The ship of Achievement Plus has been weathering some stormy seas of late. Achievement Plus, a collaboration among the St. Paul Public Schools, the City of St. Paul, Ramsey County and the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, is designed to help students at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary learn by addressing the barriers to learning, such as absenteeism, illness, lack of parental involvement, etc. Achievement Plus funds have made it possible to have a doctor and dentist on the premises, for example, to ensure that children receive the attention they need to keep them healthy so that they are in school learning rather than sick at home watching TV.
   However, published reports indicate a gulf between theory and practice. A recent series of articles in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press has been focusing on problems at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary in general and with Achievement Plus in particular. Reporter Paul Tosto has noted that the school has been plagued with problems ranging from unruly students to sinking teacher morale to persistent low test scores. 
A paper entitled, “Evaluation of Achievement Plus, A Partnership for Community Schools: A View from Year Three,” dated January 2001 and prepared at the behest of Achievement Plus leaders, also points out shortcomings. The report explicitly states: “Achievement Plus set out to improve students’ academic competence at a rapid pace, aiming to catch up to national and state norms after five years. Academic results have not met expectations in the first three years.” 
   However, Maria Lamb, Executive Director of Achievement Plus, took pains to point out that this is not an accurate picture of the program today since the report is based on old data and progress has been made since the report was issued. Additionally, Lamb said that Dayton’s Bluff teachers were not given enough time to adequately learn and implement a new curriculum called America’s Choice, with the result being that students were unable to derive full benefit from it. Lamb stated that this problem will be rectified during the upcoming school year by adding ten additional days for staff development.
   On the other hand, if “What’s past is prologue,” as Shakespeare wrote, then what has already transpired does not bode well for the future. Achievement Plus was put into place at Dayton’s Bluff in 1997, a new Principal was installed the next year and the year after that, the situation at the school had deteriorated so badly that the district put it on academic probation. 
Further turmoil is imminent. It has been previously announced that Jayne Ropella, Principal of Dayton’s Bluff since 1998, has asked for a transfer and will be leading another school by September. Additionally, the district is requiring teachers to reapply for their jobs. During a public meeting between school officials and neighborhood residents on the evening of June 19, it was announced that 29 out of 34 teachers have so far been invited to return to Dayton’s Bluff. 
   Also at that June 19 meeting, attendees developed a list of characteristics they would like to see in the next principal. Among the top attributes were: “having an interest and understanding of this diverse urban community” and being “an effective disciplinarian”. They also believe the next principal should be consistent with policy and procedure and be able to communicate with, nurture and hold accountable students, teachers and parents.
   A selection committee composed of neighborhood residents will advise Superintendent Patricia Harvey as to whom they desire to be the next Principal at Dayton’s Bluff. It is hoped that soliciting community input will strengthen bonds between the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood and Dayton’s Bluff Elementary. However, the final decision will rest with Harvey. The plan is to have a new principal in place early this summer.
   In any event, Achievement Plus will still be around for the 2001-2002 school year, although program leaders have said that it will be fine-tuned as necessary. 

Cleaning up the Neighborhood

   There seems to be two types of people in the world: those that litter and those that pick up other peoples’ trash. Fortunately, we have more of the latter than the former in our neighborhood.
   Roy and Anna Diekmann belong to the ranks of the picker uppers. They enjoy walking around Dayton’s Bluff every day for exercise. When they retired just over two years ago they got bored with just walking so they started to carry a bag to pick up trash along the way. As they started collecting more trash they decided to buy pickers, which are for disabled people who cannot always reach or grab things. The pickers removed the need to bend down to pick up litter. One thing led to another and eventually they needed something in which to carry water, extra bags, etc. so Anna started pulling a wagon.
   Now they go around the neighborhood and pick up lots of garbage and trash from the streets, boulevards and lawns as they go. They usually travel from 3rd St. to Johnson Parkway to Mounds Park and down the walking trail to Earl St. to 3rd St and then past the school and ballpark. This is about a two mile round trip. They bring home the trash to dispose of it but recycle the cans and bottles.
   Their efforts don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Many people along their route thank the Diekmanns for their efforts. Others offer to take the trash and dispose of it themselves so the Diekmanns don’t have to cart it home.
   They even received some anonymous praise in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on June 15. This item appeared in the Sainted and Tainted column in the Opinion section: “SAINTED. The couple who went along the walking path and boulevard in Mounds Park picking up litter into a wagon and trash bags. You have my thanks and appreciation. I really enjoy walking with my dog in a cleaned up park. Alice Stahnke - St. Paul”.
   The Diekmanns don’t know Alice but assume they must have met her on their walks with their red wagon and is one of nice people who have thanked them for picking up in the park. “I assume she means us,” says Roy, “because we are the only two idiots I know who walk around with a little red wagon picking up garbage.”
   Roy and Anna do this because they also appreciate walking in a clean park. They only wish they did not have to do this in the first place. But they aren’t alone out there. They wish to thank all the other people in the neighborhood who also participate in keeping our neighborhood clean. During their daily journey they have met a number of other people who clean their own block or other areas along their route. 
   The Diekmanns are active in other ways in our community. They helped out with the children’s games at Moundstock 2001 and also donated some essential items.
   Say hello to Roy and Anna the next time you see them with their little red wagon. Better yet, make their life easier by not littering our neighborhood streets and parks.

New East YMCA Opens To The Public
Community Welcomed to Tour State-of-the-Art Fitness and Child Care Facilities

   The new East YMCA is now open. Residents are invited to tour the new facility which offers many modern improvements over the old East YMCA, including expanded fitness and child care facilities, additional space for community programming, and a leisure pool with a two-story water slide.
 

