| Dayton's
Bluff District
Forum September
2009
Volume 22, No. 7 IN THIS ISSUE
1. National Night Out "ramps up" in Dayton's Bluff 2. Eat pizza and support community at Sept. 16 Davanni's Fun-Raiser 3. Fall Dayton's Bluff Vacant Home Tour 4. Swede Hollow Plain Air Art Fest 5. Community Meeting 6. Dayton's Bluff business class 7. Meet the police 8. Take a Hike 9. Block club meetings 10. Watch the Glow of the Setting Sun 11. Bud & Al's Brake Services - A great stop in Dayton's Bluff 12. Reaching out to others by reading! 13. The fall and rise of Truman Smith: A Dayton's Bluff success story 14. Debbie's Doghouse 15. Dayton's Bluff Community Council Elections 16. Metropolitan State University is active in Dayton's Bluff this fall 17. Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Cleanup 18. Start seeing local Recreation Centers!!! 19. The gardeners of Dayton's Bluff 20. Food, fellowship, family fun & faith 21. Letter to the Editor - The Re-Branding of Minnesota 22. What is it about Community of Peace Academy? 23. Mounds Theatre Events 24. Friends of Mounds Park to officially launch September 13 25. Sacred Heart Fall Festival 26. Set of 12 Dayton's Bluff postcards available 27. Church Directory 28. Miscellaneous Stuff 29. September Ads Past issues of the Dayton's Bluff District Forum |
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National
Night Out "ramps up" in Dayton's Bluff
By Ed Lambert, Executive Director, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council National Night Out in Dayton’s Bluff continues to grow and attract more and more residents and businesses. We had fifteen events scheduled this year, an increase of four over last year. Again, this year, the Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Housing Service provided a small grant to help promote and support National Night Out events in the community. I was able to visit all but one of the events and estimate we had nearly 1400 persons at these events. Four of them attract around 200 persons each; some come and stay for several hours, others come for an hour or so then leave. A few events have as few as 20, many others see 60-80. The events also attracted several Census workers who were out encouraging our community’s participation in the National Census next year. They passed out small gifts, including a Chinese Fortune Cookie with the legend “Answer the 2010 Census” inside (www.mn2010census.org). The Saint Paul Police Horse patrol was at several events, their dog patrols at several as well. The horses drew a lot of attention at the Swede Hollow event at Greenbrier and Margaret Sts. Their handlers were gracious and the horses seemed quite patient with all the attention; particularly from the many kids who wanted to pet them and get real close. This event had a lively band called The Next Exit, led by Kirk Larson (an area neighbor), which had a rapt crowd jumping. They have played at this event for the past several years. The event at 5th St. E., between Maria and Mounds Blvd, is well attended each year. They had pony rides for the kids, as they typically do, but this year many were wondering if it would happen because the owner had health problems recently and was thought to (maybe) be unable to bring them. They were there, however, to the delight of the kids riding the ponies with the St. Paul city skyline behind them. Two trucks arrived from the St. Paul Fire Dept. and many folks came to talk to the fire fighters and look over the impressive equipment they work with. The event at 1300 Conway (sponsored by the Saint Paul Federal Credit Union and always one of the larger ones) seemed even larger than last year. They always have hot food, a clown, and a large air-filled jumping tent for the kids. The clown was making, and giving away, colorful “balloon creatures” to the delight of the hordes of kids around him. The event on Reaney Avenue, between Forest and Cyprus, had a professional magician sponsored by Budget Towing with financial help from Metro Liquor Warehouse. The Brodini Comedy Magic Show (www.brodini.com) set up shop on a front porch and enthralled everyone with his amazing tricks and surprises. The Great Brodini has been a fixture at this event for the past several years. New this year was a huge outdoor movie screen sponsored by Comcast at the Margaret Recreation Center site. They saw Kung Fu Panda for free, outdoors, on a mosquito free evening. One of the larger events, they ran out of hot dogs (260 on hand), and also went through some 300 bags of popcorn. Estimates are that over 200 adults and kids were there for part or all of the evening. Another new event took place at 4th and Bates, sponsored by the 4th and Bates Block Club. Theirs focused on a “Paint the Pavement” project they implemented that evening. Right in the center of the intersection is a large and colorful image intended to serve as ” a traffic calmer,” and as a source of pride for the area. Check it out and consider whether your area should do one as well. Each event is different and involves different people. The Beech/Margaret 654 Block Club had a large gathering in the parking lot of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Forest and Margaret). Several folks set up a tent and were creatively painting the faces of the many kids on hand. Mounds Park (at the pavilion) had a charming event, including roasted corn, and entertainment by an excellent four-person Celtic Band Barra (www.barraband.com), which has been at several NNO events there. This group of neighbors always has a warm and inviting event, which this year also had a delightful and versatile solo singer named Sharone Lemiuex. She is a local person who also plays guitar and can be found on Facebook. This article can only cover a few highlights of these many events. Perhaps next year we should do a special NNO insert so we can all enjoy the full richness of the Dayton’s Bluff Community on National Night Out. The night was beautiful, fun, and full of life and hope throughout the Community. If you missed it this year, make sure you get to one of these events next year and meet the amazing people of Dayton’s Bluff…your neighbor. Eat pizza and support community at Sept. 16 Davanni's Fun-Raiser The Dayton’s Bluff District Council is