Dayton’s Bluff Community Organizer Karin DuPaul was honored by the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County at the group's annual meeting on June 18 at Bald Eagle/Otter Lakes Regional Park. Karin was presented with the Park Citizen of the Year Award for “outstanding service as a volunteer serving parks and trails in Ramsey County.”

Karin DuPaul surrounded by other members of the Lower Phalen Creek Project steering committee.  The LPCP is dedicated to making the area between Swede Hollow Park and the Mississippi River into a nature park, the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary.  Standing (l to r): Colleen Ashton, Weiming Lu, Murph Dawkins, and Carol Carey. Sitting (l to r): Colleen’s son Arthur, Karin DuPaul and Christine Baeumler.

   Karin was nominated by the Friends of Swede Hollow.  She has been a passionate advocate for Swede Hollow Park for many years, president of a number of community organizations and is a steering committee member of the Lower Phalen Creek Project, a group striving to create a new city park, the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. She also served on the Trout Brook-Lower Phalen Greenway Task Force in 2000-01. 
   Karin DuPaul has been a tireless and committed advocate for Swede Hollow Park since 1978 when she formed the Swede Hollow Task Force, a community group dedicated to park issues. She founded the Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhood Association in 1982, was its president from 1982-1999 and currently is vice president. 
   This year Karin took the initiative to work towards non-profit status for the Friends of Swede Hollow group. She is now president of this organization as well. The Friends of Swede Hollow is an organization that works in partnership with the St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation as well as many other groups to improve the quality of the park through cleanups, removal of invasive species, the planting of native plants and holding events, such as hayrides, to enhance the enjoyment of the park. 
   As a member of Friends of Swede Hollow, Karin has written and received a number of grants to create the Hamm's Mansion Woodland Wildflower Garden in the upper east section of Swede Hollow Park on the site of the Hamm's mansion foundation. Over the years this section of the park had become a neglected section of Swede Hollow, overgrown with buckthorn and impenetrable to visitors. Over the past three years the Wildflower Garden has been planted with a wide variety of native woodland species, has a walking path and has become a desirable place to visit. 
   Karin has introduced countless people to the environment and history of the parks on the East Side of St. Paul through her monthly Take A Hike walks, which she began in 1990. On these walks, she leads groups of people from Mounds Park along the Bruce Vento Trails, through Swede Hollow Park and out to Lake Phalen Park. She created a historical pamphlet, the Swede Hollow Walking Tour, complete with historical photographs and information to enhance the visitors' understanding of the park's rich history. 
   Karin also received a grant for the Friends of Swede Hollow this year from the Friends to establish a garden on the Maury Garden Site, located on the south side of the upper section of Swede Hollow Park, adjacent to Maury Street. It is the goal of the Friends of Swede Hollow to restore this piece of park to a more natural condition, with plants representative of the vegetation that might have naturally occurred on the site. 
   Friends of the Parks and Trails says Karin is truly a local hero on the East Side - a person whose dedication has changed the face of her community for the better through sustained and thoughtful participation.

National Night Out

   Celebrate National Night Out on August 5, 2003 with your neighbors and friends. Some neighborhood groups and block clubs are planning to have a neighborhood barbecue, a garden tour, a band playing music, and/or a volleyball 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. 
   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.
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 music 

5th Street between Maple and Bates
Potluck (bring a dish to share), children’s games, and music

Bush Ave. between Duluth and Atlantic 
Potluck (bring a dish to share), and music 

1st Lutheran Church 
Maria and North 
Hotdogs and beverage supplied. Bring a salad or dessert, supervised children’s playground, and volleyball
Starts at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Swede Hollow Park 
Greenbrier and Margaret
Potluck (bring a dish to share), children’s games, and music

4th Street between Mounds Blvd and Maria

5th Street between Mounds Blvd and Maria
Food, games and music

1000 block of Fremont between Earl and Cypress 
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
barbecue potluck

Mounds Park Garden Tour
Starts at 951 Burns Ave.
Begins at 6:30 p.m.
Call 772-2075 to register

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. 

A recent Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Entrepreneur Training Program class graduation was held at Saint John's Lutheran Church.  It is time to register for the fall class starting in September. Call 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.