East Side Police Officers Tim Bradley and Lucia Wroblewski were the first to go down the water slide at the YMCA's new swimming pool. Photo Courtesy of the YMCA.

   The new YMCA is located on top of the hill at 875 Arcade Street.  A ribbon-cutting was held there on Friday, June 15 for YMCA members, local business leaders and contributors. Two East Side St. Paul bike cops, Officer Lucia Wroblewski and Officer Tim Bradley, were the first to go down the water slide at the YMCA’s new swimming pool.   The East YMCA has been serving residents on St Paul’s East Side for more than 60 years from various locations. The new facility has been designed to serve the needs of residents on the East Side into the 21st century. “The new East YMCA has come into being due to the close relationships between many different organizations on the East Side and generous financial contributions from local businesses and industry,” said LeAnn Lasure, Executive Director of the East YMCA. “We are thrilled with all of the support we have received from the community.”
   The new East YMCA adjoins the John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School. In addition to the fitness facilities, the new YMCA offers many other community services. Licensed child care is available with space for 106 children from infant through preschool. The child care center features indoor and outdoor playgrounds for children enrolled in their programs. A teen center for youth from ages 13-18 will be open free to YMCA members and to nonmembers for a fee. Community activity rooms are also available for programs such as Learning Readiness, summer camp, mentoring and tutoring programs, sporting activities, early childhood and special education classes. Residents can join the new Y without paying a joiner’s fee now through September 25, 2001. Financial assistance is available for all YMCA memberships and programs.  For more information about the new East YMCA, call 651-771-8881.

National Night Out
America’s Night Out Against Crime

   Join your neighbors on August 7, 2001 and celebrate National Night Out. Some neighborhood groups and block clubs are planning to have a neighborhood barbecue, a fish fry, and/or a soft ball game.  There are many things a group of neighbors can do.  Be creative!
   The idea is to get out and 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! 

Bluffing with Science
A Hole in the Bluff
by Greg Cosimini

   With the warm, lazy days of summer now upon us, you’ve probably been asking yourself, “I wonder what I would find if I dug a 250-foot deep hole in my backyard?” That’s a reasonable question and fortunately I have the answer for you so that you won’t have to ruin your lawn by digging that hole yourself, unless you really want to, of course.
   As part of the Mounds Theater renovation project, an old well in the basement of the theater had to be removed and capped. The well supplied water that was sprayed onto the air conditioner condenser coils located in a small building attached to the back of the theater. It was not sprayed directly into the theater and over the audience as originally thought. Even so, it was a very interesting system that may be discussed in a future column.
   There used to be many wells in St. Paul but there aren’t many left anymore. So whenever one is discovered, the University of Minnesota sends out someone from the Minnesota Geological Survey to study it. A measurement probe is lowered down the hole. It detects the naturally occurring radioactivity (in this case, an isotope of potassium) emitted by most rocks. Different rocks emit different levels of radioactivity, which enables researchers to determine the type of rock the probe passes through.
   An aside might be in order here. Yes, there is radioactivity everywhere. It comes from the rocks, the air and from outer space.   Even if there were no nuclear power plants or atomic bombs, there would still be radioactive materials in the environment. They are what keeps the earth’s core hot and probably played a large part in creating genetic mutations vital for evolution. So while you’re sitting there reading this article, you are most likely getting zapped from all directions. But don’t worry about it. It’s all perfectly natural. Of course, so is arsenic. Doesn’t that make you feel better?
   We now return to our regularly scheduled column. Measurements are made as the probe is raised by a winch from the bottom of the well. The data is recorded on a chart recorder. The chart is brought back to the University for analysis. And just like that, a profile of the underlying rock is obtained. Actually there are a few other details involved but no one probably cares that the Matrix Density was 2.71 or that the Matrix Delta T was 140 or even more importantly that the Neutron Matrix was dolomite.
   The Mounds Theater on Hudson Road is at an elevation of 878 feet. From the surface down to 174 feet, there is glacial drift, basically a mixture of clay, sand, rocks and boulders left behind when the last glacier receded tens of thousands of years ago. From 174 feet down to 241 feet, there is a layer of sandstone called St. Peter Sandstone. From there down to 250 feet (the bottom of the well), and presumably much deeper, there is what is known as the Prairie du Chien Group.
   Even though the well had been drilled to a depth of 250 feet, water was detected at the 124-foot level. It is possible that the water table was much lower when the well was drilled, probably in the 1930s, which was a drought period, or the drillers really didn’t want to take any chances of the well going dry. The well consisted of 160 feet of pipe in sixteen 10-foot sections on top of the main well casing that extended down to a depth of 235 feet. The well itself bottomed out at 250 feet. In order to cap the well, the pipes are removed. Then a cap is grouted onto the well casing and the entire hole is filled, from the bottom up, with cement. This prevents any sort of impurities in the surrounding area from leaking into our ground water.
   For more information about the geology of this area or the Downhole Geophysics Program, visit the Minnesota Geological Survey website at:  http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/.
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Bluffing with Science will appear at random times in the Forum.  It will attempt to relate topics in science and engineering to life in Dayton’s Bluff. That is the goal, not a guarantee.  Please send questions, comments or suggestions for future columns to the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum, Attention: Greg Cosimini, 798 E. 7th. St., St. Paul, MN 55106.

