A press conference was held on June 17 at the Mounds Theatre to announce the musical line-up for the fastest growing Music Festival in the Upper Midwest -- Moundstock. Moundstock will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in beautiful Mounds Park (Earl Street and Mounds Boulevard) in Saint Paul. 

7th Ward Councilperson Kathy Lantry and Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly held a press conference at the Mounds Theatre to announce the musical line-up for Moundstock 2003 to be held on June 28.     Photo by Greg Cosimini

   After praising Raeann Ruth for the renovation work accomplished at the Mounds Theatre under her leadership, Mayor Randy Kelly  and 7th Ward Councilperson Kathy Lantry took turns announcing the musical acts that will be appearing at Moundstock.
   Moundstock will feature the music of the Minneapolis based funk-a-delic group, Iffy. Iffy's music has been dubbed the "soundtrack to the perfect party" according to Robin Eisgrau, music columnist for www.offoffoff.com. 
   The event will have performances by the amazing sounds of Ad Levy's Tomato Can, Big Ditch Road, and Molly Maher & her Disbelievers. Also, the soft acoustic sounds of Billy Johnson's Road Show, the soulful Deb Brown & Blonde Faith, and the jazzy, soulful, emotional, rockin' music of the Moses Oakland Quartet will be featured.
   The newest and most exciting addition to this year's event is when Moundstock moves inside to the newly renovated Mounds Theatre featuring the Twin City super group, Starship Super Blow, which includes members from the Honeydogs, Rhythm Jones, Billy Johnson's Roadshow, Greazy Meal, Lola and The Red Hots, Test Site 67, Ménage A Twang & Big Ditch Road. 
   The Moundstock After Party will begin immediately following the free outdoor music festival and go until 1 a.m. in the magnificent Mounds Theatre at 1029 Hudson Road. Cost for the Moundstock After Party will be $5 at the door and $3 with the Cities 97 Pioneer Press Pass from the Friday, June 27 Express Section of the Pioneer Press. 
   Moundstock is a community-based event created to raise money for The Portage for Youth, an organization dedicated to the betterment of the lives of young women throughout Saint Paul's Eastside. 
   "Moundstock is an exciting event that will not only feature excellent music and be a great time for the whole family, but is also an opportunity for an incredible organization like the Portage for Youth to raise money for their community based programs," Mayor Randy Kelly said. "And new to this year's event is the Moundstock After Party showcasing the refurbished Mounds Theatre." 
   The event will feature many activities to go along with the excellent music, such as children's games, arts and crafts, and food & beverage vendors. 

Moundstock Music Schedule

June 28 at Mounds Park (free)
12:00 - 1:00   Moses Oakland  Quartet 
1:15 - 2:15     Deb Brown & Blonde Faith 
2:30 - 3:30     Molly Maher &  her Disbelievers 
3:45 - 4:45     Big Ditch Road 
5:05 - 6:20     Billy Johnson's Road Show 
6:40 - 8:10     Ad Levy's Tomato Can 
8:30 - 10:00   Iffy

June 28 at Mounds Theatre ($5 at the door; $3 with pass)
10 p.m. - 1 a.m. Moundstock After Party featuring Starship Super Blow at the Mounds Theatre

Mounds Theatre Awarded Cultural STAR Grant

   On June 18 the Mounds Theatre   was awarded a $18,000 Cultural STAR grant from the City of Saint Paul.  These grants are funded through the extra half percent sales tax charged within the city limits. 80% of the funds are designated for downtown cultural organizations, with the other 20% going to the outlying neighborhoods.
   The grant, which must be matched with outside funds, will be used to upgrade the stage portion of the theatre.  Specifically, it will go towards curtain riggings, a stage lighting system and a theatrical sound system. 
   The Mounds Theatre is in the final stages of a renovation project that has returned the former warehouse to its original use as a theater

Johnson Bros. Super Market 
Liquor Store Demolition

The long-delayed demolition of the old Johnson Bros. Super Market Liquor Store began on June 11.  Construction will begin soon on the 160-unit Johnson Parkway Place senior housing development.      Photo by Greg Cosimini

Grocery Give-Away

   A Grocery Give-Away will take place on Saturday, July 19 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 

   Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike meets on the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in Indian Mounds Park at Earl Street and Mounds Blvd. The next Hike is Saturday July 5.
   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 info, call 776-0550. 

