The new library being developed on the Metropolitan State campus will not be just for students. A branch of the St. Paul Public Library will be housed there to serve the Dayton’s Bluff community, especially families and children. Demolition occurred late July at the former Nobles building site to make space for the new university library and the 4,000 sq. ft. St. Paul Branch Library. 
   The new public library has been in planning for almost seven years, Library Director Carole Williams said, and the community has been involved from the beginning. The community “told us they wanted something that would help children,” so the library will focus on books and resources for families and children. The new branch will have separate children’s and young adult areas, as well as a homework area for children from grades four and up. The homework center will operate using books, computers and volunteers. 
   The Dayton’s Bluff Branch library will be smaller than the library at the West 7th Community Center, but will have public seating for 35 people and state-of-the-art computer facilities. The new branch is expected to open in the summer of 2004, and will be open approximately 40 hours a week including evenings and Saturdays. There will be separate short-term parking on the east side along Maria Avenue for public library patrons.

The new St. Paul Branch Library will occupy the northeast corner on the first floor of Metropolitan State's new library.  The layout design for the new library is copyrighted by Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, LTD., Minneapolis.

Local Woman Is Eyewitness to Bush Visit

   Harriet Mrozinski, 84, had a surprise when she woke up on July 11. 
   Mrozinski, a resident of Marian Center, learned she had been selected to represent the center that day at a visit from President Bush.
   "I was all dressed up patriotic," she said. "The beauty shop fixed me up and put flags in my white hair. I had a tiny red ribbon with a flag."
   "I couldn't eat. 'Just give me a 7-Up,' I told them. I thought I would be hungry, but I wasn't."
   Mrozinski  has been a resident of Marian center since January.  Asked why she was chosen, Mrozinski speculated it might be her experience on stage as a singer and entertainer. "I don't have stage fright."
   "I was in the third row," she said.  The president, on a campaign visit for former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, spoke about senior citizens and prescription medicines.  Afterward she was allowed to stand at the podium with the president for pictures.
   "It was an honor to be there," she said.

National Night Out

   Celebrate National Night Out on August 6, 2002 with your neighbors and friends. Some neighborhood groups and block clubs are planning to have a neighborhood barbecue, a fish fry, a band playing music, and/or a soft ball game.  There are many things a group of neighbors can do.
   Spend the evening getting to know your neighbors.  National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  Join 30 million other people in more than 9,000 communities nation-wide in a variety of events and activities.  Let’s make this year even bigger! 

Here is a list of some Dayton’s Bluff National Night Out events:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church 
Margaret and Forest
  Hot dogs, beverages and DJ music
Bush Ave. between Duluth and Atlantic
  Potluck and music
3rd and Arcade
  Potluck and music
1st Lutheran Church, including Swede Hollow Park 
Maria and North
Starts at 5:30 p.m.
 Potluck, children’s games, and music

All Events start at 6:30 pm and last until about 8:30 pm unless otherwise noted
Call Karin at 772-2075 for more information or if you want an event in your Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood.

The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour

  Enjoy miles of traffic-free cycling at the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour on Sunday, September 15, 2002.  More than 6,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the eighth annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour.  Two scenic routes of 15 and 31 miles allow traffic-free cycling along the mighty Mississippi River.  Almost all of the long route and 11 miles of the short route will be closed to traffic.  The ride starts and ends at the University of St. Thomas campus, located at the corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues in Saint Paul.  Register by August 31.  Discounts are available for registrations postmarked by July 31.
   The Saint Paul Classic is a once-a-year opportunity to bike without traffic on the city’s most scenic roads.  The 31-mile route circles the city and links Lake Como, Lake Phalen and Indian Mounds Park via the Bruce Vento Regional Trail and roads along the Mississippi River.  Families and historic architecture fans will enjoy the shorter 15-mile route as it passes by the mansions of Summit Avenue and Ramsey Hill.  Hundreds of volunteers provide ride support and Saint Paul Police are stationed at major intersections. 
   The Saint Paul Classic is also a showcase for tasty local snacks and global musical acts. Neighborhood bakeries, coffee shops and natural food co-ops provide delicious refreshments for breaks along the route.  Live music is featured at all four rest stops and on the main stage at the University of St. Thomas.  This year organizers have added music from South America (Nube), West Africa (Sunplug’d featuring Wanaku) and the American heartland (Minnesota’s most venerable bluegrass band, The Middle Spunk Creek Boys).  Charlie Maguire, Irv Williams, Machinery Hill, Mark Stillman and Cyril Paul’s Calypso Monarchs round out what has become one of the Twin Cities’ best outdoor music festivals.
   Proceeds from the Saint Paul Classic benefit the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy conservation. 
   For a free brochure phone the HOTLINE at 952-882-3180.  Registration forms can be printed from the Web Site.  Register on-line with a credit card at www.active.com.
   Major sponsors of the Saint Paul Classic include the Pioneer Press/Twin Cities.com, Black Bear Crossings, KBEM Jazz 88, and the Federal Executive Board of Minnesota.  The Saint Paul Classic is produced by the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium.

