YMCA News Archive

YMCA Recognizes National Falls Prevention Awareness Day September 22 and Active Aging Week September 24 – 30

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:32:01 +0000

YMCA Recognizes National Falls Prevention Awareness Day September 22 and Active Aging Week September 24 – 30 jeffrey.needham Fri, 09/22/2017 - 11:32

YMCA Recognizes National Falls Prevention Awareness Day September 22 and Active Aging Week September 24 – 30

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will recognize National Falls Prevention Awareness Day September 22 and Active Aging Week September 24 – 30.

Each year, it’s estimated that one out of three Americans aged 65 or older will suffer a fall, leaving many of these adults with a fear of falling that can cause them to limit physical activities. This leads to reduced mobility and diminished quality of life, and actually increases their risk of falling. With a focus on healthy aging, the Y is committed to helping seniors access programs that can help them build strength in spirit, mind and body.

The first step to prevention is understanding risk. Seniors can assess their fall risk by taking a simple test at www.ymca.net/health-wb-fitness. Through this assessment, individuals can learn how routine activities and other factors help determine their risk for falls.

The CDC suggests these basic lifestyle and safety changes to help reduce risk or prevent falls:

Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength & balance.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines.
Get annual eye check-ups & update your eyeglasses.
Make your home safer by:
- Removing clutter & tripping hazards.
- Putting railings on all stairs & adding grab bars in the bathroom.
- Installing proper lighting, especially on stairs.

“The YMCA is dedicated to empowering seniors in our community to improve their health in a safe way,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “Falls are preventable, but many older adults and their families don’t know how to safely get active; the good news is that organizations like the Y can help.”

Minneapolis continues to issue more than $1 billion in building permits

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Minneapolis continues to issue more than $1 billion in building permits jeffrey.needham Fri, 09/22/2017 - 00:00

Construction continues to plow ahead as Minneapolis recently breached $1 billion worth in building permits for the sixth year in a row.

With strong growth in the multifamily housing industry, the city reached the landmark earlier this month.

“Minneapolis continues to grow, and that growth is making it possible for all of us to do better,” said Mayor Betsy Hodges, who is running for re-election. “Great projects, from the YMCA and Select Comfort headquarters downtown, to Thor Construction’s build-out on the near North Side, point to a citywide investment in our future.”

Multifamily units contributed greatly to this year’s construction activity.

Next fall, residents can begin to move into the Legacy condominium, close to the Mississippi River in the city’s Mill District. The 374-unit, 14-story complex developed by Shamrock Development topped the list at a building permit valuation of more than $123 million.

Other large projects include the 26-story apartment tower the Hub at the University of Minnesota and the Ironclad mixed-use project, which will include apartments and a hotel located a couple blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.

“I’m proud that for the fourth year in a row, the Third Ward leads the way on economic development,” Council Member Jacob Frey, a mayoral candidate, said in a release. “Previously vacant areas with nothing more than surface parking lots and tumbleweeds are now teeming with life and vibrancy.”

While the city topped the billion-dollar mark this year, Minneapolis is not on pace to surpass last year’s total of more than $1.7 billion. Last year was the fastest ever for permits to meet the billion-dollar mark and the second-highest dollar amount since 2000.
The record worth of permits was in 2014, when the development of U.S. Bank Stadium and East Town dominated construction.
Before 2012, Minneapolis hadn’t seen $1 billion in construction since 2000.

Also on this year’s list of biggest projects are Westminster Presbyterian Church’s $26 million expansion to allow for more outreach services and the $19.3 million addition to Bancroft Elementary School on 38th Street.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495

Top 10 construction permits

1. Legacy Condominium, 1240 Second St. S., $123,425,731
2. The Hub, 600 Washington Av. SE., $57,799,980
3. Ironclad, 240 Chicago Av., $32,621,424
4. The Elliot, 523 8th St. S., $25,924,185
5. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Av., $25,799,117
6. Thor Construction’s headquarters, 1256 Penn Av. N., $24,568,252
7. YMCA, 651 Nicollet Mall, $20,156,283
8. Bancroft Elementary School addition, 1315 38th St. E., $19,377,000
9. Jack Link’s at Mayo Clinic Square, 600 Hennepin Av., $19,342,136
10. Select Comfort headquarters, 1001 Third Av. S., $19,098,037

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New downtown Minneapolis YMCA will feature virtual-reality exercise machine

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

New downtown Minneapolis YMCA will feature virtual-reality exercise machine jeffrey.needham Wed, 09/20/2017 - 00:00

When the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities debuts its new downtown Minneapolis headquarters next year, it'll feature plenty of gym equipment like barbells, treadmills — and a virtual-reality machine that lets users pretend they're flying.