"Linus' Lessons for Life" at 
Trinity Catholic School

“Linus’ Lessons for Life” can be seen outside of Trinity Catholic School at the corner of 6th and Arcade Streets.  He is part of Saint Paul’s ongoing tribute to Charles M. Schulz, the creator of  “Peanuts”.  Linus was created for Trinity Catholic School by Bible Study Artists and is sponsored by Royal Concrete Pipe, Inc.   Photo by Greg Cosimini

St. Michael's Academy Accepting Applications

   St. Michael’s Academy, a K-8th grade Catholic school located in the St. John’s Catholic school building at Fifth and Forest, is accepting applications for the 2003 – 2004 school year. 
   For more information, please call the school at 651-772-0959.

Tour of Dayton's Bluff Gardens

   Some beautiful Dayton’s Bluff gardens will be on garden tours this year. You will see many different kinds of gardens; some with water features, statues, creative art, and all kinds of plantings. The tours are a great way to get some new ideas for your garden.
· Swede Hollow area 
· Beech to 4th, Mendota to Cypress Garden Tour. 
· 7th to 3rd, Hope to Mounds Blvd Garden Tour
· Mounds Park Neighborhood Garden Tour
   Would you like to have your garden included on a tour and/or would you like to go on the tour? Please call Karin 651-772-2075 to sign up.

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. 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.

Calling All Artists

   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is putting together an Arts and Culture Directory for the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. It will include names and contact information for artists living or working in or near Dayton’s Bluff.  The finished directory will be available in both printed and online versions. A preliminary version will appear on the Dayton’s Bluff website in the near future. 
   “Artist” is being defined here in the broadest sense of the word.  We are being very liberal about the arts. Both amateurs and professionals will be listed.
   If you think that you, your organization or facility should be included in the Dayton’s Bluff Arts and Culture Directory, please call Karin DuPaul at 651-772-2075 or email her at Karin@DaytonsBluff.org. 

Buzzard Lips Press is Open for Business

By J. Wittenberg
   "It's all about the paper," Mary Benton Hummel says, in speaking to me of her passion for the art of letter-press printing. This Dayton's Bluff artisan has been offering her printing press services, under the name of Buzzard Lip Press, for a decade, providing wedding invitations, note cards, business cards, bookmarks, and assorted ephemera. This printing press extraordinaire has even printed "anti-buckthorn door hangers” in every color of the rainbow. 
   "I love type, and there are tons, but I believe one can never have enough. It's a wonderful second job, and I'll have you know- my work involves nothing with computers," Ms. Hummel declares with a tinge of pride. 
   She then spoke of adolescent boys, whom she claims are not afraid to be dowsed with the black ink. Indeed, perhaps there are some young boys out there who may care to apprentice, and learn this old trade. 
   "They don't mind the black hands," Mary Benton says. 
   All this steers my thoughts to the old punishment of being tarred and feathered, but I digress with such happy thoughts. 
   Ms. Hummel speaks of all the old presses in her home and garage, and of her 14-room dwelling that is large enough to disarm her claustrophobia. She described for me a world of "dingbats, ornamental pieces of lead, geometric shapes," and "a butler with a stuffed pigs head." 
   Ms. Hummel declares herself to be a "renaissance woman," and holds 5 college degrees, including a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Hamline University. Currently, she's pursuing a degree in book arts, and when this is achieved Mary Benton is planning to print some of her own essays. 
   "The world would be a better place if more people would just read for pleasure," Mary Benton says, before adding, "I mean, reality is an interesting place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there." 
   Modern or old-fashioned aesthetics aside, if you ever care to utilize Ms. Hummel's timeless services, she can be reached at 651 771-2844. 
   In parting, Ms. Hummel said the arts could be better in Dayton’s Bluff with improved publicity. And thus, I hope our remarkable paper will give Ms. Hummel the "ink” she so justly deserves.

National Night Out August 5th

  Plan to attend a National Night Out event this year on Tuesday, August 5. Some of the events that are in the planning stages are:
· 5th and 4th Street between the bluff and Maria
· 5th Street between Bates and Maple 
· Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Margaret and Forest 
· Bush Ave. between Duluth and Atlantic 
· 1st Lutheran Church, 464 Maria
· Swede Hollow Park, Greenbrier and Margaret 
   If you wish to be added to this list or for more information call Karin at 772-2075.
   Watch for more information in the August issue of the Forum.
   What is National Night Out? It 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. The day and evening is meant to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized to watch for and report suspicious activity.
   In 2002, over 30 million people in more than 9,000 communities  participated in a variety of events and activities! Neighbors spend the day and/or evening together, getting to know one another. Lets make 2003 even bigger!