Tailor Shop Opens on 7th Street
By Lillian Gray

   Mee Thao is the owner of "Size Matters" a professional fitting, tailoring, and fashion store located at 781 E. 7th Street that opened in April of this year. “Size Matters” was previously located at White Bear Avenue and Minnehaha Street.
 

Mee Thao, proprietor of Size-Matters Fashion Shop.    Photo by Lillian Gray	Size-Matters Fashion Shop is a new business at 851 East 7th St.    Photo by Lillian Gray.

Adults: Free Help with Reading English

   Do you need help with basic reading or math skills? Do you want to earn you GED? Are you looking for ESL classes?
   Free help is available for you, your friends or family members. Call Bernice at East Metro Learning Center at 651-778-0111 or stop in at 1299 Arcade Street.

First Lutheran Plans Carnival

  First Lutheran Church on the East Side of St. Paul is having their First Annual Carnival on September 7, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
   This fund-raiser is to help with the costs of the many youth programs they have. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Their Carnival is for family, friends, neighbors and everyone of all ages.
   There will be games and prizes, a food stand, even popcorn and donuts! Raffle drawings will be done at the end of the day. You do not have to be present to win.
   The Carnival will be indoors, so rain or shine, it will be a fun day for all.  Please come and enjoy the day. Looking forward to seeing you.

Artist Tells the Saga of "Flower Child Lucy"
By Amy R. Handford

   What does one do when you have already created a masterpiece i.e.  "Thespian Snoopy"? Do we go for the outrageous, namely Charlie Brown dressed as Ophelia from Hamlet or do wait until another opportunity presents itself? 
   Well, we were fortunate enough to be able to paint the Ultimate Woman with an Attitude: Lucy Van Pelt from the Peanuts characters of Charles Schulz.
 

Artist Amy R. Handford poses with her creation, "Flower Child Lucy" at Moundstock 2002.   "Flower Child Lucy" is located in the front yard  of the Portage for Youth at 965 Fremont Avenue.  Photo by Greg Cosimini

