Stillwater Living September 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014

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THE VALLEY CHAMBER CHORALE

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE – PLAY & SING ON Valley Chamber Chorale | Music St. Croix | St. Croix Jazz Orchestra

October 4, 2014 at 7:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MNCome hear these talented organizations as we open our seasons by performing together - our gift to the community.

FREE SEASON KICK OFF

Carol Carver – Artistic Director

December 12 – 14, 2014Washington County Historic Courthouse, Stillwater, MN

I SING THE BIRTHFebruary 21, 2015

Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MN

A GERMAN REQUIEM

April 11 & 12, 2015Trinity Lutheran Church,

Stillwater, MN

A CELEBRATION OFAMERICAN MUSICAL THEATER

Receive an early bird discount on season

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Sponsored by: Sponsored by:

SEASON SPONSORSThis activity is funded, in part, by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund, and its arts and cultural heritage fund that was created by a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

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This monthly event for local mystery writers and their fans at the Dock Cafe always includes lively discussions and a great time. Call 651-430-3385 for your reservation.$10 includes delicious appetizers. 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Cash bar available.

217 North Main Street • Stillwater651-430-3385

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Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour

October 1-David Housewright

November 5-Judith Yates Borger

December 3-Jessie Chandler

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MAINSTREETNews and Views from the Valley

TERRA FIRMAEasy Adjustments for a Sustainable FutureBy Claudia Morgan


SEPTEMBER 2014

Departments

816

FeaturesSITUATIONAL POVERTYValley Outreach Supports Our CommunityPETER MCNIFF

20YES, YOGA ON WATERLocal fitness leader, Kim ThomasBY ANGELO GENTILE24

contentscontents

Cover photo, by Laurie Schneider


VOLUME 1, NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 2014

Peter McNiffPublisher and Editor [email protected]

Copy EditorMaureen McDonough

ANGELO GENTILECLAUDIA MORGAN

PETER MCNIFF

LAURIE SCHNEIDERLaurie Schneider Photograpy

STEVE (SHOWCASE) SKALMAN

HAWK

JEFF BAGGOT

editor’s note

Copyright 2014Watershed Publishing, Inc. all rights reserved.

Stillwater Living is published byWatershed Publishing, Inc.

P.O. Box 2302 Stillwater, MN 55082651-430-3143 [email protected]

Julie Bourman

Peter McNiff

Curtis Dale

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

e like to invest our time and attention on people or organizations that make a difference around here. We leave the large photos of someone’s

million dollar home addition or flawless nip or tuck “enhancements” to other publications. We’re more or less focused on what we feel fits our audience and “caring for our community” seems a fit.

This issue brings a look into the seasonal art fairs, festivals and gallery openings in our Mainstreet section. New Horizon Academy has a great story to tell in the world of school readiness and early childhood learning – we’re fortunate to have them located in our community.

Terra Firma makes its final appearance in our pages this issue with an extended look into Perma Culture. We did run an overview last issue, but it wasn’t enough information on the topic so we stayed with it this issue too. Many thanks to Claudia Morgan for spending so much time with in preparing this series or articles.

It is our great pleasure to support the work of Tracy Maki and her staff at Valley Outreach. The genuine enthusiasm she radiates about the mission of serving others is encouraging and on another level it is motivational. She leads a great staff and hundreds of volunteers with a rare and tireless positive disposition that I can only hope is contagious to those around her – I know it was for me.

Most of us struggle to hold a yoga pose while on a matt that is lying on the solid ground of a studio floor. How do you think you would do if you were asked to hold that same pose on a standup paddleboard? Kim Thomas is convinced that you should give it a try – regardless of your level of yoga experience.

We chose the above Maya Angelou quote from all of the other worthy quotes because it seems to support the feature stories in this issue. How will you feel about yourself after practicing yoga (or other thoughtful exercise practice) and how do you feel about yourself and your life circumstances after helping folks in need? While the way most people interpret Ms. Angelou’s quote focuses on how we make others feel, we decided that it can apply to how the choices we make can have an impact on how we feel about ourselves too.

WSEPTEMBER 2014

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Lux is about giving you what you need - whether it’s general maintenance and repair on your daily driver, metal work on your custom hotrod, or finding you a few more ponies. Whatever you need, Lux has the staff, training, and equipment to handle your ride.

• Free Admission & BBQ• Silent Auction• Door Prizes

14382 60th St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082 • (651) 493-3895

www.luxautoworksmn.com

Car ShowSept 2112-5 pm

Exhibitors-contact [email protected] to register.

All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue.Adoptable dogs will be present!

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letters to the editor

Weight Loss Story – Really?

I didn’t like the presentation of the material in the “Weight Loss the Right Way” story in your August issue. It seems at every possible turn the clinic was given a plug. Did you get any information from anyone that didn’t feel it was a good program? More balance would be appreciated.

