many of her classmates, she thought, “When I graduate, I’m leaving.”

For years, she did just that — Arrowsmith first went to the University of Minnesota-Morris to study communications.

“I always felt I could be an evangelist or a politician because I studied public address,” she said.

After college, Arrowsmith was working at a retreat center in Washington State, in the Cascade mountains, when she met a woman from Switzerland. She told her about an employment opportunity in England, so Arrowsmith packed her bags and headed across the Atlantic.

While she was in England, she worked at the Coventry Cathedral, a conference center owned by the Lutheran Church of Great Britain, and she went to college again for textile design. She also met and later married an Englishman.

“Hence the name ‘Arrowsmith,’” she said. “In the 10th century, it was the smith that made arrows.”

Arrowsmith and her now ex-husband came back to the Braham area in 1980 when an opportunity to purchase her grandparents’ farm arose. However, before they left England, Arrowsmith had a job prospect that now, looking back, she wished she would have pursued.

“About six or seven months before moving back here, I applied for a job at the Diana Spencer estate,” Arrowsmith said. “That was before she was Princess Diana — before anybody knew who she was.”

Arrowsmith said she had quite a bit of experience cooking and baking in large quantities, and that’s what the Spencer estate was looking for.

“It was a residential job, though, and I was married and had a house,” Arrowsmith said. “So I knew, in my heart of hearts, that if I went there, I’d just be looking. I couldn’t take the job because my living situation was such that I couldn’t take it. So I never went.”

But Arrowsmith got to have an experience with British royalty — albeit from a distance — before she came back to Minnesota.

Arrowsmith also worked as a part-time maid for an Irish aristocratic family, and they were acquainted with the British royal family. Before a hunt that Prince Charles was attending, Arrowsmith was tasked with making an assortment of baked goods.

“I spent about six weeks baking, and they froze everything,” Arrowsmith said. “So if Prince Charles ate anything at that hunt, I baked it.”

We R Able, affinity for languages 

About four years ago, Arrowsmith took a dual position with St. Croix River Education District, which has her working as an English as a second language teacher and as the coordinator of the We R Able program, which provides accessible programs for adults with disabilities ages 14 and up, and the general public.

Arrowsmith said she’s had an interest in languages ever since she was a small child, watching Don Miguel on a public television program where he taught simple Spanish words and phrases.

Since that time, she’s studied 13 languages, which she said is a great help in her position as an ESL teacher.

Arrowsmith lauded the work former We R Able coordinator Betty Stoffel did with the organization for more than 20 years. When Arrowsmith took over the program, she decided to make it her own by incorporating some of her arts background into offered activities.

At one gathering, Arrowsmith is teaching weaving. At another she’s informing visitors about Swedish holiday traditions, like Julgransplundring, where they make Julgrans Karamell, which are handmade decorations that are filled with tubes of candy.

At many of the events, music is part of the evening or afternoon. Instead of just listening to local performers, Arrowsmith has them reflect on the music by putting together a “quilt” of sorts. She explained that when the visitors come to the intimate concerts, they’re asked to take a colored piece of paper — the color reflects the mood they’re feeling before they listen to the music and have a meal.

After the music is finished, the participants are asked to select a colored paper that relays how they’re feeling. All those pieces of paper are then put together to form a quilt of myriad emotions.

Through the position with We R Able, Arrowsmith said, she’s been able to reflect upon the many ways in which people are similar.

“That showed me that there really isn’t that much difference between me and somebody who has a declared disability,” she said.  “It’s like you have pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and when you put the pieces together, maybe there’s a piece missing. Maybe I have a different piece missing in mine.”

Arrowsmith noted interacting with and teaching people has been rewarding for her, and everyone should consider helping people by guiding them with knowledge.

“All of us have something to give,” she said. “You have to allow yourself the opportunity to listen, receive and react.”

Monday, Feb. 1, at 5 p.m., is the deadline to apply for a 2016 Allina Health Neighborhood Health Connection™ Grant.

Allina Health will award grants to community nonprofits and local government organizations who submit ideas for bringing people together through healthy activities.

