Crime has decreased in Saint Paul in the past year, except in one area - auto theft.  The most popular car to steal is the Toyota Camry from 1988 to 1992.  There are about 2,600 registered Camrys in Saint Paul and about 400 were stolen this year.  To help prevent this, owners can have a cut off switch installed or buy and use “The Club” or a Club-like device that locks the steering wheel. 
   Drivers of all vehicles should always lock their cars and take the keys with them.  In Saint Paul over 40% of the vehicles stolen are stolen by using the vehicles’ own keys.  Nationwide 70% of the vehicles stolen are stolen using the vehicles’ own keys.
   Hondas are the vehicles most often stolen and stripped for parts. Some cars are stolen after the person breaks in the car to steal something, finds the keys and decides to take the vehicle for a ride.
   One half of the vehicle thefts in Saint Paul are by juveniles.  The recovery rate of stolen vehicles in Saint Paul in 2001 was 94%. For more information call Karin at 651-772-2075.

Look for Lucy at Moundstock 2002 

   The Portage for Youth will unveil their “Looking for Lucy” statue at this year’s Moundstock Festival.  The Portage Lucy will be a tribute to girls everywhere.
   This is the second year that the Portage for Youth is organizing Moundstock as a free summer festival for Saint Paul's East Side. It will feature local blues bands, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment for the whole family, food and several surprises. Moundstock 2002 will be held on June 22, 2002 at Indian Mounds Park.
   Moundstock 2002 is a fundraiser for the Mounds Theater renovation project. Once completed, this old 1920s movie theater will become a performing arts center and will provide a new music venue for Twin Cities artists and musicians. It will also feature movies, live stage performances, organ concerts and other events.
   Any local arts or crafts vendors interested in participating in Moundstock 2002 should contact Raeann Ruth as soon possible at raeann@theportage.com or 651-772-8674 for more information. Volunteers are also needed both before and during Moundstock 2002. Additional sponsors and donations are always welcome. Visit www.theportage.org for the latest details or to see what happened last year at Moundstock 2001.

First ‘Living Green Expo’ April 27 Touts Environmental Choices 

   Do you yearn for the really good life - simple, satisfying and sustainable not just for you but also for future generations? Then plan to attend Minnesota's first Living Green Expo, a free April 27 Earth Week family event exploring fun, food, earth-friendliness and future trends through workshops, exhibits and demonstrations.
   The Living Green Expo, scheduled for the State Capitol Grounds and Armory,
will feature information on:
* Transportation: alternative and hybrid cars, new fuels, mass transportation, biking and carpooling;
* Home energy use: energy-saving and cost-cutting energy ideas;
* Renewable energy: residential solar power, wind power and geothermal energy;
* Home building and remodeling: green design, recycled and sustainable building materials;
* Food: organic, sustainable and locally grown foods;
* Yard and garden: chemical-free gardens and lawns, landscaping for wildlife and water quality, and composting;
* Recreation: hiking, biking, camping, parks and gardens;
* Household products/practices: earth-friendly cleaners, recycling, water conservation and durable goods;
* Arts and culture: visual arts, music, storytelling and fashion; and
* Sustainability concepts: voluntary simplicity, spirituality and the environment, and green careers.
   The Community Garden Fair and the Food and Farm Festival share the space and run concurrently with the Living Green Expo.  Sponsors include state and local agencies, environmental groups, food organizations and businesses. Exhibitors must demonstrate how products or processes reduce environmental impacts.  Free event parking, as well as secure bike parking, are available for participants.
   For more information, as well as updates on sponsors and exhibitors, visit www.livinggreenexpo.org or contact Ned Brooks, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, (651) 296-7242.  For exhibitor information, call Krista Leraas, Alliance for Sustainability, (612) 331-1099.

Step into the Lightening Circle at St. John’s Lutheran Church

     Don’t just spring-clean this year, lighten your spirit!  In the Potlatch, a tradition of the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest, a person makes a ceremonial distribution of his or her belongings to friends and members of the tribe.  That tradition is the inspiration for the Lightening Circle, which supports participants through a meaningful and even fun spring cleaning effort.  Here’s how it works:
   So, what would you take along on the next leg of your life’s journey?  It depends on where you’re going.  Have you thought about that lately?  Do you know the current direction of your life?  The old stuff keeps you on the old path.  A new direction may require some new things in your life, but at very least you will travel lighter and with more agility if you aren’t also carrying around a lot of unnecessary stuff from your past.  What are your dreams, values and future goals?  It’s important to consider these questions to create a vision of where you’d like to go.  Then choose what you need to get there.
   The next part takes a clear commitment and a workable schedule.  Over a two month period, you’ll systematically assess your belongings.  A room at a time, a closet at a time, or even a drawer at a time; whatever part of the task you can make time for.  Determine your priority areas to target your efforts, and make a schedule for getting to them.  And being a part of a Lightening Circle supports you along the way. 
   When you engage that first room (or closet or drawer) on your schedule, scour first for the obvious junk and toss it directly into a box headed for the trash or the recycling bin.  Next, find the junk that might be Somebody Else’s Treasure and toss it into a box headed for the thrift store or yard sale.  Be as spontaneous as possible.  If you have to stop and think, that item goes to the next level of screening, which takes more time.
   What remains becomes the stuff of introspection.  For each piece (or group of similar pieces), consider these questions: How did I acquire this?  Does it have an emotional charge to it?  How has it served my life so far?  Will it support my dreams, goals, and values in the future?  Could I live without it now, or easily replace it later?   At this point, it’s time for a conscious decision to either keep it or put it in your Potlatch Box.  As you go through your belongings in this way, you may also notice that you are rethinking and refining your vision – your dreams, goals and values – and gaining clarity of purpose.
   Finally, the fun part: the Giveaways!  That Potlatch Box is now full of all sorts of interesting stuff, maybe valuable stuff, stuff with a personal story.   Some items might be just perfect for your friend Jane, or your brother, or that neighbor you don’t know very well, or…the possibilities are endless.  You can make each Giveaway a special moment for someone.  There’s much to be said for the joy of giving.  And knowing you’re going to do this while filling your Potlatch Box, you can stop and tag the items with that special person’s name.  This adds even greater meaning and enjoyment to the not-insignificant time you’ll spend going through your stuff.  And it will give you some great stories and remembrances to share with others.
   The Lightening Circle Workshop is an opportunity to assess where you are in your life, where you're headed, clear out unneeded possessions, and enjoy giving to others, all brought together in one 2-month guided process. A kick-off Orientation and Workshop will be convened by Lightening Circle creator Joe Esker on Thursday, April 11 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, at St. John's Lutheran Church (Hope and Margaret Streets). A suggested fee of $25 is requested (sliding scale). Please pre-register by April 8 by calling Joe Esker at 651-748-1108.