You have such a marvelous publication, and have had such a marvelous publication for years and years, don’t let the clinic get away with this sort of thing.

Daniel JLake Elmo

AUGUST 2014

dog daysof summer


20 STILLWATER LIVING AUGUST 2014

my Hollerud’s successful weight-loss journey began several years ago with

a near-fatal car crash.

On an August day in 2007, she was driving her Ford Expedition along I-694 near

Century Avenue in White Bear Lake. Another motorist—a young male driver

who was texting—was entering 694 from Century. He was so distracted by his

texting that he crossed three lanes of traffic. He cut off Holerud, who was in the

far left lane, smashed into her SUV and drove her into the ditch. Holerud’s vehicle

bounced back up out of the ditch, and was hit again, several times, at freeway

speeds, by the same motorist. Holerud’s SUV then flipped and rolled end-over-

end landing on the other side of the freeway on its wheels. Only to be rammed by

a semi-trailer truck.

The car accident left Holerud with a prolonged recovery to overcome major health

and physical challenges, including back problems, a temporary brain injury and

chronic headaches.

Holerud, who lives in Oakdale and works in the banking industry, went through

two years of physical therapy through HealthEast, her health-care provider. She

ended up gaining 80 pounds because her physical movement was restricted and

she could no longer exercise. Weight gain became a major health issue.

She tried several weight-loss methods to no avail. She would lose some weight, at

one time as much as 40 pounds, but would end up gaining it back. “I tried (losing

weight) on my own but it just didn’t work,” Holerud recalls.

Then, last December, she complained of a ringing in the ears, and it seemed “like

I could hear my heart beat.” She said she and her husband were concerned that

this was from her head injury and so she wanted to get this checked out.

Because of her health problems, she had already been making regular visits

to Dr. Jennifer Landers, who is a family physician and Site Medical Director at

HealthEast’s Stillwater Clinic. The ringing in the ears turned out to be Tinnitus.

Mayoclinic.org states that Tinnitus is a common problem, though it isn’t a

condition itself — it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related

hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder, and usually not a sign of

something serious.

But to get to that diagnosis, Landers conducted a thorough examination of

Holerud: EKG (electrocardiogram), MRI, CT Scan, full blood work and so on.

In that series of visits, Landers also found that Holerud had high blood pressure,

a new condition for her, for which Landers prescribed blood pressure medication,

Lisinopril. Landers also determined that Holerud had pre-diabetes.

With all of these issues in mind: the added weight that wasn’t coming off, the

high blood pressure and the pre-diabetes, Landers talked with Holerud about a

new weight loss program that HealthEast was bringing to the Stillwater Clinic, in

partnership with the medical provider’s Ways to Wellness program. “Dr. Landers

said I’d be a perfect candidate for this new program,” Holerud says. “ I said

‘sounds good.’”

Weight Loss

the Right Way

A new, customized program that treats the ‘whole person.’

By Angelo Gentile

Images by Laurie Schneider

Dogs Rule

Stillwater is such a great dog community, thank you for having some fun with dogs and their owners in the last issue. My husband and I really enjoyed reading the Q & A stories that were framed from a dog’s perspective – what a hoot.

Please don’t do this with cats, they just aren’t the same. Although we would still read it because you and your staff seem to have such a creative way of sharing community stories that we would feel compelled to read it if you did – but please don’t.

Ruth M.Stillwater


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NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE VALLEY


on’t struggle with the changing seasons, enjoy them. As the beautiful tree lined river turns from green to an array of colors, get out there and

soak it up. Head north for a top-shelf dining experience aboard one of the paddle wheel boats near Taylors Falls. What a delightful way to spend an early fall evening with your buddies. Enjoy a made-from-scratch delicious meal, live entertainment and the beauty of the St. Croix along the dells. Each trip includes a narrated scenic tour of the history and the rock formations along the river.

Check out this rockin menu: Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, carved to order, with baked potato accompanied by

butter and sour cream, or Boneless Breast of Chicken on a bed of wild rice served with a mushroom & brie sauce. But wait, there is more - both entrees are served with assorted breads, caesar salad, vegetables and dessert. How can you go wrong?

September 26th and 27th$38.75 (per person)$29.95 (children 3-12)651-465-6315www.wildmountain.com/boats-home

DFall Color Cruise

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Still-H2O has all your winemaking needs covered from yeast, additives, puree, corks,

bottles and more.

Still-H2O also carries a large selection of RJ Spagnols & Winexpert winemaking kits.

Stop in or shop at our new online store-www.still-h20.com

1266 W. Frontage Rd.

Valley Ridge Mall

651-351-2822

The fall winemaking season is upon us. Art & Jazz

Festival


Our local chamber of commerce has really stepped up their game in managing events downtown Stillwater. The Fall Colors Fine Art and Jazz festival is a great example of an event that has once again found its sweet spot.