The purpose of a Neighborhood Health Connection Grant is to support on-going activities that promote social connections through healthy eating and physical activity for groups of adults, older adults and families.

“Over the past 3 years CMC has funded over 20 local organizations with grant dollars to build strong community connections,” said Nicole Klanderud, manager of Community Engagement and Wellness at Cambridge Medical Center. “By offering support and funds for healthy activities, we can make a difference in the health of our communities.”

Projects must offer a minimum of six healthy activities for the same group of neighbors to participate in.

Groups can include adults, older adults and families. For example, a group could include residents on a neighborhood block or members of a faith community. Projects that focus on children are not eligible.

Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Expanding a community garden to provide opportunities for community members to grow their own food and share a weekly meal together.

• Hosting a series of healthy cooking classes for a diabetes management and support group.

• Starting a book club where participants cook healthy foods inspired by the books they’re reading.

• Starting a walking club that incorporates a buddy system for residents of an assisted living home.

All grant-funded activities must take place during the grant period of March 7 through Dec. 31, 2016 and must begin by Sept. 1, 2016. Online applications will be accepted from Jan. 4 through 5 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Grantees will be notified of decisions via email on Feb. 19. To learn more, visit neighborhoodhealthconnection.org.

Nearly one pound of methamphetamine was seized and three people were arrested during a search warrant executed Jan. 15 by the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office and the East Central Drug Task Force.

According to a press release from the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 15, at 9:45 a.m., the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office and the East Central Drug Task Force executed a search warrant along the 8700 block of County Road 5 Northwest, Princeton, located in Spencer Brook Township.

During the course of the search warrant, deputies located nearly one-pound of methamphetamine, which is the largest methamphetamine seizure to date in Isanti County.

They also recovered two-thirds pound of marijuana, and materials used in the production of methamphetamine, but there was no active methamphetamine lab.

They also discovered an explosive device. Once this was discovered, deputies contacted the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office who deployed their bomb squad to detonate the device.

Three people were arrested at the scene. One suspect has been formally charged that included John William Pierce, 47, Princeton. He was charged with first-degree drug sale; second-degree drug possession; possess methamphetamine precursors with intent to manufacture, explosive-incendiary device-possess-make-transport-store; and fifth-degree drug possession. The other two arrested will be named once formally charged.

Assisting in the execution of this search warrant were the Isanti County Special Response Team, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Isanti Police Department, Cambridge Police Department, Princeton Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Princeton Fire, Isanti County Safety and Rescue and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

Joe Nathan
ECM Publishers Columnist

One of the best books I’ve read in the past five years begins with a startling statement and a car breakdown. “Road Map to Power” is a wonderful, brief book of less than 200 pages. Many families and educators will find it to be very valuable.

The car breakdown occurs on a 100-degree, extremely humid Missouri day. Dr. Syed Arshad Husain, an American child psychiatrist who has worked with children living in war zones and disaster areas, discovered that his luxury car would not start. One of his co-workers gave the doctor a ride home in his modest two-door Toyota Tercel, “splattered with rust holes.” As Husain rode home, he thought about what really matters in life. It’s not necessarily a luxury car or expensive clothes.

There’s nothing wrong with wealth. But Husain has found after many years of work, and considerable research, that wealth definitely does not guarantee happiness.

This leads to his startling statement: “There is a high probability that you are average.” That’s not what most of us want to hear. But Husain and his son, educator and co-author A. Darius Husain, say, realistically, virtually all of us are average in most things.

Advertisers know that can be hard for us to accept. The Husains point out that billions of dollars are being spent “to exploit feelings of insecurity.” Advertising tries to convince us if we buy this product or that service, we’ll be happier. Not necessarily.

Among the things that matter most are that youngsters find what they are really good at, what they love, and then utilize their skills, talents, energy and insights. The authors believe that among the most important roles for families and educators is to help young people discover what “I am and I can.” Youngsters who have learned these things are far more likely to be happy and to deal effectively with life’s challenges and problems.

This book does not suggest that we help youngsters be satisfied with mediocrity. Far from it.