Harding High School 40th Reunion
   The St. Paul Harding High School Class of 1963 will be holding its 40th reunion in September. This class was the last graduating class from the "Old Harding" at Third and Earl Streets. 
   The reunion will be Saturday, September 27, 2003 at River Oaks Golf Course & Clubhouse in Cottage Grove. There will be an optional golf outing at 11:00 a.m. with a casual patio get-together. In the evening cocktail and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:00 followed by dinner. Alumni should contact David or Judy Petrie at 651-636-8412.

Grocery Give-Away

   A Grocery Give-Away will take place on Saturday, August 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Mounds Park United Methodist Church, Euclid and Earl.  Free produce, dry goods and bread items will be given to anyone who can use them.  No registration or sign-up is necessary.  Sponsored by United Methodist churches on St. Paul's east side.

Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike 

   There will be no Take a Hike in August.  Join us on September 6 for the next hike.
   We  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. 
    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 info, call 776-0550. 

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 15, 2003 and the election will be held on October 20, 2003. For more information call 651-772-2075. 

Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Clean Up 

   On Saturday, September 13, 2003 the Dayton’s Bluff Annual Neighborhood Clean Up will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon in a new location, Ray Anderson & Sons north of East 7th Street at the end of Atlantic.  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 15, 2003 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. 

Merrick Community Services Picnics

  The staff of Merrick Community Services (MCS) cordially invites you to our 3rd annual neighborhood picnics.
   Everything is open to the public at no charge. That's right, it's FREE! Free food, free refreshments, free entertainment and games for all. It’s a chance to meet and socialize with fellow Eastsiders.
   In addition, MCS staff will be enjoying themselves and providing live informational coverage on al1 of the programs and services that MCS provides for your community. You may have heard of MCS, you may know where we are located, but do you know what MCS can do for you? Come find out and join in on the fun. Its summertime in your neighborhood, which is reason enough to celebrate!
   Join us on Wednesday, August 6th at Merrick Community Center, 715 Edgerton Street from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. or Wednesday, August 13th at the Eastside Community Center, 1526 E. Sixth Street from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

“Siv Duia” is Born at Moundstock

   Dayton’s Bluff residents and visitors gave a name and personality to one of Eureka Recycling’s new recycling trucks at the Moundstock festival June 28, 2003. 
   After a day of voting at Eureka Recycling’s booth, event visitors chose the name “Siv Duia” (she doo-ah). “Siv Duia” means “use again” in Hmong. 
   “Siv Duia” has a special talent for finding creative ways to use things over and over again. Before she recycles anything, she tries to reuse it first. She gets satisfaction out of collecting the things residents no longer need and giving them a new life somewhere else. She especially likes to pick up bags of clothes and take them to other people to wear.
   The name “Siv Duia” was suggested by participants in The Portage for Youth, a nonprofit organization that provides after-school enrichment opportunities for girls and young women in the Dayton’s Bluff area. The Moundstock festival was a fundraiser for The Portage for Youth.
   “Siv Duia” is one of fourteen new trucks owned and operated by Eureka Recycling, Saint Paul’s nonprofit recycling partner. The trucks, which run on a cleaner-burning blend of biodiesel fuel, have been collecting recycling in Saint Paul since this April. They replace the trucks used by a former subcontractor. 
   By becoming directly involved in collection, Eureka Recycling is better able to improve Saint Paul’s recycling program while keeping costs to the city steady. All of the trucks are being named at community festivals throughout the summer. Residents can nominate a name by visiting www.eurekarecycling.org or calling (651) 222-SORT (7678).
   Eureka Recycling is a nonprofit organization that specializes in recycling and waste reduction and manages Saint Paul’s recycling program. Its mission is to reduce waste today through innovative resource management and to reach a waste-free tomorrow by demonstrating that waste is preventable, not inevitable