The Wall Street Journal reports on the latest trend in fitness gear: Virtual reality systems that simulate cardio workouts or other exercises. They aren't cheap, but they are gaining fans for their ability to keep users engaged — and exercising — longer.

The YMCA is apparently a believer; workers there have been testing the $9,000 Icarosmachine at its new facility in Gaviidae Common. The nonprofit bought two floors in the property last year.

Nathan Maehren, senior vice president of digital at the nonprofit, said that the Icaros offers "a 'wow' experience" with flying and scuba-diving games. The Verge, in a review at CES 2017 when the machine debuted earlier this year, described it at "VR skydiving crossed with planking."

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YMCA Provides Safe Spaces Outside of School

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 17:50:18 +0000

YMCA Provides Safe Spaces Outside of School jeffrey.needham Tue, 09/19/2017 - 12:50

YMCA Provides Safe Spaces Outside of School

Only one in three lower income youth participate in out-of-school time or expanded learning programs in St. Paul and Minneapolis, according to Youthprise.
Youthprise also reports that approximately 33 percent – more than 250,000 – of all Minnesota children not currently enrolled in out-of-school opportunities would be likely to participate if a program were available in their community.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Minnesota ranks among the bottom five of all 50 states for graduation rates among non-white students.

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, creates safe, engaging spaces for young people to learn and grow outside of school.

Studies show that more than 250,000 kids in Minnesota would participate in out-of-school activities if a program were available in their community. The Y strives to meet this need by developing enrichment programs that meet young people in their schools or in their homes.

“The YMCA is committed to expanding outside its four walls to reach young people where they are,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “Access is a key factor to keeping our youth safe and engaged outside of school, and the Y removes barriers so that all in our community can participate.”

Gunderson added that the Y team designs programs that are flexible and can meet the needs of specific communities. YMCA out-of-school education and enrichment programs are found in Y facilities, schools, apartment complexes, mobile home communities and more, and include the following opportunities:

Educational support, including homework help and targeted reading, math or science activities to increase achievement and confidence
Enrichment activities like art, dance, music and more
Career pathways and leadership development opportunities through YMCA Teen Thrive programming
Programs like Beacons in Minneapolis or School Success in St. Paul that bring before and after school programs directly to students’ schools, free of charge
On-campus programming at the University YMCA to engage with students across a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds at the University of Minnesota and to build connections with community schools

See how Suzie has experienced the power of the Beacons program to build young leaders throughout its 20 years in the Twin Cities, and how she has grown from student to program director – Beacons Network: 20 Years of Helping Young People Thrive.

Discover how the YMCA engages young people in the mobile home community where they live – YMCA Out of School Time: Engaging Youth Where They Live.

Learn how Imane, a University of Minnesota student, helps the University YMCA engage and connect with students on campus through interfaith dialogue – University YMCA: Building Connections Beyond the Classroom.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all learn, grow and thrive, financial assistance is available based on need.

YMCA hosts 2017 Prairie Burn Music Festival September 16

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 18:29:31 +0000

YMCA hosts 2017 Prairie Burn Music Festival September 16 jeffrey.needham Thu, 09/14/2017 - 13:29

YMCA hosts 2017 Prairie Burn Music Festival September 16

Hudson, WI—The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will co-host the third annual Prairie Burn Music Festival with the Royal Credit Union Foundation on September 16 at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin.

This one-of-a-kind event will feature music on three stages, camping hosted by REI, and activities for all ages and interests, including counselor-led camp games, rides on a giant swing and hayride tractor, access to the archery range and climbing tower, and an option to join in clogging, hula and swing dance lessons.

This year’s musical lineup includes Cloud Cult, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, The Honeydogs, The Ericksons, The Bootlicker Stringband, Afton, Wailing Loons, Hamdog, Dusty Heart, Prairie Fire Lady Choir, Julia Floberg & Company, Ruben, The Hawthorn Collection and special programming from 89.3 The Current. A variety of food trucks will join the festivities, and Rush River Brewing will create and present several custom brews.