But it is a powerful plea, with many examples and considerable research that we help young people identify and become comfortable with their particular gifts and talents. Then adults ought to model and encourage youngsters to make helping others part of their lives. They remind readers, “Everyone has gifts to share with one another.” They urge families and educators to encourage “compassion, integrity, responsibility and service.”

Darius Husain directs Face to Face Academy, a St. Paul charter high school that has received national and state awards for its success with “at-risk” youngsters. One chapter describes how the school uses principles discussed in the book. A video helps show how this is done: http://amzn.to/1RasK5B.

As the authors note, “While your chances of raising a Nobel Prize recipient are slim, raising a resilient child is a strong bet.”

This is good for youngsters and adults. Dr. Husain concludes: “To know that my children will continue the legacy of compassion set forth by my mother and father is a gift to me that can never be repaid. … The best piece of us can now reside in the hearts of thousands who remain to carry the torch of altruism and compassion.”

This practical, positive, excellent book is available online for $12.95 from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PK984W.

— Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher, administrator and PTA president, is a former director and now senior fellow at the Center for School Change. Reactions are welcome at joe@centerforschoolchange.org.

Jeff Eklund, Principal
Braham Area Elementary School

It’s hard to believe we are already into January. The end of December brought many exciting events to Braham schools. One of the biggest of those would be our elementary holiday concerts.

Mr. Johnson and Ms. Thies worked for several weeks with our first- through sixth-grade students preparing them for their grade level concerts that took place Dec. 23. The fifth- and sixth-grade band also had the opportunity to play for the audience. The concerts were fantastic. If you didn’t get an opportunity to stop in and listen, you can find the concerts in their entirety on our school website. Thank you to our district technology coordinator, Dustin Hoeper, for making this so convenient to our families.

December also brought about the addition of two new scoreboards to our high school gym. These scoreboards were funded 100 percent by donations. Thank you to the many people in our community that had a part in making this a reality. Many future generations of Bombers and their families will be able to enjoy these new scoreboards.

In January, our district began work on our new World’s Best Workforce Plan. This involved the formation of a committee which included members of the community, parents, school board, students and various staff. In simplest terms, the WBWF plan is a document intended to guide our decision making and keep us focused on the core mission of this district — preparing students for success.  This committee will continue to meet, as needed, to finalize this plan before school ends.

High School registration for the 2016-2017 begins this month. If you have any questions, contact High School Guidance Counselor, Ursula Scheele, in the guidance office. January 11-15 is Paraprofessional Recognition Week.  Thank you to the many amazing Paraprofessionals that we have at Braham schools. Our school and our students would not be as successful as they are without you.

February is I Love to Read Month. The theme this year is, “For the Love of Reading.” Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Hendren are planning many fun activities for our students. Please take the time to sit down and read a book with your child.  There is nothing I enjoy more than watching a group of students listening to their teacher read them a book. Some of my fondest memories of elementary school in Braham are sitting on the carpet in the back of Mr. Reimer’s fourth-grade classroom and listening to him paint a crystal clear picture with words. Thank you Mr. Reimer.

Continue to check our district website (www.braham.k12.mn.us) and our elementary twitter account (@brahamelem) for more information.

Don Heinzman
ECM Publishers Columnist

So, what should we expect in 2016 in the Twin Cities area and the state?

I predict the year will be defined by being an election year when jittery voters will look for political medicine to calm themselves.

Precinct caucuses in Minnesota will be heavily attended by people crusading for their nominees who will favor Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrat Hillary Clinton; I think Donald Trump will come in a close second in the state caucus ranking.

The state Legislature will use some of that $1.98 billion surplus. For sure, the transportation bill will pass without a gas tax because that’s what the voters want, and legislators in the House need to maintain their majorities.

Don’t look for any action on gun control measures, even background checks, during an election year and when gun sales in Minnesota are at a record high.

Unless there is a local ISIS-initiated disaster, I expect Minnesotans will leave the Muslim population alone and support them.

One possibility that has voter appeal in the next session of the Legislature is passing pre-kindergarten opportunities for 3- and 4-year-olds. School districts also will get some of that surplus money.

