Metropolitan State University presents "The Great Winter Festival III: A Pearl and Other Gems" as the second of a three-concert series of the Minnesota Sinfonia conducted by Jay Fishman, on Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m. in Metro State's Auditorium, 700 E. Seventh St., St. Paul. The concert is free and open to the public.
     Music featured will include Alan Pearlmutter's Serenade; Max Bruch's Concerto No. I in g minor, Opus 26, featuring Stefan Milenkovich, violin, courtesy of the Young Concert Artists; Edward Elgar/Fishman's Nimrod from The Enigma Variations; and Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 95 in c minor.
     Although the concert is free, tickets are required. For ticket information, call Julia Pedersen, Communications and Marketing Office, at 651-772-7642, or e-mail her at julia.pedersen@metrostate.edu. If special accommodations are needed call Disability and Special Services at 651-772-7819 (voice) or 651-772-7687 (TTY).
     This concert is the second in a series of three free performances at Metro State by the Minnesota Sinfonia, thanks to a grant from the Anna M. Heilmaier Foundation. The next concert is on Friday, April 27.
     Metropolitan State University is the only MNSCU state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It offers quality programs leading to baccalaureate and master's degrees.

Good Neighbors to Celebrate

     Our Neighbors are Driving the Blight Out of Dayton's Bluff, like Saint Patrick Driving the Snakes Out of Ireland.
   The Good Neighbor Program is celebrating its successes and looking for more people to join our crew of good neighbors. Thursday, March 15, 2001 we will hold a meeting with a Saint Patrick's Day theme. The Good Neighbor program is saving the city money, which in turn saves taxpayers a lot of money Thanks to our volunteers giving out Good Neighbor notices, roughly 40% of the violations have been taken care of with the Good Neighbor notices; another 20% being cleaned up in the intervening 3 or 4 days before the Code Enforcement Officer goes out to the site. Therefore, almost 60% of observed code violations in the targeted areas are solved prior to any city intervention. Because of the success in Dayton's Bluff this program is being expanded to other neighborhoods in Saint Paul. 
     We need more help. Join our group of neighborhood people who are helping clean up our neighborhood. You can help by volunteering a few hours a month and help make our community a nicer and prettier place to live. Each volunteer has a two block or so area to monitor for code issues. The volunteers record infractions, then check back in a week or so to see if the problem is corrected. If everything is OK a thank you is sent from the Dayton's Bluff District 4 Community Council. 
     The Dayton's Bluff District 4 Community Council and the City of Saint Paul have formed a partnership to clean Dayton's Bluff up! The target areas are the lower bluff from Forest and Mounds Blvd. between East 7th and Hudson Road. The second area is Ross-Reaney area between Earl and Johnson Parkway.
     We need resident volunteers to work with their neighbors. We need your help! This program serves as a kind of early warning system, that give residents a heads up to code problems, before the code enforcement officers get involved. This year will bring additional incentives for our Good Neighbor volunteers. To get involved call Karin at 772-2075. 

You Could Win a Hot Air Balloon Ride

     This is a once in a life time opportunity. For a donation of $5.00 or more,  you will help keep our paper in business and have a chance to win an exciting hot air balloon ride. 
     The Dayton's Bluff District Forum has been back in business since August. It is important for our community to have its own community newspaper, and the board of directors is dedicated to keeping the Forum alive and viable. 
     We need the residents and friends of Dayton's Bluff to be partners in this endeavor. A community newspaper requires volunteers, financial donations, and revenue generated by advertisements. We need people to work on all aspects of the paper, such as writing and photography, and we need the funds to print the paper. 
     A donation of $5.00 or more is suggested. Drawing to be held this spring. 

Program Can Help Dayton's Bluff Families
by Betty Berger 

     The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is Minnesota's name for the successor to AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children). MFIP provides cash assistance to low income families with children. 
     According to a recent report by the Ramsey Action Programs, the Anoka County Community Action Program, and the Community Action of Minneapolis, Dayton's Bluff has St. Paul's highest percentage of families who receive MFIP. 
     Since so many in Dayton's Bluff depend on MFIP to meet their basic needs, we can all profit from an understanding of the program. MFIP provides assistance in job search and education planning for participants. In fact, all participants must pursue work activities, which might include job training, unless they meet an exemption such as disability, illness, or some other exemption. The Eastside Job Center at 645 E. 7th Street (651-774- 5627) provides job counselors and other resources for MFIP participants and other job seekers. 
     If participants do not comply with the requirements of the program, such as monthly household reports or job activities, their cash assistance will be cut 10% for the first month of noncompliance and 30% for following months. This is called a sanction. Rent will also be vendored for participants in sanction so some families may receive no cash in months when they are in sanction. 
     Is there help available for participants or others confused about the requirements of MFIP? Yes indeed. Ramsey County Community Human Services can answer many questions about the program (651-266-4444). Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) has a government benefits unit which provides free lawyers for low income persons who have been sanctioned or who have other public benefit problems. SMRLS can also help with other problems which may prevent a MFIP parent from working (651-222-5863). 
     Next month's column will featue some problems and solutions related to MFIP.  If you have an issue that you would like discussed, please call Betty Berger at 651-222-5863, ext. 257.