Trinity Catholic School Schedules Gala Event
 

April 19 is the magic date for the first Gala Event for Trinity Catholic School. The Prom Center will be the setting for a reception, dinner and evening of entertainment. The Alumni Committee of the school is planning the event under the leadership of Chairs Gordon and Camille Heininger. Mayor Randy & Kathy Kelly and Scott & Heidi Mueller are the Honorary chairs for the evening.     The highlight of the evening will be "Late Nite Catechism", a comedy that perfectly fits the theme: "Thanks for the Memories".     Catechism classes were never as much fun - or as hilarious - as when they are led by Sister in the international hit comedy "Late Nite Catechism" by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of "students" (the audience). The correct answers are rewarded with "blessed" prizes. Memories of our youth in a Catholic school of old will strike a resonant chord.

Photo by Carol Rosegg  The First Gala Event for Trinity Catholic School will be held on April 19 at the Prom Center. Highlight of the evening will be "Late Nite Catechism" featuring Sister (above).

"Late Nite Catechism" has recently played at the Ordway Theater and various other places around the Metro area. It is an evening that you won't want to miss. Reservations are required. For more information call 651-776-2763 x.249.

Young Poets Emerge at Trinity Catholic School

   The 2002 Edition of Anthology of Poetry by Younq Americans will include the works of nine Fifth Grade students at Trinity Catholic School. Last fall the entries were submitted and recently parents and the school were contacted about the winners for this edition of the Anthology.
   Winning Fifth Graders are: Charles Berneche, Mee Chang, Angelita Chevalier, Adrian Clausen, Alexandra Freyberger, Delina Brown-Jackson, Leslie Johnson, Samatha Richie, and Caitlyn Wakem.
   Here are two off the winning poems:

The Clouds
As I sit and watch the clouds
I see a lot of different things.
A horse, a cat and a baseball bat,
A bird with shiny wings.

I see a mouse in a house,
As it quietly drifts away.
Soon the sun will come back out.
What a wonderful day!
                         Samatha Richie

The Two Seasons 
There are reasons for each season
     as we all have been told.
Walking hurried on the snow filed path
     I'm numb with winter's cold.

How I long for summer days
     of heat, warmth, and fun.
Let this heartless season
     melt by the sun.
                       Alexandra Freyberger

Dean's Honor List 

   Shoua Xiong, a Wilson Avenue resident, was on the University of St. Thomas Dean's Honor List for the fall 2001 term.  Students named to the list have maintained a minimum of a 3.5 grade-point average, on a scale of 4.0, during the semester.

Dayton's Bluff Home Tour 2002
 

The 2002 Dayton’s Bluff Home Tour is being held on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The tour is once again being run in conjunction with the Minneapolis-St. Paul Home Tour. This year the Dayton’s Bluff tour includes beautiful Victorian homes, a Mounds Park bungalow, a Victorian mixed use building that is being renovated, and a house that was designed by architect Cass Gilbert (who designed our state capital).     We need people to help with the Home Tour. Spend a few hours helping the homeowners on the tour and check out the homes for yourself. The Home Tour is an excellent opportunity to relive the history of Dayton’s Bluff while learning about the community that exists there today and getting a glimpse of what it will be like in the future.  If you can help call Karin at 651-772-2075.

Here are the homes tentatively scheduled to be on this year's Dayton's Bluff Home Tour:

Photo by Greg Cosimini This Dayton's Bluff home at 1044 Wilson  will be on  the HomeTour. It was designed by architect Cass  Gilbert who also designed our State Capitol building.

Jeff & Kelly Wallis 
629 Greenbrier

Nick Duncan 
1044 Wilson

Tom & Laura Dobbs 
734 East 3rd Street

Dave & Becky Holm 
382 Maple

Steve Garetez 
700 East 3rd Street

Sean & Jennifer Dunn 
338 Maple

Bob Parker
935 Hudson Road

Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association
800 East 3rd Street

Contact  Karin at 651-772-2075 for more information.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,
   I was surprised to learn that the Mounds Park Pavilion ("Pavilion May Be Repaired In 2003," March issue) has been officially closed to the public for nearly a decade. Not that I haven't noticed the peeling paint on the ceiling, the crumbling cement footings, and the mangled railing on the access ramp, but if the structural deficiencies in the floor and roof are enough to warrant the structure's official closure to the public, surely these safety considerations are enough to get the site posted as closed.
   I realize that signage like "DANGER STAY AWAY" would not be in keeping with the beautiful scene that the pavilion presents at the end of the tree lined boulevard, poised above the Mississippi River. And I don’t know if that's why the old brick shelter hasn't been posted as a safety hazard, if that's what it is. But I am glad to learn, from the same article, that there may be city funding available for improvements next year. I encourage the City Council to approve these funds because, sign or no sign, safe or unsafe, people will continue to use the pavilion. 
     In her letter about the Mounds Park prairie plantings in last month's issue, Helen Morgan writes that the wildflower planting is an un-natural manipulation. I agree. It is a manipulation. So is the prairie style brick pavilion, so is the turf, so is the airway beacon, and so are the Indian Mounds. Each of these "manipulations" makes Mounds Park a beautiful place to enjoy and learn about our environment and our history. 
     The unobtrusive signs posted next to the prairie plantings explain that these areas are maintained by the City of St. Paul Division of Parks and Recreation to attain the benefits of " a diverse plant community, reduced erosion, improved habitat, improved water quality, and lower maintenance costs." I'm for that. And if what we save on lawn care can be put towards maintaining the pavilion, so much the better.
Sincerely,
Sarah Ryan