Republicans will likely seize on issues based on the so-called battle between the metro area and the outstate. They captured some seats last election, but voters, according to some outstate observers, were disappointed in the legislative results. This time around, Democrats won’t be caught sleeping on this strategy, but I predict Republicans will keep their majority in the House. Minnesotans seem to prefer a split Legislature.

There will be attempts, I’m sure, to alter MNsure, which enables people to get better insurance rates if they qualify for a government subsidy under the Affordable Care Act. Don’t expect much of a change, though, with Gov. Mark Dayton still in office.

Metro area residents, I expect, will demand the Legislature approve enough transportation funding to reduce traffic jams. While Republicans in particular deride light rail, I predict plans will proceed for new systems.

I foresee incumbent legislators being re-elected because they are well-known, not necessarily because they are effective. One interesting race will be in the 2nd Congressional District, where Rep. John Kline is not running. Look for a close race with a Democrat possibly winning.

Finally, I’m certain you will hear a lot of clamor for better urban school education and the need for a metropolitan school system.

My Person of the Year for 2016 will be the informed and enlightened voter.

— Don Heinzman is a columnist for ECM Publishers.

Dear Editor:

Why did I have to drive 41.6 miles to see “The Big Short” at the White Bear Lake Theater?

Why did Paramount Studios pull this movie from the North Branch Theater, the only theater in the area it was scheduled, at the last minute?

If enough Americans had seen this movie, Hank Paulson, Alan Greenspan and their “Wall Street buddies” would be burning at the stake. There is a revolution coming, people.

Steven F. Skoglund
Cambridge

Dear Editor:

Let me say first, I am not much of a complainer. I am a senior citizen, and I am fortunate enough to be able to pay all of my bills without asking for help. That is really something I am truly thankful for, most seniors are not as fortunate. Once I have paid my bills, there is little left, sans paper products, medication and for gosh sakes cat food.

Here is where I am really thankful, the Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution. As far as I know, this food is partly supplied by Second Harvest, with no income proof needed. It is run solely by volunteers, and community members. This distribution is done at the Isanti County Fairgrounds on the third Tuesday of the month.

In November, the volunteers (bless their hearts) gave out notices concerning some complaints about the services provided. I was appalled at anyone complaining, until the month of December.

For several months, the volunteers have come to our vehicles, and made sure we were registered. The last couple of months we have been asked to leave our cars and walk to the building in the fairgrounds to register. I am mobility challenged, and cannot walk that far, especially in the ice and snow of winter. My friend, “T” has been walking up there for me, but this past time, she asked the lady at the registration what I will do in the event she is not available. She was told, in a very loud voice, making her feel very ashamed … “Then I guess she doesn’t get any free food.” This lady is my complaint. I don’t know her name, nor would I print it, but she knows who she is, as does everyone else that was standing in line on that misty day. I see several people doing the best they can with walkers and canes, and limps, this just isn’t right.

I would be willing to sit in my car at the entrance of the parking area, and when they stop, I would register them. Praise the volunteers, they put up with a lot.

Shame on the lady who thinks the “free” food is hers to designate who shall receive. There. I sure feel better.

Donna Lind
Isanti

Jeffrey Hage
jeff.hage@ecm-inc.com

A Milaca man is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly abducting a woman at a Hinckley casino and holding her against her will at a Sherburne County residence.

James Phillip Cowan, 37, of Milaca, was charged Monday, Jan. 11 in Mille Lacs County District Court with kidnapping by holding someone involuntary servitude; stalking with a dangerous weapon; and fifth-degree drug possession. The incident occurred over a two-day period – Saturday, Jan. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Mille Lacs County District Court: 

The woman left Grand Casino Hinckley and parked her vehicle on the rear side of the casino to rest before continuing her drive. Suddenly, her front passenger side door opened and a man,later identified as Cowan, jumped inside her vehicle and yelled at her to drive as he had just stolen a wallet.

Cowan reached over the center console and stuck something in her right side as he was telling her to drive, the complaint states.