Your Community Council Needs You

  The Dayton’s Bluff District Four Community Council is a citizen’s organization designed to encourage participation in, and awareness of, the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. 
   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council advocates for people living in the community, provides an avenue to make government aware of citizens’ concerns, and advises government concerning neighborhood issues. The Council serves to educate the public, yet depends upon an engaged public to define what is important to the community. The meetings are open to the public so community members may voice their opinions. Meetings are held on the second and the third Monday each month, and begin at 7 p.m.
   The Dayton’s Bluff District Four Community Council Board is composed of people from the neighborhood, and all adult citizens living in District Four are eligible to serve. Upon election, a member serves a two-year term on the Council Board. Elections will be held in October 2003, so people with a desire to serve the community should contact the council office for information regarding the upcoming elections.
   Some of the main things the Dayton’s Bluff District Four Community Council seeks to achieve and to maintain in our community are proper housing and education, attractive and plentiful public green space such as neighborhood parks and gardens, a healthy and diverse business community, and good recreational and artistic opportunities for neighborhood residents. 
   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is located at 798 East Seventh Street. Telephone 651-772-2075.   Reach us on the web at www.daytonsbluff.org. 
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   El Dayton’s Bluff District Four Community Council es una organización de ciudananos que anima la participación y el sentimiento de comunidad del vecindario de Dayton’s Bluff.
   El Dayton’s Bluff Community Council aboga por los derechos de la gente de la comunidad, da una vía de decir al gobierno los intereses de los ciudadanos e aconseja al gobierno de las cuestiones del vecindario.  El Council educa al público, sin embargo él depiende de que el público colabore activamente en la definición de lo que es importante a la comunidad.  Las reuniones son abiertas al público para que él pueda expresar sus opiniones.  Las reuniones tienen lugar los segundo y tercero lunes del mes a las 7 p.m.
   El Dayton’s Bluff District Four Community Council se compone de gente del vecindario, y todos ciudadanos adultos viviendo en District 4 tienen derecho de ser miembro.  Después de las elecciones, un miembro sirve  durante un periodo de dos años.  Las elecciones tendrán lugar en octobre 2003.  Cualquier persona que desea servir la comunidad debe ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Council para informarse de las elecciones próximas. 
   El Dayton’s Bluff Community Council se esforza por realizar adecuadas viviendas, una mejora de educación, jardines y parques públicos, un comercio mejor y más variado, y buenas oportunidades artisticas y de recreo para los vecinos. 
   El Dayton’s Bluff Community Council está en 798 E. 7th St. Teléfono: (651) 772-2075.  Internet: www.daytonsbluff.org.

Angela DuPaul - A Unique Artist Creates Extremely Unique Art 

By J. Wittenberg
   I met Angela DuPaul at the recent Mounds Theatre Art Show extravaganza where she was displaying her handmade dolls and masks for the first time. She had already sold a mask of old Lucifer, and wondered why 'he’ would be so popular. 
   Beyond Mephistopheles, Miss DuPaul spoke of her papier-mâché and mixed media creations, which are inspired from Native American and Mexican masks, as well as those one may see at Mardi Gras. Of her quaint figurines, Angela finds her inspiration from Kachina dolls and images of Hopi Indian dancers, which, being traditionally male in gender, are created as female by Miss DuPaul. 

Artist Angela DuPaul displays one of her unique creations—a turquoise, gold and blue-colored mask made from papier-mâché and a small animal’s skull.  Photo by Karin DuPaul

   Currently she recycles junk mail, making use of what comes in the post, forming molds for her vision. She told me this vehicle of expression greatly occupies her heart and mind, and certainly she has an inexhaustible resource. 
   Miss DuPaul is self-taught and lets her process evolve quite naturally by experimentation with materials such as jewelry or badger skulls. She spoke of using glossy acrylic colors, and having faith that they will adorn the walls of many a home in the future day. 
   Angela's plans in the coming months involve creating a papier-mâché baboon and utilizing fabric art in her works. She also has high hopes for her web site and will be seeking other opportunities to show her wares. I trust many at the restored Mounds Theatre coveted a beaded or boned mask of their very own.
    I recommend you watch intently for her next display, and if you are curious about her affordable masks and dolls or interested in purchasing one or more of her creations, Miss DuPaul can be reached at dupaul001@tc.umn.edu.