Dear Editor:
   I’m writing to express my concerns about Light Rail Transit. I believe that LRT is a good idea, but only if you can get enough people to use it. We need to be made aware of the benefits, because taking a car is a convenience that many people may not want to give up. 
   It doesn’t seem that most people will voluntarily think of helping the environment by driving fewer miles in the car as reason for taking LRT or any other transportation option. With a car, people can leave work when they want, run errands, and go where they want to go after work. It needs to be shown that LRT will be almost as convenient as using a car. 
   But along with convenience, people need to realize that LRT is efficient. When people are stuck in a traffic jam to and from work, and it can be found out that those taking Light Rail are getting to and from work faster, minds may be changed. People may be willing to give up a convenience for efficiency. Less time spent in traffic means more time with family and free time. 
   And it needs to be shown that commerce will be developed along the Rail line. If running errands will not be as easy without a car, places for people to shop and places that provide services need to be in close proximity to the line. 
   One more thing people need to know is if access to the line will be easy. Will only people living close to the line have easy access? Will there be busses that run people from their homes to the line? And will those busses run just as efficiently as the LRT? 
   LRT is a good idea that needs careful planning and implementation. It needs our support if it can be proved to help our city and our lives. If it does not work well in its first stage, additional miles of lines should not be built. This first construction of the line will serve as a test for the future of LRT. 
Patrick Mahoney
St. Paul, Minnesota

Mounds Bluff 2nd Annual Garage Sales

   Last year's garage sales were an overall success. I thank all who participated.  This year I would like suggestions on when you would like to have the sales. A $5.00 donation for advertising and to have your address included on the flyer is suggested.  The deadline to contact me is May 1st. 
   Call me at 651-771-5834. I will take any suggestions on how to make these sales more profitable for all participating.
Thank you, 
Tracie Lemke

Recycling Days for Dayton's Bluff

   Recycling bins and lawn signs are available at 798 E. 7th St. If you have a neighbor who does not recycle, talk to them about it. 
   Recycling can reduce your trash by at least 40%.  We are working to increase recycling in Dayton's Bluff.
   All recycling days in Dayton's Bluff are on Tuesday.  Recycling should be on the curb by 7:00 a.m. If you have any questions call 651-772-2075.
   The remaining recycling dates for 2002 are:
April: 9, 23
May: 7, 21
June: 4, 18
July: 2, 16, 30
August: 13, 27
September: 10, 24
October: 8, 22
November: 5, 19
December: 3, 17, 31

Get Help Around the House 
Hour Dollars Orientation Shows You How

   The Hour Dollars Service Exchange Program (www.hourdollars.org) lets neighbors trade for valuable services. You bank hours by contributing a service you’re good at. Then, you exchange those hours for the services of others.
   For example, a hair cutter might give 12 haircuts, then exchange the total hours to learn computer skills. 
Participation is Free  The orientation is all it takes to get started. Plus, you start with 3 hours when you join.
The next orientations:
Place: Mounds Park Methodist Church 
          1049 Euclid at Earl
Date: Tues., April 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. (choose one)
    Meetings last about 1½ hours. Childcare provided if arranged ahead of time.  To learn more, or to reserve orientation childcare, please call (651)635-8680 or email info@hourdollars.org.

Dayton's Bluff Bookmobile Stops

   Mondays April 8 and 22 at Dayton's Bluff Playground at Conway and Maple from 2:30 to 3:30 pm; at Mounds Park Methodist Church at Euclid and Earl form 3:45 to 4:45 pm; and Margaret Playground at Margaret and Frank from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.
   Wednesdays April 3 and 17 at First Lutheran Church at 463 Maria from 9:30 to 10:00 am. For more information call 651-642-0379.

Hmong Marriage Bill Before Senate
By State Senator Mee Moua

   Marriage, in every culture, is a process by which two people commit their lives to one another. It's a time to celebrate this new bond with family and friends, and begin a new stage in life. 
   The process by which people choose to have this union blessed by their family and recognized by their community is different for every culture. Some traditions have the couple's marriage solemnized by a priest or minister, some by a chosen representative, or some by a judge. Some prefer a detailed ceremony, laced with symbolism; others prefer a simple "I do".
   The most important part of getting married, I believe, is that each couple decide for themselves which type of ceremony to have, based on their family, their beliefs or their traditions. Under Minnesota law, many different religious groups have the right to use their own cultural practices in recognizing the legal bond between a man and a woman.
   For example, Quakers can use their official meetings in the process, Baha'i may have their marriages recognized by the local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is, Hindus and Muslims by their spiritual leaders, and American Indians by an Indian Mide' or holy person. 
   Whether you agree with these practices or not, they nonetheless have the right to get married under a traditional ceremony. I'm sure there are couples within each individual community who choose not to have their marriage solemnized in a traditional manner.
   It should come as no surprise that the Hmong have our own traditions as well. When my husband and I got married, we wanted to have a traditional Hmong marriage. Our families each picked a representative called a Mej Koob (pronounced May Kong) to participate and officiate our traditional marriage. However, because this is not recognized by law, we also had to have a judge "certify" the marriage.
   Why should American Indians or Hindus have their traditions sanctioned by Minnesota law, but not Hmong traditions? That is why as a state senator now representing a large Hmong population, I have introduced legislation allowing Hmong marriages to use a Mej Koob. Recognizing that not every Hmong couple wants to have a traditional wedding, the legislation uses the operative word "may," rather than "shall."
   In effect, those that want to have a traditional Hmong wedding can, and it will be valid under law. In the time that I have been working on this legislation, it has come to my attention that there is a divide in the Hmong community over this. This is not my intent. Rather, it is my hope that by passing this law, the Hmong, along with Muslims, Hindus and Quakers, can have their traditional marriage ceremonies count and be recognized. 
   But when some disagree with these traditions that does not make them wrong, only differing in opinion, and they have that right in our democracy. I have vowed to work with all sides on this issue, and this is why I have chosen to wait to pursue the bill until next year, should I be reelected.
   It was presented to the Senate and scheduled to have a hearing, but I asked the chair of the committee to withdraw it from the agenda. Compromise is the essence of great policy, and I believe there is room for compromise on this legislation. Over the next year, I look forward to working with everyone on this issue to find a solution that is comfortable for all interested parties.

