West news briefs: Richfield citizens, officers honored for saving a life

Several people were recognized recently at a Richfield City Council meeting for saving the lives of two small children who were rescued from a swimming pool during a snowstorm on Dec. 9.

Responding to a 911 emergency call, Sgt. Dave Kromschroeder went to the 7300 block of Garfield Avenue and was met by Brianna Rheinhart and her friend, Brian Newkirk. Newkirk said a child was drowning in an in-ground backyard pool. The three adults broke down part of a privacy fence and saw an 8-year-old boy struggling in the water and a 6-year-old girl unconscious in the deep end.

Kromschroeder and Newkirk jumped into the frigid water and Newkirk pulled the boy from the water with the help of Rheinhart. Kromschroeder then went into the deep end to rescue the girl. Kromschroeder was fully submerged in icy water as he struggled to retrieve the girl. With the help of Newkirk and Rheinhart, Kromschroeder was able to pull the child out of the pool.

Kromschroeder administered CPR to the unconscious child. He was joined by police officer Greg Peterson, and they were later relieved by Richfield and Hennepin County paramedics. The children were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where the girl was in pediatric intensive care for more than a week. Both have since made a full recovery.

Kromschroeder received a Medal of Merit. Rheinhart and Newkirk received Departmental Commendation Awards, as did Peterson and Richfield dispatcher Lynn Werner.

Plymouth will host its fifth annual Healthy Living Fair from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Av. N.

The free event includes health screenings, gifts, prizes and information on a variety of health issues. Allina Health wellness professionals will provide free blood-pressure screenings, non-fasting blood tests for cholesterol and sugar, and body mass index and waist circumference measurements. Results and consultations will be available at the event.

The St. Louis Park Senior Program is sponsoring "9-11 World Trade Center: A First Responder's Story" from 1-3 p.m. March 19. Registration deadline is March 13.

Dan Murphy, a retired New York City Police Department detective-sergeant, will discuss his experiences at the World Trade Center on 9-11 and in the days and weeks after. His presentation will include photos of the site and the rescue and recovery efforts.

The program will be at the Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd. in St. Louis Park. For more information, call 952-928-6444.

The League of Women Voters Edina is hosting two discussions on health reform in Minnesota.

On Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., April Todd-Malmlov, who is responsible for developing Minnesota's new health insurance exchange, will discuss coming changes in state policy at Edina City Hall's Community Room.

For more information, see www.lwvedina.org or contact LWVEdina@gmail.com .

A conference on how "Nature Heals" will be held March 15, dealing with the ways plants, animals and natural landscapes can promote health in humans. It is sponsored by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing.

Research has shown that patients recover from surgery faster when they have a window with a view of a tree or garden. Likewise, a senior citizen brightens instantly when a puppy comes to visit, the Arboretum says.

As part of a nature-based therapy program, upcoming conferences also are planned for educators, social workers, pet owners, spiritual leaders, health care professionals, parents and members of the general public.

The one on March 15 deals with the neuroscience of human bonds with the natural world, including plant and animal interaction, and how connecting with nature increases individual health and community well-being.

The conference runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 15. Fee is $85 for members of the Arboretum and Center for Spirituality and Healing, $95 for non-members.