teaming up with Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies to raise money for community programs on Wednesday September 16, 2009 from 5 to 8 p.m. at their White Bear Avenue location. It’s called a Fun-Raiser because it is a fun and easy way for local residents to support the local District Council. All you have to do is plan on having dinner at Davanni’s between 5 and 8 p.m. for eat in or take-out (does not apply to deliveries). When ordering, give the staff your voucher when you pay for your meal. (Vouchers available at the Council office, 798 E. 7th St., 651-772-2075). Food and beverages are at the everyday low prices, but Davanni’s donates 20 percent of your total bill to the Council. Many other Eastside non-profit organizations have taken advantage of Davanni’s fun-raising program and now the District Council is part of the program. The Council’s board members, committee participants, staff and volunteers are distributing the free vouchers, or you can call the Council office to have one mailed to you. The voucher notifies Davanni’s that you want part of your tab donated to Dayton’s Bluff District Council. Just give them the voucher when you pay for your meal during the Fun-Raiser and Davanni’s will donate 20 percent of the total bill to the Council. No voucher, no donation. It’s a great opportunity to see other local residents who are supporting the neighborhood, or you can choose take-out instead. Invite your neighbors, too. It’s a great way to show up and show your support for Dayton’s Bluff. Davanni’s is conveniently located on the corner of White Bear Avenue and Suburban, just south of I-94 and it offers plenty of free parking. It’s an easy way for anyone to support our Community Council and its Dayton’s Bluff programs. Fall Dayton's Bluff Vacant Home Tour
The Fall Dayton’s Bluff Vacant Home Tour will be held on Sunday, September 20. It will showcase some of the vacant homes in our neighborhood and, hopefully, find buyers for them. Six to eight homes will be featured on the tour. Pick up the map with the location of the houses between noon and 5 p.m. at 798 East 7th Street at the corner of East 7th and Margaret. Realtors and bankers will be on hand with information and to answer questions. Come early and ride free on a vintage 1950s Twin Cities Rapid Transit bus. The Fall Dayton’s Bluff Vacant Home Tour is one of the “Welcome Home” tours sponsored in part by the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR) and the Dayton’s Bluff Vacant Building Committee (DBVBC), which featured two successful tours last year and another this spring. The DBVBC was formed in 2007 just as the early fallout from the sub prime crisis began to emerge. Initially, the group’s goal was to provide neighborhood input on the city’s decisions when to (or when not to) demolish vacant properties in the Dayton’s Bluff area. The idea was to stop the demolition of vacant properties just because they were vacant. Dayton’s Bluff Vacant Home Tour is an alternative to vacant house demolition. Homes of all sizes, some in move-in shape, some in need of a lot of work will be included on the tour. The tour will feature a wide range of these homes and it is an opportunity to see the options available in our neighborhood. The Vacant Home Tour will be on Sunday, September 20. Anyone who would like to help out with the tour or get involved with the Dayton’s Bluff Vacant Home Committee is welcome to join. We need your help. Please contact Karin DuPaul, at Karin@daytonsbluff.org or call Karin at 651-772-2075. Swede Hollow Plain Air Art Fest The Art Fest will start at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 in Swede Hollow Park. This event will give park visitors an opportunity to see artists at work in the open-air setting of Swede Hollow, which is especially lovely in autumn. Children are welcome and chalk will be provided for them to draw Swede Hollow scenes of their own along the paved paths. Friends of Swede Hollow (FOSH) is seeking artists of all kinds to participate in the Swede Hollow Plain Air Art Fest. Artists are encouraged to donate their work to FOSH to help raise support for their efforts to improve the park. FOSH is a nonprofit organization that works on Swede Hollow issues, plantings, cleanups, education, history tours, and events. For more information email SwedeHollow@gmail.com. or call 651-776-0550. Community Meeting The next Community Meeting is Thursday, September 3rd from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the meeting room at the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council, 798 East 7th Street at the corner of 7th and Margaret The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council holds its Community Meeting on the 1st Thursday of most months. The purpose of the meeting is to work with block clubs and neighborhood residents on problem properties, criminal and nuisance behavior, code enforcement issues and any other neighborhood issues, concerns, and/or new ideas for improvement in Dayton’s Bluff If you can get me the addresses of problems ahead of time I can get them to the police and code enforcement. Then they can bring information about the problems to the meeting. All Dayton’s Bluff residents are welcome to attend. If you need more information email Karin@DaytonsBluff.org or call Karin at 651-772-2075. Dayton's Bluff business class The next Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Microentrepreneur Class is starting in September 2009. This program helps start-up and young businesses on the East Side. All East Side entrepreneurs are welcome. Class training lasts 8 weeks and includes topics such as operations management, marketing, financial management, one to one assistance with creating a successful business, and preparing a business plan, plus 8 hours of one on one time with the instructor. Those who successfully complete the course and locate their businesses in target neighborhoods are eligible for ongoing business support services. Some examples of businesses started by people who have previously taken this course include graphics, landscaping, photography, food service, restoration of wood furniture and works of art, custom floral design for weddings and events, and exterior and interior painting. The course is sponsored by the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council and the Neighborhood Development Center. There is a small registration fee based on a sliding fee scale. The next session will start in September 2009 and class size is limited. Please call Karin at 651-772-2075 or email Karin@DaytonsBluff.org for an application. Meet the police The