Home Improvement Tax Break

  Get property tax breaks for home improvements! If you own a home that is 35 years old or older and want to improve it, don’t worry about a big hike in property value. With This Old House, a statewide program, a considerable portion of your home’s increased market value will not be subject to property taxes.
   Homes that are 35 to 69 years old get a 50 percent exclusion (up to $25,000) and homes that are 70 years old or older will receive a 100 percent exclusion (up to $50,000) of increased value. The tax relief will stay in effect for ten years after which the untaxed value will be added back at 20 percent per year for five years.
  You don’t even have to formally apply for the program. When you take out a building permit for your home improvements the Ramsey County Assessor will review it for eligibility and make sure you get your break. For more information on This Old House, and for information on home improvement building permits, call the Saint Paul License, Inspection and Environmental Protection Office at 266-9007.

National Night Out Poster Contest Winners
 

Hundreds of artists submitted their National Night Out Posters for the poster contest. Crime Prevention Coordinators from all four Community Councils did the final judging. They were Pam Langton from District 1 (the Battle Creek/Sun Ray area), Chris Anderson from District 2 (the north east part of Saint Paul) and Karin DuPaul from both Dayton’s Bluff and the Payne Phalen area.     Dayton’s Bluff had 33 very nice entries. Besides the prizes, everyone who entered received a coupon for a waffle cone from Culver’s and all the children also received a coupon for a free meal and a certificate for their effort.  It was very difficult to pick the winners because there were so many good posters.     The winners included: Bikes - Lavania Beguhl and Eric Yang; Boom Boxes - Mareena Lor and Sherrett Erwin; CD Headsets - Nang Xiong and Sabina Hasic; Pearl earrings - Sybil Chambers; Chanhassen Dinner Theater tickets - Rose Marie Felsheim,     The sponsors who donated the prizes were Beohm’s of Saint Paul, Best Buy, Byerly’s, Culvers, Gloria’s Jewelry, Holiday Inn, Little Oven, Perkins, Old Country Buffet, Padelford Packet Boat Company, Red Lion Hotel, Rice Street Bikeshop, Target, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater.    We are planning to have another poster contest next year. We are hoping for an even bigger contest with more entries.          Top and middle: 1st Place winners in the children’s categories of the National Night Out Poster Contest.   Left: 1st Place winner in the adult category.  Posters will be displayed in businesses throughout the East Side during the summer leading up to National Night Out on August 5th.

Krispy Kreme Rolls Into St. Paul

   The next Krispy Kreme Doughnut store in Minnesota officially broke ground on May 22 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The St. Paul Krispy Kreme will be located at 1925 Suburban Avenue, just off I-94 and White Bear Avenue. 
   The St. Paul store will serve 15 varieties of doughnuts, including the trademark Original Glazed and several kinds of cake, filled and powdered doughnuts along with plenty of fresh coffee, milk soft drinks and juices. 
   Scheduled to open in July 2003, the St. Paul location will be Krispy Kreme's fourth in Minnesota. In addition to current stores in Maple Grove, Mall of America and Coon Rapids, Krispy Kreme plans to open additional stores in Eden Prairie, Apple Valley and St. Cloud in 2003. 
   The St. Paul store will feature Krispy Kreme’s unique. "Hot Doughnuts Now” neon sign. When lit, the "Hot Light" announces to customers that Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts can be purchased hot off the line.
   The St Paul store itself will be able to make approximately 210 dozen doughnuts an hour, 5,040 dozen a day, 35,280 dozen a week, 151,200 dozen a 30 day month – all within sight of the customer. 
   Like most Krispy Kreme stores, the St. Paul Krispy Kreme will have a drive through window open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Seating will be available inside the store from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. 
   The St. Paul Krispy Kreme Doughnut store is owned by Glazed Investments, the only licensed franchisee for Minnesota Krispy Kreme locations. The group is run locally by Scott Hubert, a Minnesota native. 
   The St Paul store will fill 5,000 square feet and will employ 100 people, including six managers.
   Krispy Kreme currently operates more than 280 stores in 37 states and Canada. It was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina by Vernon C. Rudolph.
   Editor’s Note: Unlike a certain article concerning Krispy Kreme that was published in our April Fool’s issue, this one is no joke.