Who: YMCA of the North and Royal Credit Union Foundation

What: Prairie Burn Music Festival

When: Saturday, September 16, 2017

Where: YMCA Camp St. Croix at 532 County Road F in Hudson, WI 54016

Tickets: Tickets available online at ymcamn.org/prairieburn. Adult tickets are only $35. Two kids 15 and under enter free with every adult. Individuals can attend the Prairie Burn Music Festival for free when they volunteer at the event. More details are available at ymcamn.org/prairieburn or on Facebook.

About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 161 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, seven overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 350,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.

About the Royal Credit Union Foundation
The Royal Credit Union Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2013 to create a positive impact in the communities Royal Credit Union serves. The Foundation exists to improve the lives of Royal’s Members and their neighbors by funding impactful and lasting projects. The Foundation supports organizations located in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Currently, it has awarded over $2.3 million in grants.

Twin Cities YMCAs hosting 10 days of free events, community resources

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Twin Cities YMCAs hosting 10 days of free events, community resources jeffrey.needham Thu, 09/14/2017 - 00:00

At eight YMCAs around the Twin Cities next week, anyone is welcome to sample Mexican foods, participate in a 5-on-5 basketball tournament or get a flu shot — among other free events.

From Wednesday through Sept. 24, the YMCA of the North is participating for the first time in Welcoming Week, said YMCA spokesperson Joan Schimml.

The week features “events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to our communities,” according to a news release. Schimml added that members and non-members of the YMCA are invited to attend.

The events also aim to promote the YMCA’s New American Welcome Centers.

A community resource fair with food, dance, music, community services and flu shots will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at White Bear Area YMCA, 2100 Orchard Lane in White Bear Lake, and 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Maplewood Community Center YMCA, at 2100 White Bear Ave. in Maplewood.

A health and wellness resource fair including interactive youth activities, information about the Y Diabetes Prevention Program, food shelf, health screenings and a sports sampler will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Minnetonka Heights apartment complex, 5809 County Road 101 in Hopkins, and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Ridgedale YMCA, 12301 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.

Mexican Independence Day celebration with a Latino dance group, free Zumba classes, a Mexican food truck, music and more will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at West St. Paul YMCA, 150 Thompson Ave. E. in West St. Paul.

A community picnic with food and cultural conversations will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Burnsville YMCA, 13850 Portland Ave. S. in Burnsville.

An open house with food, conversations, and other activities will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at River Valley YMCA, 3575 North Berens Road N.W. in Prior Lake.

A community event with food, community resources and youth 5-on-5 basketball tournament is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Emma B Howe YMCA, 8950 Springbrook Drive N.W. in Coon Rapids.

Finally, the Eastside YMCA, at 875 Arcade St. in St. Paul, will host a community event featuring a variety of cultural foods, Somali community resources and group exercise classes from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.

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YMCA to Participate in National Welcoming Week September 15 – 24

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:05:50 +0000

YMCA to Participate in National Welcoming Week September 15 – 24 jeffrey.needham Wed, 09/13/2017 - 11:05

YMCA to Participate in National Welcoming Week September 15 – 24

Welcoming Week expands on YMCA New American Welcome Centers that build bridges for newcomers to our communities

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to our communities during Welcoming Week, September 15 – 24.

Welcoming Week will expand upon the work the YMCA is doing in its New American Welcome Centers, which help connect newcomers to community resources and build connections. Watch this video to learn more about YMCA New American Welcome Centers: YMCA New American Welcome Centers

“Our YMCA believes the Twin Cities is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome,” said Hedy Lemar Walls, chief social responsibility officer of the Y. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values. Cross-cultural understanding and relationships build a stronger community for all of us.”

