Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Meet Our League Member Joan Kimball


Joan has been a long time member of the Park Rapids League of Women Voters.  Joan was born in Valley City, N.D., but didn’t live there long being a “Depression era” baby born in 1931.  Her parents moved frequently during her early years, not really settling until Joan was in High School.  Moves were made in search of work, and took her to CA and Anoka in addition to many other places.  She settled finally and graduated from Fergus Falls High School.  She then attended the University of Minnesota in practical nursing.  She worked in that role, and then later went back for her RN degree from Mankato where she met her husband.  They were married in 1954 and had 5 daughters.
Joan worked in hospitals when first married, until her husband was drafted into World War II and sent to Germany.  She traveled to Germany to join him as it allowed him to work a “regular” job, 8 hour days with weekends off.   Their first daughter was born in Germany and maintains a dual citizenship.  She mostly stayed at home caring for her children, but was involved working as a nurse in a school, and then quickly became a volunteer working in the schools with Cystic Fibrosis children.  She also worked as a volunteer for a Dr. in Minneapolis holding “Teen Clinics” for young people.
Joan joined the League at the encouragement of Florence Heeden, but it wasn’t just Joan that joined.  Her husband had been a history and social studies teacher and was interested in what the League did and joined with her.
Join enjoys the lovely people she has met through League, and also appreciates the educational aspects of the monthly meetings.  She frequently shares her enthusiasm with League with others she meets at church or in her fitness workouts at the Fitness Center.
Both she and her husband were interested in preserving voting rights as well as maintaining the rights of people, including racial equality.






Friday, November 18, 2016

Join us for Saturday Event: Nov 19th

Art work from students at Pine Point: on display at library

Yes, we know it is snowing right now here in Park Rapids.  But our speaker says he is coming on Saturday. Our roads will be cleared.  This will be a great program, please come out and join us.

Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1:30 PM at the NORTHWOODS BANK community room, 

Barry Babcock will present a talk on “The Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers”. 



Mr. Babcock learned these traditional native beliefs through his friendship with Larry Stillday, spiritual leader of Red Lake, who taught that all life is interconnected and interdependent. Mr. Babcock will offer a different perspective on wildlife through these traditional native beliefs. Mr. Babcock will also have along his book, Teachers in the Forest, Essays from the last wilderness in Mississippi Headwaters Country

For more information click here.  

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Native American Heritage Month November 2016




The month of November was designated as Native American Heritage Month by President George H. W. Bush in 1990. 

Consult www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov to learn more about this designation and to connect to sites containing photographs, art, audio, exhibits and collections representing the many Native American tribes of the United States. 

Kitchigami Regional Public Library & League of Women Voters Park Rapids, along with Neegonee Bruner, Culture Teacher at Pine Point and 21st Century Coordinator, Mike Swan, Donette Larson, Indian Education Coordinator, Park Rapids Schools, and author/storyteller Barry Babcock, and artist Simon Zornes present the following activities: 
 
Friday, November 4, 2016 @ 10:30, preschool story hour with special guest, Anishinabe Native storyteller Mike Swan. (At the Park Rapids Public Library) Adults welcome, snack for the children. 

Saturday, November 5, 2016 @ 1:30, artist Simon Zornes will present some of his stone carvings. He will also talk about the lunar calendar and the 13 scales on the turtles back and the changing seasons. He will be bringing some of his native harvest for sale, wild rice, maple syrup and wild plum jelly. Program presented at the Park Rapids Public Library

Saturday, November 12, 2016 @ 1:30 Dancers Star Norcross and Teresita Bruner will perform Jingle Dance, Hoop Dance and Shawl Dance in the basement meeting room of the Public Library. Participants will learn more about the dances as well as hearing about the construction of the regalia. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 4:30 PM at the Park Rapids Public Library Community Room. Dream-catchers, a story by Audrey Osofsky, for story-time, snack, and make your own dream-catcher necklace.  No cost to participants. Must be 4th grade and older to make the necklace. Neegonee Bruner and students from Pine Point school will present and instruct in making the necklace. Adults welcome. 

Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:30 at the Park Rapids Public Library, preschool story hour with Susan Bearden presenting a Native American Tale. 

Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1:30 PM at the NORTHWOODS BANK community room, Barry Babcock will present a talk on “The Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers”. Mr. Babcock learned these traditional native beliefs through his friendship with Larry Stillday, spiritual leader of Red Lake, who taught that all life is interconnected and interdependent. Mr. Babcock will offer a different perspective on wildlife through these traditional native beliefs. Mr. Babcock will also have along his book, Teachers in the Forest, Essays from the last wilderness in Mississippi Headwaters Country. 

In addition, there will be bulletin board displays on Native American History as well as some current information. 
Book lists with readings on Native American History will be available for adults and children. 

Patrons will notice many of the usual signs throughout the library will be posted also in Ojibwe during this month.   Come see if you can read, pronounce some basic Ojibwe. 

Art work created by the children at Pine Point School will be on display on the bulletin board in the Children’s section of the library. (mid- November) 

Hope everyone can find a time to join us for a couple of the programs.  It will be an exciting month.  

Candidate forum for Hubbard County Commissioner District 4


On October 24, 2016 LWV Park Rapids with our partners Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and Akeley Community Center,  hosted a candidate forum for Hubbard County Commissioners in District 4.  We had a great turn out and very good questions.  As always there were many more questions than we got a chance to ask.  We encourage everyone to call or email the candidates with your questions. 

Also thank you so much to The Music Shop on Main Street for lending us the extra microphones we needed for the forum.

Candidates in tonight’s forum are: 

 Challenger, Akeley Mark Peterson 651.343.5727


 Dan Stacey, Akeley (Incumbent) 218.252.9255 

Precincts in District 4 are: 
Cities of Akeley and Laporte
Townships of 

  • Akeley, 
  • Guthrie,
  • Hart Lake, 
  • Hendrickson, 
  • Lakeport, 
  • Mantrap,
  • Steamboat River 
  • Thorpe

The moderator for the forum was Florence Hedeen, member of LWVPRA

Link to youtube video of candidate forum here

Friday, October 21, 2016

MN Senate District 2 / MN House District 2A & 2B Candidate forum


On October 18, 2016 LWV Park Rapids with our partners Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwoods Bank and  LWV Detroit Lakes hosted a candidates forum for the Senate and House District 2.  We had a great turn out and very good questions.  As always there were many more questions than we got a chance to ask.  We encourage everyone to call or email the candidates with your questions. 

Also thank you so much to The Music Shop on Main Street for lending us the extra microphones we needed for the forum.

Candidates in tonight’s forum are:


Senate District 2:


House District 2A:

House District 2B:
The moderator for the forum was Terry Kalil: LWVMN state president and member of LWV Detroit Lakes

Click here to view entire LWV Park Rapids candidate forum.


Saturday, October 15, 2016

Menahga School Board Candidate Forum: 2016


On Tuesday October 11, 2016  LWV Park Rapids Area held a candidate forum for the candidates for the Menahga School board. 


Candidates in tonight’s forum for Menahga School Board (three positions to be filled) are:

  • Brad Goehrig (Incumbent) 218.732.7558

  • Curtis Hasbargen (Incumbent) 218.564.4235
  • Julia Kicker 218.564.5556
  • Robert E. Smith 218.640.7919
  • Jon Kangas also is on the ballot 218.255.1952

Watch the full video here

LWV Park Rapids is responsible for taking this video..Our technical skills and equipment are still in the learning phrase.  We apologize for any poor quality and if the sound is not always the best. Our hope is that the citizens of Menahga who could not attend the forum can view this video to help them become more informed voters.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Menahga Mayor/ City Council Candidate Forum

On Thursday evening, Oct 13, 2016..LWV Park Rapids Area hosted a candidate forum for the Mayor and City Council Elections in Menahga.