   The painting seemed like a relatively easy task at first brush. But then the logistics of the project set in. We had one brief weekend to complete everything on the statue and had to do it in a large room in the newly completed River Center in downtown St. Paul.  Any tools and materials had to be carried in and parking for most of the assistants was $10 each time, a rather hefty amount. So this project required a good deal of planning and forethought, none of the "off the cuff” work that we were used to doing. Definitely a challenge for my creative mind!
   The atmosphere with all of us artists in one space was quite energy driven.  This was a new experience for myself, since I'm what is traditionally referred to as a "studio rat".  I do most of my creative work in my studio. 
   Sure enough, the first painting hurdle occurred when the paint we put on her hair refused to adhere to the surface in certain areas. It was as though there was some kind of grease or coating that was only on a few places on her head. 
   On to hurdle number two: We wanted Lucy to be "Flower Child Lucy” and be reminiscent of the 1960s Woodstock period. So how to do a denim skirt?  Problem solved... use real denim and cut and paste it to fit.  But now how to make realistic appearing metal buckles on the denim straps of her bib overall skirt. Problem solved -- cut straps with metal buckles off of the actual denim bib overalls that one of us had on and use them on the statue. 
   Problem three: How then to hold up the pants on the artist who is painting?  Problem solved... cut up material and make a belt and tie the bibs on the artist so that she would not have them fall off. Truly this was the sign of how artists suffer for their work!
   After the many trials and tribulations, Lucy was completed, replete with sandals and painted toes that even sported a jeweled toe ring.  Just in time for the deadline. 
   But then the fateful email arrived after I had gone to bed totally exhausted. I happened to be letting my dogs out to check the weather at 4:30 a.m., as they are wont to do, and I read the email that made my blood run cold. "Did we notice that Lucy had her toes painted as though she had two RIGHT feet?” 
   Off to grab my painting clothes and watch the sun rise as I drove downtown and hoped that I still had enough flesh colored paint to remedy this anatomy problem. They let me in through the loading dock area and carrying a brush, flesh colored and black paint and a hair dryer, I went to work. It was very peaceful as there were few artists left working there. I finished, gave her my blessing and drove home to get a little more sleep.
   Thus ends the saga of "Flower Child Lucy" who resides in front of the Portage for Youth at 965 Fremont and carries a sign the says it all "PEACE AND GIRLS RULE!"
------------------
Amy R. Handford is an artist who lives in Dayton’s Bluff.  She created both “Thespian Snoopy” and “Flower Child Lucy” for the Portage for Youth.  She can be contacted by email at: amy@amysart.net. Her website is: www.amysart.net.

Commissioner Ortega Files for 3rd Term on Ramsey County Board

   Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega filed for reelection July 2nd – the first day of filing.  After almost eight years representing the most diverse district in Ramsey County, Commissioner Ortega is committed to finishing the work he’s started on a number of projects and continuing to represent constituents from Highland Park in the West to Dayton’s Bluff on the East Side of Saint Paul effectively.  He is proud of his record of achievement in the district and is eager to continue. 
   At the “Gateway” of Saint Paul on West 7th in Highland Park, Ortega is leading Ramsey County to help build the “Gateway Village” housing and business complex, which will revitalize this part of Saint Paul while providing almost a hundred units of affordable housing.  Also, after seven years of Commissioner Ortega’s steady pressure, MNDOT will use $7 million of Federal money to renovate the Ford Parkway Bridge starting July 8 while keeping lanes and Highland businesses open.   
   From the beginning of West 7th Street in Highland Park through the West 7th neighborhood through downtown all the way to East 7th in Dayton’s Bluff, Ortega has worked to build improved, safer bus shelters, improving the attractiveness of the neighborhoods and making riding the bus a better option for riders.  They will be installed this year.  
   On the West Side, the heart of the district, Rafael serves on numerous boards, and has continued the kind of regular constituent service that has most residents referring to him by his first name, not as “Commissioner.”  Making sure that the funding was available for the “Schools First / Escuela Si” after school program at Neighborhood House is just one example of the work he’s done at the Board for the West Side.  
   In downtown, as Chair of the Regional Rail Authority, Ortega looks forward to negotiating and advocating for more and better transit options to and from Saint Paul and he was instrumental in setting aside $50 million for a transit hub.  As board member of the Phalen Corridor Initiative and the Riverfront Corporation, he has worked with leaders downtown and on the East Side to reshape these parts of the city to create jobs and safer, more attractive environments that will improve lives for generations.
   Ortega looks forward to using the campaign to share these results and efforts with his constituents.  The DFL, the Saint Paul Building Trades, and the Teamsters have endorsed Commissioner Ortega.  He expects to garner more endorsements in July and August.  No DFL-endorsed candidate in District 5 has lost in this heavily DFL part of the city in over twenty-five years. For more information pleas call Ken Iosso at 651-253-1252.

What Is So Bad About Buckthorn?