Hmong Women’s Peace Walk
by Megan Atwood

   Saturday, June 16, 2001 saw a beautiful sight indeed: a community not only committed to ending the steadily growing Hmong violence among its people, but one willing to speak out about it as well.  The 3rd Annual Peace Walk sponsored by the Women’s Association of Hmong and Lao, Inc. (otherwise known as WAHL) was a smashing success; measured by both enthusiasm and numbers.
   “There was a lot of screaming,” said 21-year-old Chong Xiog hoarsely, “We wanted to acknowledge the violence so that we can fight against it”.
   Twenty-two year old May Lee added, “The bad publicity shapes the public’s views about our community.  We wanted to do something positive to show that we are striving for peace”. 
   The parade started at Indian Mounds Park, and ended at Metro State University, where a program dedicated to ending violence ensued.  The hall was filled with several Hmong, but the diverse faces in the crowd spoke volumes as to the scope of the project.  The police presence there was perhaps the most striking, with several officers joining in the walk and lending their support.
 

A walker shows off her parade t-shirt during the 3rd Annual Hmong Peace Walk on June 16, 2001. The walk began at Mounds Park and ended at Metro State Univeristy  with a program featuring speakers on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.  Photo by Shaun Murphy.

   Officer Chris Nelson stated that, “The police officers are very supportive; they love to support positive peace initiatives”.  Officer Nelson also got an enthusiastic round of applause as he was introduced to the eager crowd, indicative of the respect and admiration he and his fellow police officers incited.
   Another officer, Gnia Doua Kong spoke to the crowd in his native Hmong language.  He entreated the audience to be thankful for living in America, where a woman can call 911 and expect help, and where people can come together to talk openly about sexual assault and domestic violence. He asked that the younger people in the community talk with the older ones to encourage open dialogue, and ended with the earnest statement that the police officers are always pleased to help.
   Sheila Wellstone, a nationally recognized leader in domestic violence advocacy, had much positive input as the keynote speaker.  She recognized those from U.S. Senator Dayton’s office who joined in the walk, and took a moment to recognize those Hmong who had died in violence. As she thanked everyone who joined in the walk, she emphasized the importance of having the support of men, women, and the police department in ending domestic abuse and sexual assault.
   MayKao Hang, a Co-Founder speaker, emphasized that the courage of those who walked in the walk helped spread awareness throughout the community.  She commended the Hmong men on their support, stating that they were “raising awareness that they support Hmong women”.  She urged the crowd to sign their names on the Peace Cloth, adding that “courage is the willingness to talk about things that hurt us”.
   Perhaps the most moving speech came from the MC, May Thao Yang, Program Manager of Hmong Women’s Peace at WAHL, and sexual advocate for the Hmong community.  She described herself as a “victim of fear”, as she went on to tell a story of how violence recently knocked on her door.  She told of how her car window was smashed, and after she got it fixed, she found it smashed again.  She hadn’t realized that being a sexual advocate could bring her harm. 
   “After something like that, the women you help touch your heart even more”, May Thao Yang stated seriously. Then she added tearfully, “You can understand the fear they must feel”.  She went on to say that as one of two sexual advocates for the Hmong Community, she hoped that this walk would bring in more support.
   The Walk ended in high spirits and a feeling of accomplishment.  The Peace Cloth was almost filled, and the people who participated left determined to make the world a better place.

How to Plan a Successful Fundraising Event for your Organization
by Raeann Ruth, Executive Director, The Portage for Youth