The candidates featured in the forum are:

Menahga Mayor 


Patrick Foss (Incumbent) 218.564.4095



Jensine Kurtti 218.255.1971

Special Election for Council
(one position to be filled)



Maxine (Norman) McNeece    218.255.0104



Kim Rasmussen (Incumbent) 218.564.5091

View the full forum here

LWV Park Rapids is responsible for taking this video..Our technical skills and equipment are still in the learning phrase.  We apologize for the poor quality and if the sound is not always the best. Our hope is that the citizens of Menahga who could not attend the forum can view this video to help them become more informed voters.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Absentee Ballots are available now


If you requested an absentee ballot, you should have received it by now.  Absentee Voting started on September 23rd.  

You can still request a ballot to be sent to you or you can go to your local court house and vote absentee in person.  Minnesota has a no excuse policy, so if you don't think you will be able to get to the polls on Nov 8th..vote early. 

Now is a good time to check what is on your ballot: 
 click here to get a sample ballot

There are 2 statewide races on the ballot:  One a Supreme Court Justice election and the other a Constitutional Amendment.  Click the Local Voter Information tab above to see details. (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page)

In Hubbard County there is one county commissioners race in District 4:  (District 4 Serves: Akeley (City & Township), Lakeport, Laporte City, Steamboat River, Mantrap, Thorpe, Guthrie, Hart Lake and Hendrickson). 

Click on the Candidate Forum tab above to see the 5 candidate forums that LWV Park Rapids is presenting.  Hopefully all the technology works correctly to post a video of each forum within a couple of days of each forum.  Check back on this website for the links.  

If you have voting questions call or email the Secretary Of State Office,  your county courthouse or email LWV Park Rapids

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Importance of Voting and League membership

On Thursday September 8, League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area held its annual Fall Membership Gathering at the Good Life Cafe.  It was a chance for members and friends to gather, and hear about the importance of League and membership in League during this important election cycle.  Terry Kalil, LWV Minnesota President from Detroit Lakes, was the speaker. She is the first LWVMN president from out-state Minnesota.  LWV’s goal is to make democracy work for all.  To make democracy work, someone needs to do that work.  Terry pointed out that League has a 96 year history of enhancing, educating and empowering voters. Members and friends of LWV care about elections and issues.  Members are part of a team that is trying to make the process better. Terry stated that “At its core LWV is about the right to vote.”  League has a voice in this country, “if you don’t vote, you lose that voice”.

What people all care about is their communities. So this year the focus is on our local races. These are the elections that affect lives immediately.  It is important to have qualified candidates for all local races and to help all those candidates make their positions known to the voters. It is up to all voters to ask the candidates hard questions about what they can do and be involved so the candidate know what is important to the community.

League can help focus on issues that are getting lost in the rhetoric.  There is an amendment to on the ballot and a statewide race for a position on the MN Supreme Court.  The proposed Constitutional amendment removes legislator’s power to set their own pay, and instead it creates a bipartisan citizens panel to study and set pay.   The League of Women Voters is actively educating voters on the amendment and the importance of casting a ballot on this question. Not voting on any constitutional amendment is the same as casting a no vote so it’s critical that voters study the amendment and then vote. 

Voters need to know about the judge candidates too.  (for more information go to http://lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com/p/local-voter-information.html)

League members learn about the facts through our study of the issues such as climate change, campaign finance, redistricting, etc. Members also learn how to talk with people to find common ground. They learn about the candidates. This year LWVPRA will be holding 6 candidate forums in October.  Watch for the announcements in the media, on Facebook, in community calendars and on posters around town.  

