Coon
Lake Beach Minnesota©
Sponsered
by the Coon Lake Beach Community & Senior Center 182
Forest Road, East Bethel Minnesota. Thanks for Stopping!
“The members feel like we’re one great
big family,” Kathy Paavola
said. “Everybody who comes out here .... They just love
it.”
Click
here for full pdf version
The Coon Lake Community & Senior Center Newsletter
January 2006
Coonlakebeach.org Webmaster late Season’s Greetings
Our New Beach Comber Paper: Ever have one of those days when you’re
just happy to live on the Peninsula? Now despite the cold and some sky is
falling nay sayers, I’m thinking things are pretty good up here on The
Beach. A group of us were out in the last big snow storm. The discussions
wandered on to what kind of a hidden country treasure place we live in. I
get the feeling a lot of you think the same way. We have the lake, Carlos
Avery next door and neighbors for the most part that you’d feel good
with looking in on your kids. Living on Coon Lake. It's pretty good.
At the annual meeting one thing came through loud and clear. Most of you would
like to read some positive things in our monthly paper. So if any of you have
any suggestions, news, student accomplishments, births, lost pets, new neighbors
to say hello to and that kind of thing let us know. We will be happy write
up a story and even post it on our website. If you have Beach news please
let us know.
Website: Our village now has an official website. You can
view it at ether coonlakebeach.com or coonlakebeach.org. Stop in and surf
awhile. You can find everything from event photos, band gigs at Hooks, lake
information (you can your sportsman licenses there), kids games with printable
coloring books and general news. Also feel free to stop by and see Lyle’s
website at coonlake.com. Lyle has some great lake photos up.
DSL is here: The Beach finally has high-speed. And as far
as I know we are the only village to buck the system with Qwest and city hall
to get DSL. The word is that even the city of East Bethel’s city administrator
was baffled by our success. The cost is $25 to $27 dollars a month and you
can sign up at qwest.com. And, I’d like to thank each and every one
of you that helped get the services in place. Some of you simply signed the
petition; others took the time to go door to door for signers. In the end
everyone benefits with no cost to those who chose not to use the DSL. Out
of curiosity, let me know if you have ordered your DSL. We are looking at
total numbers for future projects.
The Mess at Maynard Field: As most of you have noticed, our
beloved Maynard baseball field has been closed for the majority of last Summer
and Fall. For some reason the folks at East Bethel city didn’t seem
to be worried about piles of dirt taking up our Coon Lake Beach’s team
and children’s playing space. In fact they weren’t looking at
finishing it until at least next Spring. That just doesn’t cut it. After
several to the point phone calls the city finally leveled it off. When you
remind those responsible that we have some 700 voters here, the city hall
folks will and do catch on. And when push comes to shove we on the Beach can
get things done. As of the last week in November Maynard Field is now ready
for the irrigation system and grass seeding (come Spring). We thank Terry
at Parks for taking the time to make the baseball field right.
Higher Property Taxes: As most of you have noticed our property
taxes have jumped some 40%. The way Cathy Paavlov explains the reason is thus.
The State of Minnesota has been withholding $90,000 from some kind of property
tax rebate and so East Bethel has to raise our property taxes. From what I
understand part of the increase is also for the necessary new firehouse facilities.
OK one would think that may make sense but there are some questions. Number
one, why is there a sweeping 40% tax increase? I’ve written to the Mayor,
our state Representative and Senator asking if this is a pile of horse manure
and if not who do we have to get fired to get our money back. Elected officials
seem to take notice when the voters ask about their job status. Number two,
has the city put in a sunset clause on this tax increase and a rebate guarantee
to our tax payers in the event the State does give us our money back? Our
major has written back and I hope to get some of the answers available by
the next issue of the Beach Comber.
You can go to our elected official’s link on the coonlakebeach.com website
and get pertinent elected parties names, numbers and e-mail addresses. Let’s
give ‘em hell folks. Something appears to not be quite Kosher. You know
there isn’t something right when you don’t see a sunset clause.