Cowan directed the woman, who was not familiar with the area, to take side roads away from Hinckley to Interstate 35. Eventually, they arrived at a residence the woman believed was in Sherburne County. She was directed to go inside the residence and sit in the living room. The woman told investigators she was in the living room for approximately two hours.

The woman told Cowan she wanted to leave, but he said she was not leaving, the complaint states. The woman saw Cowan playing with a folding knife approximately 6-7-inches in length with a green handle and silver blade, the complaint states.

At some point the woman and Cowan left the residence in the woman’s vehicle with the her driving and Cowan in the front passenger seat.

Cowan ordered her to drive to Braham, the complaint states. The woman stated she knew where Braham was, but took Highway 169 north into Mille Lacs County. Cowan appeared to fall asleep on the drive.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 10, the woman parked in a handicap parking stall at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. That’s where she exited the vehicle, closing the door lightly as to not wake Cowan, and ran into the casino for help. She called 911and Mille Lacs Tribal Police were dispatched to the woman’s location within the casino, the complaint states.

Mille Lacs Tribal Police officers approached the vehicle, observed Cowan sleeping in the vehicle, held him at gunpoint and he identified himself to law enforcement. Cowan had multiple active arrest warrants, the complaint states.

A Mille Lacs Tribal Police officer searched Cowan and discovered a small plastic baggy containing a crystal-like substance in his left front vest pocket. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine. The methamphetamine weighed 1.13 grams.

Isanti County Historical Society announces the appointment of two new members of its board of directors, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2016.

Joining the board of directors are Kelly Lillemoen and Kay Kast.

“These two community members bring the kind of expertise and talent the Isanti County Historical Society will need in this time of transition,” said Lynne Dablow, executive director. “Kay Kast, a respected educator from our community, will be a huge asset in the strategic development of future exhibits, while Kelly Lillemoen brings a solid background in business development and community engagement.”

Kast is a graduate of Bethel College, Roseville, Minnesota, in Art Education. She began her teaching career at Cambridge High School in 1966. Kast briefly taught in the Princeton schools, and returned to the Cambridge-Isanti schools to complete her career, retiring in 2006. She is a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Cambridge, and has actively worked at the church in numerous administrative roles.

Lillemoen is a funeral director and owner of Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge. Working as a partner with her husband, Jeff Lillemoen, Carlson-Lillemoen stands as one of the longest on-going business enterprises in Isanti County. The business is headquartered in a stately, Victorian era home in Cambridge, originally occupied by D.O. Anderson (local merchant), then purchased and run as a funeral home by Alvin Berglund, followed by Gordon and Stanley Carlson and Terry Labatte. The Lillemoen’s purchased the business from Cynthia Labatte in 2004, and continue to maintain the original historic character of this local landmark.

The slate of board members for 2016 is listed below.

Officers:

Commissioner Susan Morris, President.

William “Bill” Carlson, Vice President.

Lisa Angeski, Treasurer.

Commissioner Mike Warring, Secretary.

Jim Johnson.

Reverend Wendell Johnson.

Clark Joslin, J.D.

Kay Kast.

Kelly Lillemoen.

Erven Skaar.

The Isanti County Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization seeking to preserve and promote Isanti County history.

The inaugural Freezer Burn fat bike winter race lived up to its moniker on Saturday, Jan. 16, when air temperature was around minus-7 degrees for the well-bundled cyclists who showed up at Springvale County Park. And, of course, the wind chill was significantly lower until you got back in the woods a bit.

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Despite a morning temp of minus 7 degrees, the inaugural “Freezer Burn” fat bike race was hosted at Springvale County Park west of Cambridge on Saturday morning, Jan. 16. The frozen beard on Jeremye Danryswik said it all as he cruised the wooded course during a race lap. Photos by Greg Hunt

With a name like “Freezer Burn,” you wouldn’t want 40 degrees and sunny weather on race morning, would you?

“It’s cold weather, but we have a great turnout. It’s all perfect. We have good helpers — all our volunteers are here,” said K.C. Bohn of Outdoor Edge and the Cambridge Cycling Club after he signalled the pack to start the trek.