Sister Yolanda - A Woman for All Seasons

   Sister Yolanda Latessa is the well-known name of a primary teacher at Trinity Catholic School. She taught in the Trinity building from 1968-1974. Her teaching career then took her to Shakopee where she taught until 1984 when she returned to Sacred Heart-St. John's School. She was a part of the merger of St. Patrick's, St. Casimir's and Sacred Heart-St. John's in 1992 and continues today at Trinity as a teacher aide.

Sister Yolanda Latessa celebrates her 50th Jubilee as a School Sister of Notre Dame.

   This summer Sister Yolanda is celebrating her 50th Jubilee as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has taught small children in schools for the past 50 years. Sister Yolanda is a native of the West Seventh area of St. Paul where her father, a native of Italy, was a shoemaker. St. Catherine's College was her Alma Mater, in addition to the former Diocesan Teacher's College on Summit Avenue in St. Paul. 
   During the past 19 years at Trinity, Sister has also been on the staff of the East Side Learning Center as a volunteer tutor since it began at Johnson Achievement Plus School in 2000. The East Side Learning Center tutors East Side children in reading on an individual basis. 
   Presently Sister Yolanda serves not only as an aide at Trinity in the primary grades but she has become a Jane-of-all-trades. She accepts the dreaded task of lunchroom aide and is a great cleaner wherever she notices something needs attention. She corrects papers, files, and creates papers for teachers in the primary area. 
   She teaches a Grade 3 Science class and a Reading group of second and third graders as well as being a volunteer tutor for the East Side Learning Center at their extended site at Trinity. One of her favorite things is making hall bulletin boards that express the Catholic identity of Trinity Catholic School. Her sense of humor is a delight to the staff who treasures her expertise and presence.

Minnesota Children's Museum's New Rooftop ArtPark

   Visit Rooftop ArtPark, where nature and art come together in a sand play area, streambed, shadow dome, glass studio and rustic tree fort in a 3,500 square-foot outdoor gallery located on the fourth floor of the Museum's roof overlooking Seventh Street. The gallery is the first new permanent gallery to be added to the Museum since opening in 1995. Rooftop ArtPark provides an outdoor venue for visitors who want to enjoy Minnesota's weather year-round.
   Rooftop ArtPark makes Minnesota's weather - wind, sun, rain or snow - an essential part of the gallery experience.  In spring, enjoy warm weather after a long winter and explore shadows in the shadow dome and climb in the tree fort. During the summer, dip your hands into the cool water of the streambed, create wet sand sculptures in the sand play area and enjoy a sensory experience in the shade of the glass studio. As the weather begins to cool in autumn, see the changing colors of the trees from high above the treetops.
   The fun doesn't end when the cold winter months arrive! In winter, explore snow and ice by examining the streambed's frozen waterfall, stream and pond, construct snow forts and tunnels and catch falling snowflakes. During winter's coldest days, enjoy activities in the glass studio. Throughout the year, you'll experience nature from a different perspective.
   A wrought iron fence adorned with beautiful vine flowers that bloom in the summer and artistic "whirligigs" surrounds the gallery. Follow the "stepping stones" to the sand play area, where you can make sand castles, tracks and patterns in a giant sand bed.  Manipulate water streams to make wet sand for sculptures.  Use the sand bed as a drawing canvas and your finger as a pencil.
   Water cascades down colorful rocks into a stream that empties into a pond. Change the direction of the water to create patterns, modify textures and alter the color of rocks embedded in the stream. Bend, connect and twist natural materials to send down the stream. Discover what path the materials take. Or, create different tones by dropping various objects into the water.
   Enter the shadow dome and use the sun, real and artistic renderings of trees and plants, your body and your imagination to cast quirky shadows of all shapes and sizes. Dance under the dome, mimicking the shadows, shapes and movement of trees and plants.
   A 12-foot tall, four level, red cedar structure invites you to climb, balance, crawl, play and explore shadows. Enter the fort and make your way to the top level for a different perspective on friends, family and downtown St. Paul.
   An enclosed shelter provides space for seasonal activities, such as creating with natural materials, leaf printing, making colored water designs in snow, sculpting, and sensory experiences with snow, mud, dirt and water. 
   Celebrate the opening of Rooftop ArtPark by joining local artists for drop-in activities Saturdays in July and August, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
   Major funding for Rooftop ArtPark provided by the State of Minnesota, The St. Paul Companies Inc. Foundation, Andersen Corporation, the Andersen Foundation and the Carolyn Foundation.