Halloween: This year we had some 25 kids turn up for trick
or treats. Not bad for a small village. You can see some of our center’s
Halloween pictures on the website. Thank you all for helping, weather it was
taking the kids door to door, handing out candy or helping up at the Coon
Lake Beach Center!
Lights on the Beach: As many of you have noticed we have
had more and more Christmas lights out. A phenomena swept nation wide. This
seasonal decoration growth has its roots dating back to the terrorist attacks
on 9-11. It seems we are looking back more with insight and celebration reflecting
our pride as Americans. Next year if you can take a different route on the
way home and enjoy the Christmas sites. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
Anoka’s Revolving Door Drug Conviction Policies:
We have some Anoka judges and prosecuting attorneys caught up with the Meth
catch and release mentality. What to do? At our next crime meeting we can
and should invite them up here to explain their actions (or in this case,
lack of). Judges and DAs are elected and if they want to use The Beach as
a Meth release dumping ground, we should make it clear that we want these
do nothing official fired! For those of you that have been at our last crime
meetings, can you imagine this,,, the judges and county lawyers explaining
themselves to not only us but our guest Anoka County Sheriffs? Feel free to
ask the board members and Cathy when our next crime meeting will be.
Another issue on the crime scene is what appears to be a communication bottleneck
in our Neighborhood Watch Program. I’m sure this is an oversight and
may very well be self correcting. Block captains are encouraged to keep in
touch with fellow members on their lists. Our local hoods don’t like
being known and this is the best way to shine the light on these parasites.
We thank everyone for contributing their personal time involved in the program
and invite our fellow Beachers to join. Thanks one and all.
The passing of Vince Foster and Mr. Otremba.
From what people are saying now it is clear that Vince loved the lake. He
as in one of the driving members that has helped our wonderful Coon Lake turn
around. Thank you very much Vince. Think of Vince when you catch your first
Walleye in years out of the lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and
your family sir.
Please Tara can you write something regarding Mr. Otremba?
Until next month, a late Merry Christmas and Happy New Years
Michael S.
webmaster
-----------------------------------------
Posted on Sat, Dec. 03, 2005
Community profile: East Bethel
BY NEIL MUNSHI
Pioneer Press
Some communities serve as summer homes for the rich and famous; for East Bethel,
it's the plumed and feathered.
Every summer, thousands of sandhill cranes converge on the Sand Hill Natural
Habitat near the heart of the sprawling, 48-square-mile city. Of course, in
this city bursting with natural wonders, the cranes are only the beginning.
A significant share of the University of Minnesota's 30,000- to 40,000-acre
Cedar Creek Natural History Area, the site of many scientific studies, lies
inside the city. The area was discovered in the early 1940s and serves as
a unique ecological location, where the three great biomes of North America
— prairie, boreal forest and deciduous forest — converge.
The city recently reached a deal with the University allowing for the construction
of cross-country ski and pedestrian trails through the park, which may be
ready for this winter's sporting season.
East Bethel is a city of conservation-minded residents, most of whom live
on 2.5-acre or bigger lots, said City Administrator Douglas Sell. The whole
city, he said, is a natural highlight.
"You can't go very far without running into a lake or a nature preserve
area," he said.
Two-thirds of Coon Lake, the largest body of water in Anoka County, rests
in East Bethel. A residential recreation hub, the lake offers boating, fishing,
snowmobiling and much more. (The best place to live on the lake
is the village of Coon Lake Beach: webmaster)
Even as significant growth and development have increased as people move
further out of the Twin Cities, residents have held developers to a high standard
of conservation. Those ideals will be maintained as the city goes forward
with plans for a city center, complete with residential, commercial and retail
opportunities, off Minnesota 65, which traverses the city.
While it may grow, and some sandy soil may give way to development, the residents
of East Bethel will maintain their sense of conservation and try to keep a
city full of natural wonders, on the whole, the same.