Concordia University Hosts Summer Theatre Camp

   Concordia’s annual Summer Theatre Camp will be held July 14-19, 2002, for students entering grades 7-12 in fall 2002. Students will be trained in all aspects of musical theatre, including acting, dance and movement, vocal technique and professional seminars in auditioning. The professional staff includes some of the Twin Cities area’s most experienced artists:
   Mark Rosenwinkel, Camp Director. Award winning playwright and member of the professional acting company at the Guthrie Theatre.
   Margie Weaver, actor of stage and film and professor of theatre and acting.
   Betsy Benjamin, vocal/choral faculty member at MacPhail Center for the Arts.
   Tony Vierling, a featured dancer and actor in numerous international musical productions.
   Casey Stangl, founder and artistic director of Eye of the Storm Theatre.
   Jay Albright, an actor and composer with many theatre companies, including the Guthrie Theatre and the Ordway.
   WHAT: Concordia University Summer Theatre Camp
   WHEN: July 14-19, 2002
   WHERE: Concordia University, St. Paul
   WHO: Students entering grades 7-12 in fall 2002
   COST: $595 includes accommodations for five days and nights, meals, classes and seminars and ticket to a professional theatre production. Non-refundable $100 deposit is required. Full tuition scholarships are available for qualifying Minnesota students in grades 8-12.
  For more information, please contact Susan Hanlon at (651) 641-8248 or hanlon@csp.edu.

Meet with Police

   The Eastern District Police host a monthly meeting with community members to listen to and address people’s concerns about crime and other issues on the East Side. 
 The community meetings are held at the Eastern District police office at 722 Payne on the corner of  Payne and Minnehaha Avenues.
   Please join your neighbors and the police at either meeting. The next meetings are on Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, April 19 at 9:30 am.

Greening Dayton’s Bluff

   Greening Dayton’s Bluff is a neighborhood beautification and community-building project.  Also known as Greening the Bluff, it will work with Up-Front Gardeners (a program that highlights gardeners who have gardens in the front yard and/or boulevard) and be involved in greening at local parks, community gardens, buckthorn removal, greening and gardening workshops, and so on.  Greening the Bluff is designed to organize interested neighbors, block clubs and neighborhoods around beautification. 
   Participants will receive discounts on plants and gardening materials from local greenhouses and nurseries. Some of the other benefits of Greening the Bluff are that organized block clubs, neighbors, and neighborhoods are proactive and safer.

Gardening Workshops
   We have two workshops scheduled with instructors from the Community Design Center, the organization that started the Dayton’s Bluff Children’s Garden, and gardening and nutrition programs for Dayton’s Bluff children.

Soil: The Foundation of a Healthy Garden Workshop
Monday, April 29, 2002 at 6:30 p.m.
This workshop will help you prepare your soil for planting. We will cover:
* Soil testing and ph
* Composting
* Double digging and no-till gardening
We hope to hold the workshop in a garden (location depends on the weather).

Designing your Garden Workshop
Monday, May 6, 2002, 6:30 p.m. 
This workshop will help you find the right plant for the right spot. We will explore design from a low-maintenance perspective in a hands-on setting/garden (weather permitting).
   To register or for more information about Greening Dayton’s Bluff call Karin at 651-772-2075.
According to

Free Tax Preparation for Low-Income Individuals and Families

   Free tax preparation services are now available for metro area low-income individuals and families. Accountability Minnesota, a local nonprofit, provides these services at 30 local sites including community centers, libraries, and family resource centers. "The purpose of our agency is to provide low-income taxpayers with professional tax services,” said Carla Gainey, Director of Taxpayer Services. "Our volunteers are specially trained to identify and prepare tax returns using tax credits targeted for low-wage earner taxpayers," she added. 
   "The federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit can provide substantial refunds for qualifying families. But in order to receive these refunds, the taxpayer must complete a tax return." she said. "In addition, the state of Minnesota has its own version of tax credits. The Working Family Credit, the MN K-12 Education Credit, and the Child & Dependent Care Credit can also provide increased refunds for low-wage earners,” said Jill Schwimmer, Executive Director of Accountability MN. 
   To qualify for this free tax preparation service, an individual’s income must be $25,000 or less. A family’s income must be $35,000 or less and an adjustment will be made for large families. Tax sites are open in the evenings and Saturday mornings from February 1 through April 15. Some of the tax sites offer interpreters in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, and Russian. Nine of the sites provide free electronic-filing. 
   All clients receive a copy of their returns, an envelope to hold their 2002 education receipts, and a large envelope with various tax assistance phone numbers and addresses.
   In the last three years, Accountability MN has assisted taxpayers in receiving $20 million in refunds. Accountability MN is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing tax and accounting assistance to individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits with limited means by leveraging volunteer and staff resources. Eager to contribute, volunteers have generously applied their tax expertise to public service. AAM receives funding from foundations, corporations, individuals, accounting firms, and government agencies. For further information, contact Accountability Minnesota, 651- 287-0187.

MS Walk set for April 21 

   This spring, more than 6,000 Minnesotans are expected to participate in the 15th annual MS Walk, a fund-raising event coordinated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 
   Scheduled for Sunday, April 21, the MS Walk will be held in 13 cities across the state: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Duluth, Brainerd, Bemidji, Fergus Falls, International Falls, Grand Rapids, Hibbing and Willmar. 
   Walkers enjoy rest stops, entertainment, lunch, volunteer support and vehicles to help tired walkers. They also have the opportunity to earn prizes by raising pledges. 
   To register, call the MS Society at 1-800-FIGHT-MS or visit www.mssociety.com on the Internet. 
   Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or impaired vision. 
   Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be lifelong. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.
   Last year, 6,473 participants in 11 cities raised more than $1 million for MS-related research and programs for families living with MS. The National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter provides support programs to improve the quality of life for people with MS. The chapter offers counseling services, including groups led by professional counselors and support groups facilitated by trained volunteers. Respite care reimbursement is available for MS partners to take needed time off from care. 
   Chapter staff is on hand for consultation to discuss employment, insurance, Social Security issues and to assist with individual advocacy to help people understand their rights. Service referrals enable people with MS to become self-advocates. 
   To register for the MS Walk - or for more information about MS Society support programs - call 1-800-FIGHT-MS or visit www.themswalk.com.