Abandoned Vehicle Round-up

     Vehicles in the city of Saint Paul must be currently licensed, operable, parked on approved surfaces, such as concrete, crushed rock or asphalt, and be secure from unauthorized entry. As spring gets nearer the city will be checking our community for violators of this ordinance. If the problems are not corrected the vehicle may be towed to the impound lot. If you have any questions please call 651-266-6004. 

Free Tax Assistance

     Looking for some help with your taxes? Those forms and numbers can be frustrating even for people who are trained. Without the assistance necessary to complete all the forms, MONEY could be missed and that's your MONEY. Read on to see if this will help you receive some extra income that you might have missed on your taxes. The following are qualifications for this assistance. 
Who: Working families claiming two dependents and an income up to $46,656 a year or with one dependent and an income up to $28,236 a year. Individuals with disabilities or with an income of $4,236.00 a year can receive assistance. For people where English is a second language and need the assistance of an interpreter, please call (651) 699-4707 and leave a message with the help needed.
Where: Metropolitan State University, Room L 122 in Founders Hall 
When: Tuesday and Thursday, March 13 and 14 
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm 
What to bring:
 *Social Security Card for each member of family 
 *Any 2000 tax forms you received in the mail 
 *W2 wages and earnings statements from employers 
 *Copy of your 1999 tax returns, if any
 *1099G Unemployment Insurance/1099INT Interest Received
 *1099-DIV Dividends Statements
 *Property Tax Statements/Rent Certificates from Landlords
 *Childcare/Medical/School Expenses
 *Mortgage Interest/Union Dues/Car Registration Fees

Key Priorities to Remain the Same in 2001 Legislative Session
by Sheldon Johnson

     In most ways, the 2001 Legislative Session is going to resemble last fall's campaign. There will be a great deal of debate on the issues that dominated the campaign - quality education, adequate and affordable health care and taxes - and the main task facing legislators will be setting priorities to
meet the needs of the state and its citizens. 
     As a freshman legislator, I'm lucky to have a number of veteran legislators from St. Paul to lean on for advice and guidance during the next two years. Their experience will be a great help as I learn the ropes at the Capitol. Still, I'm looking forward to contributing to the debate concerning the state's priorities during the coming year, particularly when it comes voicing to the needs of the working citizens of our district.
     Obviously, the main debates will be over money and how we allocate the estimated $23 billion or so of state funding. Unlike the federal government, Minnesota must pass a balanced budget. The tricky part, however, is that there are a lot of competing interests, and that makes it extremely important that we keep an eye on the bottom line at all times.
     With the state enjoying another healthy budget surplus, there will be pressure to use part of that to fund new programs and initiatives, such as reducing class sizes or making prescription drugs more affordable. I'll
support a balanced approach of returning the surplus to taxpayers through a number of means, with the biggest chunk being used for permanent tax cuts and reform for working families.
     The Governor has stated that one of his priorities this year will be to ease the pressure of school funding on local property taxes by having the state pick up a larger share of overall education funding. I support that approach, though the devil is in the details. This is a complicated issue, and one that will take more than a part-time commitment to get it passed.
     Education, health and human services and transportation take up the lion's share of the state budget, so obviously they will also be front and center in the debate over spending priorities. However, they are not the only important areas that will be discussed.  The following lists the major categories of  the state's 1999-2000 general fund budget and a brief description of how the money is spent.
     K-12 education - The legislature dramatically increased funding for K-12 education during the last biennium, but there is still a lot that should be done to reduce class sizes, improve access to education and help with school construction, repair and maintenance. Transportation costs have also sky-rocketed in the last year.
     Tax cuts and reform - Another healthy surplus was announced, so we should be able to send every Minnesotan another sales tax rebate. However, we are also going to need to address a range of permanent tax cuts, including income tax reductions and property tax relief.
     Health and human services - Most of the last Health and Human Services budget was spent on health care-related programs, much of it relating to the needs of senior citizens. However, we still need to address the cost of prescription drugs in this state, as well as get the cost of health care coverage under control.
     Post-secondary education - Most of the post-secondary education funds were allocated to the University of Minnesota and Minnesota's state colleges and universities. The remaining money was spent on state grants for financial aid, state work study and interstate tuition reciprocity.
     Criminal justice - Since 1989, major crime bills passed druing each legislative session have lengthened prison sentences for major crimes, so corrections is taking up a larger share of the criminal justice budget. The legislature also made a commitment last year to create an up-to-date criminal justice information system. Unfortunately, the system wasn't fully funded, so additional money will need to be allocated to it this year.
     State government finance - This budget area allocates funding to state agencies for their operating costs. This included personnel costs and money to conduct programs and activities. The Governor is trying to encourage state agencies to cut unnecessary funding by creating a pool of funds that will reward the most innovative. The program has potential, though, again, we need to see the details.
     Environment and natural resources - Most of the money goes to the Department of Natural Resources, though the Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Zoo and Department of Agriculture are also funded through this source.
     Economic development - The money here goes to state agencies that administer the unemployment and job placement service, programs to expand jobs, efforts to expand trade between Minnesota's small- and medium-business and foreign countries, as well as loans to people interested in starting companies.
     Transportation finance - Financing the state's transportation budget differs from other categories of the general fund in that only a small portion of its funding comes from the general fund. The majority of money for transportation comes from the state's trunk highway fund, which relies on state gas tax revenues. However, there will be discussions this year on increasing the amount of general fund money that goes to transportation or on finding a new dedicated source of funding for our roads, highways and mass transit systems.
     I encourage District 67B residents to contact me with questions and concerns about the state budget and other important issues. I can be reached at (651) 296-4201. Address mail to 229 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 and e-mail to rep.sheldon.johnson@house.leg.state.mn.us.