Eastern District Police host their monthly meetings for community
members at 722 Payne on the corner of Payne and Minnehaha Avenues. One
is on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and the other on
the third Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. In September the meetings are on the 16th
and 18th. Dayton’s Bluff Take a Hike occurs on the first
Saturday of most months. The next hike is on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. There is no Hike
in September. We meet at 10:30
a.m. in Indian Mounds Park at Earl St. and Mounds Blvd. Block
club meetings Come and join the delight of hearing stories and songs from former Swede Hollow residents and Hamm’s Brewery employees at the annual “Watch the Glow of the Setting Sun on the Red Brick Brewery” event hosted by Friends of Swede Hollow (FOSH). The event will start at 6:30 p.m. on September 25 and everyone is welcome to attend. Meet at the Henge in Swede Hollow Park near the Drewry Ln. and Beaumont entrance. See first hand the sun set and see the bright glow of the brewery building. After the sun sets, the evening cookout and socializing begins. Former Swede Hollow residents and Hamm’s employees share memories of the good old days living in the Hollow and working in the brewery. Last year Joe Sanchelli and his daughter Nancy entertained everyone with Italian songs and stories about life in the Hollow. FOSH is a nonprofit organization that works on Swede Hollow issues, plantings, cleanups, education, history tours, and events. For more information email SwedeHollow@gmail.com or call 651-776-0550. Bud & Al's Brake Services - A great stop in Dayton's Bluff By June Bennett Here’s to another great Dayton’s Bluff family-run business! Bud and Al’s Brake Services, located at 695 Arcade, have been keeping neighborhood cars running smoothly for over fifty years. Joel Weis began running the station in 1956, originally located on Earl St. across from the Dairy Queen (which at that time was called Fancy Freeze). Brothers Larry and Gary Weis started working for their father after school and during the summers. After graduating from high school both brothers attended TVI Mechanic School. After graduating, they spent nine years working at their father’s business. Then, the brothers continued working as mechanics, Larry at Merit Chevrolet and Gary at Arrow Pontiac, and both taught night school at TVI. In March of 1976, Gary and Larry Weis took over their father’s business which had moved to their current Arcade Ave. location. Which, of course, begs the question: Who are Bud & Al? Bud and Al were the previous owners, but the Weis family decided to keep the business’ name. The Weis brothers remember that in the 40s and 50s there were seven service stations in the Dayton’s Bluff area and all were doing fine business. In fact, Taqueria Los Paisanos located near Bud & Al’s was once a service station. Both Gary and Larry would like to see more businesses come to the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood On a personal note, Larry has seven children and twelve grandchildren and is very pleased that his oldest grandson graduated high school this year. Larry is also honored that two of his sons have followed in his footsteps and become mechanics - just as Larry and Gary followed in their father’s footsteps. Gary has three children - one son who is also a mechanic and a granddaughter who is considering learning the family profession. Walking into Bud and Al’s Brake Service is like taking a step back in time. The shop is decorated with all sorts of antique signs and vintage collectables. The charm and warmth of the owners are felt immediately. Now that you know where the experienced mechanics are in the Dayton’s Bluff, drop in and say hello to Gary and Larry and enjoy the experience of service with a smile. Bud & Al’s Brake Service is located at 695 Arcade Ave. 651-776-2364. Reaching out to others by reading! School’s back in session and the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood is full of young people. According to the 2000 Census, 35% of the residents were under 18 years old. Many of these children attend the elementary schools in our neighborhood – Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus; World Cultures Magnet & American Indian Magnet Schools.Some students really benefit from the opportunity to work with a tutor on learning reading, writing, math and other subjects. Would you like to reach out to one of these students? Say, “Yes!” If you are available either Tuesdays or Thursdays from 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. during the school year and would like to tutor a 2nd or 3rd grade student, please call and leave a message for the Reading Rocks! Coordinator at 651-774-8736. Reading Rocks! is an after school tutoring program at Mounds Park United Methodist Church, 1049 Euclid (corner of Earl & Euclid). You would be paired with one student and guided in offering that student opportunities to enhance his or her learning by reading together, playing educational games, working on phonetics, etc. If our program doesn’t fit into your schedule and you are available during the school day, please call one of the local schools directly to volunteer. Or if you are available in the evenings, a local library, such as the Dayton’s Bluff Branch Library on E. 7th St., may need tutoring help. We believe that Reading Rocks! The fall and rise of Truman Smith: A Dayton's Bluff success story By Steve Trimble This month I decided to do an article that is really a magazine review. It looks at two recently published articles in Ramsey County History. They tell the story of Truman Smith, a man who lived in Dayton’s Bluff for many years, starting in its pioneer days. Incidentally, the articles are very well written and are both interesting and informative and worthy of your attention.