Saint Paul Garden Club Create Woodland Garden

Members of the Saint Paul Garden Club help create a woodland garden on the site of the old Hamm Mansion in Swede Hollow Park near Greenbrier and Margaret on May 17.  Photo by Karin DuPaul

Everyone Knew Charlie

By Dave Riehle
   It is a bright summer day in mid-July. 3,000 striking railroad workers and their supporters gather three deep on the four sides of Rice Park. Each one is wearing a white ribbon or rosette, the symbol of support to their strike, part of a great, nationwide railroad struggle against the Pullman sleeping car company and in defense of workers at George Pullman’s South Chicago factory. The day is Wednesday, July 18, 1894, and it is a solemn occasion-the beginning of a huge funeral procession that will terminate several hours later in Oakland Cemetery.

A line drawing of Charlie Luth from the St Paul Herald in December 1894.

   The mourners begin to move from the park, forming a long column heading east on Seventh Street. At the railroad bridge they meet another procession of mourners who have come from a small frame house at 491 Woodward Street, just off East Seventh and Payne Avenue. It was the home of 28-year old Charles Luth, a railroad switchman. A horse-drawn hearse bears the coffin containing Luth’s body.
   Together the vast crowd of mourners proceeds to the German Evangelical Church at 11th and Minnesota Streets where Pastor Hermann Fleer gives a fiery sermon denouncing monopolies and railroads and supporting the strikers. Charlie Luth had died in labor’s cause, shot by a railroad official in an altercation in downtown St. Paul five days before. Working people in St Paul were convulsed with a sense of anger at the injustice of it all.
   They had come together to mourn one of their own.
   “Everyone Knew Charlie,” ran the headline in the St. Paul Herald newspaper. Charlie had grown up in Swede Hollow, in a tiny house where his mother and father still lived in 1894. As a boy Charlie sold newspapers on the streets to help support his family. He had worked in the St Paul and Duluth Railroad’s yards below Dayton’s Bluff for almost ten years, until the great strike came in June, organized and led by Eugene V. Debs and the American Railway Union. 
   Charlie threw himself into support for the strike, and tragically, died way too young, leaving a young wife Pauline, and three small children. Eventually Pauline joined Charlie at Oakland Cemetery, buried from Sacred Heart Church in 1952. And the story of Charlie’s life and death was forgotten. Only his family remembered. Until now.
   A script for a new play, “Remembering Charlie Luth,” by union activist Christine Frank, will be premiered in a one-time only reading at 7 p.m., Monday, July 14 in the Weyerhaeuser Theater in the Landmark Center. The reading is free and open to the public. The cast, in the tradition of the workers’ theater movement of the 1930s, will be made up of volunteer actors, as well as non-professionals, mostly from St Paul area unions. 
   Researched extensively over the past two years, the events and characters depicted are almost entirely based on historical fact. The production is jointly sponsored by the Ramsey County Historical Society and the University of Minnesota’s Labor Education Service, as well as a number of local unions.

Want to Become More Involved in the Saint Paul Community?