Neighborhood Energy Consortium News 

   NEC’s hOurCar planning is underway!  hOurCar's mission is to promote car-sharing in the Twin Cities as a neighborhood-based alternative to car ownership.  As a nonprofit organization, hOurCar's goals are resource conservation, community-building, and member satisfaction. 
   Funding for hOurCar has been provided by the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of the University of Minnesota, and the city of Minneapolis.  hOurCar has recently been featured on Channel 45's "The Environmental Journal" and "The St. Paul Forum".  Work is still underway to determine a pricing structure for this venture, and marketing strategies are being reviewed for the coming months.  hOurCar is a very exciting program; please help us to assure its success!
   Stop by NEC’s booth at the 2003 Minnesota State Fair in the Wonders of Technology building, from August 21 to September 1.  We will be featuring hOurCar. Please tell your neighbors about our booth.  This is a great way to help build neighborhood support for a cluster of hOurCars in your area.
   You can also find out about the Residential Energy Audit program at NEC’s booth at the State Fair.  Learn about the latest with HERS (Home Energy Rating System). NEC energy auditors use blower-door tests to check for air infiltration, conduct performance evaluations of furnaces and water heaters, analyze utility bills to identify energy-use trends, answer energy and conservation questions, and provide written recommendations for cost-effective energy improvements.  If you are an Xcel Energy customer in Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota, call 1-800-895-4999 to request an energy audit.

Dayton’s Bluff Memories and Musings
A Short History of E. 7th Street 
Part I: The 1800s

By Steve Trimble 
   A century and a half ago, the Dakota Indians who walked along their traditional trails to the wild rice land in the north never thought that the quiet rolling hills and oak savanna landscape would someday be filled with the sounds of factory machinery and the honking of automobiles. True, there was a small settlement of Yankees and French-Canadians down by the Mississippi, but they would never grow enough to reach out beyond where what they called Phalen's Creek and Trout Brook met. Even if they did, there was a deep ravine that was difficult to cross. The lands to the east of the settlement of Pig's Eye would remain good hunting spots, nothing else. 
   It was true that for many years the land that is today called East Seventh Street remained open and unspoiled. It was claimed by a few early farmers but, except for plowing and an occasional dwelling, the land was not greatly altered. But the forces of change would not be held back for long. Phalen Creek, which ran along a route that closely paralleled today's business avenue, was quickly utilized as a source of power by pioneer merchants. 
    Owners of flour, feed or lumber mills were established in the 1850s and 1860s. William Ames, for instance, had a lumber sawing operation on the creek below the bluff. Later, a group of breweries moved in. In 1865, German immigrant Theodore Hamm bought the Excelsior Brewery and, for decades, Hamm’s Brewery was one of the largest employers in Dayton’s Bluff.
   By the 1870s, trains had arrived in the Twin Cities. The East Side was one of the first areas of the city to be affected by this developing form of transportation. Tracks were laid in the bed of Phalen Creek from downtown, continuing up toward Lake Phalen and eventually beyond White Bear Lake. 
    A railroad depot was built near the corner of today's Earl and East Seventh. It was called "Post's Siding," after Dr. William Post, an early settler who owned much of the land in the surrounding area. By the 1870s several major manufacturing plants had grown up along the rail lines, employing hundreds of men and women and spurring the building of homes and businesses within walking distance of the depot. 

A map of  the old Post Siding Area as it looked in the early 1880s.  The Harvester Works plant is in the upper right hand corner.  The St. Paul and Duluth Railroad Round House is slightly south and west of the plant.  The large building near the center is the St. Paul Plow Works.  The cluster of buildings to its west is the Minnesota Terra Cotta Works.   Phalen Creek is still visible wandering through the home sites.  Map courtesy of William Schweitz.

     One of the most famous was the St. Paul Harvester Works. It moved into the area in 1875, building a huge plant that manufactured farm machinery. It was located in a fifty-acre tract about the railroad tracks near today's East Seventh and Johnson Parkway. The St. Paul Plow Works and a large terra cotta manufacturing plant were also constructed near Post Siding. The East Seventh depot provided a way for people to get to and from downtown, and a good-sized industrial suburb grew up near Earl and East Seventh. 
   In 1882 a St. Paul newspaper described the boom that was going on along East Seventh. "In the eastern part of the city, on Dayton's Bluff . . . several hundred dwellings have been erected." Many of them, according to the report, were "very handsome residences, but the major part being of the medium class, for the use of mechanics and employees of the numerous factories that are springing up." Several new factories were planned for the near future, the paper concluded, and they predicted that large numbers of new houses would be built. 