The authors-Barry and Joan Cotter- have been gathering data on Truman Smith for years and have found an amazing amount of material on this somewhat forgotten man, who happens to be Joan’s great-great grandfather. Here is some, but not all, of the information contained in the two articles. If you want to know more, how to get the magazines and information on an upcoming talk on Truman Smith, it will be at the end of this column. First Cotter Article: Smith the Banker “A quiet, undemonstrative, old-time gentleman man” selling vegetables in the St. Paul Market is the way an 1886 historian described Truman Smith. While some would label Smith as a somewhat broken man, the Cotters believe it is a mistake to portray this St. Paul pioneer as a failure. Their research instead reveals a person who stuck to his principles, overcame adversity and found contentment in a second career. Truman Smith came to Minnesota in 1851. He had been a farmer and retail grocer in Wisconsin and arrived here with poor health and little money. His wife and two daughters remained behind and would join him after he got on his feet. Smith first worked cutting wood even though it taxed his strength. He also became a debt collector for a time. He began to buy and sell land, something done by many during the era of “real estate mania” as it was sometimes called. Smith was successful at it and soon had enough money to open a bank in the prestigious Fuller House building in 1857. He also operated the successful Minnesota Marble Works in St. Paul. Smith initially lived downtown but had his eye on an elegant stone structure being built on Dayton’s Bluff. He bought it in March of 1857 and he moved in with his family. It is still there today at 908 Mound Street and houses the Mounds Park Residence. The Cotters have been able to uncover quite a bit of Smith’s correspondence. In one letter the 32 year old explained to a businessman “my motto is to keep money all the time at work and not keep it on hand.” As real estate boomed, so did his banking business. But like others in the frontier city, he was hit hard by the national economic crash of 1857. That fall, because most currency had dried up, his bank was forced to suspend business. To cover debts and expenses, Smith mortgaged his house and the marble works, as well as other real estate. He then ventured back East to try to find financial backing. He was somewhat successful and was able to reopen the bank in the spring of 1858 and pay off many of his creditors. He also kept the marble works going even thought it took virtually all he had to pay the workers. Smith was struggling but still stalwart. “I mean to have a living while I live,” he stated, “if it is only a poor one.” But later in 1858 the bank failed again. Two years later he wrote: “I am still tied up with old debts… I have a Family to Support & having never worked for a salary. I cannot bring my mind to it, & having been raised on a Farm my mind naturally turned to that again.” So he launched a career in horticulture-something he loved as an avocation. Smith managed to hang onto the heavily mortgaged house on the hill. After a time, after missing payments, the marshal showed up to evict them. But he had put the house in his wife’s name to avoid it being taken by debt collectors and stayed there until her death from tuberculosis in 1864. Second Cotter Article: Smith the Horticulturist In their second article, the Cotters look at how Truman made the transition from a “broken banker” to a successful horticulturist. They document how he didn’t dwell on past failures but literally dug in and made a new start. Smith had been a farmer in the past and had also been active in early Minnesota agricultural societies because of his hobby of growing flowers and vegetables. He wrote to his sister in the 1860’s that he was now tending a six-acre suburban area on the fringe of the city. One early map shows it running from today’s Mounds Park up to Johnson Parkway or beyond and a little south of today’s I-94 freeway. Like others who even today bring products to the St. Paul Farmer’s Market, Smith believed that growing and marketing food for city dwellers could be a viable and profitable undertaking. This proved to be true, as downtown hotels were eager to purchase batches of asparagus and baskets of strawberries. His flowers found their way to many St. Paul florists. And Smith was a frequent vegetable vendor at the popular St. Paul Market. He realized there was a growing interest in ornamental plantings and also launched into the retail nursery businesses offering a wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Among his offerings were maple, ash, balsam, spruce, weeping willow trees and rose bushes. Grape growing became one of his trademarks. By 1867 he had 1,300 grape vines under cultivation featuring thirty-seven different varieties. Much as he had in banking, Smith insisted on handling quality products. He once said he would rather have his customers quibble about the price than to question the quality. The Cotters’ article