The roster of vendors has shifted away from resellers and craft stuff to fine art and premium jewelry. When you factor in the quality music and sweet smelling foods that waft through the air, this event becomes a home run with over 70 fine art exhibitors.

Early October is fairly predictable weather-wise, so grab your sweetie or buddies and head downtown one last time before you’ll need a winter jacket. Mick Sterling, Crankshaft, RAMM and Gypsy Mania Hot Club are the scheduled musical acts running from noon to five each day.

October 4th and 5th10:00 AM to 5:00 PMwww.stillwaterfallartfair.com

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Health & Healing on North Main


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402 North Main St., Isaac Staples Building • studiooneyoga.com • 651-280-7155

October Challenge25 Classes in 30 Days

Desch Building333 N. Main StreetStillwater, MN 55082

Suite 203: Olson Acupuncture Group-Amy Olson, Licensed Acupuncturist-Dave Saum, Licensed Acupuncturist-Faith Skogstad, Licensed Acupuncturist

Amy OlsonLicensed Acupuncturist651-430-0018

Suite 204:Rivertown Psychology, PLLCElaine B. Sexton, Ph.D.Licensed Psychologist651-271-4163

Healing River ChiropracticDr. Kellie Seth651-439-3737

Rosen Method BodyworkKellie Cottrill651-491-5259kelliecottrill.com

Suite 205:River Woods Counseling ServicesCamille Kulka, M.S., Licensed PsychologistLiz Mau, M.S., Licensed PsychologistDorothy Deetz, MST, St. Croix Valley Massage651-430-2212riverwoodscounseling.com

Staples Mill402 Main St NorthStillwater, MN 55082

Mama Luna Natural Apothecary, LLCKiva Sherr-Nelson, Ownermamalunastore.com651- 342-0729

Studio One Yoga and MassageDariush and Sarah Moslemi, Ownersstudiooneyoga.com

Trumi TrainingSuite 330844-MYTRUMI

402 North Main StreetSuite 330Belle BalletCheri Bell, Director651-343-8750

450 North Main StreetStillwater, MN 55082

Stillwater Acupuncture & NutritionJesse Katzman, Licensed Acupuncturist stillwateracupuncturenutrition.com


Art Fair Season14th Annual Rustic Road 13 Pottery Event & SaleSaturday, September 20 10:00 am - 6:00 pmSunday, September 21 11:00 am - 5:00 pm1148 Troutbrook Road, Hudson, WIwww.rusticroad13pottery.com

Abnet Farm Art Show & SaleSaturday, September 20 10:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 21 10:00 am - 5:00 pm16885 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater, MNwww.abnetfarmartshow.wordpress.com

Marine Art FairSaturday, September 20 10:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 21 10:00 am - 5:00 pmHistoric Downtown Marine on St. Croix, MNwww.marineonstcroix.org/artfair

Franconia Art & Artist Celebration - Saturday onlySaturday, September 20 10:00 am - 9:00 pm19836 St. Croix Trail, Franconia, MNwww.franconia.orgRu

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36th Annual Afton Art in the ParkSaturday, September 27 10:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 28 11:00 am - 4:00 pmTown Square Park, Aftonwww.aftonartfair.com

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival in HudsonSaturday, September 27 10:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 28 10:00 am - 4:00 pmLakefront Park, Hudson, WIwww.sayhellotohudson.com

Guillermo Cuellar Pottery Fall SaleSaturday, September 27 9:00 am - 6:00 pmSunday, September 28 9:00 am - 6:00 pm18855 263rd Street, Shafer, MNwww.guillermopottery.com

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can’t wait for school to start!” All parents love to hear those words. There is no greater comfort than knowing your child is ready for school, confident to participate and eager to learn more.

At New Horizon Academy Stillwater, located on Neal Ave. near Kowalski’s, the teaching staff is fully committed to preparing children for success in elementary school. Each year New Horizon Academy’s staff of experts designs a custom curriculum that is based on the latest, most respected research in how children learn and how the brain develops.

“We are proud to offer families in the Valley the highest quality early childhood education programs,” says Cara Johnson Bader, Director of Parent Experiences at New Horizon Academy. “Our dedicated teaching staff nurtures skills that help children learn, think and interact in the upcoming school year and for the rest of their lives.”

Proven Curriculum Success in school takes more than academic proficiency. That’s why New Horizon Academy’s curriculum addresses the needs of the whole child. By emphasizing social-emotional development as well as literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts, children learn that they are bright, capable, and ready for school. Curriculum features include:

The HighReach Learning® Curriculum incorporates hands-on teaching to help children become problem solvers and lifelong learners. Teachers tap into children’s natural curiosity to help them learn and gain confidence.