A total of 34 racers took to the trails of Springvale for the fun time which will be an annual event for this area. The wide-tired cyclists chose to complete one, two or three five-mile loops around the park which contained a challenging stretch of single-track in the back woods and a three-quarter circle route on ice around the perimeter of Johnny Lake.

Gary Gaoden was the winner of the longest 15-mile race, Gregorio Ramirez had the low time in the 10-mile race, and Jeff Colbert had the best time in the 5-mile “sprint.”

When racers finished their levels, a hot fire and hot treats were waiting for them at the start-finish picnic shelter at Springvale Park.

“The only problem we had was frozen mustard and frozen ketchup, so that isn’t too bad. It was a great time, and we had racers show up from all over,” added Bohn while reporting results on Monday. “We raised around $1,000 which will go for more single-track bike trails in our parks.”

2016 Freezer Burn top-three

15-MILE) Gary Gaoden, Jack Schwinghammer, Mike Lind.  10-MILE) Gregorio Ramirez, Richard Wiitala, Dean Kamrath.  5-MILE) Jeff Colbert, Mike Larson, Todd Mathwig.

The Bluegrass Group, The Biscuit Boys, will perform a benefit concert live at KBEK’s Auditorium in Braham.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 22. Tickets are $5 each and proceeds will go to support the Isanti and Kanabec TZD-Safe Roads programs for traffic safety initiatives.

TZD Coalition Member Denny O’Brien will emcee the event. All are invited to come to enjoy the evening of music and fun. The performance will be at the Wiese Auditorium, 208 Broadway Ave. S. in Braham.

For more information, contact Bob Bollenbeck, Isanti County TZD Coordinator, at 320-679-4065.

Captain’s is the place for fun this weekend

Join Captain’s on Long Lake in Isanti for these upcoming events:

Jan. 23: Andy Englund 50 Mile Vintage Snowmobile Race. Registration from 8-10 a.m. with Racing beginning at 11 a.m. Silent auctions and awards ceremony following the race.

Jan. 24: Arctic Plunge first Pancake Breakfast from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Jan. 30: Long Lake Association Ice Fishing Contest and Craft Show.

Feb. 7: Super Bowl Party. Sign up for the Bean Bag Contest at 3 p.m. Free prizes. Hors-d’oeuvres. Happy Hour drink specials.

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Lobster, Steak and Prime Rib specials. For reservations, call 763-444-5897.

Also in Feb. – Elvis is coming (date to be determined).

March 5: Artic Plunge and live bands.

Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday from 2-4 p.m.

Weekly specials include:

Monday: Enjoy 69 cent wings and Bingo.

Tuesday: Get tacos and play Texas Hold’em.

Wednesday: Men’s Night, Cribbage Night and Chef’s Choice.

Thursday: Bingo, Keys for Cash, and Ladies night. Enjoy a Juicy Lucy or All-U-Can-Eat Shrimp.

Fridays:  Meat Raffle at 6 p.m. Try the Prime Rib or All-U-Can-Eat Fried Fish.

Saturdays: Enjoy two eggs, two sausage patties, hash browns, toast and a Bloody Mary or a Screwdriver for $5 from 8-11 a.m. The Meat Raffle is at 4 p.m. In the evening, enjoy Prime Rib or All-U-Can-Eat BBQ Ribs.

Sunday: Try a half-chicken dinner for $9.50 from noon to 5 p.m.

Any day of the week: Enjoy eight pieces of broasted chicken to go for $9.75

Captain’s is located at 27821 Bay Shore Drive Northwest in Isanti. The restaurant is accessible by boat and snowmobile. A banquet hall for weddings and other large events is available. For more information, visit www.captainsonlonglake.com.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather.

A new outreach program at Spirit River United Methodist Church begins this month with the aim to have families cooking together for a healthier time together.

Enhancing familiarity with vegetables and budget-stretching healthy entrees in a practical course will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Mondays running from Jan. 25 to March 7 in the church’s large kitchen. There is a $25 fee, and baby-sitting will be available during sessions. It is a hope the course can meet needs of the area, especially for families with children receiving free or reduced lunches at school.

