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St. John's Boys' Choir Leaves For Czech Republic

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The SJBC Concert Choir departed on Friday, June 27 for the Czech Republic where they will represent the United States and the state of Minnesota at the International Boys' and Men's Choral Festival in Hradec Králové and Prague. The boys will travel throughout various regions of the country, exploring the nation's architecture, history and culture. This marks the choirs second trip to the Czech Republic.

In this video you'll join the boys and their parents as they say final farewells the day of their departure.  The concert tour this year is being lead by the Boys' Choir new concert choir director André-Louis Heywood.   André Heywood joined the St. John's Boys' Choir staff a year ago.  He has a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the Don Wright Faculty of Music of the University of Western Ontario.

Another special feature of this video story is a short interview with Br. Paul Richards as he reflects back on the very first trip the Boys' Choir took to Europe.  It was for 21 days and included a combination of about 30 boys and numerous parent chaperones. This years tour will include 13 days in the Czech Republic.

Friday, June 27 & Saturday, June 28
The boys did a great job of dealing with the more than 30 hours of travelling and sight-seeing. They journed first to Hluboka Castle before settling in the hostel at Cesky Krumlov. Lukas Pribyl of Boni Pueri is serving as their guide for these first few days.

     
Sunday, June 29
The day began by attending mass at the Church of St. Vitus. The boys were *excellent*, being very attentive even though they didn't understand a single word. They also tried singing along with some of the Czech hymns. They then spent some time rehearsing in the lobby of the hostel, drawing a number of visitors passing by on the street. After lunch was some time for shopping followed by a tour of the town on wood rafts. The boys had a free evening for socialization.       

Monday, June 30
The boys started the day with a silent breakfast (a tribute to Br. Paul pehaps?) and then set off to Hradec Králové, the site of the Festival. They enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Duran restaurant and then headed into their venue rehearsal at Holy Spirit Cathedral, a 700-year old church in the Old Town square. The boys had a great rehearsal and then spent some time settling into their dorms and having dinner. They then attended the opening ceremonies of the festival, featuring a cameo performance by each choir. The boys were particularly impressed with Boni Pueri, the host choir, and with the American Boychoir who they will sing with in November. Tomorrow begin the long days of festival rehearsals!

2008 Rapids River Days Pageant * Crowning Ceremony

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On Thursday, June 26, the Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant was held at Sauk Rapids/Rice High School in front of a packed crowd. It was an emotional night as all of the young ladies celebrated their hard work and community volunteering. DigElog Sauk Rapids would like to congratulate all of the girls on a job well done. We’d also like to recognize the many volunteers who helped the girls through the entire 10 week process. The Pageant could not exist without your unwaivering dedication.

In this story you’ll see the highlights of the crowning ceremony. Although not all of the girls could be crowned royalty, the Sauk Rapids community has 13 young women whose accomplishments they can be very proud of.



MIss Sauk Rapids Queen
Miss Congeniality

Jana Prow

Age: 18, Senior
Parents: Jim and Gloriana Prow

1st Princess
Evening Gown/ Poise/ Personality Winner

Jennifer Deering

Age: 17, Junior
Parents: Dan and Deb Deering




2nd Princess

Jessica Dingmann

Age: 18, Senior
Parents: Curt and Dawn Dingmann

2008-9 Pageant Royalty Selected

Last night, after months of preparation and community service, the 5th Annual Rapids River Days Pageant was held at the Sauk Rapids/Rice High School Performing Arts Center.  Following a Royalty Reception held prior to the pageant to welcome visiting royalty, the Pageant was held at 7:00 pm.

This year's winners include:

MIss Sauk Rapids Queen
Miss Congeniality

Jana Prow

Age: 18, Senior
Parents: Jim and Gloriana Prow

High School Activities/Interests: Figure Skating, Cross Country, Track, DECA Treasurer, LINK Leader. I enjoy camping, fishing with my dad, and spending time with friends and family.

Future Plans: I will be attending St. Cloud State University and majoring in Business.

Prow was sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus, an international Catholic family fraternal service organization. We impact the Sauk Rapids community with our strong leadership positions at Sacred Heart Church.

1st Princess
Evening Gown/ Poise/ Personality Winner

Jennifer Deering

Age: 17, Junior
Parents: Dan and Deb Deering

High School Activities/Interests: Cross Country Running, DECA, Project 4 Teens, Improv, LINK Leader, Prom Committee, Voicing our Vision, and volunteering at St. Cloud Hospital. I also enjoy running, scrapbooking, writing my own songs, and spending time with family
and friends.

Future Plans: I plan to attend a four year college and then work my way through to get a nursing degree, become a nurse practitioner, and hopefully become a physician.

Deering was sponsored by Fitzharris Sports, established by Jim Fitzharris in 1952. In 2007, Tony Rothstein took over the ownership and has maintained its excellent reputation. Fitzharris provides all your personalized sports uniforms and warm-up needs. We have quality sporting goods, great prices and friendly service. Stop by Fitzharris Sports in downtown St. Cloud. Phone: 320-251-2844

2nd Princess

Jessica Dingmann

Age: 18, Senior
Parents: Curt and Dawn Dingmann

High School Activities/Interests: Swimming, Softball, DECA (officer), Concert Choir, Project 4 Teens, Boys Swim & Dive Team Manager. I also enjoy spending time with
my family and friends, traveling, listening and singing along to music, watching movies and camping.

Future Plans: I plan to attend the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities to major in Political Science and
go to Law School.

Dingmann was sponsored by DigElog Sauk Rapids, your daily online video magazine that captures and documents life in the greater Sauk Rapids area. If you have a story idea or wish to sponsor a DigElog Sauk Rapids topic, contact Duane Kuss at 320-980-4625. We are proud to feature the 2008 Miss Sauk Rapids Scholarship Program's on-going stories on our website: www.digelogsaukrapids.com

Sauk Rapids/Rice High School Jazz Band

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Earlier this Spring, on May 5th, the Sauk Rapids/Rice Jazz Band performed in the High School Commons.  It was a lively evening of great music.  Watching this video story will have you tapping your toes and clapping your hands.

CHAINSAW STRATEGIC PLANNING by Bruce Miles

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In this story you’ll meet former professor-turned business consultant Bruce Miles. In his line of work, Miles emphasizes certain aspects of a business owner’s planning methods and how the speed of their planning can create success. Miles works with many clients each year no matter what size the business is, and one of his most intriguing concepts is “chainsaw planning.” This concept is centered on the idea that business owners should make their business decisions very quickly. Lastly, Miles also believes that focusing on the positive aspects of business will lead to positive results and in turn, generate more revenue.

If you would like a copy of Bruce's handouts distributed during the morning workshop in Cold Spring, just email us at:  insight@uslink.net