The SEEDS of Early Literacy Emergent Literacy Program The tools necessary for reading can be taught well before elementary school. Developed by the University of Minnesota, SEEDS features a literacy-rich environment and incorporates fun, pre-reading activities into children’s daily routine.

ez Write TM HANDWRITING is the hands-on way that children learn to read. ez Write teaches handwriting by incorporating art, music and physical education. This easy to use method is proven effective for all learning styles.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)New Horizon Academy uses fun and fascinating lessons to introduce concepts so children become comfortable with science and math before elementary school. “My son loves every minute of the day at New Horizon Academy Stillwater,” said Jaci Kunkel, New Horizon Academy Stillwater parent. “We are constantly amazed at the things he learns. I am so proud when I hear him say new words and then stop and figure out what letter the word starts with. We know our son will be more than prepared for Kindergarten!”

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School Readiness StudyEach year New Horizon Academy conducts an extensive School Readiness Study to evaluate its curriculum, and the results confirm its programs are working. According to the latest study, New Horizon Academy students scored significantly above the state average in all learning domains. For example, 88 percent of New Horizon Academy preschool graduates were fully prepared in mathematics, versus 52 percent statewide.

New Horizon Academy Stillwater has been awarded 4 stars, the highest rating, from Parent Aware, Minnesota’s quality rating system for early childhood education programs. The center is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“Because of our continuing love, belief, and dedication to children, New Horizon Academy has flourished into one of the most respected early childhood development programs in the nation,” said Johnson-Bader. “I invite area families to visit our beautiful Stillwater school to learn more about how we can help their child succeed.” New Horizon Academy Stillwater offers programs for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Fulltime, part-time, and flexible schedules are offered to accommodate the needs of working families


Stillwater New Horizon Academy5903 Neal Avenue North

www.NewHorizonStillwater.net651-209-0093

Hours: M-F, 6 am to 6:30 pm


terra firma

e touched on some of the over arching principles of Permaculture in the July Terra Firma article. There is no question that this is a

huge subject with many important aspects so let’s break it down further and look at some areas where we can make a difference. This way we can better see how we, as global citizens, can incorporate Permaculture into our lives and our communities.

By using the 12 fundamental principles of permaculture as set forth in the books listed in the resource section at the end of this article, we can grow food just about anyplace in the world. We can repair toxic soils and environmental damage as well as produce power, design green buildings using sustainable practices and materials and thereby build

real community. The 3 Permaculture Ethics set forth by its founder, Bill Mollison will help guide our actions and choices: These principles are:

1. People Care2. Earth Care3. Share the surplus

Let’s use these values to design an artful way to live simple, productive and healthy lives. We can turn waste into resources, increase productivity and yields, and maximize effort all while preserving people and nature. When we approach all life with respect and create thoughtful plans,

By Claudia Morgan, photo by Laurie Schneider

WEasy Adjustments for a Sustainable Future


we also create a sustainable future for generations to come.Throughout history, humans have always been capable of re-designing the world we inhabit. It takes desire, skill, will, and time. Some processes take longer than others but it’s proven that over time, the healthy contributions each of us make can contribute a lasting positive effect.

Two interesting facts to inspire us: The ratio of tensile strength-to-density of spider silk is approximately 5 times greater than that of steel, while a single thread, wrapped around the earth, would weigh only 1 pound.

The amount of sunlight that intersects our earth in 40 minutes is equivalent to the total, global-annual-consumption of energy.

Given these facts, we now are compelled to ask ourselves: 'If there is that much energy available, and if a spider can make something that strong simply by eating it’s normal protein diet, what can we create for ourselves and our communities if we work with the amazing natural systems that exist in our world?' Indeed!

The goal of permaculture is to create harmonious relationships with all aspects of our life, to learn how to live in abundance and health without hurting or polluting our

surroundings thereby leaving the planet in better condition than when we arrived on it.

One easy way to start is to incorporate ornamental plants into your landscape and vegetable gardens. These attract pollinators and other beneficial insects so in essence, the veggies are not only pollinated but you have built in pest control. This is also known as IPM or Integrated Pest management. Plus, it attracts birds and increases their habitat, which increases their numbers. All positive outcomes for very little effort! Some examples of bird friendly woody ornamentals for our area are winterberry, elderberry, sumac, barberry, hydrangea and viburnum. Easy-care ornamental herbaceous plants that attract a variety of beneficial insects and are readily available are alyssum, sedums, chives, arugula, cilantro and thyme. Another bonus is that these plants are very drought tolerant, as are most herbs. They will grow in poor soils and will improve these soils over time. Planting the right tree in the right location can also foster a positive relationship with our surroundings and provide cover and habitat for our feathered friends and other valuable creatures.