   About two months ago, a group of individuals from the neighborhood met and decided that they would host a festival in Mounds Park to benefit the Mounds Theater Renovation Project. It was at this meeting that the Moundstock 2001 Festival was born.
   As I’m writing this article to meet the July deadline for the Forum, the festival has not yet taken place, so I really couldn’t say whether it was a success or not. However, I do hope it will be, but time and the remote possibility it doesn’t rain that day will tell the story.
   Through the whole process of planning Moundstock 2001, I have one suggestion for anyone who would like to undertake such an event... Don’t!!!!!! At least don’t attempt it if you only have two months in which to plan it as we did. There is more work than meets the eye.
   I am now in awe of the people involved in planning the large festivals in St. Paul, such as the Taste of Minnesota, the Ramsey County Fair, etc.
   Honestly, those individuals should have an award system in place, such as the Oscars or the Emmys, once their event has been completed, or possibly they should be sent on an extended vacation or committed to a “rubber room” at one of our local hospitals.
   So, if this hasn’t made you think twice about doing a festival to raise money, maybe the following will deter you.
Permits
   First of all, you need to contact LIEP, the licensing department for the City. This is the division that you apply to for all of your permits and I do mean ALL of your permits. Let’s see, where do I start? Maybe we should list them and they are as follows:
A Special Event Permit;
A Park Permit, if you plan on making use of a public park;
A Gambling and Raffle Permit;
A One Day Permit, to cook and sell food - this includes the vendors that will be asked to participate in your festival, who you are also accountable for;
A permit to hang banners;
A permit to allow one to sell alcohol and wine, plus special permission from the Parks and Rec. department to even consider this; and of course,
Vendor permits.
   These permits should be applied for well in advance before proceeding to the next phase of your festival planning.
Insurance
   The next step is insurance for your special event. Call up your friendly insurance agent and ask, “How much will it cost to insure a one day festival?” After your agent has spent considerable amount of time telling you the costs (especially if there is beer involved), you again may decide that holding an event is probably not the best move on your part. But if this still hasn’t dampened your spirits, we will go on to the next step.
Vendors
   You now need to find people who would like to participate in your event.
   Where do you find them?
   If you are looking for arts and craft vendors, you need to know someone with a current list of these individuals, or you need to contact the MN Board of Arts and Crafts. They will supply you with a list of people from around your area, which in our case included about 800 individuals. You then sit down and write a “call for artists” letter and spend the whole day folding, licking and stamping all 800 letters. Once mailed you go home, thinking that hordes of happy artists will be “beating down your door” to be at your festival. Think again!!! Out of these 800 letters you only get about 5 to respond.
   The problem here is you are having a “first time” festival, an “unproven festival” and there are no statistics to draw on as to whether or not the festival was successful in the past. So now you have your work “cut out for you”. You start going through the phone books, going to arts and craft festivals, handing out brochures and letting people know that you are STILL looking for artists. This will only take about 4 weekends to do, if there are indeed any art festivals to go to. After trudging around passing out your literature, you find out that most of these artists are booked at least a year in advance... Oops.
Food
   Now that you have a few arts and crafts vendors, how about food? This one is a little easier and keep in mind, I said a LITTLE easier.
   You need to contact the City and get a list of the Mobile Food Vendors who are currently licensed in the City of St. Paul. Then you again write up a ”call for vendors” and send out these letters in hopes that you will find at least a few individuals that aren’t doing something on the day of your festival and will come and sell food.
   Again, the subject of “is this a proven event” comes up. You could lie of course and say you have been doing this for years, but the truth will probably come out when the day of your festival arrives and there are only two or three people attending. Which by why the way, is one of my biggest fears considering we are only about 10 days from holding our festival.
Entertainment
   Whew.... this is a biggy. If you don’t know someone who is in theentertainment business, I can’t even begin to tell you where to start. We were fortunate enough to know a man who has been in the entertainment business for many years and is friends with many of the local bands in St. Paul. Had it not been for this, I would have had to start calling agents, bands and “throwing myself on their mercy” to see if they would consider coming to our event and perform and would donate their time and talent to our most worthy cause. But you have to consider that your worthy cause isn’t necessarily a worthy cause for someone else and this, of course, can be very frustrating. If you are considering hiring a band, the going rate is about $2,000 for local bands and up to $7,000 for really well known bands...  UGH!!!! There goes your sponsorship money.
Sponsors
   Where do I find sponsors? Again, this is a challenge that would bring most people “to their knees”. But if you are strong of heart and have the tenacity of a bulldog, you will prevail in finding just the right people and
organizations that will “get behind” your event and contribute financially or with in-kind services. But as you are most likely not the only organization asking for help, this too can be a long process.
   Also, never underestimate the cost of putting on a festival and don’t spend the money before you get it. Sit down and work up a budget and stick to it. After all, you are putting on a fundraiser and spending many long hours coordinating this... you do want to bring in some funds and not end up in the red. You would be surprised at how little things can add up and before you know it, your organization is putting on a fundraiser and paying for it.
Printing and Advertising Costs
   Now here are two items that will take every penny of your sponsorship funds, if you even have any left, after purchasing your permits, hiring
folks to come, etc. You know you have to get the word out but where is the best place to start? How about City Pages? Everyone looks there to find out the best places to go. Well, you’re right, but advertising once per week, for two weeks, carries a price tag of $1,550.00 and that’s with the discount offered to nonprofits. Then, of course, you need to set aside about a week to contact your local newspapers, radio stations, etc. You stay up to all hours of the night faxing off press releases and asking if people would consider running your announcement in the newspaper. As now you have no funding available, you will have to “offer up your first born” to cover the costs of promotional material.
Volunteers
   You’re on your own when it comes to finding volunteers. As with most things where volunteers are required, there are not too many people standing in line to assist you. It doesn’t matter when or where the festival is being held, most people usually have something else to do on that particular day.
   Like “wash their hair” or possibly “clean their closets.” In most cases
(and I said most), the old rule applies “let someone else do it” and, of course, that means the “silly individual” planning the event in the first place.
   So, this should give you a fairly good overview on how to coordinate a festival. I wish everyone good luck with planning one of these “fun events” and hope to see you when you too join me in your very own rubber room at Regions Hospital.

Business Brief: The Shade Doctor Is In

The Arcade Shade Shop
1081 Arcade St.
776-7440

by Shaun Murphy

   Shops along Arcade Street and Payne Avenue, St. Paul’s “Old Town,” are known for their longevity. A case in point is the Arcade Shade Shop, which has been open since 1946. Shirley Nagle, also known as “the Shade Doctor,” has watched over its daily operation for the past 47 of those 55 years.
   In the summer of 1954, Shirley began employment at the shade shop as a bookkeeper. That fall, when the business fell behind on customer orders, one of the guys in the shop said, “Being a woman you should know how to sew.”
   As Shirley reminded me, “Times have changed since then. But at the time, I didn’t respond to him. I just started to take over the shop work.” Several months later she bought the business.
 

Shirley Nagle, owner of the Arcade Shade Shop, stands behind the counter at her store.  Photo by Shaun Murphy.

   The Arcade Shade Shop has always prided itself on being a full service shade business. Most types of shades are made to order in house. In addition, Shirley offers installation, cleaning, repairs, and alterations. Her specialty is in decorator shades made with scallop and fringe, although she makes plain roller shades also. She used to order the fancier ones from a factory, but quickly realized that she could make them better. Venetian blinds, woven woods, and porch shades are also offered.
   As I was interviewing Shirley, a customer entered the store. He was picking up a set of shades that had been cleaned. “These shades will last longer than you or I know. Where will people take these when you’re gone?” he says.
   When asked how long she thinks she will keep the store open, Shirley says, “Oh, at least 50 years total.” And then with a laugh she adds, “But my husband says that I probably won’t stop until I hit 60 years.”
   She acknowledges that it would be nice for someone to take over the store, but that it is a difficult thing to think about, since no one has shown interest as of yet.
   One thing is for sure however. “The Shade Doctor” will be in for many years to come.