Old Post Siding

  At this point, there were really two separate East Seventh Street communities. One was centered around the Post Siding railroad depot; the other along the section between the Hamms Brewery and Arcade Street, where the Seeger Refrigerator Company had been built. The latter was part of the old walking city and was closely connected with downtown. The area near today's Earl and Seventh was isolated and was almost a city of its own. "Post's Siding was as far off comparatively as Minneapolis," said an 1880's city newspaper. There were a number of three, four and even five story brick “blocks" as they were then called, that housed a variety of stores and businesses. "These establishments are backed by a large population," the paper remarked, "stretching back from Seventh street in each direction, and on towards the city limits." It was almost as if "there is another city beyond the bluff," the article concluded. 
   As the Dayton’s Bluff area grew, it became obvious that an easier access was needed. The gorge created by Phalen Creek had to be spanned before a decent roadway could be constructed.  In the 1880s the first bridge was put up on East Seventh Street. It was a complex wooden structure and was declared hazardous after a few years. A new Seventh Street Bridge was built, this one with considerable landfill, so that it was a much stronger structure. One of the reasons that extra sturdiness was needed, was that the streetcar was getting ready to be built from downtown to Dayton's Bluff and East Seventh was the most obvious route. 

The first Seventh Street bridge, built in 1881, condemned and destroyed in 1886.  Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society.

Streetcar Arrives 

   The streetcar had a profound affect on East Seventh Street and the Dayton's Bluff community in general. Now there was much quicker and easier access to downtown. Areas further out could be developed as traveling time had been reduced by this new transportation technology. As a result, there was a building boom. Hundreds of houses were constructed and new neighborhood businesses sprung up along the streetcar line, which first reached Maria from downtown in 1885.
     In 1888 the streetcar was extended along Seventh Street to Duluth. A year later the old horse drawn system was replaced by a cable arrangement. A person could now zip along at an average speed of ten miles per hour. By 1883 electricity arrived, making the car even faster and allowing them to operate more effectively in the snow and ice. 
     Major streetcar barns were erected at Seventh and Duluth and became a source of employment for a large number of area people for years. Because of the expansion related to the streetcar system, the old Post Siding area was surrounded with new housing on all sides. Its separate identity was swallowed up and it came to be considered a part of a larger Dayton's Bluff. Many of the elite of the area moved away at this time, making the area around East Seventh and Earl Streets increasingly more working class. 
   Along much of East Seventh Street, however, a strong middle class - most of it Yankee or German - remained, engaging in professional work or running businesses and living within walking distance. They were the bulk of the membership of the organizations that represented the neighborhood in its dealings with the city. They were the primary "boosters" of the area, who worked for improvements and urged people to move into the area. In the mid-1880s they formed a group called the Dayton's Bluff Citizen's Union. It had monthly meetings - more frequent ones if there was a crisis - and lobbied the city for neighborhood services. 
   In 1885, for instance, the citizen's union pushed for the installation of electric lights on East Seventh. When they found out that this could happen much faster if they would provide the money for putting them in, they raised over a hundred dollars. They also sponsored annual East Seventh fairs in the 1880s and 1890s. The street was closed off, lights were strung, booths set up, and the evening and weekend activities went on for a week or more. 
    It was a period of great prosperity and development for the East Seventh area. Small shops sprung up all along the streetcar strip to meet the everyday needs of the people. There were barbers, blacksmiths, bootmakers, bowling alleys, carriage makers, cigar rollers, coal and wood sales places and confectioners. In 1885, Emma Heidereich made dresses on East Seventh. The Laramy Brothers sold flour and feed, and August Kepion ran a boarding house. You could buy sausage from Victor Ferderer, harnesses from Mr. Albrecht, or go skating at the Post Siding Roller Rink. 
   People have to eat and, of course, there were grocery stores and meat markets on practically every block. John Bast, Henry Brand, Alexander Cummings, August Ekblad and Mr. Memmer were ready to serve local customers. 
    Interestingly, in 1885, there were nearly as many saloons as grocers. They ranged from Fred Oelkers place way out at 1084 East Seventh to the tavern run by Hans Tenneson, listed in the city directory as being in "Swede Hollow, south of 7th St. hill." 
   The second part of this article will be published in next month’s Dayton’s Bluff District Forum.

Seventh Street continues to change even today.  Here the old garage next to NAPA Auto Parts is being demolished to make way for the new CLUES building.  Photo by Karin DuPaul.

Invasion of the 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. 