So what can citizens do to make democracy work?  
  • Make sure you are registered to vote by going to our local  courthouse
  • Vote by absentee ballot starting September 23, if you are not going to be in town on election day.
  • Go in person and vote on November 8th
  • Attend the candidate forums..(bring your friends and neighbors)
  • Ask questions of your candidates until you understand what they will do
  • Watch the videos of the forums if you can’t attend..they will be posted on LWV PRA website:  http://lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com/
If there are questions about LWVPRA activities, events or how to join LWVPRA (not for women only) email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Meet League Member Cindy Gunsolus

Cindy was born in Decorah, Iowa but grew up in New Richland. She attended a small school.  After high school she was in the Navy from 1974 to 1978.  She was taught to work with radar.  Radar was only used at sea, and as women could not go out to sea, this created a problem.  So, women were then able to be either secretaries or janitors.  In 1974 they tried to open up more jobs for women within the navy.  Radar was easy to teach, but they would not let women teach because they couldn’t share the sea stories as the men could, because women were not allowed to go to sea.  The men thought that women took their jobs on shore, so feelings of animosity grew.  They paid for her education when she left the military, and she was technically disabled so her education was paid for.  She began her education at the University of South Dakota at Spearfish for 1 year.  Then she transferred and went to St. Cloud State for 2 ½ years.  While there she majored in psychology.  Then she went to the University of Wisconsin, Stout, where she earned a Master’s in School Psychology.  She began work on her doctorate, but did not finish it.  Her doctorate would have provided her with a degree in counseling, but health concerns kept that from happening.
Between her Master’s and Doctorate work she was employed as a school psychologist for the Sioux Falls Public Schools.  She truly enjoyed the job working and testing not only the gifted students but also the very needy.  She had 2 different employers in WI prior to becoming ill and moving here.
Cindy’s volunteer activities throughout the years have centered mostly on League activities as when she was working there was little time for other activities.  Since her illness, she has not had as much opportunity.
Cindy first became interested in the Local League when reading the many articles in the paper about starting a League in the area.  She and her sister, Annamae decided to check it out and soon became members.
League has enriched Cindy’s life in many ways but Cindy says especially in the friendship she has with Florence.  They went to State Council together where the highlight of that event was that Sandra Day O’Connor was going to be the speaker.  At one point she was able to be seated right next to Judge O’Connor.  Overcome with awe at this opportunity, Cindy was speechless and just watched and listened to this compelling woman.  Cindy has also benefited from meeting other people and finds the programs and discussions always interesting and informative.
Cindy is currently very interested in the issue of hunger and how that impacts children in our communities.  She will be working on developing a panel event on hunger in our community.  In the past Cindy served as co-president of the League of Women Voters Park Rapids with her sister, Annamae.  She has also served by being a greeter and participating on planning committees.
Asked if she would recommend League of Women Voters membership to other men and women of the community, Cindy says, “The League gives us an opportunity to learn more about local, state, and national issues and also helps us take action in addressing those issues”.




Monday, August 1, 2016

One State wide race on August 9th

There is only one state wide race on the Primary Ballot on August 9th.  It is for one seat on the Minnesota Supreme Court.  Currently there are 3 candidates on the ballot.  The race will be narrowed down to 2 on the 9th.

Often it is hard to get information to make an informed choice about Supreme Court but the  League of Women Voters from Brooklyn Park/ Osseo/ Maple Grove, Crystal / New Hope / East Plymouth, Golden Valley, Minnetonka/ Eden Prairie /Hopkins, St. Louis Park, South Tonka and Wayzata/ Plymouth Area put on a candidate forum with all three candidates:


Natalie Hudson (Incumbent)
Michelle L. MacDonald
Craig Foss
 
Click the link below to view the entire forum:
Candidates Forum - MN Supreme Court - Jul 27th, 2016
Live and Recorded Public meetings of Candidates Forum -
MN Supreme Court for City of Plymouth, MN:

View Candidates Forum - MN Supreme Court

Remember to Vote in the Primary on August 9th.. 

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Meet League Member Joan Smith




















Joan Smith was born in South Bend, Indiana.  She was a bit of a Tomboy as a child growing up in a neighborhood of boys.  She loved to run, but couldn’t beat one boy!

Joan graduated High School and intended to go into nursing.  She met her husband during World War II and got married.  Her husband, an engineer, served for four years overseas in Okinawa (for 6 mos) and was there when the war ended.

Joan and husband Frank raised a family of three daughters.  When they were young, Joan stayed home to care for them and her husband taught.  When the girls were older she worked at a bank, and also worked as a temp employee working for Control Data and corporate attorneys.  Because her husband’s work required him to travel overseas to Europe and Asia, Joan liked the temp. work as it allowed her to accompany him on these trips.

