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CALENDAR: Learn about local events for the holiday PAGE 3
Veterans Day on Nov. 11
Centennial Theatre spends the weekend at the House of Usher BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
The Centennial Middle School Theatre program will spend a weekend at the House of Usher in its production of “Folly of the House of Usher.” The play is scheduled to premiere Thursday, Nov. 6 and run through Sunday, Nov. 9. In total, there are 78 students in the show, either on stage or behind it helping with costumes and managing the stage and sound booth. “There is an old phrase in theater, ‘doorslamming farce.’ We’ve done farce plays before, but this one has actual door slamming,” said Eric Webster, the play’s director. “Folly of the House of Usher” follows the Hideaway Gang after they receive a letter from Roderick Usher asking for their help. Smelling adventure, the gang accepts the invite and agrees to spend the weekend at the Usher mansion. When the Hideaway Gang arrives, Roderick’s sister, Madeline Usher, informs them that their parents are missing, and that they believe the house to be alive. The group sets off to explore the mansion in search of the parents, where they encounter a slew of wacky and bizarre characters. Webster said his favorite part of the show is the nonstop patter, jokes and physical comedy.
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Honoring veterans The nation will honor all the brave men and women who have served in the United States Military on Veterans Day, which falls on Tuesday Nov. 11. Beginning this week through Veterans Day, Anoka County will illuminate its facilities in green in support of veterans as part of Operation Green Light. Residents and businesses are encouraged to also take part. See more information on page 5.
SEE SCHOOL PLAY, PAGE 6
A tale of 2 soldiers: Finding purpose in service One thing that Kevin Larson and Bobby Zellmann have in common is that the military gave them purpose. From convoy cop to project manager: Lino Lakes veteran reflects on journey After graduating from high school, Kevin Larson wasn’t sure what his future would hold. “I didn’t really know what to do right out of high school. I didn’t really have much of a
plan or know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to major in, so the military was kind of the next step,” he said. Larson, now a Lino Lakes resident, grew up in Coon Rapids and graduated from Anoka High School in 2005. He joined the military not only for the benefits, but also because he wanted to travel. “I was wanting to travel, wanting to see the world and explore and see what the rest of the world has to offer,” he said. After completing boot camp and training for the Air Force, Larson drafted his “wish list”
Fa i rwaY
of five bases he would prefer to be stationed at. “All five of my bases that I chose were overseas. Then I found out I was going to Minot, North Dakota. I’d never heard of it,” Larson laughed. Larson served active duty in the Air Force as a police officer from 2006 to 2010. Although that base wasn’t on his wish list, he was thankful to be able to travel home to see family and friends on long weekends. SEE VETERANS DAY, PAGE 2
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