East Bethel
Population (2000): 10,941
Population (2004): 11,405
Location: About 40 minutes north of St. Paul, in Anoka County.
Ambience: A sprawling natural wonderland, with 12 lakes, many nature preserves
and large, lush lots.
Known for: Its natural beauty. Residents take pride in it, and visitors marvel
at it.
Nature highlight: It's hard to choose, but the University of Minnesota's
30,000 to 40,000-acre Cedar Creek Natural History Area may take the cake,
if only as a rare point where three major biomes converge.
Recreation highlights: Again, a tough one. Coon Lake, the largest in Anoka
County, offers all the summer and winter recreation you could ask for, including
some wonderful fishing year round.
You gotta see: Thousands of sandhill cranes summering in the Sand Hill Natural
Habitat in the heart of the city.
Community events: Booster Day, the third Saturday in July, complete with
requisite parade and carnival, capped by a firefighter's dance and a tremendous
fireworks display.
Major employers: Anoka/Isanti School District 15, Park Manufacturing (building
equipment contractors) and East Bethel Theatre.
Median age: 33.1
Racial breakdown: White, 97.6 percent; Asian or Pacific Islander, 0.4 percent;
African-American, 0.2 percent; Hispanic or Latino, 1 percent; American Indian,
0.4 percent; two or more races, 1.1 percent.
Owner-occupied housing: 97.9 percent
Percentage of population over age 25 with a bachelor's degree: 13.9 percent
Mean travel time to work: 34.9 minutes
School districts: Primarily St. Francis and Forest Lake districts.
--------------------------------
Past Musings
MEMORIAL DAY,
Memorial Day services will be held at Victor Hill Cemetery on Monday, May
30th at 10:45am. Forest Lake Legion & VFW Color Guard will present a brief
ceremony at approximately ll:45am. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information,
call Marlene at (651) 464-2862.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
by Kathy Paavola
Happy Spring to all! I have certainly had a busy one. If I have not returned
a phone call or written a note, or whatever, it is not that I have forgotten
you, I just have not had the time. I apologize for it all. I try to keep up,
but it is not always possible.
Our family has been waiting for a new little person in our lives and she is
finally here now. Gramma can ditch the pins and needles! When a baby decides
to make a debut, you have nothing to say about it, you just be there! Our
daughter, Jennifer and her family welcome Adrea Jayne to our family.
Easter has now come and gone, it is time for showers and flowers. The children's
Easter party was a success. I counted 37 children that attended. It is great
to have them all there and it makes us feel good that we can do something
special for them. However, it would be great if parents would participate
a little more in the planning and activities that we have, instead of us hearing,
"is that all there is"! We are a small community and we do what
we can with the volunteers that we have. I would like to thank everyone that
volunteered and to those that donated monies for this activity. We ask for
donations ONLY to offset the cost of food and supplies, and for the prizes
we purchase for this event Remember, we do these activities for our children
and our community!
Your President, Kathy
Wednesday, April 27th l:30-3:30pm
Tax volunteers will be at the Coon Lake
Community Center to help local seniors
with their Minnesota Property Tax/Rent
Credit Forms, if needed.
e
ON COON LAKE
Spring has sprung! We could hardly wait any longer. We are so looking forward
to a great Spring and Summer, with fishing, boating and all of the other fun
activities mat will be going on around Coon Lake.
Remember, we have dock space located near the channel. Feel free to dock your
boats there and meander on up for lunch, dinner or an ice cold beverage.
The Jeff Quigley benefit
WOW..what a turnout! Thanks to everyone who attended the benefit on Saturday,
April 2nd for Jeff Quigley. A great time was had by all. As always, Jeff Loven
rocked the house with his one man band and many of you were out there "shakinr
booty".
The Silent Auction went remarkably well...the donated theme baskets"
you * were a sight to see! Thanks to all of you for doing such a great job
on these. The additional raffle for the electronics and the savings bond was
a great addition.
THANK YOU
With appreciation your our thoughtfulness...