Events in the Twin Cities include:

Community Resource Fair with food, dance, music, community services and flu shots
- White Bear Area YMCA (2100 Orchard Lane in White Bear Lake), Friday, September 22 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Maplewood Community Center YMCA (2100 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood), Tuesday, September 19 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Health and Wellness Resource Fair including interactive youth activities, information about the Y Diabetes Prevention Program, food shelf, health screenings and a sports sampler
- Minnetonka Heights apartment complex (5809 County Road 101 in Hopkins), Thursday, September 21 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Ridgedale YMCA (12301 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka), Thursday, September 21 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mexican Independence Day celebration with a Latino dance group, free Zumba classes, a Mexican food truck, music and more
- West St. Paul YMCA (150 Thompson Avenue East in West St. Paul), Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Community Picnic with food and cultural conversations
- Burnsville YMCA (13850 Portland Avenue South in Burnsville), Saturday, September 16 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Open House with food, conversations, and fun activities
- River Valley YMCA (3575 North Berens Road Northwest in Prior Lake), Saturday, September 23 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Community Event with food, community resources, and youth 5-on-5 basketball tournament
- Emma B Howe YMCA (8950 Springbrook Drive Northwest in Coon Rapids), Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Event with a variety of cultural foods, Somali community resources, group exercise classes
- Eastside YMCA (875 Arcade Street in Saint Paul), Friday, September 22 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Cool festivals to go to when it’s cool outside

jeffrey.needham — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Cool festivals to go to when it’s cool outside jeffrey.needham Sat, 09/09/2017 - 00:00

Temps are cooling, leaves are changing. What better time to celebrate outdoors with arts, nature, food and fun? And beverages. Did we mention beer and wine?

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

Through Sept. 24: Arts events throughout the St. Croix River Valley are bundled together under this title, from Marine on St. Croix to Hudson and points between. In addition to major arts shows, artists are opening their studios for tours. The weekend of Sept. 16-17 includes the Abnet Farm Art Show and Sale in Stillwater, the Marine Art Fair in Marine on St. Croix, and the Prairie Burn Music Festival at YMCA Camp St. Croix in Hudson. The following weekend, Sept. 23-24, features Afton Art in the Park, Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival in Hudson and the Franconia Art and Artists Celebration in Shafer (just west of Taylors Falls). facebook.com/stcroixartfairs/

OKTOBERFEST AT THE GASTHAUS

Sept. 15-17, 22-24: The Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter just west of Stillwater is German-centric all year long, but especially so during Oktoberfest. There will be music, dancing, imported beer, brats and chops, giant pretzels, cinnamon roasted almonds and, of course, using a heavy hammer to slam nails into a tree stump for spirited games of hammerschlagen. 5-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for adults 21 and older, $5; noon to 8 p.m. Sundays for all ages, $3 admission and free face-painting and balloon twisting; 8390 Lofton Ave., Grant; 651-439-7128 or gasthausbavarianhunter.com/

WILD RICE FESTIVAL

Sept. 16: A day of free activities at Harriet Alexander Nature Center will celebrate fall foods, natural history and Minnesota’s traditional cultures. Honey will be extracted and bottled, and cider made from squeezed apples. Foods including soups, fry bread and Indian tacos will be sold by Pow Wow Grounds, a Native American Cafe based in Minneapolis. Kids’ games and activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 2520 N. Dale St., Roseville; 651-765-4262 or wildricefestival.org/

PAYNE ARCADE HARVEST PARADE

Sept. 23: The parade begins at noon on Payne Avenue in St. Paul, and a variety of vendors will sell locally harvested foods. facebook.com/groups/HarvestFestivalEastSide/

BAGPIPES & BONFIRES

Sept. 23: Parading bagpipers, a blazing bonfire, pub food, a stilt-walker, and a fire-juggling priest will be part of this Celtic Street Festival at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Stillwater. Many attendees will be in kilts and costumes. 5:30-10 p.m., with dancing to the Inside Straight Blues Band beginning at 7 p.m.; 214 N. Third St., Stillwater; 651-439-2609, aechurch.org

TAPPED AND UNCORKED

Sept. 29: Sample local beer and wine while dancing to the music of GB Leighton. Food trucks, human foosball and hammerschlagen. Proceeds go to Roseville parks. 6-10 p.m.; $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $10 for designated driver; Guidant John Rose MN OVAL, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville; pourforparks.com/

APPLE FESTIVAL

Sept. 30: Crafts, games and treats. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Gibbs Farm, 2097 W. Larpenteur Ave., Falcon Heights; rchs.com/gibbs-farm/
RED WING ARTS FESTIVAL

