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2010 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT STORIES AND PHOTOS |
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Pictures are below stories
Sherry
Johnson—Lower
Dayton’s Neighbors turned out to showcase their various cooking talents in our little corner of the bluff. ArtMobile graced us with its presence, helping our little ones with craft spoon puppets. My son still plays with his! Of course, we also had the regular turnout of law enforcement and emergency services folks. A state senate campaign stopped in, as well. Altogether, it was an informal, pleasant time of chitchat and community building. Most importantly, I think we might be building toward a bigger party in the fall or spring; we seem to have a great Jamaican-food aficionado amongst us! Sage Holben—4th Street and Bates This was our second NNO in the almost ten years that I've lived on the block. Like last year, it was very well attended. Earlier in the day, adults and children painted a mural in the intersection. Tug Boat Tony (Dave Wiley) charmed adults and kids with his balloon craft. Almost anything a child could name, Tug Boat Tony could create. Officer Tamm was the first of several police and fire units to visit. Kids loved to examine handcuffs, use the siren and lights, and especially the speaker. From street slang to raspy, low-voiced, “get down on the street, man, right now,” it was better than karaoke for some. The fire trucks and police vehicles all offered opportunity for kids to climb, ask questions, and pretend. Face painting was contributed by Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center; Niki Rodewald provided hot dogs and hamburgers; Phoenix Market donated juice boxes and Dave Valentine provided soda and water to our large crowd. Karin
duPaul—across National Night Out is one of the best events each year, where neighbors get together to talk about the neighborhood and have good time. I enjoy making the rounds and visiting with everyone. I get in my car and try to stop by all of the events in Dayton’s Bluff. Here are a few. My first stop was at Parkway Gardens, a 55+ apartment building near Hudson Road and Johnson Parkway. Because of the hot weather they held their National Night Out event inside. The large room was full of residents participating in an auction of various treasures. They had already had visits from the police including McGruff the crime prevention dog, and fire department. I gave a short history of National Night Out and headed off to the next event. The next stop was the 900 block of Wilson event. They had lots of great food and the Great Brodini and his Magic Show entertained everyone. This block has been working on starting a community garden in a vacant lot. Next to Mounds Park where the neighborhood celebrated with music from Barra, an Irish band, free corn on the cob, and a potluck. The Energy Squad was on hand talking to neighbors about saving energy in their homes. Off again to the St. Paul Credit Union were a lot of things were going on including a race car on display, lots of food and snow cones, the fire engine with children climbing in and out. The money whirl, where a person could keep all the money they could grab in 30 seconds. They had large tent where people could sit and visit and eat their food. City Council President Kathy Lantry, her assistant, Ellen Bailes, and State Representative Sheldon Johnson were attending the event. My next stop was at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Many church members volunteered making this a wonderful event for neighborhood people. They had a band, food for everyone, and many games for the children. I continued on Margaret Street to the Margaret Recreation Center, where the block club gave out 200 frozen custard cups that were donated by Culver’s and children played games. Senior Commander Bill Martinez and Commander Kevin Casper were among the Police Department personnel stopping by. Off again to the event hosted by Mounds Park United Methodist and the Wilson Avenue Area Block Club. By the time I got there the event was winding down. I missed a lot of their activities and food, but one of the candidates for governor was there chatting with the neighbors.. Next to Bethlehem Lutheran Church where the church and the Beech/ Margaret 654 Block Club hosted a large event. there was a band playing , lots of food, face painting, and neighbors chatting. Then the band suggested that all the children go stand by the fire truck for a group picture. The kids ran over to the fire truck and parents with cameras lined up taking the photos. The block club members spent the evening drumming up new members for the block club. Off again to Swede Hollow Park where neighbors, Green House Recovery Center, and Saint John’s Lutheran Church hosted the evening. Music played by the Next Exit Band was one of the highlights of the evening . I got there just in time to hear the last two songs: “Mustang Sally” and “Freebird”. About that time the Saint Paul Mounted Patrol drove up with the truck and horse trailer. They opened the windows the horses looked out and many people rushed over to pet them. This was a perfect ending to a lovely evening. It was starting to get dark and time to clean up and take chairs home. This in an account of what I saw as I visited many of the National Night Out events in Dayton’s Bluff. I know I missed a lot at each event and I would love to hear from you about your National Night Out event. I would also like to get copies of photos of NNO events. Please email Karin@DaytonsBluff.org or call me at 651-772-2075.
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