To all of the wonderful people in the Coon Beach, family and co-workers,
Thank you all for everything
It was great seeing all of you at the benefit
I can yt wait to see all of you in better times.
You all me an so much to me. God Bless you all.
^4s I was getting older, I often thought of the good things in my life....my
son, people's laughter and conversations) recreation, and all the nice things
of the world. I should have, but never thought of something physical or mental
causing a large despair in my life. Unfortunate things such as falls, accidents,
serious illness and other things can happen to many people. When they do is
when we should reach out for the Ljora,family and very good friends.
/ was involved in a serious auto crash at the end of November. For a long
time, I was in bad condition. A. long coma, operations and much more medical
problems. There was Clinton, my son, and other people to h$ip m&when it
was very bad. Thank you all so very much. The proprietor's of Hook's Roadbouse
on Coon I^ake, Dry on and Stephanie, have been extremely kind and caring
for me. They are a true blessing to anyone in this world. I have not known
them for a very long time, but sure wish I did and I know I will. Tbey both
came to see me at the Trauma Center and did very special things for my son
and family out of the beauty in their hearts.
Bryon andSteph have shown me the wonderful people you see in great movies.
They are two of those people, in real life, jor all of us to treasure.
There was a healing and "get better" benefit at their place, Hook
ys Roadbouse, on Saturday, April2, 2005. it was very nice. Many of my family,
friends and co-workers there. It was great seeing so many people I had not
seen in a long while. Steph andl&ryon had superpri^e raffles, food and
live entertainment for everybody. While I was there I saw them both work very,
very hard. Everybody had a great time and a lot of fun.
Bryon an dSteph have added so much good to the Coon Lake Area, just as much
as they bring everywhere they go. May God Bless them both ever so
I am still healing, little by little as time goes by. I see a lot of things
I can *t do right now. I see many things I can, anal keep trying to get better.
Thank you very much to everybody who made this event as nice as a rose.
Deepest thanks to Clinton, Bryon and Steph for everything you have done and
for who you are! With them in the area, there is time to share, to grow, to
learn and to love.
Sincerely yours,
Jeff Quigley
HOOK'S ROADHOUSE
WOULD LIKE TO THANK
the following businesses and
individuals who donated gift
certificates and/or merchandise to
help in our fundraising efforts:
Americlnn in Forest Lake The Barrett Families*
Jennifer Beeman*
Tausha Blackowiak*
Blockbuster Video in Forest Lake*
Carley Foundry, Carol Carlson
Robyn Carter*
Castlewood Golf Course
Chanticlear Pizza in East Bethel*
Chili's in Maplewood
Chris Blanchette* Coon Lake Community
& Senior Center
Country Inn Suites in Forest Lake* _ CuB Foods in Forest Lake*
Culver's in Forest Lake*
Curves for Women in Centerville
Dairy Queen in Forest Lake*
The Bob Demulling Family*
Missy Erlandson*
Famous Dave's in Forest Lake*
Fat Boys Grill & Bar*
Forest Lake Floral*
The Forest Laker
Rita Gaalaas*
Michelle Goldeman*
Golfview Lobster Shop
Mark & Shari Gower*
Great Clips in Forest Lake*
Jim & Cindy Gutz
Heggies Pizza, Onamia
Hook's Roadhouse
Michelle Houle* Jim & Steph Jensen & family*
Jubilee Music
Don & Ann Kogler*
Lori Kqrdell, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Lino Lakes State Bank
Learn & Grow Child Care Center*
Maid Perfect Cleaning*
Jeff & Reenie Matzka
McDonald Distributing
i—iiviifc---Tata Nelson-Alfprd*
Old Log Cabin
Marlys Oliverius*
George & Kathy Paavola*
Phillips Wine & Spirits, Osten Smith
Pizza Hut in Forest Lake*
Prime Video, Stacy H. Extreme Beverage, Red Bull
Jen Sathre*
Bryon Schultz & family
Jerry & Mary Lu Schultz*
Soderquist's Market
Kathy Stokke*
Tires Plus in Forest Lake*
Judy Vincent*
Kelly Willey*
Za! Italian Restaurant*
I apologize if I have overlooked anyone!