July Events at Minnesota Children’s Museum

   "Flight: Where Adventures Take Off" Exhibit Extended
   Learning about flight is an amazing journey into the worlds of science, math, physics, problem solving and the human desire to fly. At the “Flight” limited-run exhibit at Minnesota Children’s Museum, visitors can pretend to fly a Gulfstream business jet or the human-powered Gossamer Condor.    "Take a ride" in a helicopter simulator, learn which wing shapes create the most lift in a real wind tunnel, and release a scale model hot air balloon.
   "Flight" is open through July 22, 2001. "Flight" is presented by Sun Country Airlines with promotional support from Star Tribune, KARE 11 and Twin Cities Parent.
"Geo-Zoooom!" Exhibit Opens June 30 
   "Geo-Zoooom!" explores geography and travels through cities in North America teaching visitors about modes of transportation and geographical features. A giant, interactive table-top map pinpoints places to go and things to do in 10 cities across North America. "Geo-Zoooom!" will keep visitors on the move with oodles of objects to touch, push, and pull as they
create an earthquake, transport grain from farm to market, navigate a boat through underwater perils, sing the blues on Beale Street and much more!
   "Geo-Zoooom!" will be at Minnesota Children’s Museum June 30 through September 30, 2001.
This exhibit was developed by Minnesota Children’s Museum in 1998 for the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative (YMEC), a partnership of leading children’s museums throughout the United States and Canada. “Geo-Zoooom!” has traveled to the eight other YMEC member museums and now returns to Minnesota.
   Coming in August: "The Vision of Jim Henson" brings together the diverse elements of Jim Henson, including Henson’s early pre-Sesame Street television creations, scenes from Fraggle Rock, The Muppet Show and Muppet Movies, and, of course, Sesame Street. Visitors can experience the life-size Muppets of Sesame Street when they stand in front of 7-foot tall Big Bird and then get face-to-face with tiny Prairie Dawn. Children and parents will be transported into the creative and imaginative world of Jim Henson - from the simplest hand puppet introduced in the 1950s to the complicated animatronics creatures of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Visitors will see many of Henson’s creations, such as Gonzo the Great and Rowlf the Dog, that have become celebrities in their own right. The exhibit also includes “behind the scenes” original artwork of two of Henson’s most beloved creations - Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog. “The Vision of Jim Henson” will be at the Museum August 11, 2001 - January 13, 2002.
General Information
   Minnesota Children’s Museum provides fun, interactive learning experiences for children ages six months through 10 years. Visitors discover their world through hands-on exhibits in four permanent galleries: “One World” encourages children to meet and connect with different people and cultures in their community, “World Works” encourages creativity and problem-solving, “Earth World” teaches stewardship of the earth, and ”Habitot” enables infants and toddlers to explore four developmentally designed learning landscapes. Two changing galleries offer exciting traveling exhibits from around the world. Minnesota Children’s Museum has been providing children and adults with a fun, educational environment for
20 years.
   The Museum is located at Seventh and Wabasha Streets in downtown Saint Paul. For 24-hour exhibits, programs, and general information, visit www.mcm.org or call 651-225-6000.

Tarot Cards

Hi Amber,

You read my cards at the Moundstock 2001 Festival on June 30th and I started wondering where these cards originated and is “what you saw in the cards”something I should be worried about?

Your Friend,
Walter

   First of all Walter, I read the Tarot Cards but it is for entertainment purposes only. What you choose to believe or not believe is something you must decide. It’s like reading your horoscope in the paper everyday.
   Reading the Tarot cards is just an interpretation of combinations formed as the cards are dealt out.
I don’t know all of the facts surrounding the Tarot, but here is what I do know. 
   The Tarot is the name for a deck of cards mainly used for fortune telling and for the game played using these cards. The origin of tarot cards is uncertain; they were perhaps introduced into Europe by Crusaders between 1096 and 1291 or by the Roma (Gypsies), and are known to have been in use in Italy in the early 14th century. Although the game of tarot (also called tarok) is still played in central Europe, the cards are now mainly used for fortune telling.
   A full tarot deck consists of 78 cards: the minor arcana (56 suit cards) and the major arcana, also known as trumps (22 pictorial symbols cards).
   The minor arcana, somewhat like a deck of modern playing cards, consist of suits of wants (clubs), cups (hearts), swords (spades), and pentacles (diamonds). Each suit contains14 cards: 4 court cards (king, queen, knight and page) plus cards numbered from ace to ten. The major arcana consist of
a fool (also called a madman) card and pictorial cards numbered from 1 to 21.
   Many of the earliest tarot decks were designed by artists, such as German artist Albrecht Durer, who lived during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The pictures, representing such subjects as the sun, death, the devil and a hanged man, symbolize natural forces and human virtues and vices. Fortunes are told by interpreting the combinations formed as the cards are dealt out.
   Today, increasing numbers of people use tarot cards as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth.  I hope this answers your questions about the Tarot and I hope you enjoyed your reading at the Moundstock Festival. My question to you is, “do you dare not believe?”

Amber

If you have a question that you would like answered, please write me at:

Dayton’s Bluff District Forum
Attn. Ask Amber
798 East 7th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Or e-mail your question to: askamber1@hotmail.com
————————————
All answers given herein are solely the opinion of the writer and not the Dayton's Bluff District Forum nor the writers or advertisers or the people and businesses included in the column.  Amber's answers will be
researched in depth and are accurate as opinion, but not neccesarily fact.

Swede Hollow Park Undergoes Changes
by Shaun Murphy

  Dayton’s Bluff’s “hidden treasure,” Swede Hollow Park, is returning to its historical landscape, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and several organizations. On Sunday, June 3rd, volunteers from the Friends of Swede Hollow met at the park’s Greenbrier Street parking lot to plant native prairie flowers and to remove buckthorn.
   The prairie planting took place on the turf and rosebush island facing Greenbrier Street. The center strip of grass was removed to make way for prairie plants including purple coneflower, rigid goldenrod, New Jersey tea, Canada milk vetch, and butterfly weed. The group followed planting with removing buckthorn in the nearby wooded site, where the Hamm’s mansion once stood. European buckthorn, an invasive bush that crowds out native plants, was pulled, wrenched, and sawed out of the southeast corner of the forest. Volunteers nobly rescued a streetlamp that was being overtaken by several large buckthorn bushes.
 