“The course is about getting kids involved in cooking, and I think that really sets a foundation for them to also be familiar with healthy food like vegetables and produce,” explained Lisa Wong of the University of Minnesota Extension during a Saturday morning planning session at the church.

“We want to make it non-threatening and easy in the kitchen, Just to have that hands-on opportunity we hope will be empowering and beneficial, instead of having the participants just watching someone else cook or getting a brochure. We’ll help them through the techniques of how to do it,” said co-organizer Becky Poppen.

“And each Monday night, they’re walking out the door with a full entree, cooked and ready for either the next night or for the freezer,” said Spirit River Pastor Jim Crecelius. “This church is about building our community, and this course fits that mission.”

Riverside Market of Isanti has jumped on board the cooking program, as well. The store will offer a 15-percent discount on selected dairy, produce and meat offerings for participants who complete the course.

The new cooking families also will receive a 15-recipe cookbook which reinforces the meal lessons in the course, along with a pantry starter kit made up of cooking staples.

This first session will aim to have nine families sign up to test the waters. Families may register by calling Spirit River UMC at 763-269-1548 or e-mailing srcumc@gmail.com.

Jeannie Winselman
SAC’s Enrichment Center

Are you concerned about memory problems? If so, please take advantage of the free, confidential memory screenings scheduled at SAC’s Senior Enrichment Center on Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. These screenings, administered by a registered nurse or a licensed social worker, only take about 10 minutes.

Memory screening entails a short series of basic questions and exercises that help to assess the status of your short-term memory. It is an important step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions. Test results, however, do not offer a diagnosis, but they reflect how well your short-term memory is functioning.

The results of memory screenings are confidential.  However, you can share them with your provider if you wish to do so. In addition to the screenings, there will be free educational materials on memory concerns, dementia, care giving and successful aging.

Screening is free and no appointment is necessary. So, if you are interested, feel free to stop by the Senior Enrichment Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10. All ages are welcome and refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, contact Audrey or Jeannie at 763-689-6555.

Events Happening at SAC’s Enrichment Center:

Friday, Jan. 22:

• Friday Breakfast Club is open from 7:30-9:30 a.m.

• Friday Lunch Club is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 25:

• 8:30 a.m. – Morning Stretch.

• 9:30 a.m. – Walking Wellness.

• 10 a.m. – Foot Care – Appointment only.

• 1 p.m. – Bridge Club.

Tuesday, Jan. 26:

• 10 a.m. – Adult Coloring.

• 10 a.m. – Knit & Stitch.

• 12:30 p.m. – Hand and Foot Cards.

Wednesday, Jan. 27:

• 8:30 a.m. – Morning Stretch.

• 9:30 a.m. – Cribbage.

• 1-3: p.m. – Genealogy .

SAC’s Friendship Café Hours:

Breakfast is served Monday through Thursday, 9-10:30 a.m. Lunch is served Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Upcoming Fundraising Event:

• Feb. 12: Valentine Friendship Fundraising Dinner will have two seatings at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Para Dawgs (formerly known as Just Old Dogs). Entertainment will also include a friendship photo booth. Tickets are $15 and are available at SAC’s Enrichment Center. It promises to be a fun evening.

A man wanted on a felony warrant out of Anoka County was apprehended and now faces new charges through the efforts of the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office and the Isanti Police Department.

Jack Edward Triemert, 19, of Isanti, was charged before Judge Amy Brosnahan Jan. 13 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with felony fifth-degree drug possession-subsequent conviction and misdemeanor pharmacy, possession of hypodermic syringes-needles.

Brosnahan set bail at $22,000 without conditions or $10,000 with conditions and Triemert’s next court appearance for Jan. 21.

Triemert was convicted of felony fifth-degree drug possession in Anoka County in December 2014 and received an amended sentence in December 2015 for a probation violation. Anoka County issued a warrant for his arrest on Dec. 31, 2015.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Jan. 11, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Deputy Sean Connolly of the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office was advised by dispatch that an individual with a felony warrant for drugs out of Anoka County was present at a residence along the 110 block of South Passage Southeast in Isanti. The individual was identified as Triemert.