   Buckthorn is an invasive, non-native shrub that was introduced to North America during the 1800s. Buckthorn was planted as a popular hedge material. Even though buckthorn makes a nice full hedge in a yard, it also makes an impenetrable, messy thicket in parks, roadsides, forests, and your neighbor's yard.
   Each buckthorn fruit produces 2-4 seeds that remain viable for up to six years! Birds eat these buckthorn fruit and then deposit the seeds everywhere on the fly. Because buckthorn tolerates shade, full-sun, drought and bad soil, it thrives just about anywhere. As a result, buckthorn quickly moves from pruned, well-kept yards and invades other areas.
   Buckthorn is detrimental to the health and future of forests, prairies, wetlands and parks. It reduces biodiversity, destroys wildlife habitat and out-competes other important native plants, completely changing the landscape. For these reasons, in 2001 the Minnesota Department of Agriculture declared both Common and Glossy Buckthorn RESTRICTED NOXIOUS WEEDS. Sale, transportation, or movement of these plants is prohibited statewide by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
   Still, buckthorn is easily found throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as in every county of Minnesota. Just look for buckthorn in late fall when the native trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves. Buckthorn still has its green leaves often into December. You will not miss it!
   Imagine a piece of land that is one enormous thicket of buckthorn. There would be no diversity of plants, nowhere for songbirds to nest in the lower canopy, and only one type of fruit for small animals. This is what is happening to our urban woodlands. For more information call Karin at Greening Dayton’s Bluff 651-772-2075.

Recycling Days for Dayton's Bluff

   Blue plastic 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:
August: 13, 27
September: 10, 24
October: 8, 22
November: 5, 19
December: 3, 17, 31

Horticultural Award Program Announced

   Minnesota State Horticultural Society's Annual Awards Program deadline is fast approaching for submitting applications.
   Do you know a gardener or gardening organization making outstanding contributions to the greening efforts in Minnesota? Each year the Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS) honors individuals and organizations who work to beautify Minnesota through horticulture.
   This includes greening efforts in public gardens, neighborhood projects and the revitalization of public parks and open spaces.
   Individuals,  neighborhood groups, governmental organizations, and garden clubs that have contributed to rejuvenating communities through plants are eligible for nomination.
   For more information or to received a nomination form, contact the Minnesota State Horticultural Society at (651) 643-3601, 1-800-676-6747, or click on Awards at www.northerngardener.org.
   Deadline for entry is Saturday August 10, 2002.  Winners will be announced at the State Awards and Recognition Event held at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society on December 7, 2002.
   
Dayton's Bluff Bookmobile Stops

   Mondays August 5 and August 19 at Wilson Hi-Rise at 1300 Wilson from 1 - 2 pm.
   Tuesdays August 13 and August 27 at Mounds Park Methodist Church at Euclid and Earl from 4:00 to 4:45 pm; and Margaret Playground at Margaret and Frank from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
   Tuesdays August 6 and August 20 at Hope Community Academy at 720 Payne Ave. from 2 - 3:30 pm.
   Thursdays August 8 and August 22 at John A. Johnson/Eastside YMCA at 740 York from 2 - 2:30 pm
   Fridays August 2 and August 16 at Dayton's Bluff Playground at Conway and Maple from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. 
   For more information call 651-642-0379.

Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Clean Up

   On Saturday, September 14, 2002 the Dayton’s Bluff Annual Neighborhood Clean Up will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon in a new location, the old Johnson Bros. parking lot at Hudson Road and Johnson Pkwy.  It’s time to clean up your yards and homes and get ready for the clean up.  More information about the clean up will be in the September issue of the Forum.  Volunteers are needed to help with the clean up.  Call Karin at 651-772-2075 to volunteer or for more information.
   DO NOT BRING APPLIANCES TO THE CLEAN UP.  On Monday, September 16, 2001 J.R.’S Appliance Disposal will be doing a special curb side appliance pick up in Dayton’s Bluff.  The cost is $25.00 for one appliance, plus $10.00 for each additional appliance and an additional $10.00 for each air conditioner ($35.00).  All you have to do is call J.R.’S and sign up for this special pick up.  They will let you know the cost for your appliances.  Then have your old appliances on the curb on September 16th.  Call Joan at J.R.’s 651-454-9215.