One of the most important aspects of Permaculture is the principle of “waste not, want not”. Much of the conventional agriculture systems in place in the US and abroad provide

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significant yields. But after considering the toll on the earth through the continued use of pesticides, tons of chemical fertilizers and the resulting loss of topsoil via erosion and wind due to depleted soils, it turns out that only the availability of cheap fossil fuels has kept it going. Permaculture relies on local solutions and small-scale endeavors rather than the industrial approaches that are undermining the health of our planet. In a truly sustainable system, waste does not exist because this system emulates Mother Nature where there is no waste. Natural systems try to use it all and one healthy environment sets the stage for another and another through the recycling of dead materials into more nutrients for the future.

Water is arguably the most precious resource on earth. We can all collect some from our roofs in rain barrels, but the way to save it is to have it soak in and not run off into our driveways and storm sewers, lakes and rivers. Soil amendments that are beneficial to incorporate into the soil that help your gardens and landscapes retain and hold that much-needed moisture are sphagnum peat, vermiculite and compost. This way, rain will eventually make its way into the aquifers to replenish our valuable supply. A 3” covering of mulch can insulate your gardens and protect the plants from extreme changes in temperatures, eliminate evaporation and eventually break down to nourish the soil. Mulch is also an effective weed block.

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Plant your veggie gardens in blocks rather than rows to use less water and resources. Choose your sites carefully so that plants can work together to create both food and beauty. Plant edible flowers to attract pollinators into the garden and add a punch of flavor and color to your salads. Diversity in plant choices keeps things interesting as well as adding variety that will help balance your home scale system. In the face of climate change, this not only makes economic sense but also adds resiliency in the case of failures, which may actually help ensure our survival as a species!

In closing, ask yourself what changes you can make to create more harmonious living systems for you and your family and how you can learn to cultivate and understand the relationships that sustain our amazing planet. Observe the ecosystems that surround you! Creating balanced relationships with yourselves, families and communities in the natural world will return to sustain and nourish both body and soul and be a healthy contribution for generations to come.

Claudia Morgan has been in the green industry for over 20 years and is a certified Nursery and Landscape Professional. She co-owns Gardenside Landcaping.

Resources:

Gaia’s Garden, A Guide to Home Permaculture, Toby Heminway

The Vegetable Gardeners Guide to Permaculture: Creating an Edible Ecosystem, Christopher Shein


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his community is blessed with an abundance of civic-minded residents who regularly give of their time and talent for the greater good. Given the

overall prosperity of the area, it would be reasonable to assume that much of the volunteer time our neighbors engage in happens in other communities. We are not, after all, the blighted urban core or the desolate and isolated rural tundra – our picturesque little hamlet neatly tucked away along the banks of the scenic St. Croix has stood the test of time.

We’ve all seen the headline stating that Washington County is either the wealthiest county or one of the wealthiest counties in Minnesota, which is a statistic that could suggest that we don’t have a huge need for a food shelf, emergency fund or clothing assistance.

Wealth has a funny way of concentrating over time and the last thirty years the concentration of wealth has been more or less turbo driven into fewer and fewer of us. The middle class has all but disappeared across the nation and our historic downtown and scenic waterway continues to be shared by the haves and the have nots.

Our community does not have an inordinate percentage of section eight housing tenants or food stamp recipients. We don’t have panhandlers waiting at traffic signals along Hwy 95 or Hwy 36 offering to wash your windshield and the local government does a very good job of dealing with properties that fall into disrepair. On the surface we look like a pretty well-to-do community. What lies just below the surface is a pressure to survive, an anxiety that didn’t used to exist in such volume.

T

Situational ReliefValley Outreach Supports Our CommunityBy Peter McNiff, photos by Laurie Schneider

460,000 meals

distributed


Too many families across this country, state and here in northern Washington County are stretching pennies to make ends meet. The anxiety comes from the knowledge that if one thing goes wrong, they will be in trouble. If the annual physical exposes a previously unknown issue, if the family’s one car gets rear ended while bringing mom to her second job or if the old furnace finally gives out.

“We see situational poverty – we catch many people where there is a gap, or before the spiral descends further.” Says Tracy Maki, Valley Outreach executive director, “our greatest increase in client numbers does not stem from chronic, generational poverty, but from individuals and families who are not quite making it or who are temporarily unemployed. They will use our services or food shelf for a few months and then get right back on their feet.” Most of us could one day need this kind of support, albeit temporary.

The jobless recovery from the great recession has many of our neighbors walking a razor thin line between just squeaking by to make ends meet and the loathsome series of events that follow a car accident, loss of wages or severe illness. If your income stream is upset for a time or evaporates completely – how does one pay the rent or feed and cloth the kids? Most of us don’t have independent family wealth that would carry the day for us. Tracy and her staff at Valley Outreach have the tools necessary to help folks in need of piecing their life back together.