   Mayor Randy Kelly is seeking applicants for the Bicycle Advisory Board, Ramsey County-City of Saint Paul Homeless Advisory Board, Long Range Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) Committee of Saint Paul, Saint Paul-Ramsey County Health Services Advisory Committee, Middle Mississippi Water Management Organization, Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, Ramsey Action Programs Board, and the RiverCentre Authority.
   The application deadline for the above committees is Monday, July 28th, 2003.
   Mayor Kelly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply to serve on the City of Saint Paul committees, boards and commissions.
   The committees serve a wide range of needs and interests. Those interested in serving on the committees may obtain an application from Mayor Kelly's Office, 390 City Hall, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, or by contacting Mark Engebretson at 651-266-8533.   You may also download the application for the citizen committees from www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/mayor/committeeinfo. 
BICYCLE ADVISORY BOARD
   The Bicycle Advisory Board was established to provide ongoing technical and educational advice to ensure safe bicycling in the City. The Board works on parking facility development, a continuing bicycle safety education program, promotion of citywide events such as “Bike to Work Week” and “Citizens Bike Tour,” and encouragement of bicycle commuting. The Board meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month, 4:30 p.m., at the West Seventh Street Community Center (265 Oneida Street).
   For more information, contact Eric Thompson at 651-266-6362.
SAINT PAUL-RAMSEY COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
   This committee is to advise, consult with or make recommendations to the Saint Paul City Council and the Ramsey County Board of Health on matters relating to policy development, legislation, maintenance, funding, and evaluation of community health services. The JCCHSAC shall be composed of twenty-three (23) members. Ten members are appointed by the City of Saint Paul and thirteen members (13) by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. The composition of the JCCHSAC shall represent as much as possible the following groups: persons interested in public health, recipients of public health services, public health professionals, persons interested in labor, and licensed health professionals such as physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. The committee term is a 2-year term and meets the 1st Wednesday of every month.
   For further information contact Richard Ragan at 651-266-2454 or Rob Fulton at 651-266-2424
RAMSEY COUNTY / CITY OF SAINT PAUL HOMELESS ADVISORY BOARD
   The first order of business for the newly created Homeless Advisory Board is to prepare an implementation plan for consideration by the Saint Paul City Council and Ramsey County Board. The plan will include organizational and operational details including scope, roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Board.
   For more information, contact Stephen Rice at 651-266-6008.
LONG-RANGE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET (CIB) COMMITTEE OF SAINT PAUL   
   The CIB Committee reviews and ranks all proposals for physical improvements to public land and buildings. The Committee recommends a bi-annual budget to fund capital improvements such as street reconstruction, park improvements, and the renovation of libraries and recreation centers. The Committee also reviews all proposed amendments to the approved budget. The 18 members on the Committee serve three-year terms. City residency is required. The Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month for approximately two hours, in the Central Library's 4th floor meeting room. The Central Library is located at 90 West Fourth Street, across the street from Rice Park in downtown St. Paul.
   For more information, contact Eric Willems at 651-266-8549. 

Slipping State Credit Rating Spells Trouble for Minnesota

By State Senator Mee Moua
   With summer upon us, most people are planning their vacations, going to the beach, gardening, and enjoying the sun. It's hard to believe that less than a month ago, legislators were wrapping up the 2003 Legislative Session. We were charged with solving a $4.2 billion deficit, created by unbalanced tax cuts and rebates from preceding years.
   Our new Republican governor and many Republican legislators took a pledge last fall that they would not raise taxes under any circumstances. They held firm, even as people lost their jobs, as the state lost money and as the deficit grew. They rejected the Senate Democrat plan to make reasonable cuts to government and raise revenues to address the budget deficit problem. Instead, Republicans chose to reduce the deficit with massive service cuts, irresponsible borrowing, gimmicky accounting shifts, and millions of dollars in fee increases.
   Well, the results are beginning to trickle in and the chickens are on their way home to roost. This week, Moody's Investors Service, one of three major Wall Street rating agencies, reduced the state from AAA -- the highest rating given -- to the next level, AA1. A bond rating is similar to a credit rating that individuals receive. It is based on debt levels, savings and delayed payments. Greater debt, less saving and delayed payments results in a worse rating.  This will cost the state of Minnesota millions more to make financial transactions in the future.
   It is not a surprise that Minnesota's bond rating has slipped. The deficit was solved largely by borrowing money, depleting the state's savings and shifting money from one account to another. In fact, 40 percent of the $4.2 billion deficit solution came in the form of shifts. But what other choice did the governor have? He could have worked with legislators to fashion a bipartisan balanced solution that would preserve the quality of life for all Minnesotans. Instead, he backed himself into a corner by pledging not to raise taxes, and in doing so, has jeopardized the financial well-being of our state.
   Sailing a state's economic ship smoothly takes time and work. When Minnesota faced a deficit in the 1980s, we saw our bond rating lowered. And it took until 1997 to repair the damage and return the state to an AAA rating-a rating only seven other states enjoy. While this is not the demise of our state, it will cost us millions of dollars more in future borrowing. It is the tip of the iceberg, and is the first evidence of Minnesota's downward spiral. We hate to say "We told you so," but had the Republicans taken a balanced approach to solving the deficit, as Moody's pointed out, we certainly would be in a better financial position now.
   So as you go back to tending to your lawn or taking the kids to the lake, keep in mind what lies ahead. Much of the adopted budget goes into effect July 1, and while the immediate effects will not likely be felt right away, it's only a matter of time before the chickens make their way all the way home.
    Contact State Senator Mee Moua at 235 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155; Email: sen.mee.moua@senate.mn; Phone: 651-296-5285

