GriefShare starts Jan. 2Hope Covenant Church will

offer “GriefShare,” a 13-week support group to help those who have suffered the death of a loved one. The session will begin Wednesday, Jan. 2 and meet every Wednesday night from 6:15-8 p.m. at the church at 336 4th Ave. S. in St. Cloud. To register, call 257-4673. More information can be found at GriefShare.org.

Resurrection hosts blood drive Dec. 28

Resurrection Lutheran Church will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28 at the church, located at 610 N. County Road 2 in St. Joseph.

Give one last gift this holi-day season, give blood. Make an appointment to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

For more information, see www.thenewsleaders.com.

‘Christmas in barn’sets two services

The 6th annual “Christmas in the Barn” service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 at the home of Chad and Amy Leither, approximately 4 miles north of Cold Spring on County Road 2. Signs will be posted.

This unique service offers a simple narration and re-en-actment of the Christmas story with familiar hymns, hand-made ice candles, hot apple ci-der and the rustic atmosphere of an old barn. Attendees are encouraged to dress appro-priately and bring blankets if needed, as the barn is not heated.

For more information, con-tact Peace Lutheran Church at (320) 685-7656 or peacelu-thelca@gmail.com.

Newsleader closedDec. 21-28

The Newsleader office will be closed Dec. 21-28. A Dec. 28 edition will not be published. The office will reopen on Dec. 31 and will resume weekly publications beginning Jan. 4.

St. Joseph

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by TaLeiza Callowaynews@thenewsleaders.com

Marilyn Krzenski is not a si-lent shopper. When the St. Jo-seph resident thinks of some-thing, she has to share it.

Her latest suggestion to add jam sessions to the Minnesota Street Market is one she recently shared with store officials and in less than a week they embraced it. As customers stroll in on Tues-day nights, they will now hear original tunes from musicians playing near the front of the store.

When Krzenski’s son, David Krzenski, heard of the jam-ses-sion idea, he was not surprised. His mother is always coming up with cool ideas, he said, and the fact they were supported is even more exciting. David, 24, has been playing the guitar since he was in fourth grade. He now plays a six-string. He participated in the first jam session and is eager for the sessions to catch on in the community.

“Just getting the music com-

Co-op adds jam sessions to the market

Local resident turns poetby TaLeiza Callowaynews@thenewsleaders.com

Charles “Charlie” Preble doesn’t have too far to look for poetic inspiration. The 76-year-old retired pastor can simply reflect on the woods and fields that surround his blue farm-house in St. Joseph Township or remember his many travels.

Preble recently published his first book of poetry, “The Ruffed Grouse.” He began writ-ing poetry at the age of 73. Writing a book was something he always wanted to do but felt he couldn’t, he said. While he was anxious about publishing the 46-page book of poetry, he said the ride has been worth it.

“It’s just been amazing,” Preble said of the response to the book. “It’s been a real

rush. Very gratifying.”He and his wife, Jana Boll-

man, have lived in rural Min-nesota since 1986 on a 19th-century farmstead surrounded by nature. It’s this place with its solitude, quiet and wilder-ness that inspires the writing and reading of poetry for him.

Preble didn’t find poetry. It found him. Bollman was taking a few writing classes in the Twin Cities a few years ago. He would ride along and wait for her in a coffee shop in the same location. She noticed he’d be writing as he waited, and she eventually convinced him to take a writing class as well. They took a class togeth-er a few years ago, and when it would come time for writ-

Community talks focus on new superintendentby TaLeiza Callowaynews@thenewsleaders.com

Intelligent. Culturally aware. Approachable. Transparent.

These are just some of the qualities parents and community members want to see in the next superintendent of St. Cloud Area

School District 742. At least this is what they told officials from School Exec Connect, a superin-tendent search firm, on Dec. 18.

“We’re really looking for com-mon threads in these sessions,” Greg Vandal said. “Diversity is a common thread that has come up in discussions.”

Some of the questions asked during input sessions Tuesday called on participants to list goals for the district in the next three years, the strengths and chal-lenges of the district in achieving these goals and questions they would ask the candidates if pos-sible.