Oct. 14-15: One of Minnesota’s oldest juried art fairs will feature more than 100 artists, craft vendors, food trucks, musicians and family fun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Bush and West Third streets, Red Wing; 651-388-7569 or redwingartsassociation.org/

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Home host program helps homeless teens in the suburbs

jeffrey.needham — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Home host program helps homeless teens in the suburbs jeffrey.needham Sat, 09/09/2017 - 00:00

Raised by a drug-addicted mother who moved the family often, Gideon had a chaotic childhood, and his coming-of-age got off to an equally rough start. At 22, he was living in Anoka’s only homeless shelter with nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

That’s when the Andersons offered him a bedroom in their Andover home, as part of the Greater Twin Cities YMCA’s Community Home Host Program. Gideon jumped at the chance to spend a year under the family’s roof in the north metro suburb.

“I am just happy to have a place to lay my head at night and to be with people who enjoy my company,” said Gideon, now enrolled at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and working on getting his driver’s license.

In the battle against youth homelessness, suburbs have fewer shelter beds and resources compared to big cities, and they sometimes lack the political will to offer those services. But suburbanites have one tool that city dwellers often lack: extra bedrooms.
That’s why the YMCA started its home host program in Anoka County, pairing homeless youth with families willing to share a room in their homes for a year for free.

The program, part of a constellation of services the Y offers for homeless youth, has gotten off to a modest start, with 10 families opening their homes to a young person. Some are finishing high school while others are trying to figure out their next step toward adulthood.

The Y program provides structure and safeguards — including background checks, social workers and access to services — but is less cumbersome than taking on foster parenthood.

It also allows homeless young people to stay in suburban communities where they may have grown up, rather than having to go to where services are available in Minneapolis or St. Paul. Funding comes from the state, the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Y.

“Not all young people are ready to live independently, especially if they are struggling to finish high school,” said Stacy Sweeney, the Y’s youth support program director. “They want people to encourage them. They want to be safe.”

Some say it’s also a more palatable and affordable homeless solution for suburban officials, some of whom balk at additional shelter beds or affordable apartments that they believe could make their city a magnet for homeless people.

“We know there is a need in the suburbs, but bricks and mortar are expensive,” said Betty Notto, the Y’s youth support program manager.

It’s like a calling

The Y modeled its program after the two-decade-old GLBT Host Home Program for homeless youth that first operated at the nonprofit YouthLink and later moved to Avenues for Homeless Youth. That program has worked with about 200 young people since its inception.

Family instability, including parents who are homeless or addicted, or conflicts such as those over sexual orientation, can force teens and young adults to fend for themselves.

Many young people may not identify themselves as homeless. They live day-to-day by couch hopping, clandestinely camping in suburban parks, or sleeping in stairwells, cars and public bathrooms.

“They’re not homeless under a bridge, but they are not safe,” Notto said.

Who takes in young adults? Many are families that already volunteer and donate time and money in the community, and have a desire to give back at a deeper level. Some are motivated by faith. They range from empty nesters to people with school-age children.

“It’s almost like a calling,” Notto said.

The Y requires host families to have an empty bedroom with a door and to be accepting of all races and sexual orientations. It attempts to match families and individuals with similar expectations; some parties seek a roommate-style situation, while others want to share meals and family activities.

Many suburbs have limited access to public transit, so young people are told up front of that limitation and other house rules.
Jeff and Carolyn Anderson have opened their home to two foreign exchange students over the years. The couple taught Sunday school, and Jeff volunteered at the Hope 4 Youth’s drop-in center in Anoka. That’s where he met Gideon, who would stop by to do laundry and pick up food and supplies.

Gideon, who asked that his last name not be used for reasons of safety, had moved from Illinois to Minnesota in January with plans to move in with a friend he’d made on the internet. Those plans quickly fell apart, and he landed at the Stepping Stone homeless shelter in Anoka.

“It was humbling and a little bit scary,” he said. “I had nowhere to go from there.”

Gideon, who is quiet and artistic, impressed Jeff. “He kept talking about Gideon,” Carolyn Anderson said.

Realizing they could help a young person similar to their own three children at a critical juncture in his life, they offered him a room. “It was something else we thought we could do. We have the space and the interest,” Jeff Anderson said.

The Y program provided structure and help. “We needed access to the social workers and the resources that we suburbanites don’t know about,” Jeff Anderson said. “There’s enough background checks both ways so you are not stepping into a situation you can’t handle. We have a 13-year-old son and you want to make sure it’s safe.”