Neighborhood volunteers who worked on buckthorn removal. Left to right:  Angela DuPaul, Chris Geurts, Shane Loney, Shaun Murphy and Virginia Card.  Photo by Karin DuPaul.

   On Friday, June 15th, a crew of five from Minnesota Native Landscapes of Foley (15 miles east of St. Cloud) arrived with prairie planting machinery. This event took place in the park’s valley, in a large area surrounding Swede Hollow Henge. Prairie grass seeds were broadcast over the cleared ground, and then raked, packed, and covered with straw in an effort to replace brome grass, another exotic invasive species. The straw was applied to protect the ground from erosion, shelter the seedlings from rain impact, and inform park users that the area was recently planted.
 

A worker from Minnesota Native Landscapes sprays straw over the seeded area.  Photo by Shaun Murphy.

   Joe Schaffer, co-owner of Minnesota Native Landscapes, suggested to residents, “It would be a good idea to stay off these areas for at least one year, preferably a couple. Also, when people do start walking on the prairie, scatter about, being careful not to follow specific paths.” Several in the crew talked about Swede Hollow Park as a place they greatly enjoyed for its scenic beauty and potential. They will return later in the summer to install prairie phlox among the grasses.
   The Parks and Recreation Department is also expressing interest in the park’s ecological potential. A crew from the forestry department held a workday during the latter part of June, chain sawing and poisoning mature buckthorn bushes on the Hamm’s mansion site. A native woodland garden, funded by the St. Paul Garden Club, is being planned for the area.
   Several advantages exist for returning Swede Hollow Park to its original landscape. Native species attract a more diverse array of wildlife to the area. Since Dayton’s Bluff lies adjacent to the Mississippi River, the park is a hot spot for nearby and migrating wildlife. Citizens will also become more interested as they grow aware of the diversity of Minnesota’s deciduous forests and prairies. In addition, our park has the potential to become a learning laboratory for nearby schools and colleges, several of which have already taken an interest in Swede Hollow Park.
   If you would like to become involved in ongoing and future projects, please call Karin DuPaul at 776-0550.

Cooking in the Bluff 
    by Shiela Johnstone

 Chili Dog Casserole
   This recipe is wonderful for outdoor cookouts, and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients:
2 (15 ounce) cans chili with beans
1 (16 ounce) package beef frankfurters
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 (8 ounce) package Cheddar cheese, shredded
 Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2) Spread 1 can of chili and beans in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Roll up franks inside tortillas and place in baking dish, seam side down, on top of chili and bean ‘bed’. Top with remaining can of chili and beans, and sprinkle with cheese.
 3) Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 663
Protein 26g
Fat 40g
Sodium 416m
Cholesterol 87mg
Carbohydrates 48g 
Fiber 3g

Scalloped Potatoes for the BBQ
 A simple and quick way to enjoy the family favorite without using the oven.
 Ingredients:
 4 red potatoes
1 onion, chopped
 4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1) Preheat grill for medium heat.
2) Slice potatoes as thinly as possible. Layer sliced potatoes on foil with the onion, garlic, basil, butter or margarine and salt and pepper to taste. Wrap potato in a foil packet.
3) Place potato packet on heated grill and cook for 20 for 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the potato slices. Turn packet halfway through cooking.
Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 214
Protein 3g
Fat 12g
Sodium 126mg
Cholesterol 31mg
Carbohydrates 25g
Fiber 3g

Tip:  Wrap celery in aluminum foil before storing in the refrigerator for a long lasting freshness.

   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 Forum.

Write to: 
Shiela Johnstone 
Dayton's Bluff District Forum 
P.O. Box 600511 
St. Paul, MN 55106 

Email: shiela@qwest.net 
Or call: 651-772-2075 (Dayton's Bluff Community Council Office) 

Till next time, bon appetite. 

Domestic Violence Is Community Violence

   Domestic violence affects us all. It isn’t a family matter and it isn’t private. Domestic violence is a crime. As a community member and neighbor, what can you do to help your neighbors who are being abused by family members?
   Most of us are reluctant to push ourselves into the lives of others, but if you suspect abuse you may be able to help. Let your neighbor know you care.  If you hear or see abusive behavior ... Do not hesitate to call 91 1 to report abusive acts. Violence is a crime and your neighbor or friend needs help. Batterers need to be held accountable under the law. Your call does not mean that the abuser will automatically go to jail but it is the most effective way to protect victims from immediate harm. 
   If you suspect abuse review the signs that someone you know may be in an abusive relationship. These could be warning signals: 
-Visible injuries such as black eyes, bruises or broken bones.
-“Accidents” resulting in suspicious changes in plans or absences from work.
 -Unexplained anxiety or stress or exhaustion.
-Extreme concern about the reactions of partner regarding use of time or money.
Signs of a possible abuser. The partner may send these signals:
- Unpredictable anger or jealousy.
 -Controlling behavior, assuming right to make all decisions. 
-Manipulations to isolate partner from family and/or friends. 
-Cruel, humiliating or degrading comments to partner. 
-Teasing or intimidation of children or partner. 
-Threats of physical or sexual violence. 
   What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is harmful physical contact or threat thereof that occurs between persons in a covered relationship.  “Covered relationships” include current or former spouses; current or former co-habitants; current or former sexual or intimate partners (this includes both heterosexual and homosexual relationships); adult family members (this includes persons related by blood or marriage); in-laws; parents and children; and persons who are biological parents of the same child.
   What you can do. First, learn as much as you can about domestic violence and sexual assault. You will find that these are not women’s issues. They are problems that involve criminal behavior with serious repercussions. All facts of violence must be taken seriously.  Planning for change. Don’t push for action and don’t blame the victim for what is happening. Do not underestimate the potential danger. Remember that most victims are unable to make a break on their first try because they leave behind too many important things. You can encourage your friend to think through the steps to take if the partner becomes abusive again. You can also reinforce the idea that not everyone lives with abuse and no one deserves that life!
   What about children of violence? Long-term studies on children who grew up in homes where domestic violence is common showed these frightening statistics: 7% more likely to attempt suicide. 26 times more likely to commit sexual assault crimes. 50% more likely to use drugs. 76% more likely to commit crimes. 
 -  From The Tricounty Health Partnership, Pottstown PA. 

