Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Letter to the editor: Veterans Memorial Park

Letter to the editor :

I have lived in this community over 40 years and have seen so many changes. Some are positive ones. One change I have observed in the last few years is the dilapidation of our swimming pool in “Veterans Memorial Park”.

Our north park is so lovely and has so many wonderful features to it but the pool has something to be desired. I have always thought that the center focus of the park was the pool. It has always centered around family picnics, swimming lessons, adult swim and the everyday swimming schedule, not to mention the play ground, volleyball court and the baseball diamonds. But is our park being used enough?

I am very interested in starting a task force with a search and discovery committee to investigate the raising of funds/ and or grants to revitalize our community swimming pool. We need a new one.

In a community as large as Kasson we need to always look for improvements. The swimming pool is one.
My mother was instrumental in the “renaming” of “Veterans Memorial Park” This was one of her projects when she was American Legion Auxiliary President. I know that she would agree.

St. Charles’ community developed and built a new pool with the help of the residents who took up the torch and made it happen. Many people from Rochester go there to swim.

Many people from Kasson go to Dodge Center’s new pool to swim. Why should we accept that?
We are a large enough city that we should be supporting our own recreation for our children and our adults.

I am asking for volunteers that would like to be on this committee to call me at 634-4472 if they are interested in this endeavor.

Let’s make this a community goal. We can do this.

Sue Harwood



As seen in the picture above, during Kasson Festival in the Park, the pool is also a place for fun contests and activities during the Festival.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Letter to the editor: Relay for Life

Letter to the editor :

The purpose of this letter is to address statements made in the article dated July 7th titled "Mantorville City Council Agenda Varied."
First the comments made by Council woman Schmidt; in general the statements would appear to be somewhat exaggerated or assumptive. To quote "There was trash and puking on peoples lawns. There was a trailer on the Relay lot and I guess they stayed and left their bikes over night You guess? As a City Council Member wouldn't it seem the best approach is not to     but to seek answers? Here are some answers:
1) Regarding trash - the clean-up committee spent at least 2 hours cleaning up after the event. There would have been very minimal amounts of trash that did not get picked up.
2) The trailer was provided for two out-of-state couples to stay the night.
In addition it was stated, "At 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning, the riders started up their motorcycles, revved the engines and left town. How many citizens here own motorcycles? The rumble of a motorcycle can be heard any day of the week. Can two bikes leaving town at 7:30 a.m. be that unusual?
The Relay Lot is a common place for many of the activities that occur in Mantorville. Maybe a gentle reminder that the use of the Relay Lot has been provided for other community activities free of charge. A single camper parked on that lot is much less intrusive than many of the other activities that occur there. That lot is our "gathering place".
The questions about what time to end an event and what type of music/lyrics should be played is a difficult topic to address. It would seem appropriate that the lyrics be PG in nature, however that does not mean all citizens will agree to the type of music being played. Variety is the spice of life. There are several outdoor events that occur in Mantorville to name a few; Beetles Bash, Marigold Days, Old Tyme Days, and the Rendezvous. Do all citizens enjoy the sound of cannons being blasted at 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning? No, however, as a community people here should take pride in the variety of activities that occur and be supportive of all events even if they are not their "cup of tea". Some activities will begin earlier in the day than some may prefer and some may end later in the day than what others will prefer. Just think about the number of people that are drawn into this town because of the activities that occur here. This fund-raiser brought in many out-of-town people that spent money in Mantorville, not just at the Saloon. This is good for business and in turn is good for the community.
The sheriffs department was present during most of the evening. Had there been a need for crowd control law enforcement was there to handle it. There was also a designated driver for anyone who should not have driven home that night. Much organization was put into this event in order to make it fun and safe for everyone.
To address the comments made by Mayor Nash... "The city needs to meet with the fund raiser and someone from the (Mantorville) Saloon. They have a whole year to modify their plan and eliminate some of the problems. The complaints are valid and preventable." This event took place June 19th and to date no attempts have been made to speak with the coordinator or the Saloon. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for that conversation to take place prior to making those statements? How about addressing the issues and stating the resolution versus making statements without talking to the individuals? Had someone taken the time to talk with the Saloon or the coordinator it would have been known that the stage had been set-up inside the saloon, but the band set-up outside and insisted on playing there. The issues could have been resolved by now. The statements in this article should not have been made without speaking to the coordinator and the Saloon.
The following statement is one that truly is out of line. "They need to make a living too but not at the inconvenience of most citizens." This event is not about "making a living". It is a fundraiser in honor of a life long resident ofMantorville who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. Last year about $2200.00 was raised for the American Cancer Society and $1340 to purchase a swing set. A little boy in Kasson has been enjoying having that swing set for the past year. This year about $ 2500.00 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Granted it may appear the Saloon had opportunity for financial gain from this event, it did however put money into supporting it.
Finally the statement... "inconvenience of most citizens" Many citizens were there having a good time. "Most citizens" seems a bit exaggerated. The "inconvenience" is much like how other citizens feel when activities go on that do not appeal to them. We have a block or two closed down for some events, to me that is an inconvenience. But, it is for a community activity, so I say, "It is all good". Lets be out there interacting with each other and having fun! We can set some parameters on the time when events should start and end. The bands that perform can also be told to use appropriate language. Shouldn't these two items be the real issues here?
Just remember, business can give back to the community when the business has the income to do so. Drawing additional people to town does benefit the community.
Mantorville is one of the most active little communities in this state. It is amazing the diversity of activities in which one can participate. A lot is to be said for a community that rallies together for a good cause. I hope you all can keep that frame of thought in mind when making decisions regarding future events in this fine town.