Board Members Needed

   Interested in running for a seat on the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council? The Dayton’s Bluff Community council is looking for people to serve on our board of directors. This is an opportunity to work on neighborhood issues and events that will improve the quality of life in our community. The deadline for filing for the board is September 16, 2002 and the election will be held on October 21, 2002. For more information call 651-772-2075.

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 on the third Friday of each month at 9:30 am and on the preceding Thursday at 6:30 pm.
   Please join your neighbors and the police at either the Thursday evening or Friday morning meeting. 

The meeting schedule for the remainder of 2002 is:
August: Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, August 16 at 9:30 am
September: Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, September 20 at 9:30 am
October: Thursday, October 17 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, October 18 at 9:30 am
November: Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, November 15 at 9:30 am
December: Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, December 20 at 9:30 am

Dayton’s Bluff Memories and Musings
By Steve Trimble

   This month I decided to do something a little different. Rather than just look at the Bluff 60 and 100 years ago, I’d see what was happening in the 1920s. To be honest, my quick look at he 1902 paper was a bust and the August issues of the Dayton’s Bluff Booster were missing at the Historical Society. So here we go -- into the era that has been called the "jazz age" and has been symbolized by Fords and flappers, courtesy of the pages of the East Side Journal.
 

Historian Steve Trimble (center) shares history and stories about interesting people and places of Dayton's Bluff  during a Historic Walking Tour that took place on May 15, 2002 as part of National Preservation Week.  Photo by Karin DuPaul.

Calling All Artists

   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is putting together an Arts and Culture Directory for the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. It will include names and contact information for artists living or working in or near Dayton’s Bluff.  The finished directory will be available in both printed and online versions.
   “Artist” is being defined here in the broadest sense of the word.  It includes painters, sculptors, pottery makers, actors, singers, musicians, magicians, comedians, photographers, movie/video makers, acrobats, jugglers, ventriloquists, writers, poets, glass blowers and candlestick makers.  
   If we’ve forgotten something or if you don’t fit into one of these categories, make up one of your own.  We are being very liberal about the arts. Both amateurs and professionals will be listed.
   A second part of the directory will include arts related organizations.  These can include singing groups, dance troupes, rock bands, theater groups, church choirs and barbershop quartets. Once again, if your organization doesn’t fit, don’t quit.  Make up a new category.
   A final section of the directory will list facilities where arts and cultural activities can be held.  These might include theaters, parks, school gyms (with or without a stage), church halls or any other large room, parking lot or cave. They can be available on a free or rental basis.
   If you think that you, your organization or facility should be included in the Dayton’s Bluff Arts and Culture Directory, please call Karin DuPaul at 651-772-2075 or email her at Karin@DaytonsBluff.org.  Be prepared with all relevant information.

Start Your Own Business

   Have you ever wanted to start your own business?  Or, have you started one and are realizing that you need more education to make it successful?  If so, sign up for the Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Entrepreneur Training and Support Program.  This program helps start-up and young businesses on the East Side.  All East Side entrepreneurs are welcome. The next class will start in September.
 

Graduates, family and friends at the Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Entrepreneur Training and Support Graduation in June.  The program is designed to train people in small business management, marketing and financial planning.  The next class will start in September.  If you  are interested in enrolling or need more information, call Karin 651-772-2075.   Photo by Karin DuPaul.

   Class training lasts approximately 16 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.  Those who successfully complete the course and locate their businesses in target neighborhoods are eligible for ongoing business support services. 
   Some of the businesses that people who took the course have started include graphics, 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 and class size is limited.  Please call Karin at 772-2075 for an application.

Dayton's Bluff 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 Gun Locks Available

   All guns should be locked in a cabinet or locked with a cable lock. Free cable locks are available to gun owners who live in Saint Paul who do not have a gun safe or locked storage for their gun, and have children in their homes at any time.
   The Safe Gun Storage Campaign is an initiative to make our communities safer for everyone. We would like to express our appreciation to Police Chief William Finney for all his work to make this Initiative possible. Dayton’s Bluff residents interested in gun cable locks should call Karin at 651-772-2075.
 