$1.00 donated equals $10.00 buying power to purchase food.

Left to right: Liz Stone (Director of Programs), Kateri Routh (Director of Operations), Suzanne Lindquist (Volunteer Coordinator), Julie Froslan (Food Shelf/Clothing Closet Manager). Seated: Tracy Maki (Executive Director).

Missing: Kris Huntley (Resource Liaison) and Cynthia Frederick (Emergency Fund Coordinator).


HERE IS A SNAPSHOT OF OUR NEIGHBORS WHO NEED HELP AND SUPPORT…

VALLEY OUTREACH CLIENTS• Reside in ISD 834• 75% live at or below Federal Poverty Guideline (family of 4 = $23,550)• Nearly 40% are children - 10% are seniors• 20% are physically or mentally challenged• 50% are employed at one or more jobs, yet are unable to earn a livable wage• Students receiving free/reduced-price lunch in the Stillwater Area School district is currently at 16% or 1,321 kids.

The mission statement reads as follows – “Valley Outreach is a bridge between the crisis of the moment and the solution of the future. We help our St. Croix Valley neighbors in need of food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, and other support while respecting their individual dignity and offering them encouragement and hope.” I think that last part could make all the difference in the world for a typical client. Could you imagine if your world fell apart and you went to the food shelf only to feel judged and looked down upon? Tracy and her staff feel VERY strongly that no matter the circumstance, all clients deserve to be treated with

dignity and respect. As I walked through the facility for this story I felt energized by the staff and volunteers and I did see a smile or two on the faces of clients. We are fortunate to have Tracy’s leadership working for us here at Valley Outreach.

The Food Shelf is by far the largest and perhaps most well known of the three programs offered by Valley Outreach. For over 30 years they have been providing 7 to 10 days worth of groceries to neighborhood families. Today we know so much more than we did even just a few years ago about what comprises a healthy diet and how much a meal plan can effect our overall health and energy level. The staff cares about their clients and treats each client with genuine respect and support with each interaction. They offer a “choice” model where clients are able to select from a range of options for their family’s specific needs.

The Clothing Closet can have a “turning point” impact for people struggling with the harsh reality of poverty. The day to day grind of stretching pennies has a way of demoralizing some and leaving most just feeling lousy. Clean, gently used clothing for men, women and children could be difference in a child remaining warm at the bus stop to a parent feeling a little better about one self in a job interview. These nuances are not lost on the staff or any of the regular volunteers that support the clients of Valley Outreach.

Programs run on the time and commitment of over 1,000 volunteers

A spirited ‘Chopped’ style cooking competition will highlight Food Shelf ingredients at the 1st Annual Feed the Valley Cook’s Challenge. The fast-paced, mission-focused event will be hosted by KSTP Meteorologist Dave Dahl and held on Friday, October 24, 2014, at the Grand Banquet Hall in Stillwater. Throughout the event guests will cheer on Twin Cities culinary arts students as they prepare an entrée using ingredients taken directly from the Food Shelf.

“It’s not uncommon for people to think all we have is canned soup and Ramen noodles, a warehouse of limited, and sometimes, unappetizing items, “ says Executive Director Tracy Maki. “However, we promote fruits, vegetables, whole grains and a broad range of healthy food choices. Won’t it be great to showcase what we can offer? We have a fresh herb garden, an abundance of fresh produce and a wide variety of choices, which incidentally, include Ramen noodles! Through this event, we can turn that outdated notion of unappetizing food shelf choices on its head and really highlight the quality of what we have available. It will be so much fun to see what the culinary students create!”

During the Feed the Valley Cook’s Challenge guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, lively Dessert Dash, 100-bottle Wine Pull and unique live auction; all while helping Valley neighbors in need.

Valley Outreach Cook’s ChallengeFriday, October 24, 2014Grand Ballroom6:00pm – 9:00pm$75 per personhttp://www.valleyoutreach.org

The Emergency Fund is commonly though to be the “first stop for the next step,” and works to supports clients

basic and critical needs so that they can become self-sustaining

again. Funds are disbursed directly to a client’s service providers, which

often keep a family in their home or to cover utility services, transportation or health care coverage, etc.

None of this can be easy for clients of Valley Outreach, but it’s reassuring to know that it is in place and it is very well managed. No resource is wasted, respectful service and innovation are the orders of the day. Go check out the Valley Outreach web site to learn more about donating or volunteering – if you can spare a few bucks they will put it to good use and if you have a few idle hours in your week, they will put you to good use.

www.valleyoutreachmn.org

Peter McNiff is editor and publisher of Stillwater Living magazine.