Gideon easily fit into the family’s daily rhythms, sharing meals, watching movies and interacting with them. He welcomed advice from the Andersons, who helped him quit a summer job that had become uncomfortable and encouraged him to enroll at Anoka-Ramsey.

“You need someone to be your advocate,” Carolyn Anderson said. “That’s what we suburban parents do for our own kids every day,” Jeff Anderson added.

Gideon, who is interested in illustrations, character design and graphic novels, said the biggest challenge for him has been learning to relax and settle in.

“Let’s be honest: I have abandonment issues,” he said. “I was just worried it would all fall out from under me. I was worried it would totally crash and burn and I would lose another family.”

The Andersons said they consider Gideon to be family. “We knew it was a good fit,” Jeff Anderson said.

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Answer Man: We're not the capital of sinkholes, but we're close

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Answer Man: We're not the capital of sinkholes, but we're close jeffrey.needham Fri, 09/08/2017 - 00:00

On Tuesday, I told you about the sinkhole that yawned under the Miracle Mile construction project, a sinkhole that's now been plugged by an additional $648,475 in tax-increment financing from the city.

Sinkholes go with the territory around here. Southeast Minnesota's karst landscape is riddled with what the Miracle Market LLC people called "unconsolidated bedrock material," and every now and then a major building project hits a vein.

Jeff Green, a dedicated Answer Man reader and an equally dedicated groundwater hydrologist at the Department of Natural Resources office in Rochester, enjoyed my Tuesday column and noted the pothole at Miracle Mile is not the only one that builders have hit recently. He says another local project hit one recently; I'm checking to confirm that. I've also heard concerns at the site of a third project as well.

Going way back, Jeff says he's heard contractors hit one during construction of Mayo's Guggenheim Building in the early 1970s.
"What they are likely dealing with is St. Peter sandstone that has collapsed into a void in the Prairie du Chien Group carbonate bedrock," Jeff says. "The sloughing sand visible in the cut at the Paragon Chateau theaters is an example that you can see in an outcrop."

Jeff says he's been the karst special for DNR in Southeast Minnesota for 27 years "and I never cease to be amazed at things like this that occur on, and in, our landscape."

For the record, the most recent Minnesota Geological Survey identified about 700 sinkholes in the county -- and there are certainly others lurking. At Miracle Mile, the developer says they couldn't anticipate the subterranean hole because the shopping center was right on top of it.

And I shouldn't have to tell you what area city says it's the sinkhole capital of the United States.

More on the Rochester Y

Speaking of sinkholes, the Rochester Area Family YMCA hit a nasty financial one in the past few years, and last Wednesday the Y membership voted to be absorbed by the YMCA of the North. That change became two days later, on Sept. 1.
One of my intrepid research associates was curious about what that means for local control. Does the local Y board of directors still exist, for example?

Here's what we were told by Joan Schimml, senior director of communications and marketing in Minneapolis:

"The Rochester YMCA still exists as a branch of the YMCA of the North and will no longer operate independently. The current Rochester board will continue to serve the Rochester YMCA as a community advisory board. We are looking at the structure of the community board and at what new community board members to invite to join and what current board members want to remain on the board."

The Rochester Y website says the current board members are Ann Beatty, the chairwoman (called the chief volunteer officer, in Y-land); Lance Resner, vice CVO; Richard Decker, treasurer; Gene Dankbar, secretary; Mark Adafin; Dr. John Bachman; Debbie Beauchene; "Bucky" Beeman; John Gressett; Jorrie Johnson; Colleen Landherr-Maddox; Al Lun; Dan Nistler; Doug Rovang; and Kevin Lund.

According to Y officials, the new advisory board will support "activities for the Rochester community that includes opening doors and advocating for support of YMCA programs and services as well as seeking philanthropic support needed to sustain scholarships and services."

When we asked if there's a capital campaign in the offing to cover costs and make improvements in the facility at 709 First Ave. SW, the Y said, "We currently are making small improvements to the facility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our members. At the same time, we are assessing community needs to determine any other large facility needs. We will then develop a comprehensive plan which will determine funding needs and if approved, we will discuss how best to have a campaign if that is the best way to fund the major improvements."