Note from Karin DuPaul, Community Resource Coordinator at the Dayton's Bluff Community Council.  At the citywide crime prevention coordinators retreat March 22-23, we decided our focus for the next year would be domestic violence, partly because Minnesota set a terrible record last year with the most number of women and children killed in domestic disputes.  There will be more information in future issues.
For more information call Karin at 772-2075.

Vaccine Safety: Be Not Only Informed, Be Well-Informed
by Patricia Kenefick Stinchfield, RN, MS, CNP 
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

   It’s late in the evening. I’m in the pediatric intensive care unit at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics in St. Paul, Minnesota where a stunned mother sits by her child’s bed.  A maze of tubes flows with medicine. Machines softly whirl oxygen into her child’s wounded lungs. Struggling for life, the child is overwhelmed by a vaccine-preventable infection.
   As a pediatric nurse practitioner that specializes in infectious disease, I’m intimately familiar with a heart-breaking reality: vaccine-preventable illnesses still cause disability and even death.  The good news, though, is that vaccines have prevented millions of infections. They are one of the biggest success stories in modern health care. Today, when moms hear terms like diphtheria, polio, or tetanus, most probably picture their children at the local clinic getting baby shots.
   Just one hundred years ago, those words conjured a much darker picture.  In 1900, 100 of every 1,000 children died from those same diseases whose names sound exotic and foreign to today’s mom.  Unfortunately, immunization programs are victims of their own success.
   Vaccines have reduced disease so substantially that many parents have never seen how devastating a vaccine-preventable disease can be. A small number of parents have even elected not to vaccinate.  By scientific standards, vaccines are very safe and very effective.  Vaccines infrequently cause rashes, low-grade fevers, and other minor
reactions that can be soothed with a pain/fever-reducing medication. The benefits of vaccinating are enormous. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these shots at the following ages:
 Birth - HepB
2 Months - DTaP, Hib, HepB, Polio, PCV
4 Months - DTaP, Hib, Polio, PCV
6 Months - DTaP, Hib, HepB, Polio, PCV
12-15 Months - DTAP, MMR, Hib, Varicella, PCV
   Vaccines are not 100% safe or 100% effective, but nothing in. life is 100% risk-free. We drive children to school despite the risk of accidents and we feed them despite the chance that they may choke. We constantly weigh risks and try to make well-informed decisions. Each family’s individual health care provider can help families make the best choice for their child.

Call to Songwriters! 
3rd Annual New Folk Songwriting Contest

   The 3rd Annual New Folk Songwriting Contest takes place September 15 & 16, 2001 at the Minnesota Folk Festival, Mounds Park, St. Paul (Mounds Blvd. off I-94, just east of downtown St. Paul). Thirty writer-performers will be invited to share their original songs at this special songwriter’s event taking place over the two festival days, Sept. 15 & 16, from 11 am until 2:30 pm. Later - on the last day of the festival - one award winner, decided on by a panel of three judges, will return to the stage to receive a $150 award and will be invited to perform at the 2002 Minnesota Folk Festival. 
   Established in 1999 at the suggestion of Peter Yarrow, these annual concerts are becoming one of the high points of the year for songwriters from all across the Metro area, the State of Minnesota, and beyond.
Rules for participation: Mail a cassette of the two songs you would perform at the festival. The two songs on the cassette must be written and performed by the writer and must be previously unrecorded material for
commercial purposes. Participants are judged solely on songcraft, not on quality of recording, performance or commercial aspects. Thirty finalists will be invited to perform on Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16, 2001 between 11 am and 2:30 pm. From the 30 finalists who perform at the festival, one winner will be selected to receive a $150 award, and will be
invited to perform at the Minnesota Folk Festival 2002.
   Please note: All tapes submitted for consideration become the property of the Minnesota Folk Festival, Inc, and will not be returned. A $1 entry fee is required.
   Send your tape or CD which contains only the two contest songs along with your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and the title of the two songs on the tape or CD to: 
Minnesota Folk Festival
Attn: New Folk Songwriting Contest 
626 Armstrong Avenue 
St. Paul, MN 55102. 
Deadline for entry: Received by 5 pm, August 1, 2001. Finalists will be notified by August 25, 2001.  Rules and entry blank are also available online at www.minnesotafolkfestival.org.

Classify In The Forum!  Special Summer Offer

First 5 classified ads received are free!

Categories:
 PETS
 HOUSES FOR SALE
 RENTALS
 SPORTING GOODS 
 AUTOS
 HELP WANTED
 GARAGE SALES
 FURNITURE

Instructions:
1.  Print out and fill in the coupon below. Or write the information on a piece of paper.
2.  Attach a check or money order for the correct amount. The first 5 checks received will be returned by mail.  All others will be cashed. 
3.  Send to, or drop off at, 798 E. 7th St.; St. Paul, 55106. 
4.  Watch for your ad in August’s issue! The 5 free ads will be denoted with an asterisk (*).
Special Notes:
1.  Business classified ads (selling products or services) are $15. Special offer does not apply.
2.  Classified deadline is Friday, July 20th.

