Jackie Fritzke

Scandia Area Reporter

The New Scandia Township Board accepted the resignation of Parks and Recreation Committee member Julie White and appointed resident Karen Schick to replace her at its Tuesday, Feb. 7 meeting.

Although White declined to comment last week, her resignation comes at a time of major expansion for the committee. It has recently added four subcommittees and is currently seeking five to eight township residents to volunteer on each.

ìWhen we were recruiting for new members last fall, it became obvious that many Scandia residents have an interest in parks, trails and recreation,î committee chair Deb Campobasso said.

Because the township is in the early stages of developing a parks, recreation and trail plan, there is also a need for manpower.

ìIt is a monumental job and we have a very small administrative staff at the township that has little or no time to work on this issue,î Campobasso said. ìWith development at our doorstep it is imperative that we are proactive in formulating a plan for the future.î

The subcommittees are park, trail, open space acquisition and development, recreation and educational programs, park and rec facilities, and public relations and fund-raising.

ìWe need more volunteers to help so this work can get done in a timely manner,î Campobasso said.

Any township resident interested in volunteering should call Campobasso at 651-433-3362.

Ownership change

The Scandia Town Board approved the transfer of Scandia Creameryís liquor license to its new owners, St. Paul-based TST Creative Catering.

ìI had heart surgery,î former owner James Range said last week. ìUnder the circumstances, they offered to buy it from me when they knew I couldnít run it anymore.î

Range of Mounds View bought a plastic factory in the township six years ago and, with the help of his two sons, transformed it into the Creamery. It turned out to be a successful venture.

ìItís booked into 2007,î Range said. ìI had absolutely no idea that it would take off this much.î

Stacy, Vick and Tony Moran, Steve Ahlquist and Deb Reinhart own TST and have been the Creameryís sole caterers for the two years it has been in operation. They introduced themselves to the board Tuesday.

ìWeíre excited to go up there and be part of the community,î Stacy Moran said last week. ìWeíre just looking forward to the adventure.î

And Range said he believes the Creamery will remain successful.

ìI have no doubt that by the middle of summer it will be booked into 2008,î he said. ìWe have inquiries every day and the bulk of the people basically come from the cities.î

But he isnít done with Scandia.

ìIím not sure when I can get back to something, but I will do something again,î Range said. ìScandia was very good to me. I liked it very much.î

Stacy Moran said they plan to keep rental fees the same, which is $850 a day for all three rooms. The rooms can also be rented separately from $300 to $600 for a full day.

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