includes some of the minutes of the Minnesota Horticultural Society from its January 1869 meeting at which “fine specimens of homemade wine” were “tested.” Another of Smith’s contributions was fruit growing, something that Eastern skeptics thought was impossible in the state’s severe climate. Smith took special pleasure in showing them wrong by successfully cultivating different fruit-producing trees and bushes. In the fall of 1870 a newspaper reported that he had a “fruit party” to display his pears, apples, cherries and plums. As he once told an Eastern supplier “you must get over the idea we live in the North Pole.” He did make a living, but it was nothing like what he had enjoyed as a banker. “I was once well off & lost all but not through my fault,” Smith mused, “but we make put enough to eat and something to wear if not so good.” There were heartbreaks. When his wife died of tuberculosis he wrote his sister: “I lost my wife… and consequently have not felt much like Business or anything else for I hardly know what to do I am so lonely.” Smith was also involved in regional activities. He was an early member of the State Agricultural Society. He was among the founders of the St. Paul North Star Grange and was the program chair for that farmer’s organization. He liked being a Grange leader since the group’s values and practices corresponded to his own belief in mutual benefits in commerce and friendly social relations. Smith does not fit the frequent pattern of feelings of failure that some economic historians believe are common during bad times. Even after losing almost everything in the 1857 panic, he never seemed to dwell on his losses. His letters did not express any bitterness and he enjoyed what he was doing and that he was contributing to the city of St. Paul. Many historians say that American culture has a tendency to judge people by business values. If they fail financially, they are thought to lack moral fiber. The Cotters take issue with this point of view. They show how Truman Smith did meet with financial failure, but he never seemed to focus on the negative. Instead, he was able to remake himself, although not in business terms. Using an expression of Smith’s, time, the Cotters maintain that he was ultimately a success because he was a man of “pith, heart and nerve.” If you would like to own the two issues of Ramsey County History that contain the Cotter’s two full articles about Dayton’s Bluff’s own local legend, it’s easy to do. You just need to contact the Ramsey County Historical Society and tell them you want to buy Volume 43 Number 3 (Fall 2008) and Volume 44 Number 2 (Summer 2009) of the journal. You might want to mention that they have the Truman Smith articles. The Ramsey County Historical Society’s phone number is 651-222-0701 and their email address is info@rchs.com. Of course, you can go to any St. Paul or Ramsey County library and read them. If you are interested meeting the Cotters, they will he giving a talk in September. See the article below. Learn Dayton's Bluff History at the Gibbs Farm Museum By Steve Trimbe Here is your chance to visit the Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakota Life at no charge and to hear an interesting program on Truman Smith, one of the pioneer residents of Dayton’s Bluff. The event called “Truman Smith: Horticulture as a Way Back,” will be on Thursday, September 17th from 4:30 to 6:00. The speakers, Barry and Joan Cotter, will explore Smith’s arrival in St. Paul, his success as a banker and subsequent failure in the Panic of 1857 and continue Smith’s story with an account of his transformation into successful market gardener and nurseryman. At the same time Smith made a living in his garden, he also found personal satisfaction in contributing to the increase of knowledge within the local horticultural community. As a bonus, after the talk Master Gardener Ralph Thrane will also explore the origins of the heritage apple orchard at Gibbs Museum and people will have a chance to sample the unusual tastes of heirloom fruits once widely grown in Minnesota. The Gibbs Museum is located at 2097 West Larpenteur Avenue (near Cleveland) and there is free parking at the Cleveland Avenue lot. By June Bennett Ms. Debbie Diaz is a long time resident of Dayton’s Bluff. She started working at Wendy’s Doghouse 16 years ago, expecting to remain there for only a few months. But she enjoyed it so much she decided to go to school for pet grooming. She attended Anoka Hennepin Technical College and the Medical Institution of Minnesota, receiving a two-year degree in Veterinary Science and another degree in Pet Grooming.
When Wendy Brown decided to sell the business seven years ago, Debbie purchased it and then also bought the building that housed it at 805 Hudson Road. As a historical note, the Freiermuth family originally constructed the building for use as a Shell gas station in 1930. John A. Freiermuth owned a saloon located around the corner at 207 Bates and was instrumental in building the Mounds Theatre at 1029 Hudson Road in 1922.