1,000 families clothed through the clothing closet


Yes, Yoga on WaterLocal fitness leader combines standup paddleboarding and yoga

By Angelo GentilePhotos by Laurie Schneider

hink of it as floating yoga, says Kim Thomas.

A vibrant, high-energy, certified yoga teacher, Thomas is combining two workouts currently surging in popularity—standup paddleboarding and yoga—into one activity that offers participants an uncommon workout mixing balance, focus, mindfulness and core body work.

And the scenic, outdoor, natural setting of Square Lake north of Stillwater, where Thomas’ standup paddleboard yoga classes are offered, becomes an added bonus. “It serves as my floating yoga studio,” She says with a smile.

Thomas, 45, who also is a certified paddleboard instructor, owns Stillwater-based Brown Dog Paddleboard Co., and has been teaching yoga for three years. She’s also a Reiki master and does other forms of energy work. Plus, since last year, she has been renting out standup paddleboards to the public from her 16 by 7 mobile trailer unit. She also provides standup paddleboard lessons and now, more recently, leads the combined standup paddleboard yoga.

“I love teaching yoga and, when I got into the paddleboarding, I could see this is pretty awesome stuff and I could see how it fits with my other interests,” she says. “It flowed seamlessly into my other work.”

Thomas’ main gig is teaching “land-based” yoga at Stillwater-area destinations such as Studio One Yoga and Massage and the River Valley Athletic Club, and outdoor yoga through a partnership with the Washington County Parks and Recreation Department. During the summer, she offers an evening, sunset paddle on Tuesdays at Square Lake, and then a weekly, Sunday paddleboard yoga class (Visit www.browndogpaddleboard.com for a complete schedule).

Beyond the classes that Thomas leads, Brown Dog Paddleboard Co. also has found a niche in offering paddleboard group events. As Brown Dog’s website explains, groups can include birthday parties, corporate team-building, celebrations, wedding parties, sports teams, families or other social group outings.

T


Popular separately—and now togetherYoga’s popularity continues to soar.

Several fitness sources point out that yoga stretches your muscles, tones your body and refreshes your mind. The practice of yoga was born 4,000 years ago in India, and its wholistic approach to fitness is a key reason for yoga’s continued popularity. These days, yoga studios are as ubiquitous as Starbucks coffee shops. Classes are everywhere, too, from community centers to high-end fitness clubs.

Plus, the various types of yoga seem to be multiplying: Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot, Restorative, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Power Yoga, Yoga Fusion—the list goes on.

Meanwhile, standup paddleboarding is gaining loyal fans and followers. Over just the last few years, lake enthusiasts in growing numbers have started heading out on the water with these boards. Visit any metro or Minnesota lake these days and you’ll see just how quickly the activity is spreading. Notably, this sport actually launched decades ago, in the 1940s, Yoga Journal reports, when Waikiki surfers in Hawaii stood on boards and navigated their way through the waves with a long paddle.

The mingling of these two popular workouts, then, seemed destined to occur.


How it worksThe act of paddleboarding itself is a “yoga act,” explains Thomas. “When you are on the board and on the water, the feeling is very therapeutic and healing, it feels like yoga, just paddling around. And the board looks like a yoga mat. Plus, you really have to be ‘present’ so you don’t fall in. You are deeply in touch with your surroundings, your strength and your balance, all of the things that yoga incorporates.”

Thomas says she opts for a modified Hatha or Vinyasa type of yoga for her standup paddleboard yoga, which is a more active style, with a variety of poses, stretches, lots of movements and a focus on strengthening one’s overall balance and “the core.” However, Thomas says she doesn’t strictly adhere to either style for the paddleboard yoga class, opting for elements of those styles along with “an organic process fitted to the elements and the students present.” Up to 12 people can attend these courses, and Thomas says classes usually include all different levels of abilities—neophytes to seasoned veterans.

The class starts out with standup paddleboard instruction, some on land, some on the water, and then the group heads out, from one end of Square Lake to the other end, a portion of the lake that’s shallower and remote, away from beaches and people.

After this initial 30-minute paddle across the lake, the group throws in their anchors to hold their boards, and then they go through a full yoga sequence, which lasts about 45 minutes. Then, the group paddles back on a more direct route, taking just 15 minutes or so to return. Total class time runs about 90 minutes.

Beyond the weekly Sunday public class, Thomas is also on the water three or four times a week with private groups or so-called “social paddle” gatherings (these are separate from the group events). In the winter, standup paddleboard yoga moves inside to the pool at the River Valley Athletic Club.

Laura Erickson, Washington County Parks and Recreation Coordinator, says the paddleboard and paddleboard yoga programs “have taken off, people are crazy for it, saying the experience on Square Lake is superior to others they have tried.”