The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour is Sunday September 7

   Enjoy miles of traffic-free cycling at the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour on Sunday, September 7, 2003.  More than 6,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the ninth 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 27.  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 at the main stage at the University of St. Thomas. This year organizers have added music from South America (Nube and Ticket to Brasil), West Africa (Sunplug’d featuring Wanaku), and the American heartland (Machinery Hill).  Charlie Maguire, Irv Williams, Mark Stillman, and The Eddies round out what has become one of the Twin Cities’ best outdoor music festivals.
   Proceeds from the Saint Paul Classic benefit the Neighborhood Energy Consortium, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy conservation. 
For a free brochure, phone the HOTLINE.  Registration forms can be printed from the Web site at www.spnec.org.  Register on-line with a credit card at www.active.com. Hotline:  952-882-3180
   Major sponsors of the Saint Paul Classic include the Pioneer Press, Black Bear Crossings, and KBEM Jazz 88.  The Saint Paul Classic is produced by the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium.

Elderhostel Bicycle Ride

Elderhostel members take a break during a bicycle ride on the Bruce Vento Regional trail.   Photo by Karin DuPaul

Minnesotans Pay More, Get Less Under Republican Budget 

By State Senator Mee Moua
   On July 1, life in Minnesota became more expensive.  More expensive to take care of elderly relatives, more expensive to participate in after-school activities or use day care, more expensive go to a state park, more expensive to own your car and more expensive to use the court system. 
   One would believe that if you’re paying more for something, then you’d be getting more.  But in fact, you’ll be getting less.  You see, on July 1 many of the budget cuts that passed the Legislature went into effect, and the new and increased fees hardly cover the actual need. 
   Despite the rhetoric of the Governor’s No New Taxes pledge, the reality is that Minnesota citizens will pay more, but get less.  More than $400 million in fee increases under the Republican budget went into effect July 1.  In addition to the fee increases, millions in cuts will leave Minnesotans with less service from fewer state and county employees, less access to health care at greater costs, and even less access to historical sites and state parks at higher cost.
   For example, senior nutrition and other elderly grant programs will see a 15 percent cut, meaning some meal centers and volunteer programs will close over the next several months, while others will cut back on services.  Day care centers will see a reduction in their state payments and provider rates are frozen, meaning increased tuition will make it harder for families to afford quality day care. 
   Many historical sites have already laid-off employees and some have even closed. State parks have increased all of their fees by $5 for an annual permit and $3 to camp. 
   People who use the court system—especially low-income people—will find it harder to afford the price of justice.  It will now cost an extra $250 to file an appeal in court, and public defenders are now required to charge a “co-pay” for their services. 
   State aid to cities, which pays for services like police and fire, road maintenance and libraries and parks, also saw substantial cuts.  As local officials struggle to meet the state’s demands, it is widely expected that many services people take for granted will be cut or even eliminated.  These same officials will have to raise property taxes just to keep this level of service going.  The Pawlenty ‘pay more, get less’ budget makes all of this necessary. 
   While it is true that state income taxes did not go up this year, it is clear that Minnesotans will still be paying more.  Whether in property taxes or “nickel and dime” fees that quickly add up, for many families, these fee increases are an enormous bite out of the family pocketbook.  Make no mistake; this is a tax increase on these families.
   In so many ways, this budget will cost the state millions in new fees and hidden costs, but our services will actually be reduced.  The Republicans’ ‘pay more, get less’ approach will cause real pain for thousands of Minnesotans, and will cost us all more money to deal with problems we could have solved responsibly the first time. July 1 was only the beginning of a difficult two years under the Pawlenty budget. 
   Contact State Senator Mee Moua at 235 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.  E-mail: sen.mee.moua@senate.mn.   Phone: 651-296-5285

JOY Preschool Offers Diversity in Quality Early Childcare

  You will see bright smiles and hear eager voices from children and staff at JOY Preschool and Childcare, a year round program that is now a partner with Headstart. JOY, located at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 655 Forest Street, has been serving children and families in the Dayton's Bluff area for over 30 years. 

Children play in one of JOY’s dramatic play areas.  This one is a farm complete with barn, scarecrow and animals (of the stuffed variety).