College Graduates

   Two students from Dayton’s Bluff received degrees from the University of St. Thomas this spring.
   Henry E. Abanonu of Minnehaha Ave. received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Financial Management.
   Sara Lynn Taylor of McLean Ave. received a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Preparation – Elementary.
   St. Thomas University is Minnesota’s largest private college or university with more then 11,000 students.  A total of 1,325 students received bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the spring commencement ceremonies on May 18. 

North St. Paul Ice Cream Social

   The North St. Paul Historical Society will be holding its 27th Annual Ice Cream Social at Silver Lake Park in North St. Paul on Sunday, August 11, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and going until 5 p.m. 
   This "family day in the park" will feature $.50 ice cream cones, a free water ski.show, an antique and classic car display, and activities for kids. A variety of foods and beverages will be for sale at this annual fundraiser. A local band will provide music. 
   Drawings for cash prizes include $1,000 for First Prize and five $200 prizes. 
   The event is located north of Highway 36 along the south shore of Silver Lake.

Cooking in the Bluff
By Shiela Johnstone

Potato Salad
A perfect potato salad.  You can substitute sweet pickle relish for the sweet pickle cubes. 
  
Ingredients:
5 pounds red potatoes, diced 
4 eggs 
4 stalks celery, chopped 
1 green bell pepper, chopped 
1 (16 ounce) jar sweet pickles, cubed 
3/4 tablespoon prepared mustard 
3/4 cup mayonnaise 
1 onion, finely chopped 
1 teaspoon white sugar 
 Salt and pepper to taste 
 
Directions:     
1) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. 
2) Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring water to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water and peel under cold, running water. Chop and set aside 
3) Stir the eggs, celery, green bell pepper, sweet pickle cubes, prepared mustard, mayonnaise, onion and white sugar into the potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 334 
Protein 7g 
Total Fat 14g 
Sodium 491mg 
Cholesterol 78mg
Carbohydrates 49g 
Fiber 4g 

Crock-Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:
3 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced. 
4 whole chicken breasts (or use thighs and legs) 
1 cup orange juice 
2 tablespoons brown sugar 
1 bay leaf 
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 
2 tablespoons cider vinegar 
1 (17 ounce) can water-packed peach slices, drained 

Directions:
1) Place potatoes in crock-pot. Arrange chicken on top. 
2) Mix orange juice, brown sugar, bay leaf, nutmeg, and vinegar together and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. 
3) Remove chicken and potatoes from sauce and arrange on a warm platter. 
4) Turn crock-pot to high, add peach slices to sauce. Heat 15 to 20 minutes and then pour sauce over chicken and potatoes.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 418 
Protein 33.5g 
Total Fat 7.9g
Sodium 691mg 
Cholesterol 94mg 
Carbohydrates 54.7g
Fiber 2.8g 

Leftovers Food Tip
Combine leftover mashed potatoes with chopped onion and shredded cheese, then bake. Tastes like twice-baked potatoes without the work! 

   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:  shiela2@qwest.net (new email address)

Residential Insulation Incentive Project Available to Do-It-Yourselfers

   Do-it-yourselfers are taking advantage of cash rebates and energy savings through the popular Residential Insulation Incentive Pilot Project sponsored by the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium (NEC) and Xcel Energy. Through this project, the NEC can provide insulation contracting services to Xcel Energy residential natural gas customers in the east metro territory. Xcel Energy provides participants an additional incentive in the form of a rebate of 20% of the cost of insulation and installation, up to a maximum rebate of $300. Interested homeowners should contact the NEC Energy Department at 651/221-4462 to schedule an insulation appointment. 
   "This is an attractive offer for do-it-yourselfers," said Jimmie Sparks, NEC Energy Program Manager. "Now more people will be able to participate in the project and reap the dual rewards of high-quality work and a monetary rebate." 
   The insulation incentive project was approved by the Department of Commerce on December 7, 2001. So far, 100 homeowners have taken advantage of the contract management services and the rebate from Xcel Energy. If a homeowner decides to work with a contractor, the NEC will provide contractor selection and management, problem resolution to ensure customer satisfaction and a post-installation inspection to ensure quality control. Do-it-yourselfers taking part in the project also need to meet the requirements of a post-installation inspection. In addition to a visual inspection, a state-of-the-art infrared camera and blower door will be used to detect areas that may have been missed during insulation installation. 
   Monies are available for approximately 300 to 350 households to participate in the project, which has been funded through December 31, 2002, or until funds expire, whichever comes first. 
   The residential insulation incentive project builds on nearly 17 years of residential energy programs offered by the NEC, a coalition of neighborhood organizations that promotes environmentally responsible communities. In addition to the insulation incentive project, the NEC is currently the provider of Xcel Energy Home Energy Audits for the entire state of Minnesota and parts of North and South Dakota. The NEC's-programs  encourage individuals to make meaningful choices in their daily lives that conserve resources and create an environmentally-sustainable community.