PUAV XAV TAWM SUAB TXOG KOJ COV TEEB MEEM ZEJ ZOG

Thov caw koj tuaj koom lub koom haum Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council kev sib tham.  Nws yuav qhib rau niam txiv pej xeem tuaj koom tau thiab mloo txua txua as ntiv ob thiab peb ntawm ib lub hlis twg.
· Mloo txog tej teeb meem ntawd koj lub zej zog
· Qhia rau peb koj tej teeb meem los yog tswv yim
· Saib seb lub koom haum ho txias txim lis cas
· Yog koj xav tuaj ua ib tug npauj los yeej tau
Thov tuaj koom peb nyob ntawd 798 txoj kev 7 thiab Margaret, nyob ses ses lub lag luag Napa Auto Parts, txua txua as ntiv ob thiab peb ntawm ib lub hlis twg.
Muaj lus noog, thov hu rau tus xov tooj 651-772-2075.

Want a voice in your community?

    Come to a Dayton’s Bluff Community Council meeting, open to the public the 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month.
· Hear about current neighborhood issues.
· Give us your feedback.
· See how decisions are made and projects developed.
· Consider becoming a board member.
Join us at 798 East Seventh Street, on the corner of Seventh and Margaret (across from NAPA  Auto Parts) at 7:00 pm every 2nd and 3rd Monday.
For more information, please call 651-772-2075.

Fireworks - What’s Legal, What’s Not

Provided by the Saint Paul Police Department
  The police have gotten a lot of questions about fireworks with the 4th of July holiday weekend approaching.  Here is some general information regarding the purchase and use of fireworks in Saint Paul and the state of Minnesota.
   Recent changes (effective April 30, 2002) allow for the purchase, sale, possession and use of certain fireworks.  This applies through the entire year.
   You must be at least 18 years old to purchase fireworks.  There is no restriction on whether the purchase is in state or out of state.  There is no age restriction for possession or use.  The fireworks may not be used on public property (parks, roads, alleys, government property, etc.)
   If you choose to use fireworks, please do so carefully and take extra caution if children are present. 
   Below is a list and description of the NON-EXPLOSIVE AND NON-AERIAL consumer fireworks which are now legal in Minnesota.   The general rule - when in doubt, if it explodes or if it flies it is probably illegal!

LEGAL FIREWORKS:
Sparklers-either wood or wire   (emits shower of sparks when ignited)
Cone or Cylindrical Fountains   (emits colored shower of smoke or sparks)
Ground or Wheel Spinner (when ignited spins and emits shower of sparks)
Flitter Sparklers   (paper wrapped sparklers)
Flash and Strobes  (bright flashes of light)
Novelty Items   (snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, party poppers, string poppers, 
                        snappers and drop caps)

ILLEGAL FIREWORKS:
Firecrackers
Sky, Bottle or Missile type Rockets
Roman Candles
Mines or Shells
Parachutes or Chasers

Cooking in the Bluff - Summertime Favorites

By Shiela Johnstone

Creamy Potato Salad

   This is quick to make because there's not a lot of chopping. I even mix the dressing ahead of time to have on hand. It will keep for a week in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:  
6 medium-size round red potatoes  
1/4 cup chopped green onions 
1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained 
1/2 cup nonfat mayonnaise 
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt 
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream 
1 tablespoon sugar 
2 tablespoons prepared mustard 
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/2 celery seeds 
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 
Green onion  (optional) 
 
Method:
Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces; place in a medium saucepan. Add water to cover. 
Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Combine potato, chopped green onions, and pimiento in a large bowl; toss gently.
Combine mayonnaise and next 9 ingredients; stir well. Add to potato mixture, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill. Garnish with a green onion if desired.

Nutrition at a glance:
    Calories 88 
    Protein 3.1g 
    Fat 1.4g 
    Carbohydrate 16.8g 
    Fiber 1.6g 
    Cholesterol 3mg 
    Iron 3.1mg 
    Sodium 405mg
    Calcium 54mg 

Apple Carrot Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb. carrots, peeled and shredded
2 large tart apples, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoon. honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plain yogurt

Method:
Combine carrots, apples and raisins in a medium bowl. Whisk together lemon juice, honey, vanilla and yogurt in another bowl. Pour yogurt dressing over apple mixture and chill.