Dayton’s Bluff Memories and Musings
By Steve Trimble

60 years Ago on the Bluff
   As spring approached, the Dayton's Bluff Booster had increasing information on the war effort. March and April issues mentioned that "Dick Norman has closed his bakery on Arcade and has joined the Navy. He goes in as a baker and is waiting for his call to duty." And this: "Ted (Nig) Molean is another of the Bluff boys who will be wearing a uniform soon. A farewell party will be given for him at the Hazel Park Commercial Club."
   The paper included a letter from a local boy with musical talent. It read, in part: "Dear Mom,  Am all right and I hope you are fine. It’s Saturday and we are playing tonite. We do every time they want music. Boy I sure had a sore shoulder all week from the rifle shooting; but it is fine now ... Love and kisses Corky (Schouviller.)” 
   Some of the Dayton's Bluff men who were going off to war included: Leon Huberty, 633 E. Minnehaha; Arthur Bradley Olson, 382 Maple; Walter Biagi, 1052 Ross; Pedro Devora, 595 E. 7th; Donald Forest Todd, 957 Beech; Russell Frascone, 556 E. Minnehaha; William Frank Store, 599 Reaney; Charles Zangs, 658 E. 4th; Frederick Baumeister, 1139 Ross; Charles Kuenzli, 46 Mounds Blvd; and James Aschittino, 1067 Burns. Please write us if you know about these men or their military experiences.
   Not everything related to the war. Life went on with business briefs and planned events and visits. "The girls at Sally's Salon (Sally Schmitz, Delma Torkelson and Betty Streich) really ‘took their hair down' this week," the Booster commented,  “and went to work at the job of moving to their new location in the new Dr. Wolkoff building. They will have an open house.” The building still stands on Hudson Road just east of Earl. Does anyone know what happened to Sally's Salon?
   "Miss Lorraine Cemohous, 668 Greenbrier St., arrived in St. Paul to take part in the Ice Follies at Minneapolis and to visit her parents. She has been prominent in this district for some time because of her skating skills. Parties are being planned by her friends.”
   The children's art classes sponsored by the WPA were having a Red Cross poster contest. Two East Siders, Joan Pepin, 375 Bates and Muriel Munson, 655 Geranium had done so well that their posters had recently been shown in the Pioneer Press. I wonder if either of them went on to become artists?
   An April 2, 1942 article let readers know that Billy Haberman, the owner of the Viaduct Inn, 1056 E. 7th received a "Cleanliness Certificate" from the Minnesota Department of Health. According to the paper it was only the forty?ninth one ever issued in the state. I wonder if the city of St. Paul's L.I.E.P office gives out such certificates today? Maybe they should.
   Who says attention to diversity is a modem idea? Mounds Park PTSA planned a "Festival of Nations" for April, 1942. The Girl Scouts did folk dances and the school orchestra played a variety of musical numbers. "Refreshments will be served and foods from different booths of the nations (will be available) at a small cost.”  The money raised was going for a "beautiful world globe."
   Church and school continued to be the focal point of neighborhood activity. Harding High school decided to produce "Little Women" for their spring play. The leads were Betty Evanson, Alice Houska, Evangeline Nowan and Ruth Haack. The Ladies Aid of the Church of our Savior, Earl and Minnehaha, had a Smorgasbord in the church dining room. The money went for interior decorating of the church.
   Want ad: "Reporter wanted: The Dayton's Bluff Booster would like to secure the service of some girl or lady living in the district to act as a news gathering reporter and writer for this paper." 

A Hundred years Ago on the Bluff
   The big news a century ago is frightening similar to some of the items in the news recently ? the alleged murder of children at the hands of older family members. The front page of the second section was taken up with the mysterious death of a Dayton's Bluff boy named Tommy Hannon.
   Why were there suspicions? Around a year earlier, when the family lived as 967 Conway, Tommy's three month old baby sister died after a week of illness. At the time the cause was said to be"summer complaints." Later, in the summer, Tommy's eight year old sister Annie died of what the doctors felt was a case of "sunstroke," but they did have some questions about the diagnosis.
   Five year old John Hannon died in September 1901, after returning home from playing ball. This time there was an analysis, but nothing could be found.
   After this, the family moved to 1031 Minnehaha. It was here, on March 14, 1902 that Tommy was found unconscious in the woodshed. When brought into the house, he was blue in the face and his lips were dark and swollen.
   The doctors who had attended the children suspected foul play. One of them said that up until their deaths, the children"were perfectly healthy and tough as pine knots" While nothing unusual was found in the stomach of the younger brother, they felt they had found traces of Aconite poisoning in Tommy's remains.
   A hundred years ago newspapers went into great detail and were not shy about making innuendos. The paper described Mrs. Nora Hannon as "a plump, dark haired woman, approaching forty, nervous of manner, with small light blue eyes."
   They described the substandard living conditions of the family, pointing out that while one room in their Conway house had flooring the others were bare earth. They stated that the father, a laborer, was seldom home and that the mother was also frequently absent.
   Some papers suggested a close look at sixteen year old Mamie Hannon who was always at home and in charge each time there was a death and who had supposedly run off when the investigation began. She denied everything, saying, "Because I was alone with each of the children who died is no sign that I knew anything about what caused their deaths." She said “Momma" had given Tommy a drink of "rock and rye" for a cold.
   One of the remaining Hannon boys was reported to have told a friend, chillingly, "I guess it’s my turn next." The parents took no responsibility for the situation and said they felt everything that had happened "was all the will of God."
   The coroner's jury that had been called did not agree. On April 15th it issued a statement saying that the deaths of the two boys appeared to be death by poisoning and that the matter should be the focus of an official investigation.
   So what happened? Was the mystery solved? To be perfectly honest (when people use that phrase, does it mean they are sometimes imperfectly honest?) I don't know. At least not yet. I plan to keep looking for the results of the investigation and see if there was ever a trial. If any readers have information about this hundred year old mystery, please contact us. Maybe the members of a newly formed Dayton's Bluff History Club could make it their first project.