“What is your relationship to people of color? How do you feel about immersion education? What are your thoughts on well-ness beyond physical education? Those are some of the questions attendees told search committee members to consider asking can-

contributed photo

Musicians Mikael Ballantine and David Krzenski (right) play music Dec. 4 during the first Tuesday night jam session at the Minnesota Street Market in St. Joseph.

photo by TaLeiza Calloway

St. Joseph Township resident Charles Preble reads a poem Dec. 14 from his first book of poems, “The Ruffed Grouse.”

Co-op • page 3

Poet • page 3

Superintendent • page 3

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com2

Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc.

P.O. Box 324 • 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph, Minn. 56374Phone (320) 363-7741 • Fax (320) 363-4195 • E-mail address: news@thenewsleaders.comPOSTMASTER: Send address changes to ST. JOSEPH NEWSLEADER, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374.

BP Gas StationCasey’s General StoreHoliday Gas StationKay’s Kitchen

The Local BlendSt. Joseph Meat MarketSt. Joseph Newsleader Office

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Contributing WritersTaLeiza Calloway

Cori Hilsgen

Design/LayoutTara Wiese

Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon

EditorDennis Dalman

AdvertisingSales AssistantKathryn Bjorke

DeliveryGlen Lauer

BlotterIf any readers have tips con-

cerning crimes, they should call the St. Joseph Police Department at 363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 255-1301 or access its tip site at www.tricountycrimes-toppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for infor-mation leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for crimes.

Nov. 13

2 p.m. Property damage. St. Joseph Township Hall, College Avenue S. Report of damage to building. Appears someone stood on benches and hit the alumi-num soffit in two areas. Damage amount is approximately $2,600.

Nov. 132:30 p.m. Schoolbus stop-arm

violation. Minnesota Street W. Fe-male was unaware of bus, but stated she did drive in the area. She was advised she would be is-sued a citation sent via U.S. mail.

Nov. 156 p.m. Custody dispute. 10 Av-

enue SE. Grandparent came to pick up his grandchild from his daughter. She did not answer the phone or come to the door. The apartment was also dark. He had paperwork from courts that he is to get the child. He asked it be put on record that he came to pick up the child and she was not there.

Nov. 199:20 a.m. No pay. College

Avenue N. Drive away without paying for gas. Looked at video and ran license plate. Driver was contacted and admitted to getting gas. He stated he tried to use credit card. He spoke to station manager and took care of balance over the phone.

1 p.m. Damage to property. Neighbor reported damage to ga-rage at Ash Street W. Homeowner was on vacation. Neighbor took photos of hole in siding caused by beer bottle being thrown. Neigh-bor will have homeowner call with damage estimate.

Nov. 202 p.m. Welfare check. 1st Av-

enue NW. A woman reported her niece had sent a suicidal message to her. Officer checked and found she was upset and said things she didn’t mean. She reassured officer several times she wouldn’t harm herself or her daughter. Her hu-man services worker was notified.

Nov. 2511:16 a.m. Theft from vehicle.

Minnesota Street W. Officer was dispatched to a vehicle with a window broken out and a stolen purse. Officer learned victim had an iPhone and was able to track the phone to the J.C. Penney park-ing lot in St. Cloud which led to three arrests and locating the sto-len property.

7:30 p.m. Unwanted person. Eagle Ridge Drive. Man reported his son was intoxicated and very verbal. Things were calmed down when officer arrived. The son was mad at stepfather. Mother agreed to take him to a friend’s house for the night. He was advised not to return or face going to jail or de-tox. No further problems reported.

Deadline to apply for board openings is todayThose interested in serving

on the St. Joseph Park Board, Planning Commission or Eco-nomic Development Authority

have until the end of today (Dec. 21) to turn in applica-tions. Applications are available for download on the city’s web-

site, www.cityofstjoseph.com.There are three open seats

on the city’s planning com-mission, two openings on the park board and one opening on the EDA board. Members of the city’s planning commission and park board serve three-year

terms. EDA members serve for seven years.

The planning commission meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month; the park board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month; EDA meetings are held at 5 p.m.

every fourth Wednesday of the month. All meet at St. Joseph City Hall.

Questions about the applica-tion process can be directed to city administrator Judy Wey-rens at 320-363-7201.

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com 3

Poetfrom front page

ing assignments, it was clear Preble had a poetic voice.

“The instructor would say, “Oh, you have a gift and ear for poetry,” Jana Bollman said. “It’s a real call(ing) for him.”