"THE BEACHERS"
Saturday, April 23rd l-6pm
Coon Lake Community & Senior Center
A photographic essay of life at Coon
Lake Beach, by photographer Peter
Dennis. Free to the public. Donations
accepted. For more information
contact Kathy Paavola, (651) 982-4628
or Marlene Colleen, (651) 464-2862.
It is so nice to see a community pull together in such a time of need.
The first place raffle ticket prize was won by one of Jeff's co-workers. The
second place prize was also won by one of Jeff's co-workers. That kind gentleman
generously donated it back to Jeff. And the third place prize was won by Mack,
from Coon Lake Beach. Congratulations...we hope you enjoy your prizes!
And now, the news you have all been waiting for...we couldn't be happier of
what we accomplished for Jeff. Setting out with a goal to raise $5,000, we
did just that! Pat yourselves on the back, it was because of you that we were
able to do this.
Last of all, Bryan and I would like to extend a BIG thanks to all of you behind
the scenes that helped make this a huge success, you know who you are! XOXO
Until next time, keep smiling because we all make a
difference, Steph&Bryon
P.S. I asked Jeff to write a note to all of you, in his own words, that I
could publish (page 2) THANK YOU, Jeff i You are truly one of a kind and a
great friend
PLANTING SHRUBS AT THE CENTER
The Coon Lake Community & Senior Center would like to plant a sight and
sound barrier along the west side of our property. If you would like to donate
a shrub or money for us to purchase shrubs in memory or honor of a loved one,
we would greatly appreciate it. Some suggested shrubs are: Dogwood, Burning
Bush, Lilac, Spiraea, Mock Orange, Honeysuckle, High Bush Cranberry, Hydrangea
and Weigela. We will set a day in late May or early June to plant the shrubs.
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALES & BAKE SALE
Saturday, May 14th
The date of the community garage
sales is scheduled for May 14th, the
week before our beach clean-up day.
Everyone will handle their own sales
at their place of residence. We ask
that a donation be made to the Center
from everyone holding a sale, Also,
we will be holding a Bake Sale at the
Community Center that day. The Bake
Sale will be from 9am to 12pm. We
are asking for donated baked goods
for that day. Donations can be dropped off at the Center on Friday, May 13th
from 5 to 7pm or Saturday,
May 14th beginning at Sam.
Any questions?? Call Kathy Paavoia
at (651) 9824628.
COMMUNITY CENTER PANCAKE BREAKFAST
SCHEDULE Sundays 9am-12:30pm
May 1st June 19th
May 15th July 17th
June 5th August 7th
No Breakfast on Memorial Weekend,
4th of ]uly Weekend or July 31st (Center Rental)
Volunteers are needed and appreciated.
Sign-up sheets are at the Center
the mornings of the breakfasts.
The young people volunteering need to
contact me in advance.
Their hours are Jam - 12:30pm.
ThankYou to all...Kathy
(651) 982-4628
Second Monday of Every Month - 7:00pm
Coon Lake Community Center Monthly Meetings
MEMBERSHIPS
You may turn your memberships in until the end or April. I will be at the
Community Center, April 23rd, 10am
to 6pm. The day or the photo
essay...hope to see you there! I will also
be at the center April 27th from 1 to
3pm. Mail in your memberships this
month if you are unable to attend either
of these dates.
Kathy Paavoia
TRASH CLEANUP
Remember that we are cleaning the roadside from the beach to the CT"
at Lexington. We appreciate anyone that takes care ofthis, but please let
me know who you are. I try to keep a log of who does what in the community.
If you need trash bags, let me know Also, I can ask the City to have the trash
bags picked up. We are trying to keep this part of the city clean! Kathy
.jpg)
Geert Wilders Critical Islamic Movie Fitna is
Now Here