Debbie has one employee beside herself, Denise, who has been grooming pets for 15 years. Debbie and her husband purchased a Victorian house in the neighborhood a year ago and love every bit of it. Debbie has two daughters, Jamie, age 8 and Nautica, age 6. She has always loved animals and owns several show dogs that she trained herself. She also does private training in the homes of her clients. Despite its name, Debbie’s Doghouse works with cats as well as dogs and also offers dental, boarding, and pick-up and delivery services. Debbie takes pride in her work because as her motto states, “Dogs spread rumors about good groomers.” Debbie’s Doghouse is located at 805 Hudson Road. To make an appointment call 651-776-4080. For more information visit http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/debbies-doghouse_1821389355.html?addressId=1 Dayton's Bluff Community Council Elections By Ed Lambert, Executive Director, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is one of 17 such Councils in Saint Paul, and is the place to be if you want to have your voice heard on land-use, zoning, parks, housing, crime prevention, and overall community development and improvement in this community. The Council will hold its annual elections for Board members October 19, 2009. Half the seats (9) are up for election/reelection, and one seat is presently vacant. The Board is organized into 4 sub districts, each with 4 representatives, and 2 at-large seats. We are actively seeking candidates for board positions. Interested residents and business owners (18 years and older) should file for these positions, at the District Council office 798 E. 7th St., between August 17 and September 21. Dayton’s Bluff has become a much more diverse community than it was even just 10 years ago. The Council welcomes all newcomers and strongly encourages everyone to contact the office (651-772-2075), or the Council web site www.daytonsbluff.org, to learn more about how they can make a difference in Dayton’s Bluff. All are welcome as we seek board and organizational participants who fully reflect the people who live and/or operate businesses in Dayton’s Bluff. The Council is the organization in Dayton’s Bluff, open to all residents and business owners in the community, which focuses on the whole community and seeks to develop and/or support improvement efforts for the whole community. It is the place where you will be heard, and where you can make a difference, about what is happening (or needs to happen) in Dayton’s Bluff. The Council is most effective when its elections get the attention of a large segment of the community, and its board is made up of concerned citizens from all segments of our diverse and dynamic community. Get involved, make a difference, call and ask how you can get involved in improving your community. You are needed.
Metropolitan State University is
active in Dayton's Bluff this fall Metropolitan State University’s
commitment to community, and to the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood
specifically, is evident in the buffet of community service activities
in which the university is participating early this fall. Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Cleanup
By Chelsea Starr This summer I was able to meet with Will Xiong and Gina Stokes of the Dayton’s Bluff and Margaret Recreation Centers, the two most widely used community centers in the area. The Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center is known throughout the community for providing activities for children, especially during the summer months when kids are out of school and parents still have to work. Dayton’s Bluff offers several programs free of cost to local children including Kidventure Day Camp and Summer Blast. These programs are offered to children from kindergarten age up to the age of twelve. There is a Youth in Transition group started by Mary Moore, Steve Randall and Colin Moore which guides young people on the verge of making crucial life choices in the right direction. The Center also offers free lunch and a snack to anyone under 18 years of age.
Most of the programs at the two centers are funded by grants and manned by volunteers. As an avid attendee of community meetings I know that these two community centers don’t always get the credit they deserve and are often criticized or labeled as problem areas. With limited resources and an even more limited volunteer base, the two centers struggle to maintain what neighborhood children know is a crucial part of their community.
These two rec centers provide a safe place, a meal and entertainment to the children of Dayton’s Bluff - no questions asked. The centers focus on non-violent resolution and community action. As fall nears, I hope that everyone will take a fresh look at the reality of their local rec centers and consider what they could possibly do to help the centers more effectively serve our children and us. There are programs year round which need mentors and supplies, and the summer needs are endless. The current state of the economy is all the more reason to get involved and throw in your two cents; they add up and keeping these places functioning is priceless to Dayton’s Bluff. What stands out to me in particular is the distinction of these recreation centers, their moral value and the idea that, if they were not here, nothing would be in their place. The gardeners of Dayton's Bluff
Food, fellowship, family fun & faith Food comes in many forms: fresh produce, bakery goods, frozen foods & non-perishable such as canned, boxed & packaged. Some of us have enough and are able to share with others through the food shelves or our place of worship. Others struggle and could use just a little more to stretch the dollars. On the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. anyone can come to the Glorious Grocery Give-Away at Mounds Park United Methodist Church (corner of Euclid & Earl) and receive 2 bags of food. If you desire to volunteer, please call Al Mitchell, Outreach Coordinator at 651-774-8736. Food also comes already cooked & ready to eat! Join us for our monthly Neighborhood Family Movie Night on Sunday, September 20th. The fellowship starts at 4:30 p.m. with family board games, food at 5:30 p.m. and movie (fun) at 6:10 p.m. Come for part or all of the evening. The movie will be “Marly & Me.” There is also soul food – food for the Soul! Please join us for Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. every