He answered that calling. He took a poetry class, has been a member of a poetry group and found a mentor in award-winning poet Jude Nutter. Last year, Bollman sug-gested he publish a book of poetry. And so began the search for a publisher. It took him a year to complete the project.

Preble has had two previ-ous careers – the first as an Episcopal priest, the second as an award-winning artisan in wood. When he took a step back from woodworking, that is when poetry entered.

“He’s always been a natural for making things,” Bollman said. “Poetry moved in and filled that creative niche.”

From descriptions of nature-themed scenes and rides on the Hiawatha Line in the Twin Cities to his experiences in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, his poetry is a mix of nature, au-tobiography and social justice. What he likes most, he says, is the expression poetry allows while bringing together heart and mind.

“I’m able to say things that I couldn’t say any other way,” he said. “You not only convey literally but emotionally.”

“The Ruffed Grouse” is available at St. John’s Universi-ty Bookstore, the College of St. Benedict Bookstore, St. Bene-dict’s Monastery Spirituality Center, the Whitby Gift Shop or from the author: charlespre-ble@mac.com.

Here’s one of the 29 po-ems featured in “The Ruffed

Grouse.”Minnesota

Spring comes as a drunken father --late . . . bringing gifts. As Winter’s sternchildren, we demand, Where’ve you been?He stumbles in, with his boozy grin,spills the gifts here and there: daffodils,crocuses, the red-wing black-birds, their ambassadorial sashes aflutter;and then, in a tipsy twirl he unfurlsflocks of Canada geese, scat-teringthem in all directions at once, and thensloshes longed for flashes of green.

All these gifts, turn our hearts,once again; win us over, en-abling him.

Superintendentfrom front page

Co-opfrom front pagemunity together is really a cool part,” David said. “Really instill-ing that jam sense into people musically. A lot of time you practice by yourself, but music can be so social, which is really powerful.”

Marilyn, a member of the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association, was looking through the organiza-tion’s quarterly newsletter last month. As she read about vari-ous jam sessions in St. Cloud, she noticed there wasn’t any-thing like that in the St. Joseph

area – an area whose music com-munity continues to grow. She thought, “Where in this area can we have this?” The Minnesota Street Market has proven to be just the place.

“I think mostly it will bring a lot to the community to have this opportunity,” Krzenski said. “It’s not performance, but yet you get to play your instrument and meet other people. I think it will add to the (store’s) atmosphere.”

She suggested the idea to Ka-tie Foley, the store’s manager last month. The first jam session was held Dec. 4. The feedback has been positive. Foley said one of the musicians was excited to learn from a fellow guitarist dur-ing the first session. Though it’s

just beginning, all look forward to the success of the jam ses-sions.

“It’s evolving,” Krzenski said. “People will get out of it what they put into it.”

The jam sessions take place from 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Minnesota Street Market, Those interested in participating can just show up and play. It is open to all skill levels – true to the jam-session format. Organizers are discussing recording some of the songs they play during the jam sessions and posting them online so others can learn the tunes. For more information about the sessions, visit www.minnesotastreetmarket.com.

didates. They were also asked to share what they saw as the most important quality a new superin-tendent should have.

Lissa Staples of St. Cloud has twins who attend Madison El-ementary School. She had hoped to see more parents at the meet-ing. She thinks an important characteristic in any candidate is intelligence.

“I feel intelligence encom-passes everything,” Staples said. “They need to be a role model.”

Two community input sessions were held Tuesday. One drew a crowd of five people consist-ing of a former Stillwater School Board member, a St. Cloud State University professor and parents of students who attend schools within the district. A second com-munity input session attracted three parents.

“We’ve had some good discus-sion,” Charles Kyte said.”There will be more opportunities for public input during the interview process.”

Kyte, who works for School Exec Connect, said the next step is taking the input and preparing

a report for the school board. Those unable to attend either of the community input sessions are asked to fill out an online survey to share their thoughts. About 100 people have taken the survey so far. They expect between 300 and 500 by the end of the pro-cess, Kyte said. The survey can be found on the district’s website, www.isd742.org. Select “Superin-tendent Search” at the bottom of the webpage to complete the con-fidential online form. The dead-line to submit it is Jan. 4.