Let's Not Forget the Good Things We've Accomplished in Minnesota
By State Representative Sheldon Johnson

   As the campaign season approaches, we're hearing more and more about the need for greater accountability when it comes to government spending. Most often, it comes from the same faction that complains about the high rate of taxes in the state, particularly our income taxes.
    While it is true that Minnesota relies on a state income tax more heavily than most other states, the implications that Minnesotans shoulder the fourth-highest tax burden or that there's a lack of accountability over how that money is spent are both over-simplistic.
   For one, that fourth highest claim is based on per capita state taxes and does not take into account local taxes, which have been kept fairly low (26th overall in the nation) through state tax credits, most notably the Homestead Credit on your local property taxes.  In the most recent year we have figures for both state and local taxes - 1999 - Minnesota ranked 12th overall. We're expected to drop even further after the tax cuts of 2000 and 2001 are factored in. Of course we still need to work at keeping taxes as low as possible, but we also need to be realistic and accurate when we talk about our tax rate.
   In addition, the charge that state and local governments are not accountable for the amount they spend fails to take into consideration the remarkable performance by Minnesota in the areas in which government plays a key role. Study after study shows that Minnesota ranks consistently high when it comes to education, health care and economic development. It also has a modest ranking when it comes to state spending, at least in relation to average per capita income.
   In recent national studies, Minnesota is:
* 24th in total state and local spending as a percent of personal income.
* 27th in state government general fund expenditures as a percent of personal income.  
* In the Top 5 on the Economic Development Report Card for 2001 and one of only nine states with an overall "A". 
* 7th in high tech employment per 1000 of private sector workers. 
* 2nd in home ownership rates from 1996-2000.  
* 3rd in Fortune 500 companies per million of population. 
* 4th in patents issued per 100,000 population.
* 1st in basic skills proficiency in math in 8th grade.
* 2nd in average ACT scores in 2001.
* 4th in average SAT scores in 2001.
* 4th best high school graduation rates.
* 5th in basic education skills proficiency in reading.
* 6th in average proficiency in science in 8th grade in 2000.
* 13th in spending per pupil for 2000-01 ($19,208).
* 15th in average tuition and fees at public universities for 1999-2000.
* 27th in pupil/teacher ratio in 2000-01.
* 1st in the latest state rankings on how well our kids are doing.
* 1st in state health ranking for 2001. 
* 1st in air quality
* 2nd lowest in the percentage of population not covered by private or public health insurance.
* Tied for the lowest percent of interstate miles in unacceptable condition in 2000.
* 2nd best (lowest) as a percent of bridges deficient in 2000.
* 2nd lowest in the percent of families with children headed by a single parent 1997-99.
* 2nd best (lowest) in the percent of children living in poverty in 2002.
* 3rd lowest in the percent of families living in poverty in 2000.
* Highest in our voting rate.
    More than anything, what these studies show us is that government in Minnesota works. The state has produced an amazing record when it comes to education, health care, innovation and economic development. We've accomplished that because of our tradition of fair taxes and effective investment in the public good.
   We need to remember that this campaign season when candidates use a single statistic to paint Minnesota as simply a high tax state. We're more than that.