Through the years Joan has been involved in a number of volunteer activities.  She worked with Hospital Auxiliary groups, the White Cross, Brownies and Girl Scouts, 4-H, along with school and church activities.  She was also active in environmental groups and COLA.

Both Joan and her husband Frank joined the League when they moved here.  Frank and Al Undem were the only men in the organization at that time.  They joined the League because they believed in the mission of the League.  Frank wanted people to know that it wasn’t only a women’s organization.  Esther Fieldman, former representative, was also a member then and a great inspiration.

Joan says the League has educated her on a variety of issues and continues to educate her.  She enjoys the women who are intelligent and unselfish in their desire to make the world a better place.
Her message to young women considering joining the League is, “JUST DO IT!!!!  YOU WON’T REGRET IT!!”

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Voter Registration Events over the weekend

LWV Park Rapids Area was at 2 area festivals over the weekend:  Saturday we set up at the Pine Point Music Festival at Pine Point Pow Pow Grounds.  We got to hear some really good music and meet some new people.  Then on Sunday we set up at the Bite of Park Rapids. Also a great time talked to several people about voting, had some good food to eat and got to know  3 new LWVPRA members.  We registered 5 people and gave out a couple of requests for Absentee Ballots too. 

 Look for us during Crazy Days in Park Rapids, July 28th. 


 Informational Tables all set up.


















Kids enjoying the activities at Pine Point Musical Festival: bubbles, hoops and food. 


2 of newest members helping to set up on Sunday.




Thanks to all who helped this weekend:
CC, Carol, Rhoda, Wendy, Sally, Joan,

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Welcome to League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area new Website

Welcome to the League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWVPRA) new website.  This website is for everyone in the Park Rapids, MN area who cares about Making Democracy Work for All.

LWVPRA is a non profit LLC local league associated with and under the policies of League of Women Voters US and League of Women Voters Minnesota. 

The purpose of this website is to educate the public in the Park Rapids Area and Hubbard County about the process of being a citizen both your rights and responsibilities. We want to compile a local website that has information on all things voting:
  • how and where to register
  • where are the polling places, 
  • when and where are the candidate forums
  • where can you find ways to become educated about issues especially those that effect our local area. 

On this website you will also find pages with information:
  • specific to this area
  • about local elections
  • about local government 
  • about our local members
  • about local LWVPRA events and activities

Please remember that LWV Minnesota and LWVPRA is nonpartisan in both our education and our advocacy. 

We never support political parties or candidates for public office. We support issues that have been arrived at through a consensus process involving all league members.  



Registering voters during Paul Bunyan Days at Akeley..(even the wind doesn't deter us.)














First Voter Registration event of the season in the Armory at Beagle and Wolf Books Authors' Fest.

Welcome to League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area new Website

Welcome to the League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWVPRA) new website.  This website is for everyone in the Park Rapids, MN area who cares about Making Democracy Work for All.

LWVPRA is a non profit LLC local league associated with and under the policies of League of Women Voters US and League of Women Voters Minnesota. 

The purpose of this website is to educate the public in the Park Rapids Area and Hubbard County about the process of being a citizen both your rights and responsibilities. We want to compile a local website that has information on all things voting:
  • how and where to register
  • where are the polling places, 
  • when and where are the candidate forums
  • where can you find ways to become educated about issues especially those that effect our local area. 

On this website you will also find pages with information:
  • specific to this area
  • about local elections
  • about local government 
  • about our local members
  • about local LWVPRA events and activities

Please remember that LWV Minnesota and LWVPRA is nonpartisan in both our education and our advocacy. 

We never support political parties or candidates for public office. We support issues that have been arrived at through a consensus process involving all league members.  



Registering voters during Paul Bunyan Days at Akeley..(even the wind doesn't deter us.)














First Voter Registration event of the season in the Armory at Beagle and Wolf Books Authors' Fest.