Paper surveys are also avail-able at any District 742 school. The position will be advertised and candidates will be recruited nationally through Feb. 12. On Feb. 19, the board and consul-tants will meet to review and select candidates to be initially interviewed. The board will in-terview five or six recommended candidates on Feb. 20 and 21. On Feb. 21, the board will narrow the field to two or three final-ists. The next round of individual interviews will occur Feb. 25, 26 and 27 (if needed). Each can-didate will be invited for an all-day interview process including open forums that will be available to staff, students and commu-nity members, and a final formal board interview.

Russell Eyecare & Associates15 E. Minnesota St., Suite 107, St. Joseph(320) 433-4326 www.russelleyecare.com Christie Russell-Villnow, O.D.

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Friday, Dec. 21, 2012St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com4

Now Hiring: Freelancers sought

32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph

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The Newsleaders seeks freelance writers and photographers to cover town-specific events/

meetings/personalities. Freelancers are paid per story/photo. If interested, please email a resume

and a few writing/photo samples to janellev@thenewsleaders.com.

contributed photo

Five local Girl Scouts from troop #813 ring bells for the Salvation Army Dec. 13 at the Coborns in St. Joseph. They are working on their community service badges by collect-ing money for the Salvation Army. Left to right are the following: Maggie Brands, Marisa Bayerl, Lindsey Zimmer, Livi and Emma Kremer. All the girls are third-graders except Livi who is a first-grader.

Lucy the cockatiel is foundby Cori Hilsgennews@thenewsleaders.com

After spending a cold and windy night outdoors, Lucy has been found.

Lucy is a white, gray and yel-low cockatiel. She is 8-year-old Anna Lahr’s pet. Anna is in sec-ond grade at Kennedy Commu-nity School and is the daughter of Andy and Teresa Lahr of St. Joseph.

Lucy recently went missing on a cold and windy morning when Teresa Lahr stepped out of her house without realizing

contributed photo

Eight-year-old Anna Lahr with her cockatiel Lucy.

Ringing for a cause

Lucy was sitting on her shoul-der. Much to Lahr’s dismay, Lucy flew away.

Teresa searched for Lucy for about 45 minutes without any success. She then posted it on “Craig’s List” in the Lost-and-Found section and in the Pets section.

The next day Lahr received an email from someone named Patty who had spotted a white bird on the College of St. Bene-dict campus. Lahr searched the grounds where Lucy had been “spotted” but was not able to locate the bird.

The Lahrs received Lucy from Teresa’s sister, Rose Kru-ger-Fuchs. She had adopted her from the humane society for her son, and after a couple years they passed her on to the Lahr family.

She called her sister, Kruger-Fuchs, to tell her how worried she was about the bird surviv-ing outside in the cold weather. Lahr said she could tell that her daughter, Anna, seemed upset about the bird and she really wanted to find Lucy for her daughter.

Lahr also contacted the po-lice department to see if anyone had reported seeing the lost bird.

Kruger-Fuchs told Lahr she knew some people at CSB and offered to send out some emails. Lahr’s nephew, Steven, who

works at St. John’s University, was also contacted. That started a chain reaction of Facebook postings and emails.

Lahr said she received emails expressing concern from people she had never met, including the monks at SJU.

On the second day Lucy was missing, Lahr received a call from St. Joseph Police Chief Pete Jansky.

“Teresa, do you believe in miracles?” Jansky asked.

Jansky told Lahr someone who lived six houses away from them had found Lucy.

Lahr is not sure of their last names, but she said a couple named Laurie and Dave found Lucy walking around in their backyard when their dog was barking at her. They told her they could tell Lucy was some-body’s pet because she came right to them.

Lahr called her daughter’s teacher, Mrs. Mergen, at Ken-nedy to ask her if she would please let Anna know Lucy had been found.

Lucy had spent one cold and chilly night outside before Lau-rie and Dave found her, but she is now safe at home with Anna again.

Lahr said she is very happy Lucy has been found and she did not freeze in the cold winter weather.

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Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com 5

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Moeller leaving Kennedy for six monthsby Cori Hilsgennews@thenewsleaders.com

D i a n e M o e l l e r , K e n n e d y Community S c h o o l ’ s p r i n c i p a l , will leave Kennedy for six months to cover an-other posi-tion in the St. Cloud School District.

Moeller will take over Assis-tant Superintendent Julia Espe’s duties as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. Moeller said her position will not be as assistant superinten-dent. The position is expected to last for six months, from Jan. 2 through June 30.