Connolly, along with Investigator Dustin Noreen from the Isanti Police Department, went to the residence together as Triemert had a history of fleeing from law enforcement.

Connolly and Noreen went to the location and knocked on the door. They were allowed in and shown Triemert’s bedroom. The officers opened the door and observed Triemert sitting on the bed. Connolly asked Triemert to step out of the room and advised there was a felony warrant out for his arrest.

Triemert repeatedly kept putting his hands in the front pocket of his hoody and was advised to keep them in plain sight. Connolly then placed Triemert in handcuffs and asked if there was anything sharp or anything illegal on him. Triemert advised he had a syringe loaded with heroin in his front hoody pocket. Triemert also advised there was a spoon in plain view on the floor of his bedroom he used to heat up and load the heroin.

Both items were collected as evidence. The liquid in the syringe field tested positive for heroin.

Tickets are now available for the annual Scholardazzle Scholarship Fundariser, hosted by the Cambridge Community College Center Foundation, to support the students of Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus.

The Scholardazzle Scholarship Fundraiser will be held Friday, Jan. 29. There will be a social hour and music at 6 p.m. with dinner by LeFebvre’s Catering at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50.

“Students rely on the generous donations from this event to help them achieve their dreams of earning a college education,” said Foundation Executive Director Jamie Barthel. “Last year alone, the CCCC Foundation raised and awarded more than $65,000 to 70 local students studying at the college.”

The upcoming Scholardazzle event, scheduled Jan. 29, 2016 at the Spirit River Community Center in Isanti (formerly the Spectacular Events Banquet Center), will raise a large part of the scholarship money the foundation will award. Scholardazzle guests are treated to the best of local food, music, auctions, raffles and more.

“The first year the foundation hosted Scholardazzle in 2002, it raised a little more than $1,800,” Barthel said. “Last year it raised more than $54,000 goal. It is truly amazing what this community can and will do to support education.”

The foundation also wants to thank the major sponsors to date:

• Juanita Peterson.

• Marie Ann and Dr. Raymond Magnuson.

• Presbyterian Homes.

• Peoples Bank of Commerce.

• Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

• Anoka-Ramsey and Anoka Tech’s Professional and Workforce Training.

• Cambridge Medical Center – Allina Hospitals & Clinics.

• Carol and Evert Klingberg.

• John and Bonnie Schlagel.

• Knight Inspection Service.

• Newton Financial.

If your business is interested in sponsoring the event, contact Barthel at Jamie.Barthel@anokaramsey.edu or 763-422-6082.

For more information about the foundation at the Cambridge Campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, contact Foundation Development Director Diane Sibley at 763-433-1196 or DianeSibley.Andersen@anokaramsey.edu.

For Scholardazzle tickets, visit AnokaRamsey.edu/AdvancementEvents or https://anokaramsey-anokatechcommunity.org/Scholardazzle2016

Homeward Bound Theatre Company will offer “Juggling for Beginners,” on Saturdays, Feb. 6 through Feb. 20 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Cambridge-Isanti High School.

Third- through fifth-graders will discover the secrets of multi-object manipulation in this beginning class.

This hands-on, interactive workshop promises that you’ll leave the class having juggled. These sessions provide a safe, fun and supportive learning environment in which each and everyone succeeds.

For more information and-or cost of registration call Cambridge-Isanti Community Education at 763-689-6189 or register online at www.cambridge.k12.mn.us/~comm-ed/

Parents and guardians of upcoming kindergarteners are welcome to learn about Cambridge-Isanti Schools’ three kindergarten options for the 2016-17 school year.

1. Traditional Year Program.

2. Year Round Program (program dependent on student interest).

3. Spanish Immersion Program (program dependent on student interest).

You are invited to attend either of the following informational meetings (you do not have to attend the meeting at the school your child will be enrolled):

• 7 p.m., Jan. 28, 2016 at Cambridge Primary School.

• 7 p.m., Jan. 26, 2016 at Isanti Primary School.

Registration for kindergarten will be mailed to families on Feb. 1, 2016.