Sunday. We will have a potluck after worship service on September 13th. Hope to see you there! Letter to the Editor The Re-Branding of Minnesota Minnesota has always had an upscale image that has been dissolving with the economy. The state is still a dynamic engine that can create new and interesting products for business and the consumer marker. Our country and the world have developed an opinion of this state as stagnant, primitive, and unable to compete in international markets. Minnesota has to alter these preconceived incorrect perceptions through a marketing plan that celebrates what has been created and what many corporations create on a daily basis in the guise of a National Electric Museum. Why is the need for this action? Minnesota has in the past been very successful in creating new companies by creating IPO’s (Initial Public Offerings) that were purchased by the public. The state’s image has becomes so tarnished that not a single IPO has made it to market in two years. We have to change the prevailing attitudes of Minnesota being a cold, desolate region with no imagination or technical expertise, to that of a vibrant exciting area percolating with ingenious ideas worth investigating. Creating this type of change is similar to turning the Titanic around in the straights of Magellan, a difficult task in deed, but not impossible. The best way to change a perception is to create a different reality using truthful facts to create a platform that demonstrates the truth we, as a state, want to impart to the world. An Electronics Technology Museum would be a great start at attempting the re-branding of Minnesota. This change in image will calm investors that have been concerned with risking their investments, by assuring them of the competency and capabilities of the Minnesota employee in manufacturing a quality product. This assurance will be based on the truth of all the products and companies that have found success in the wilds of Minnesota. The truth, I will state with a gentleman named Earl Bakken who bestowed on the state an Electrical Museum carrying his name. He created his fortune through a company called Cardiac Pacemaker that was a pioneer in Medical products. The abilities and talents of these local residents encouraged many other companies to re-locate here, such as St. Jude’s Medical, and Boston Scientific! That truth of capability relates to a multitude of other companies in a range of other high technology efforts, as in computers, controllers, and the Internet. The modern electronic computer was birthed in Minnesota on the campus of the University of Minnesota in conjunction with Minnesota industry. The four largest mainframe manufactures had their start in this state. They were known as Big Blue (IBM), Big Brown (Control Data), Big Grey (Sperry Univac), and Cray Research. These companies supplied the brains to the computers that our government uses to track information; Disney uses to entertain in its Parks; and NASA and the U.S. Government uses to track their rockets and spaceships. Minnesotans working for Honeywell created the control systems that allowed rockets to go to the moon, and space stations to stay in orbit. They did this while creating controllers that maintained constant temperature control. One company modestly goes on doing business while affecting many parts of our technology-ridden world. That company is 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing). 3M has been the standard for video and audio reproduction. It was one of the early pioneers of the Internet, and in many more ways has been instrumental in early technological advances. I have only scratched the surface of those in technology that have advanced the state, the nation, and the world through Minnesota products but the truths to which I have stated should give rise to the why and how to change Minnesota’s image to those who question investing in this state. Mark Bradley, former 3M employee What is
it about Community of Peace Academy? The buzz is out about Community of Peace Academy, a gem in the middle of our city; that Eastside school that teaches Peace and Ethics curriculum daily. Meaningful discussions about leading a non-violent lifestyle and effective conflict resolution are embedded in character education for students young and old. Rob White, assistant VP for grades 7-12, believes this peace builder curriculum “ brings out the best in our students.” Community of Peace Academy is a charter school, authorized by the Saint Paul Schools in 1995. A public charter is a Tuition Free school, open to public enrollment. You need only apply. Each charter school is founded to fulfill its unique mission and vision. The mission statement at Community of Peace is about unconditional positive regard for all, and educating the whole child, mind, body and will. Karen Rusthoven Ed.D., visionary, founder, and principal of CPA published a book in 2007, entitled Success In Education Through Peace, Healing and Hope: A Profound New Vision for Our Public Schools. In this book she explains the philosophies and journey that led to forming the mission and the school, and why it works. Rusthoven began her teaching career in the St. Paul Public Schools in 1966 and hopes that the approach to public education practiced at CPA will one day be common practice in many more public schools. Serving families of all ethnic persuasions and economic status, 15 years later, CPA is a thriving learning community in which teachers and students alike support the school’s beliefs and strong ethical values. It is home to approximately 720 students. Since the latest expansion in 2007, CPA now educates children, Pre-K to 12th grade. The seventh senior class graduated in June. This fall, Community of Peace celebrates fifteen years of success as a charter school in Saint Paul. Recent accomplishments of this school include: National School of Character Award, presented by the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C. (2003). One of eight charter schools in America, included in a US Department of Education publication entitled, “Successful Charter Schools,” for demonstrated success over time, in boosting student achievement (2004). Named a Model Site by PeaceBuilders, Inc. (2005). National Charter School of the Year Award, presented by the Center for Education Reform in Washington, D.C. (2007). First green space roof completed on a school building in the state of Minnesota (2007). CPA boasts high attendance