Espe has accepted a position as the interim superintendent for Princeton Public Schools.

St. Cloud Superintendent Bruce Watkins appointed Moeller to the interim position. She said Watkins has been very supportive of Kennedy and herself during the past several years, and she felt this was one way she could show support back to him and the district.

“While I am excited to have a new challenge and help out, I am of course sad to be leaving a place I love,” Moeller said. “

Kennedy is certainly my pas-sion. I love everything about my job.”

Moeller grew up in Waite Park and graduated from Apollo High School. She attended St. Cloud State University and ma-jored in elementary education and music. Moeller then earned her master’s degree in education from SCSU and her adminis-tration degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona. Currently, she has completed all but her dissertation to complete a doc-torate in educational leadership from St. Mary’s.

“From about the sixth grade on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Moeller said. “I never looked back. I still know that is what I was meant to do. I have a pretty strong belief system in how to make learning engaging for kids.”

Moeller began her teaching career in 1977 at Richmond Elementary in Richmond. She taught first grade and third grade in the Cold Spring Rocori School District for 22 years. She was nominated as Teacher of the Year in 1996 and was one of 10 state finalists.

Moeller said she enjoyed teaching, but felt something was calling her to lead. She became the principal of Kennedy and has been there for the past 14 years. She said she believes she has done a good job as the prin-

cipal and was even named the “National Distinguished Princi-pal” in 2006.

During Moeller’s years as principal of Kennedy, the school has grown from a K-4 school to a PreK-8 school. Its enrollment has increased from 216 to 800 students.

Fourth-grade teacher Carol Ramler said Kennedy staff and students will miss Moeller.

“Her presence will be missed because her care for students and staff is evident every day,” Ramler said.

Moeller said Kennedy fami-lies are wonderfully supportive and involved and care about their kids.

“It makes the work of a school principal that much more rewarding to have that kind of support,” Moeller said.

As of now, Moeller said they are unsure as to who will be placed at Kennedy for the rest of the year.

“The staff is a strong, hard-working staff,” Moeller said. “The students are well into their routines for the year. I am so confident teaching and learn-ing will continue in just a fine manner. I will certainly miss the kids most of all.”

Moeller has been married to Ralph for 34 years. They have two married daughters, Amy and Angie. Both daughters are grad-uates of the College of St. Bene-

dict, and both married graduates of St. John’s University. Both daughters were married in 2007 – three months apart. Moeller

said it was a rather busy time, especially since it was during the time period the new Ken-nedy was being built.

photo by Cori Hilsgen

Diane Moeller, Kennedy Community School principal, is sur-rounded by fourth-grade students who are asking many ques-tions as to why she is leaving the school. Moeller is filling in as interim director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for six months and then plans to return to Kennedy.

Kennedy principalDiane Moeller

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com6

When I told my family I was mov-ing to Minnesota four years ago, they asked me, “Why? Don’t you know how cold it is there?” They asked me that in August shortly before I had planned to move here for work.

I had been to Minnesota prior to moving but only during the summer. While I had heard winters were bru-tal, I really didn’t know what was in store. The first time schools closed due to the wind chill, I asked my boss at the time if I was still supposed to report to work. That’s the thing about being a journalist. The colder it gets, the more information reporters need to get to readers about how long the cold will last and if this is the coldest it’s been in years. My car wouldn’t start, so he picked me up and brought me to work. I wrote the first of many weather stories that day.

When I tell people I’m from Ohio, they say, “Oh, it gets cold there, too, with Lake Erie, right?” Yes, it does. It gets really cold in Cleveland at times. However, when it snows in Cleveland and we hit below-zero temperatures, it doesn’t last for four days as it does here in Minnesota.

The cold lingers here and just when you start to thaw, it hits you again – the cold, that is. That has been my observation in the four years I’ve lived here.

After the first snow storm, I called my mother and told her one thing, “Minnesotans are tough.” The colder it gets and the more snow that falls, the more Minnesotans go out. It’s as if it’s raining instead of snow-ing. They are fearless. Well, after three winters here, I’m becoming a Minnesotan. The fear I once felt about driving in the snow and ice has started to dwindle. Longjohns are a consistent part of my wardrobe between the months of October and March. I have my snow brush and shovel in my car at all times. I keep de-icer in my trunk in case my doors freeze – something that has happened to me on several occasions. Not fun.