   Offering a multi-cultural experience consistent with the neighborhood, JOY Preschool and Childcare provides a loving, Christ-centered program for children 33 months to 5 years of age. You may choose from a variety of options that are suitable to your needs. JOY offers full-day, half-day, and mornings only, plus school-age child care before and after school and during holidays and summer months. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
   JOY is conveniently located to downtown St. Paul and to the 1-94 freeway. It is a licensed, safe, secure atmosphere where your child will be given the opportunity to develop socially, physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. 
   Many of the former students are sending their own children to enjoy what they fondly remember from their childhood. Neighborhood families appreciate JOY as well. "As we were looking for a Preschool, we thought of what we wanted most for our children. We found what we wanted at JOY Preschool: a curriculum focused on teaching the love of Jesus Christ. The extra blessing was that it is only eight blocks from our house", said Kristy Fink, neighborhood parent.
   Please come and visit us at our Open House on Tuesday, August 5th, during National Night Out festivities in the Bethlehem parking lot. Bring your family for music, food, and fellowship. You may also call Carol Fink, director, at 651-771-6982, for an appointment.

House on the Move

The house formerly known as 1135 Hudson Road has a new temporary location in the parking lot of the demolished Johnson Bros. Supermarket Liquor Store.  It is being joined by three other homes that were once located between Frank St. and Johnson Bros.  They will eventually be moved to empty lots nearby.  The houses are being moved to make way for the new Johnson Parkway Place senior housing development that will be built at Frank St. and Hudson Road. Photo by Greg Cosimini

Welcome Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services to Dayton’s Bluff

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) just recently moved to share office space with the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council at 798 East Seventh Street.  SMRLS provides a full range of high quality legal services free of charge to low income persons and eligible client groups in civil matters.  They handle cases in many areas of civil matters, which includes:
   Government programs:  This includes problems with Welfare, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Disability, SSI, Unemployment Compensation and Veteran's Benefits. You may have been recently denied or terminated from one of these programs or had the amount of your grant reduced. If you don't understand the reason for the action or if you believe the action was wrong, you should get in touch with SMRLS.
   Landlord tenant/housing: Landlord / Tenant problems occur when the landlord tries to evict his/her tenants, tries to raise the rent, shuts off the utilities such as gas or electricity, refuses to give back a security deposit or fails to make necessary repairs to the house or apartment. SMRLS may be able to help with these problems.
   Family law: This area includes divorce, domestic violence, and child custody
   Consumer problems: This includes a variety of cases dealing with the purchase of goods, loans, insurance, bill collection, repossession, garnishment, etc. 
   For services and information, contact Perry DeStefano, Attorney at Law, 651-222-5863 or 651-222-4731, or visit SMRLS on the web at www.smrls.org.

Thov txais tos Southern Minnesota Regional Services los rau hauv Dayton’s Bluff

Lub koom haum Southern Minnesota Regional Services (SMRLS) nyuam qhuav los nrog lub koom haum Dayton’s Bluff Community Council koom hoob kas nyob rau 798 East Seventh Street.  Lub koom haum SMRLS no pab hais plaub dawb rau cov neeg txom nyem los yog ua dej num tau nyiaj tsawg.  Lawv cov kev pab muaj xws li:
· Pab hais plaub txog nyiaj txiag los yog kev pab los ntawm lav thab npas los.
· Pab hais plaub txog teeb meem vaj tse, tswv tsev, los yog tej qhi fais fab.
· Pab hais plaub txog teeb meem niam txiv thiab mes nyuam.
· Pab hais plaub txog teeb meem yuav khom, txais nyiaj, los yog khom thiab nyiaj los yog vaj tse raug sau rov qab lawm.
   Yog xav tau kev pab los yog xav paub ntxiv thov hu rau Perry DeStefano.  Nws tus xov tooj yog 651-222-5863 los 651-222-4731.  Lawv muaj neeg hais lus Hmoob thiab.  Thov mus saib lawv hauv www.smrls.org

Loving Teacher Makes all the Difference at Trinity Pre-School 

   Anita Dick, Pre-School teacher, has led a showcase program for the past 11 years at Trinity Catholic School. Her dedication and love of small children is apparent in her classroom every day. Anita designed the Pre-School program, which she and assistant Jeanne Kapaun use at Trinity. 