Cooking in The Bluff 

By Shiela Johnstone

Grilled Shrimp with Pasta and Pineapple Salsa
This recipe serves 6

Ingredients:
2 lbs. pineapple chunks, packed in their own juice, drained 
1 red bell pepper, chopped 
1 large red onion, chopped 
1 jalapeño pepper, minced 
1/2 cup orange juice 
1/3 cup lime juice 
1-1/2 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined 
6 cups cooked rotini pasta

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine all salsa ingredients, except the shrimp and pasta. Prepare an outside grill with an oiled rack set 4 inches above the heat source. On a gas grill, set the heat to high. Grill the shrimp on each side for 2 minutes. Toss the pasta with the salsa, arrange the shrimp on top, and serve.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 30
Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 55mg
Protein 14.2g
Carbohydrates 58.6g
Fiber 4.2g
Sugar 24.6g
Sodium 59mg 

Dietary Exchanges: 
Milk: 0.0
Vegetable: 1.3
Fruit: 1.4 
Bread: 1.9 
Lean meat: 0.0
Fat: 0.0
Sugar: 0.0
Very lean meat protein: 1.0 

Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 (8 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour one 9 or 10 inch 
   tube pan.
2) Cream the together the butter and the sugar until light. Add the eggs and stir well.
3) Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture 
    alternately with the sour cream or yogurt to the butter mixture. Stir in the almond 
    extract and mix only until just combined. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared 
    pan. Swirl 1/2 of the cranberry sauce into the batter. Repeat, ending with the batter 
    on top.
4) Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 minutes.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 291
Protein 4g
Total Fat 13g
Sodium 346mg
Cholesterol 65mg
Carbohydrates 41g
Fiber 1g

Tip
Try butter substitutes on your vegetables instead of butter or margarine. 

  If you have comments, suggestions, a special recipe that you would like to share, or you are looking for a special recipe, feel free to contact me through the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum.
Write to:
Shiela Johnstone
Dayton’s Bluff District Forum
P.O. Box 600511
St. Paul, MN 55106
Email:  shiela@qwest.net

General Information

Take a Hike 
     Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike on the first Saturday of every month meet at 10:30 AM in Indian Mounds Park at Earl Street and Mounds Blvd. We will hike from Mounds Park through Swede Hollow Park and then walk the length of the Bruce Vento Recreational Trail (formerly the Phalen Creek Recreational Trail) to its end, near Phalen Park. Along the way we will share stories and learn some local history of the area. The hike is about 6 miles with some moderately rough terrain. Near Johnson Parkway and Maryland, transportation will be available to return to Mounds Park or you may hike back if you wish. 
     Join recreational trail supporters and explore this recreational trail. The paved trail runs from East 7th Street and Payne Avenue through Swede Hollow to Phalen Park. Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike started in December of 1990 and over the years hundreds of people have attended these events. For more information, call 776-0550. 

Free Acting Classes for Adults 
Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center 
800 Conway Street 
651-793-3885 
Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m.
Join us. It's fun! 

Special April Fool's Day Section

Mounds Theater Digs Up Customers

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 – The Mounds Theater has been digging up customers, literally. As part of the ongoing renovation project at the theater, the old orchestra pit at the front of the theater had to be removed.  Expecting to find only rocks and dirt, workers were surprised to also unearth two skeletons.
   The police were called immediately to examine the remains.  A forensic officer issued this statement: “It’s just a preliminary finding, but judging from the fact that each skull had a bullet hole in it, I’m willing to go out on a limb and say these gentlemen did not die of natural causes. I’m guessing it was foul play.” 
   Records are sketchy but it is believed that the orchestra pit was filled in around 1933, the heyday of gangsters in St. Paul, many of who disappeared without a trace.  A long retired detective, who did not want to be identified, had this to say.  “Gangsters had class in those days.  They were sharp dressers, paid their bribes on time, didn’t bother civilians and rarely left bodies in the street. I guess we know where two of them ended up.”
   Many people have detected ghosts in the Mounds Theater but no one knew who they were.  Ghost hunters have identified at least three ghosts inhabiting the building but never mentioned the two bodies right under their feet.  When questioned about this, one psychic said, “Well, no one ever said this was an exact science.  But now that you mention it, I think I do sense them.” 
   Further excavations revealed a network of tunnels leading from the basement of the theater, south towards Mounds Park, west towards downtown and east to a number of local bars.  It is believed these were escape routes for gangsters, except obviously not for at least two of them. 
   This clears up another mystery.  Over the years the Mounds Theater used a number of advertising slogans such as, “The Pride of Dayton’s Bluff” and “The Home of the Big Pictures.”  But two of them “The Theater with the Most Exits” and “See a Movie, Avoid the Dirty Rotten Coppers“ never made much sense until now. (Click here for more information)

Buried Treasure in Dayton’s Bluff

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 – In an announcement sure to create excitement all over Dayton’s Bluff, the Minnesota Historical Society today disclosed the contents of an old trunk that once belonged to Lyman Dayton.
   Among photographs, business documents and land deeds, there is one plain envelope attracting a lot of the attention.  It is labeled, “Dayton’s Bluff Treasure Hunt” and contains clues to the whereabouts of a 150-year old treasure buried somewhere in Dayton’s Bluff.  The value of the treasure in today’s dollars is well over $100,000.
   Lyman Dayton was a 19th century land developer who purchased large tracts of land in the area of St. Paul that now bears his name.  However a major economic recession hit the country shortly after he bought the land and he had trouble reselling it.  To drum up interest in his land, Dayton decided to bury a treasure and publish daily clues in his newspaper, the Dayton Bluffer. 
   No one knows exactly what happened but his newspaper burned to the ground after only a few clues were released.  Dayton died shortly after that and there is no record of whether he recovered the treasure before his death or if someone else eventually found it.
   Experts from the Department of Buried Treasures at the University of Minnesota carefully examined the clues.  They could not determine the location of the treasure, partly because many landmarks had changed in the last 150 years, but mostly because none of them had ever been to St. Paul, much less to Dayton’s Bluff.
   We are pleased to announce that the clues will be published in the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum.  We will print all the clues, a few each month and let the people of Dayton’s Bluff try to find the lost treasure of Lyman Dayton. Please do not destroy any property, public or private during your hunt and try to keep personal injury and death to a minimum. 
   Here are the first five clues:
(Continued on page 12)