I keep water and snacks in my car in case I get stuck somewhere without food. I have a flashlight in the glove compartment. It took me awhile to get to this point of winter accommo-dation, but here I am. I’ve learned it’s all in the preparation.

I knew I was becoming more of a Minnesotan when 11 inches of snow fell, and I only complained once. I used to be so shocked at how awful the winters are here. Now, I might make a comment or two, grab my shovel and go about my day. Yep, Minnesota has become my home – even if it is a tundra-like climate for several months out of the year. The cold is not going to subside just because I want it to. There are people who have lived here all their lives and complain more than I do. There are some who live here and actually like the winters. “Like” is not a word I think I could ever use to describe how I feel about Minnesota winters. I’m still determining what that word is. In the meantime, I’ve learned to prepare for winter early, to gripe less and bundle up. After all, that’s the Minnesota way!

Opinion

Fairness and ethicsNewsleader staff members have the respon-

sibility to report news fairly and accurately and are accountable to the public. Readers who feel we’ve fallen short of these standards are urged to call the Newsleader office at 363-7741.

If matters cannot be resolved locally, readers are encouraged to take complaints to the Min-nesota News Council, an independent agency designed to improve relationships between the public and the media and resolve conflicts. The council office may be reached at 612-341-9357.

Our View

Send your opinions to:The Newsleaders • P.O. Box 324 • St. Joseph, MN 56374

or email us at news@thenewsleaders.com

TaLeizaCalloway

ReporterWhen horrific events like the mass kill-ing in Connecticut happen, often people say, “It’s a sign of the times.” Well, these are times not many want to live in and many might have thought would never come. Times need to change.

A gunman stormed into an elementary school in Connecticut and shot 20 children with a high-powered rifle and killed adults who tried to stop him, according to media reports. The age range of the victims are as young as 6 and 7 with the oldest being 56 years old. Media reports say the gun-man shot victims more than once. The tragedy has plunged Newtown, Conn. into mourning. A nation mourns with them. Even the President of the United States – who is also a parent – wept for these children and their families. He also spoke at a vigil held for the victims recently.

When turning on your television to hear the news of the day, stories are domi-nated with crime and tragedy. Again, these “times” seem to get worse as time passes.

It’s hard to ignore the actions of the Connecticut shooter. Though Newtown is miles away from Minnesota, it touched families everywhere. It should. It should remind us to appreciate the time we have with our families and loved ones. It should remind us no day is promised.

The mass shooting happened one week ago today (Dec. 14, 2012). About two weeks before, area communities were rocked by the killing of Cold Spring-Richmond Police Officer Tom Decker who was shot Nov. 29 while attempting to check on the well-being of a man who was reported to be suicidal. Details about his death are still under investigation. Decker, 31, is the father of four children. He was buried Dec. 4 with full police honors after a funeral at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville.

These are just two examples of what many refer to as “signs of the times.” Times need to change. As authorities struggle to figure out how to make things better, please continue to keep the Decker family in your prayers and remember the mourning families and community mem-bers in Connecticut. One social media post read, “Don’t just pray for children in Connecticut, pray for children every-where.” Well said.

Recent deaths should cause reflection on what’s important

Winters don’t scare Minnesotans. I’ve joined the club.

Hello? Hello? Is anybody there? Hello?

I’m writing this column on Dec. 13, eight days before the end of the world.

With any luck, it will appear in the Friday, Dec. 21 Newsleader. Un-less, of course, the end of the world shuts down the printing press, not to mention all writers and readers – forever.

Dec. 21 is supposed to be Dooms-day. There are three theories that predict the Last Day.

One claims the Earth will be ruined due to a gravitational effect caused by the alignment between the sun and a black hole in the center of our galaxy. I imagine that will cause us to be squeezed into little dots or stretched out like taffy strands.

Another theory says a reversal of the north and south magnetic poles will cause chaos and destruction. Sounds to me like just another nor-mal day on Poor Planet Earth.

A third theory is the “Mayan” prediction that time will run out Dec. 21, causing an immediate halt to the planet and ruining my vaca-tion plans.