Back Page Classified Offer 
Rates:
Up to 10 words: $5.00
11-20 words: $10.00

Your Classified Ad:_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________ 
Your Name:  _______________________________
Address:       _______________________________
                     _______________________________
Telephone :   _______________________________

Notices

Dayton’s Bluff - Mounds Park 1st Annual Neighborhood Sale

   The first annual Dayton’s Bluff - Mounds Park area sale will be held on July 20 and July 21. Yard and garage sales will be held throughout the area on those two days. Hours are: July 20 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; July 21 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Tracy at 771-5834 for a directory of locations.

Want to Start Your Own Business?
   Have you ever wanted to start your own small business?  Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council is offering the Neighborhood Micro-Entrepreneur training and loan program.  This program will help you with starting up a new small business, train you in small business management, assist you in completing a business plan and applying for a start-up loan.  Some of the graduates of this course have successful small businesses including, lawn service, forest shop, restaurants, and so on. For more information and an application call Karin at 651-772-2075.

Volunteers Needed For  Recycling Project
   Do you already recycle, but want to do more? Here’s your opportunity to improve Saint Paul’s community recycling program.  The Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium (NEC) is seeking 30 volunteers to help deliver recycling bins to Saint Paul residents for a special project in July and August. By delivering bins, you will help residents contribute to creating a better recycling program. Training and transportation provided. Volunteers will assist professional canvassers. 
   Consider volunteering for two or more shifts July 7- August 10. Times: Saturdays 10-noon, Monday-Wednesday 4-9 p.m. Call today! For more information call Sherilyn at the NEC (651) 222-SORT (7678).

Joy Child Care On The Eastside
    Many parents have been asking for child care that is close to home with convenient drop off  before and after work. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 655 Forest Street, offers children the opportunity to spend less time on the streets and more time with your family. Come and visit us for an economical and safe learning experience for your preschool child age 3-5 years. We offer a year around child care with a preschool component taught from a Christian perspective. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are licensed and registered with the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services.
   For more information on child care on the east side of St. Paul, please call Wendy Ewald at Behlehem Lutheran JOY Preschool Child Care (651) 771-6982; or email  BethStPaulLCMS@juno.com

CAMP WILD! 
Summer Day Camp For Boys and Girls

   Camp Fire USA, Minnesota Council is offering ten weeks of day camping at Wilder Recreation Center (958 Jessie Street) in Saint Paul.  Sessions will begin the week of June 18 and go through the week of August 20.  Boys and Girls entering grades one through six have the opportunity to choose from exciting weeks of adventures.  Each week is packed with games, crafts, stories and more focusing on a weekly theme.  To request a CAMP WILD brochure, contact Camp Fire Boys and Girls at 651-632-9181.

Bookmobile In Dayton's Bluff

MONDAYS
(July 2, 16 & 30, August 13)
 Dayton’s Bluff Playground
 Conway & Maple
 2:30 – 3:30

 Mound’s Park Methodist
 Euclid & Earl
 3:45 – 4:45

 Margaret Playground
 Margaret & Frank (1300  Wilson)
 5:00 – 6:30

WEDNESDAYS
(July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22)
 First Lutheran
 463 Maria
 9:30 – 10:00

Large print books, picture books and videos are available.   Not all books are available, nor are there reference materals.  They will be able to answer simple questions..

EVENTS AT MARGARET RECREATION CENTER 
1109 Margaret Street 
St. Paul, MN 55106 
(651) 298-5719 

Rec Check Club 
Rec Check is a free after school recreation service with a check-in component for children in grades 1-6. Registration is required and space is limited. Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. Free 
Free Play
During regular building hours, we have many games and equipment which may be checked out for your enjoyment. Items include: table games, balls, ping-pong, tennis equipment, cards, etc. 
Teen Night 
The first Friday night of every month will be just for Margaret teens. School I.D.must be shown, ages 13-17. A variety of activities will be offered, including basketball 
Block Club 
All neighborhood residents are invited to meet with other community members to discuss crime and other neighborhood issues. Meetings are the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 
Margaret Booster Club 
This group specializes in fund raising, community events, assisting with programs and team sports. Parents and residents are welcome to join. Meetings are the 2nd  Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Margaret Ree. Center. 

Good Neighbor Code Enforcement 
Volunteers Needed
Call Karin at 772-2075

Advertise in the Dayton's Bluff District Forum
Call Karin at 772-2075

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!

Off-Leash Dog Area Task Force Meetings
The Saint Paul Parks Commission established the Off-Leash Dog Area (OLDA) Task Force to provide feedback to the Commission on how successfully the report, “Recommendations on the Establishment of Off-Leash Dog Areas in Saint Paul,” is being implemented.  The Task Force has established a meeting schedule for the year 2001.  All meetings are open to the public and comments will be taken at every meeting.

MOMS Club
     Ever feel like you're the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other at home mothers at the MOMS Club. 
     The MOMS Club is a national nonprofit organization with hundreds of chapters across the country. We are just for the at-home mother of today! 
     Local chapters have monthly meetings with speakers and discussions, park play days, holiday family parties, outings for mothers and their children, and activity groups like playgroups, arts n' crafts, a monthly MOMS Night Out, and babysitting co-ops. We also do service projects to help needy children. 
     Our activities are during the day, when mothers-at-home need support, and mothers may bring their children with them to our activities.
     For more information about our chapter call Tracie Lemke at 651-771- 5834.