Gov. Ventura Moves to Dayton’s Bluff

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 – Making good on his threat to close the Governor’s mansion on Summit Ave., Gov. Jesse Ventura surprised everyone by moving to Dayton’s Bluff.  But instead of choosing one of the stately mansions that exist here, he decided to take over the penthouse suite on the top floor of the New Main building at Metro State.
   When asked about this rather odd choice, the Governor replied, “You know, when you’re in the military, they always tell you to take the high ground.  Well it don’t get much higher than this in St. Paul.  No subversive media jackals, I mean terrorists, will be able to sneak up on me. We can watch the whole city from up here.”
   He explained another advantage was that the state already owned the building so it wouldn’t cost taxpayers anything. And it would also be great for state dinners.  “Like I’ve been saying,” Ventura added, “the state has to save money.  There aren’t going to be anymore fancy schmancy catered affairs.  We have a pizza parlor and burger joint within walking distance.”
    The Governor rattled off a few other things he liked about his new home. “For one thing, it’s just off the freeway so I don’t have to worry about getting lost in these tangled St. Paul streets.  It’s not far from the river where I keep my submarine so that’s a plus.  And there are a few liquor establishments in the area, just in case I need a cold one.”
(Click here for more information)

Theodore Hamm Returns

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 – The recent discovery and revival of Theodore Hamm, founder of the Hamm’s Brewery, has put the scientific community into a bona fide tizzy.  It also surprised a few other people and completely changed St. Paul forever.
   For those not familiar with this bizarre story, a short recap is in order.  A few years ago a group of weekend weed warriors were removing Buckthorn from Swede Hollow Park near the now defunct Hamm’s/Olympia/Strohs Brewery.  After using a wee bit too much dynamite to blow up a particularly stubborn stand of bushes, a large tunnel appeared in the side of a nearby hill. They had discovered what eventually was determined to be the original research labs for Hamm’s Brewery. 
   The labs revealed an astonishing secret. The Hamm researchers had discovered how to store beer at temperatures approaching absolute zero using equipment, which in an H.G. Wells sort of way, was nearly as advanced as what we have today.  Many large vats of perfectly preserved beer were found and carefully studied for a long time. 
   Eventually most of the beer was gone and in the search for more, another lab was found below the first ones.  Much to everyone’s disappointment, this lab contained only one small vat of frozen beer.  Worse yet, it was discovered that the vat contained a body.  Scientists and engineers were called in to determine what to do.  Some thought it should be kept frozen and put on display at the State Fair in a big refrigerated trailer. Others suggested thawing it out.  After a heated discussion, many beers and a coin toss, it was decided to defrost the body.
    Much to everyone’s surprise, not only was the body brought back to life, but it turned out to be Theodore Hamm himself.  Apparently he had himself frozen with the hope of being revived at the start of the 21st century.  But by that time the brewery had been sold, all of his descendents had either died or left St. Paul and poor old Theo was forgotten about.
    His first words upon being revived were, “How is my brewery doing?”  After being told, his next words were unprintable in a family newspaper.
    But old Theo got the last laugh.  His investments, scattered around this country and Europe, were now worth more than $100 billion, making him the richest man in the world. Hamm was still a shrewd businessman and armed with large amounts of money, he decided to get back into the game.
   He immediately bought back the Hamm’s label, rebuilt the brewery and in the process totally ruined the Phalen Corridor project. He then purchased the Mall of America, the Twins and the Vikings. He razed the Mall and built two new stadiums on the site, both of which sold Hamm’s beer exclusively. 
   Hamm then decided to build his own private space station so he could erect the first zero gravity brewery in orbit.  This required the construction of a fleet of space shuttles. Because Hamm believed in doing business locally whenever possible, St. Paul became a major aerospace manufacturing center and Holman Field was transformed into a world-class spaceport.  But being the good neighbor he was, Hamm promised never to launch or land any shuttles between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. so as not to disturb anyone.
   When asked why he was doing all this, Theo replied, “You modern people just don’t know how to have fun. Here, have another beer and let me show you my plans to film beer commercials on the moon.” 
(Click here for more information)

No Bluffing, It’s Jesse

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 – If you thought that you recently saw a familiar looking huge man with a bald bobbing head, it might not have been your imagination.
   This strange turn of events came after Ventura decided to shut down the current Governor's Mansion because of an argument with the Legislature. As a result, the Nobles Building will not be torn down for the new library. Instead it will be converted into living quarters for Ventura. When a reporter suggested that the decaying structure seemed a little spartan, the Governor said, "I've lived in worse places ... after all, I was a Navy Seal.
   "I think it will be swell living here," Ventura was heard to say. Why Dayton's Bluff? "Well ... I got a bunch of votes from the East Side when I ran for Governor, so I figured the people here would appreciate having me as a neighbor." "You know my wife likes horses. I am planning to put money in this year's bonding bill for a riding trail in Swede Hollow." The Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association declined to comment on the proposal.
   He has been seen working out at Brunette's gym on Arcade Street, prompting speculations that he may by eyeing a career in boxing. He has popped up at the Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center, offering to coach its football team. When told there was none, Jesse suggested he could start a wrestling program there. The St. Paul Parks Department declined to comment on the idea.
   Sources close to the Governor have recently revealed that he has applied for a job as a Metropolitan State University community faculty member in the communications department. "And why not," he said combatively. “Like I told Jay Leno, I've wrote two books and they were both bestsellers." President Bradshaw declined to comment on the rumors.
   If you are part of a Ventura sighting, please contact this paper ASAP.
(Click here for more information)