Scientists are refuting all those theories, claiming they are all non-sense. But – hey – what do scientists know? They’re the eggheads who came up with that ridiculous theory of global warming. Anybody who watches the Fox Channel knows that’s a bunch of baloney.

For the past few days, I’ve quit making Do Lists; I’m not paying any bills; housework is out of the question; any plans beyond the next hour I’ve put on permahold. Why do anything? If the Final Cancel-lation comes Friday, why bother now with such pathetic little human endeavors?

I have spent a lot of time lately, however, debating about what to have for my last meal. I’ve de-cided on a late dinner for Dec. 20, a few hours before midnight when I assume the Big Kaput will hap-pen. I’m going to have a rotisserie-roasted chicken, along with mashed potatoes and asparagus with hollan-daise sauce. For dessert, I’m going to eat – piece by piece – an entire pumpkin pie covered with Reddi-Whip. (The pie is already ready. I made it this morning.) As I digest that dinner, I’ll pop open a bottle or two of champagne. Friends and neighbors will join me. We’ll all toast to what a heck of a life it’s been as we await the ultimate Send-Off. Then, as we watch the clock, see-ing the last precious earthly minutes tick-tock away, we’ll all toast again,

clanking our glasses as we kiss our butts goodbye.

Many years ago, when I was a kid, I saw a movie called “On the Beach.” It was about a group of Australians living their last hours before a nuclear holocaust. That film disturbed me deeply, and I thought for days about what I would do if I knew The End was nigh. I conclud-ed I would break into a candy store and eat all the candy I could get my hands on.

In ninth grade, I was sitting in civics class, my eyes fixed upon the classroom clock, wondering if at any second, at about 1:20 p.m., we students and the creaky old teacher would disintegrate. That was dur-ing the Cuban Missile Crisis. How dumb to be sitting in a civics class at the edge of the End of the World.

This time around, I wish I had a better “End” idea than eating a roast chicken and gobbling down a pump-kin pie in terminal gluttony. It would be better to make some kind of ex-travagant final gesture, like waving from the top of the Eiffel Tower or wind-surfing in the air of the Grand Canyon. But, lacking travel money, the piggy dinner will have to do.

If we get lucky and the world doesn’t end, we can all celebrate, but I’ll be somewhat disappointed because, once again, here come the do lists, the house chores, the bill-paying and my dreaded and futile annual New Year’s diet plan.

Dennis Dalman

Editor

It’s Dec. 21. Where is everybody?

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com 7

Friday, Dec. 21Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.,

St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross-blood.org.

Funeral pre-planning, 10 a.m. Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud.

Monday, Dec. 24Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.,

St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross-blood.org.

Thursday, Dec. 27Coffee and Conversation, a

senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, Sartell.

Blood drive, noon-6 p.m., St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. 1-800-

RED CROSS or visit redcross-blood.org. Drinking Liberally, hosted by Rex and Diane Tucker, St. Joseph, 6 p.m., American Legion, St. Jo-seph. An informal, non-program-matic gathering of left-leaning progressives who want to share thoughts and ideas to promote democracy one pint at a time. It is not affiliated with any political party.

Friday, Dec. 28Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.,

St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross-blood.org.

Blood drive, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Monday, Dec. 31Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.,

St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross-blood.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 2Blood drive, 1-6 p.m., Atone-

ment Lutheran Church, 1144 29th Ave. N., St. Cloud. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Thursday, Jan. 3Holiday tree collection. The

city refuse contractor will collect holiday trees curbside. Trees must be free of all decorations, bags and stands.

Blood drive, noon-6 p.m., St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross-blood.org.

Community Calendar

EYECARE

DESKTOP PUBLISHING

Mary Kay CosmeticsJoyce Barnes

St. Joseph 320-251-8989

Gateway ChurchWorship: 10 a.m. Sunday,

7 p.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m. Saturday Christmas Eve Candelight Service 5-6 p.m.

106 2nd Ave. NW St. Joseph (next to the Post Office)

320-282-2262 320-282-2262

Resurrection Lutheran, ELCASunday Worship 8:30 & 11 a.m.

WoW! (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 p.m.

610 N. CR 2 St. Joseph320-363-4232 www.rlcstjo.org

St. Joseph Catholic ChurchMasses: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.Masses: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.

Saturday 5 p.m.Sunday 8 and 10 a.m.