Speaking from personal experience as a class participant, Erickson says the combination of standup paddleboarding and yoga is a “ tough workout because your whole body is engaged, every muscle in your body is engaged.” She’s quick to add though, that this shouldn’t discourage the beginner because “Kim is very accommodating for beginners. You just have to know how to swim because you might fall in.”

By the way, falling off one’s board into the water is fairly common, whether just paddleboarding or doing the paddleboard yoga workout. This may be especially the case, Thomas says, for those who are just learning or if it is a windy day. As Brown Dog’s website reassures, “all boarders are provided a life vest and are attached to the board with a leash. You just climb back on!”

Happy studentsLaurel Cobb has high praise for mixing yoga and standup paddleboarding, and for Kim Thomas’ teaching methods. “She’s fun, energetic, enthusiastic and she makes you feel comfortable so that the challenges are fun and not high pressure.”

Additionally, Cobb appreciates Thomas showing participants how a yoga pose is done differently on a paddleboard as opposed to land, incorporating considerations of balance and mindfulness. “If you’re distracted, you’ll lose your balance and fall in.” Cobb happily reports she hasn’t fallen in—yet.

Cobb, who lives between Forest Lake and Scandia and who works as a library media specialist in Osseo, especially enjoys combining the mindfulness of these two activities with being out in nature, “so you are very aware of how you are feeling floating on water and not dry land, it’s just a totally different experience, it adds a whole other component of mindfulness.”

On a more practical level, Cobb also likes the portability of a paddleboard as opposed to other watercraft such as a canoe. “You don’t have to put a big canoe up on your car, and they (paddleboards) are easier to maneuver on the lake.”

She adds that Thomas’ Brown Dog Paddleboard Co. rents out high quality boards and paddles, “which is great for a beginner, to learn on a more stable board. This makes a big difference and makes it a lot more fun.”

Another student, Catherine Solheim, a Stillwater resident, concurs with Cobb’s positivity, especially regarding Kim Thomas. “It’s really an amazing experience” and a lot of it has to do with Thomas, Solheim says. “She’s high energy but also kind-hearted” in her approach. “She’s a great teacher and really makes people feel comfortable on the paddleboards.”

A new passion and an unusal business nameCobb, Solheim and other happy students of Thomas’ yoga and paddleboard yoga classes might be surprised to learn that she was once a computer consultant, doing programming and other consulting for about 10 years before she quit to raise her three children.

When she was ready to return to work, she discovered she lacked the passion for computers she had previously possessed. Enter the yoga option. “I had been doing yoga when I wasn’t working,” Thomas says, so she decided to go back and get yoga teacher training and certification. “That really lit my fire and that was it…the paddleboarding is just an extension of that.” As she emphatically states on her website, her calling to start her business “was a desire, an undeniable calling from the heart!”

And what about that name of her business, the Brown Dog Paddleboard Company? Well, as Thomas explains it, she had been talking with her family about naming the company with some term that related to yoga, such as up dog or downward dog. Her husband suggested brown dog since, the family dog Charlie, “was sitting right there when we were brainstorming the name,” Thomas recalls. Hence, a business was born.

Angelo Gentile is a Minneapolis editor and writer.


reasons to try standup paddleboard yoga

The Huffington Post recently offered a long list of reasons to give standup paddleboard yoga a try. Here are five, excerpted from that article:• It’s a better workout. Since the platform is unstable, you have

to engage your core more for better balance.• It will refine your technique. For example, during downward

dog, • if you have more weight on one side, your board will let you

know.• It’s more calming. The sensation of floating helps to alleviate

the • heaviness of life.• It’s empowering. Standing up on a paddleboard gives you a

unique perspective of both the water and the horizon. It’s as close as you can get to walking on water, and the possibility of falling helps practitioners really focus on themselves and their poses.

• It’s more challenging. When the board is your mat, there’s less room for error. If you feel you’ve started to master your normal yoga class, it’s time you tried this.

Source: Huffington Post

For More InformationAre you ready for standup paddleboard yoga? To read more about this mingling of workouts, to find schedules for classes and other paddleboard events, and to learn more about Kim Thomas’ yoga and healing services, visit these websites:Brown Dog Paddleboard Co.:www.browndogpaddleboard.com

Washington County Parks and Recreation:www.co.washington.mn.us/parks

Kim Thomas:www.kimthomashealing.com

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perspective

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS LOCATION? Win a dinner for two! Email the correct location to [email protected] by the end of this month. A lucky winner will be drawn from a pool of correct answers. Each month we will run a new Perspective, so don’t get discouraged if this one stumped you. Congratulations to last month’s winner, Jess Thomlinson of Stillwater. When your curiosity overwhelms you, visit curtisdale.com or facebook.com/CurtisDaleCreations each month to discover the location of this month’s picture.

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Stillwater Living September 2014