Sherry Thoren

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Standing Room only

Irish airline carrier Ryanair is looking at standing room only on the airline for as little as $6 a flight. They are looking at taking out 10 rows of seats  for standing room only and the other 15 rows on select flights.
I would have only two problems with that. Number one, I would hope it is a short  flight. Number two, It better be a smooth flight with no turbulence. It could be like a stand-up amusement ride at Valley Fair (if they have such a thing) or riding a packed light rail train after a Twins game.
I presume you would not have to listen to the "fasten seat belt" instructions by the flight crew either. So much for safety concerns. Let's save a buck.
Just think! If a one way airline flight is $6, that would be about the same price as an inflight can of beer. Quite a comparison, right?


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Studio Academy High School

Letter to the editor :
Studio Academy High School; a real high school, a real
option
Studio Academy High School with an emphasis on the arts,
academics, and community service is first and foremost a
public charter high school serving Rochester and its surrounding
communities. Studio’s trademarks are its small class
size and its ability to help students who are struggling at their
much larger schools. As are other public schools, Studio
Academy is free, nonprofit, and open to any family looking
for an alternative to traditional schools. It is another choice
available to parents.
In the area of academics, a student attending Studio
Academy will take regular Math, Science, English and Social
Studies classes. In addition there are electives such as Science
of Art and Math and Art. Teachers integrate the arts into all
classes, and the classes meet national and state standards. Our
students have to take and pass the state tests just like other
high school students in Minnesota. During the past two years
our students have continued to show improvements in their
reading and writing MCA results. Every year, Studio graduates
more than 80% of the senior class, and upon graduation,
our students attend post-secondary schools or join the military
or work force. In essence, Studio Academy is a regular 9-12
high school.
Our students are required to take five art credits to graduate,
which may include visual arts and music. Schools tend to
require one credit and many are cutting their art/music programs
in order to balance their budgets. Out students can still
take all their required art classes despite budget cuts. Our art
program is quite flexible and based on the students’ needs and
talents. Students come to Studio with different degrees of talent
and interest. Some students come to Studio with very little
interest in the arts, but they learn to appreciate the arts and
to make art. Studio Academy is not an elitist art institution but
a school where we love art and use it as a way to reach students
where they are.
Community service is a tool to integrate disengaged students
with their school and community. Students who before
coming to Studio would not do any community service, are
now volunteering with many local organizations. It is about
giving back to our community and our students are excelling
at it.
Studio Academy is a welcoming school that will take any
student; a student who loves art and is looking for a place to
do more art, a student looking for a place to belong, a student
searching for a place to catch up with life and graduate from
high school. Any student with an open mind and heart to others
will find a home at Studio Academy.


Ronald Salazar, EdD
Director
Rochester, MN