Oops! Wrong Bridge Demolished

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 -- In what appears to be a major foul up, the St. Paul City Public Works Department admitted that the Arcade St. bridge was torn down by mistake.
   “Boy, were our faces red when we saw what happened,” said Fred Frogheart, deputy director of Public Works.  “It was an honest error that could have happened to anyone,” he added.  “What’s really ironic is that me and the boys were just joking a few weeks ago about how glad we were that we weren’t surgeons having to make sure we didn’t cut off the wrong leg or something.  Then this happens. Go figure.”
   Apparently the debacle occurred because of confusion over the planned replacement of both the Earl St. and Arcade St. bridges.  There had been discussions for years as to which bridge should be replaced first. The Arcade St. bridge was originally planned to be done first. But then it was finally determined that the Earl St. bridge was in worse condition so it would get priority.  However, somewhere in the chain of command things got confused and the wrong bridge was torn down.
   To make matters worse, due to recent budget cuts the bridge won’t be rebuilt for at least two years, possibly three. 
   Business owners along Arcade, already upset by the partial rerouting of traffic on 6th St., were outraged by this latest development.  They stormed City Hall, demanding something be done about it immediately. 
   In response, the City quickly posted detour signs that bypassed the now missing bridge and routed cars to 35E, Hwy. 36 and Hwy. 61/Arcade St.  When asked why they didn’t just direct cars to Forest St., a spokesperson responded, “Well, yeah, I guess that would have worked too.”
   After several weeks of nightly vigils outside of the mayor’s house by irate Arcade business people carrying pitchforks and torches, a plan was developed.  The Army Corp of Engineers will erect a temporary bridge made of rope and wood. 
   Major Bernice Treadwell described the bridge. “It’s like those bridges you see over rivers in jungle movies.  Except we are using really strong nylon ropes and treated lumber so the bridge won’t rot out right away.  It will only have one lane in each direction but will include walkways on each side.  It should hold the weight of a couple of cars.  Big trucks won’t be able to use the bridge and we recommend that small children not be allowed on it alone because they might slip through the cracks and fall onto the railroad tracks below.  The railroad has made it clear that they don’t want to have to clear any bodies off the tracks.”
   The mayor was quoted as saying, “All things considered, I think we made the best of a bad situation.  We expect the temporary bridge will bring in at least $1 million in tourists’ dollars and the upcoming “Indiana Jones” movie will be filmed there next summer.  Of course that means we’ll have to close two miles of Arcade St. from June through October but that shouldn’t bother anyone.”
(Click here for more information)

Mounds Park Getting Ice Palace
 

Postcard provided by Greg Cosimini This Ice Palace (or Ice Court as it was called) was built in Dayton's Bluff for the 1938 Winter Carnival. No Fooling! A similar ice structure may again be constructed here in the near future.

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 – The Saint Paul Winter Carnival announced today the construction of an Ice Palace in Mounds Park.  In a break from tradition it will be built in summer rather than winter.
   “A winter Ice Palace is nothing but trouble,” a spokesperson said. “Minnesota weather is just too unpredictable. It’s either too cold or too warm or too snowy or too something else. That’s why this one is being built indoors under controlled conditions.”
    A large inflatable dome will be erected in Mounds Park just after Memorial Day on the northwestern corner of Earl St. and Mounds Blvd. Refrigeration units and a pump station to bring water up from the river will be installed and made operational within a week.  Ice blocks will be produced onsite as the Ice Palace is constructed. A large air conditioning system will keep the interior of the dome at 20 degrees. 
   Winter Carnival officials pointed out that it is impractical to build a tall structure with pointed towers that could puncture the dome. Instead a design reminiscent of the 1938 Ice Court, also built in Dayton’s Bluff, will be constructed.  It had an Art Deco design featuring curved arches and a skating rink.
   The finished Ice Palace will be unveiled on June 22 at Moundstock 2002.  It will remain standing until July 4th.  Early that morning the Vulcans will storm the Ice Palace and destroy it by cutting open the dome and letting it melt. It should be reduced to a puddle by nightfall when it will become a reflecting pond to mirror the Taste of Minnesota fireworks.
   The cost of this project will be just under $10 million.  It will be paid for by a $50 per person entry fee and a 25% citywide sales tax. 
(Click here for more information)

Japanese buy Old Hamm's Brewery

   St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 -- In the last act of his administration, Mayor Norm Coleman recently signed the papers that turned ownership of the old Hamm's Brewery over to a syndicate of Japanese businessmen. "It was a wonderful chance to find a new use for the site and to help an old friend of mine make a killing selling the property to the city." It will be used to produce sake under several brand names including "Maria Dayton's Revenge," "East Side Pride" and "Old Pirate", honoring a former owner of the buildings.
   Reacting to the news at a Legislative hearing, the Right to be Rural Caucus called for state subsidies to promote rice production on Minnesota family farms. Representative of the Dakota and Ojibway were initially thrilled by the news until they were told that wild rice is not an ingredient of sake.
   Some additional details have started to leak out. Besides the traditional huge subsidies, the investors have insisted on certain changes in the neighborhood. The Karate center at the comer of East Seventh and Eichenwald had to become a Sumo Wrestling training center, the Swede Hollow Cafe was converted to a sushi shop, and the Community Council was required to support a zoning variance requiring that any affordable housing be constructed from bamboo and rice paper and that no western style toilets are installed.
  The new owners had been planning to build a facility in Tokyo, but no one there seemed to have a yen for them.
(Click here for more information)

A Solution to Airplane Noise 
in Dayton's Bluff

St. Paul, MN; April 1, 2002 --The Metropolitan Airports Commission has come up with a solution to the airplane noise problem over Dayton's Bluff.  As shown above in an artitst's sketch, signs would be hung from the Mounds Park Airport Beacon reminding the pilots to be quiet after 10 p.m.  A spokesman for MAC said, "We think this a good solution.  We already own the Beacon and the signs are tastefully designed to blend into this historic neighborhood.  During the day the signs will display advertisements for local business, available at reasonable rates, of course, so I don't see why anyone should have any more complaints." (Click here for more information)

Does this Strange Structure on Mars Look Familiar?

Houston, TX; April 1, 2002 -- NASA recently declassified the above false-color infrared photo taken of the planet Mars.  It clearly shows an alien structure under construction.  NASA and military experts believe it is either an interstellar communication tower or a landing area for alien spacecraft.  Similar structures have been photographed on the Moon, Venus and several of Jupiter's moons. It is believed that these are being built as a prelude to an invasion of Earth.  Officials are now searching our planet for any such buildings.  While it is unlikely the aliens would construct one in a populated area (such as Dayton's Bluff), all citizens of Earth are being asked to be vigilant and report any odd buildings to the authorities. (Click here for more information)