rates at all grade levels and dedicated teachers have longevity with the school. They act as role models, which in turn, strengthens the students’ commitment to the peace-building model. The Community Partners program pairs high school students with younger students for projects and allows connections through education. Students have access to social workers and peer mediators to provide the resources needed to guide and sustain the peace builders pledge, which is recited daily in the grade school and weekly at the high school. In addition, the school offers many character-building experiences such as class trips, retreats and service projects. Tim McGowan, principal for 7-12 grades believes that Community of Peace produces “Leaders standing for sound ethical decisions.” In a world of fast technology and growing global business we sometimes leave behind some very real elements such as compassion and loyalty. What does that model for our children? These are basic needs if we hope to live together here on earth in peace. This translates to all of you in the community by the knowledge that Community of Peace Academy is working to propel our children to combat the individualism and inequality that are an issue for all of us, by offering a moral compass that binds students to one another and the rest of our world. By encouraging the child to, as Gandhi proclaimed, “ be the change you want to see in the world.” Community of Peace Academy empowers and inspires children to see the world as a place that holds possibilities. These young adults graduate and go forth to pursue their dreams keeping in mind that everyone is equal, everyone deserves respect. As a community we all realize that the future is our children. So let’s make sure they have the ability to take care of it. chosen as we are, each and every one of us, to participate in this life and leave it completely touched by compassion and the art of Peace. Community of Peace Academy is located at 471 E. Magnolia Ave. 651-776-5151 http://cpa.charter.k12.mn.us. Mounds Theatre Events Left Behind Without a Choice Saturday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. “Left Behind Without A Choice” is a movie that explores the less media-friendly side of the animal rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The physical and emotional conditions of the animals are told by the very people who cared for them and nurtured them back to health as they recount their journey with Hurricane Katrina animal rescue. A few animals’ stories have been completely documented from peril to the path to recovery and are included in this documentary. Tickets: $7.00 in advance; $9.00 at the door Classic Movie Double Feature Friday, September 25, 2009 With host and more! Psychic & Holistic Faire September 26 and 27 Noon. - 6:00 p.m. each day Adults $4 at door for all-day admittance. Under 18 get in free! Real Haunted Tours Returning this October Please visit www.moundstheatre.org to purchase tickets in advance or for more information on any of these events. The Mounds Theatre is located at 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul, MN 55106. Phone 651-772-2533. Friends of Mounds Park to officially launch September 13 After several community input meetings this spring and summer, the Friends of Mounds Park is ready to officially launch their activities. Those interested in learning more about the newly formed group devoted to stewardship of Mounds Park are invited to attend the first annual meeting on September 13 starting at 5 p.m.. The meeting, which will include a potluck in the park, will begin the process of approving bylaws and electing officers. Everyone interested in preserving and improving the park is welcome to attend. Sacred Heart Fall Festival
Set of
12 Dayton's Bluff postcards
available
Church Directory Amazing Grace Assembly of God 463 Maria St. Paul, MN 55106 651-776-7210 1 block North of Metropolitan State Sun 8:00 am - Free Community Breakfast Sun 9:30 am – Worship service Sun 10:45 am - Education for all ages Handicapped accessible ALL ARE WELCOME!
Mounds Park United
Methodist Miscellaneous Stuff Advertise in the Forum The Dayton’s Bluff District Forum is now mailed monthly to Dayton’s Bluff businesses and households FREE !! Your 5” x 4” display ad gets to over 7500 addresses for only 2 cents per address. Your ad is also placed in the online edition of the Forum at no extra cost. Other size ads are also available Include the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum in your advertising plans. Contact Karin@daytonsbluff.org Or call 651-772-2075 The Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Wants Your News, Photos and Articles About Organizations, People, Events, Opinions, Businesses, Neighborhood Issues Contact Karin for more info at 651-772-2075 Dayton's Bluff Recycling Pick Up Every Tuesday. Have your recycling on the curb by 7:00 a.m. If you need recycling bins call 651-772-2075. It’s the law! The curfew law, that is! City of St. Paul Curfew for Juveniles Age 15 or younger: Home by 10 p.m. Age 16 – 17: Home by 12 a.m. Midnight Saint Paul Police Department Juvenile Unit An EXTRA connection to Dayton's Bluff In addition to the District Forum, we now have a new e-newsletter, the EXTRA. The goal of the EXTRA is to keep you informed of happenings in Dayton’s Bluff between issues of the monthly newspaper. It’s free and easy to sign up. Just go here. You can unsubscribe at anytime. If you have previously subscribed but haven’t received your issues, be sure to check your “spam” settings and allow our address to come through to your inbox. Sign up today for your EXTRA connection to the Bluffs! Get rid of a junk car and help the Dayton's Bluff Community Council Budget Towing of Minnesota, Minnesota’s largest towing company, is owned by Roy Carlson, an active Dayton’s Bluff Community Council board member. Budget Towing will remove any junk car or truck—located anywhere in Saint Paul—and dispose of it at no charge to the vehicle owner or the property owner where it is located. The vehicle owner will receive paperwork for a tax donation, and Roy will also make a small donation to the Community Council for each car he tows. Just call Karin at 651-772-2075 to find out how you can get a junk car out of the way—and help clean up Dayton’s Bluff. |
Ads found in the September 2009 Dayton's Bluff District Forum
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| Past issues of the Dayton's Bluff District Forum |