10. PRSR 01-08-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Center for Community Committee Minutes of Meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2002, 4:00 p.m. Elk River Area High School Present: Don Heinz man, Jim Mulroy, Sara Hartman, Cliff Lundberg, Louise Kuester, Carole McNaughton Commers, Darlene Solberg, Tony Mikols, Nancy Gongoll, Rachel Leonard, Elaine Anderson, Jane Lindenfelser, Betty Zehringer, Lois Swanson, Charlie Blesener and Tony Darkenwald, Guests Jamie Havorson, Jon Barth and Rana Nestrud. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Don Heinzman, Chair. The minutes of the August 29, 2002 meeting were approved as printed. Don Heinzman introduced Arts Magnet Program Director Rana Nestrud and two ERAHS students Jamie Haverson and Jon Barth who had been invited to give input about high school space issues. Jamie commented that space for ceramics is needed by high school students. Sophomores were cut from ceramics offerings this year. Other classes that would be popular are painting, drawing, and jewelry. The Arts Magnet offers enriched after school classes in these areas, but Jamie felt there was room for more. She also suggested that a place to sell students' works and exhibit them would be helpful. Students commented that exhibit space is more equitable between sports and the arts now, but there is still a need for more space. It was remarked that students often do not have time in their daytime schedules for art classes. Jamie said she thought that having intergenerational classes would work. Jon Barth suggested that musicians and vocalists would appreciate a recording studio. There is a private recording studio near Zimmerman currently. Also, acoustic rehearsal space for bands would be used. Currently lessons are offered at the Main Street Music and Backbeat Music. Local bands currently play at The Emporium. There was a good concert at Lions Park last year. Both students recommended that students be involved in the planning of a community center. Rana Nestrud said that the open studio is a very popular component of the Arts Magnet and she predicts it would be good at Handke too. The Arts Magnet program offers workshops to students, staff and parents in a variety of arts. They also participate in the student exhibit at the Paramount in St. Cloud and are cosponsors of the new Concert Series, and an Evening of the Arts. The Arts Magnet also sponsors Arts Week each year with guest artists and special arts activities in the Spring. Summer time and weekend hours would be good for arts offerings at Handke. It was also noted that home school and private school students would be primary users of arts offerings in the Community Family & Arts Center. The graphic arts and media classes at ERAHS are extremely popular today. Jamie said that the arts offerings often provide a reason for students to come to school. Carole McNaughton Commers said that Community Education is exploring a new after school program for middle school. They are researching sources for funding. Jamie said she thinks elementary and middle school students would participate in drawing and painting classes if there was good guidance offered. She also said that there are few places to enjoy music pursuits and to "hang out." Theatre classes for children would be popular. It was noted that Lincoln Elementary annually has a theatre residency with the Prairie Fire Theatre Company. Community Ed offers theatre classes, but it is difficult to obtain instructors from 3-5pm. Dance is another area that needs space. During discussion about senior needs during our last meeting, it was noted that wood shop may be a needed offering. Continued discussion of Senior Issues: Don Heinzman reported that he visited with Dan Dixon, executive director of Guardian Angels who is open to further discussions about senior space requirements in our community. Community & Family Art Center: Rachel Leonard, Commissioner in Sherburne County, reported that a fund exists that is fed by the Federal Jail, and that the YMCA is planning to request capital funds for its new project. It was suggested that the proposed Community Family & Art Center uniquely serves Sherburne County residents and may qualify for funding and, therefore, it was agreed to inquire about the fund.