Trinity Catholic Pre-School teacher Mrs. Anita Dicks

   The year-end results of children still jumping up and down from excitement attest to her creative program with 3 and 4-year-olds. Special presentations for parents highlight the most recent songs, finger-plays and poems that the children have learned. Cameras get a great workout and buttons do pop now and then as parents witness what independence their darlings have achieved. 
   Parents line the hallway at Trinity at 11:30 as the morning session comes to an end. Again at 3:30 another group is ready to hear the wonderful accomplishments of their child's day. The program is a 2-1/2 hour session three days a week for 4 year-olds and two days a week for 3 year-olds. Parents have a choice of morning or afternoon sessions. Mrs. Dick is always present to inform and assist parents with issues and concerns that they may have. 
   Trinity Pre-School will hold an Open House/Registration Day on Tuesday, August 19 from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. More information about the Trinity Pre-School can be obtained at 651-776-2763 x. 249 or x. 220.

Trinity Catholic School Welcomes Parents and Announces New Science Program 

   Trinity Catholic School will welcome parents and students at an Ice Cream Social and Orientation on August 19, 2003 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. "Parents will be given important information for the year at this session," announced Ms. Sandra Krekeler, Principal. 
   Ms. Krekeler has announced an exhilarating new venture for the 2003-2004 school year. Several agencies in the community have formed a partnership with Trinity. The Minnesota Science Museum is working closely with their teachers in developing an exciting new Science Curriculum for the students at Trinity. In addition, Como Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens will add to this approach with living animals and plants. 
   The basic standards for curriculum development are being met with teachers from both the Science Museum and Como visiting Trinity and partnering with Trinity Staff. 
   "The students' actual hands-on approach in working with the vast amount of materials and opportunities at both sites will become a true partnership in the community," said Krekeler. "Challenges now placed before the students will be invitational and stimulating. The senses will be fully stimulated with a more exciting approach in which children can learn." 
   "This is only the beginning of the partnerships we hope to begin within the community in the days and years ahead," Ms. Krekeler said. "We welcome other businesses and community partners who would like to get more involved in the educational process." 
   Registration is by appointment during the summer. Contact: 651-776-2763 x. 220 or 249.

Hamm Park Improvements

   One of Dayton’s Bluff smaller parks is in the process of being improved. Hamm Park is located at East 7th Street and Greenbrier. William Hamm donated Hamm Park to the City of Saint Paul in 1910 in memory of his father Theodore Hamm, founder of the Theodore Hamm Brewing Company.

Hamm Park at East 7th and Greenbrier is being improved with a grant received through the Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association.   Photo by Karin DuPaul

   The park improvements include new benches, four new garden areas and a few more trees. The Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association received a grant to improve the park. Bluebird Landscaping and the Community Design Center with their Youth Conservation Corps made the improvements.
   Volunteers are needed to help with the upkeep of the park. Call Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association at 651-771-2659 if you would like to help.

Local Girl Scout Explores Europe

   Meghan Karschnia of St. Paul decided to go to Switzerland because she thought it would be cool to see Europe and the mountains.  She did not know that she would also get to swim in a glacier lake, explore castles, and go whitewater rafting, among other things.
    Karschnia, 17, went to Switzerland as part of a group of five girls and two adult chaperones from the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley.  
    The girls and their chaperones embarked on June 25 and toured Germany and Austria for several days before settling at an international scout center in the Swiss Alps called Kandersteg.  At Kandersteg, the girls chose a variety of day-trip adventures and also spent time at the lodge getting to know other scouts from around the world.
    "Staying at Kandersteg was really awesome," said Karschnia.  "We met a lot of groups from all over the world.  Everyone was in uniform and no one felt dorky for being in a scout program."  
    Whitewater rafting was the most memorable part of the trip for Karschnia, who also enjoyed the wide variety of vegetarian food she found in Europe and the frequent use of trains for transportation.  Upon returning on July 10, Karschnia said she would love to visit Europe again.  "It's gorgeous," she said.  "I would definitely like to hike more."
    Karschnia attributes the success of this and other travel opportunities she has had to the Girl Scout program.  "Now that I've done this, I'm so glad I'm still in Girl Scouts.  I've been in it almost 13 years and there have been quite a few opportunities I wouldn't have gotten in other places."
    In partnership with more than 6,700 adult volunteers, the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley helps 18,150+ girls grow strong in 11 counties of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.  Girl Scouts is the world's preeminent organization for girls, helping them develop values, social conscience, self-esteem, and skills for success in the real world.