320-363-7505 St. Josephwww.churchstjoseph.org

Metro Plumbing & Heating545 8th Ave. NE

St. Joseph 320-363-7761

Von Meyer Publishing32 1st Ave. NW

St. Joseph 320-363-7741

Russell Eyecare & Associates15 E. Minnesota St., Ste. 107St. Joseph 320-433-4326

Dr. Jerry Wetterling103 N. College Ave.

St. Joseph 320-363-4573

Michael F. Contardo D.D.S.26 2nd Ave. NW

St. Joseph 320-363-4468

Drs. Styles, Cotton& Milbert

1514 E. Minnesota St., Box 607St. Joseph 320-363-7729St. Joseph 320-363-7729

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FREELANCERS SOUGHT

THE NEWSLEADERS seeks freelance writers and photog-raphers to cover town-specific events/meetings/personali-ties. Freelancers are paid per story/photo. If interested, please email a resume and a few writing/photo samples to janellev@thenewsleaders.com. tfn

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com8

Wishing you the very best this holiday season!ARLINGTON PLACE

21 16th Ave. S.E., St Joseph • 363-1313www.arlingtonplacemn.com

Yuletide wishes from all of us at BRENNY TRANSPORTATION INC.

8505 Ridgewood Road, St. Joseph • 363-6999www.brennytransportation.com

Happy holidays fromCENTRAL MINNESOTA CREDIT UNION

35 N. College Ave., St. Joseph • 271-0274 www.mycmcu.org

Best wishes for a happy holiday season!CHEM-DRY OF ST. CLOUD

252-9799 • www.chem-dry.net/stcloud.mn

Season’s greetings fromCHIROPRACTIC CONNECTION

709 County Road 75, St. Joseph • 363-4694

Happy holidays from all of us atCOLLEGE OF SAINT BENEDICT& SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

St. Joseph • 363-5011 Collegeville • 363-2011www.csbsju.edu

Happy holidays to you and yours MICHAEL CONTARDO, DDS26 2nd Avenue NW, St. Joseph • 363-4468

www.michaelcontardodds.com

With all Best Wishes for a Joyous Season and a Very Happy New Year!DEZURIK INC.

250 Riverside Ave. N., Sartell • 259-2000 www.dezurik.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year fromDRS. STYLES, COTTON, MILBERT

& STAFF1514 E. Minnesota St., St. Joseph • 363-7729

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us atGM DRILLING

8914 Ridgewood Court, St. Joseph • 363-7453www.gmdrilling.com

Season’s greetings from Merle, Courtney and Chris at

INSURANCE ADVISORS26 E. Birch St., St. Joseph • 363-0007

Happy holidays from all of us atNEWSLEADERS

32 First Avenue NW, St. Joseph • 363-7741 www.thenewsleaders.com

Wishing You a Merry Christmas from all of us at MCDONALD’S ST. JOSEPH

1180 East Elm St. • St. Joseph • 363-4223www.mcstate.com/35317

Season’s greetings fromONCE UPON A CHILD

110 2nd St. S., Waite Park • 253-7193www.onceuponachildstcloud.com

Happy holidays fromPINECONE VISION CENTER

2380 Troop Drive, Ste. 201, Sartell • 258-3915www.pineconevisioncenter.com

Happy holidays from all of us atRUSSELL EYECARE

15 Minnesota St., Ste. 107, St. Joseph • 433-4326 www.russelleyecare.com

A toast to you - thanks for your continued patronage.

ST. JOSEPH LIQUOR SHOPPEHwy. 75, St. Joseph • 363-8636

Happy Holidays fromST. JOSEPH MEAT MARKET

26 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph • 363-4913www.stjosephmeatmarket.com

Season’s greetings from all of us inST. JOSEPH’S ROD & GUN CLUB

Ken Hiemenz, presidentP. O. Box 374, St. Joseph • 363-8803

Happy holidays fromSTEARNS COUNTY ABSTRACT CO.

21 Court House Square, St. Cloud • 251-5920www.stearnscountyabstract.com

May the light of Christmas shine through while you attend church this Christmas season.

From all of us atSTONEHOUSE STAINED GLASS

438 1st St. SE, Avon • 356-9211www.stonehousestainedglass.com

Happy holidays from all of us atWENNER COS.

319 Main St., Cold Spring • 685-8673 www.wennerco.doitbest.com