Nutrition at a glance:
 Calories 250
 Fat 2.7g
 Cholesterol 8mg
 Protein 4.4g
 Carbohydrates 57.3g
 Fiber 7.3g
 Sugar 47.9g
 Sodium 71mg

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoon. soy sauce
2 tablespoon. lemon juice
1 tablespoon. honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
Skewers
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, quartered
8 large mushroom caps

Method:
Combine first 6 ingredients in a glass-baking dish. 
Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and marinate at least 2 hours in refrigerator.
Prepare grill. 
Remove chicken from marinade and boil marinade 10 minutes in a saucepan.
Alternate chicken and vegetables on skewers.
 Grill 6 inches from medium-hot coals 15-20 minutes, or until done, turning and basting often with marinade.

Nutrition at a glance:
  Calories 263
  Fat 2.7g
  Cholesterol 106mg
  Protein 44.7g
  Carbohydrates 14.2g
  Fiber 1.7g
  Sugar 8.7g
  Sodium 581mg 

If you have comments, suggestions, a special recipe that you would like to share, or you are looking for a special recipe, feel free to contact me through the Dayton's Bluff District Forum.

Write to:
Shiela Johnstone
Dayton's Bluff District Forum
P.O. Box 600511
St. Paul, MN 55106
Email:  shiela2@qwest.net 

Waterworks Food Drive Helps a Good Cause

   Bring your food donations to the Battle Creek Waterworks Family Aquatic Center located at 2401 Upper Afton Road in  Maplewood on Wednesdays in July and receive $1 off your admission.  Offer only valid on $5 admissions.
   All proceeds go to support the Salvation Army—East located at 1019 Payne Ave. 
   The Salvation Army encourages a wide variety of food donations including ravioli, Stove Top Stuffing, Hamburger Helper and any other dry box items or non-perishable canned foods.

Music From the Heart

By Sheila Bonine
Project Coordinator – HealthEast Senior Care
   Employees and friends of HealthEast Senior Care have joined together to record a unique CD of easy-listening, inspirational music. The CD, which was released in May, will include 10 to 12 songs of new and un-copyrighted material, including both vocal and instrumentals arrangements. On the CD, gifted artists generously donate both time and talents, truly singing from their hearts.

The completed Chapel of St. Mary at Marian Center    Photo by Greg Cosimini

   The funds raised by the sale of the CD will support HealthEast Senior Care. This will be done by building active, empowered “neighborhoods” filled with variety and spontaneity. We are adding to the vitality of our care centers and residences with live-in animal companions, colorful, responsive birds, and bountiful indoor and outdoor gardens. 
   This creative blend of musical talents will uplift and inspire all who listen, and is the first attempt to marry the healing environment with an auditory component. We believe that this gift from the hearts of the musicians will warm your soul, calm your mind and bring serenity to your life.   
   You are invited to share in the beauty of vocals and instrumental tracks that come from the heart. The CD is now available at the Marian Care Center and all other HealthEast Senior Care Centers, Residences and HealthEast Hospital gift shops.
   To order a CD by mail, please send $12.99 plus $2.00 shipping and handling (Total $14.99) to:

HealthEast
c/o Sheila Bonine
200 Earl Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
   Please make checks payable to “HealthEast”. 

   For more information call Sheila Bonine, Project Coordinator at (651) 793-2144.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Marian Center

   We are currently seeking caring individuals and groups to spend some time with our elders. Whether you have an hour or two, or several hours of time you can donate per month, we’d love to hear from you. 

   Here’s what we currently have to offer:
1:1 Visits
Gift Shop Clerks
Data Entry Clerk
Dining Room Assistants
Chapel Services Escorts
Physical Therapy Escorts
Recreation Programs Assistants (days and evenings)
Arts & Crafts Instructors
Exercise Class Instructors
Basic Computer Skills Instructors
Bird Feeding and Cage Cleaning Assistants
Outings Assistants
Music Entertainer (play the piano, organ or any musical instrument)
Building Maintenance and/or Landscaping Assistants
US Mail Delivery Assistant (room to room delivery)
Men’s Discussion Group Leader
Grocery Shopping Helper
And so much more!

   Volunteering can be very rewarding and open opportunities you never dreamed of.
   If you are interested in joining our wonderful team of volunteers, and between 13 to 110 years of age, please contact Robert Johnstone, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (651) 793-2116.