Busy Winter at the Mounds Theater
by Greg Cosimini

     The Mounds Theater at 1029 Hudson Road has been a busy place this winter.  The result of this activity will be the start of the renovation project in the near future.
     The funding for the first phase of the renovation was secured last November and December with the award of $150,000 in grants from various foundations and the signing of the STAR grant papers with the city of St. Paul.
     To celebrate this accomplishment the MOUNDS sign was uncovered and repainted.  Like most of the wiring in the old building, it’s lighting circuits still function.  The sign will be lit as soon as enough light bulbs can be purchased to fill its 225 sockets.
     Thespian Snoopy kept busy by playing a number of different roles. First he was Snoopy Claus, ruling over a Christmas fantasyland.  He and his window display, designed by Raeann and Amber Ruth of the Portage for Youth, won second place in the Mix 104 Holiday Lighting Contest.  Snoopy then took a ski vacation, dressed up for Valentine’s Day, wore the green for St. Patrick’s Day and plans to finish up the extended holiday season with an Easter performance.  Thespian Snoopy is still on display in the window at the Mounds Theater but will probably have to leave for a while when the renovation reaches his lobby location.
     Early January brought another new flurry of activity.  The six original art deco lights that once adorned the walls in the main auditorium were located and will be returned to the theater when remodeling work there is complete.  The people who had the lights have already restored four of them to their original splendor.  They also have some movie projection equipment that may go into the theater and allow for an earlier than expected return of movies to the Mounds Theater.
     Serious planning for the renovation began in January with the hiring of architects Matthew Dean and Cornel Bandelin of Dean Architects to finalize the theater design plans.  Of particular interest is the redesign and enlargement of the stage to allow live performances.  Also on the agenda is the addition of offices, a science and engineering teaching lab, an open gathering space, the preservation and updating of the projection booth and balcony areas, improved rest room facilities and a remodeled lobby. Concurrent with these activities is the updating of the physical plant including electrical, heating, cooling and plumbing systems.
     February was no less hectic.  The theater was officially transferred from George Hardenbergh to Raeann Ruth and the Portage for Youth.  A massive clean up followed with four large truckloads of organ consoles and pipes, computers and other assorted items being transferred to other locations. The St. Paul Pioneer Press ran photos and an article concerning the clean up. Even this did not completely empty the theater. The remaining items are being sorted and will then be dumped or recycled. 
     The theater still includes more than a full complement of seats. Besides the original 750 seats, Hardenbergh also left behind over 500 seats that were salvaged from the Grandview Theater when it was remodeled.  All of these seats will be sorted out and the best will be repaired and installed in the theater.  The remaining ones will be sold or scrapped.
     A Benefit Bash was held for the theater project on February 4 at the Minnesota Music Café on Payne Ave.  Musical guests included Moses Oakland, Billy McLaughlin, 
Deb Brown and Mic Sterling.  Don Shelby from WCCO radio and TV hosted the show and even sang a song. 
     Yet another event of musical significance occurred in February.  The Mounds was built in 1922 towards the end of the silent picture era.  It was designed for a theater organ but one was never installed.  When Hardenbergh bought the theater in the late 1960s he had plans to install such an organ but that never occurred.  Now a mere 79 years after its construction, the Mounds Theater will at last become home for a theater organ. 
     Three members of the Land of Lakes chapter of the American Theater Organ Society, president Karl Eilers and board members Terry Kleven and Bob Swaney inspected the Mounds Theater and decided it would be a perfect location for one their theater organs. They will donate the organ and all the accessory equipment such as pipes, a blower and an elevated platform along with the labor needed to install it. 
     Visit the Portage for Youth web site at www.theportage.com to keep up to date with this fascinating project.  Money must still be raised for the next phases of the renovation.  Check the site for information on how to donate or contact Raeann Ruth at the Portage for Youth, 965 Fremont Ave. St. Paul, MN 55106, 651-772-8674.  Besides making a general donation, you can “Buy Bulb for a Buck” to help light the MOUNDS sign again,  “Save-A-Seat” and get your name on a plaque on a restored seat, or purchase one two, or a hundred theater seats. 

USHNA's Annual Meeting Well-attended in Spite of Bad Weather

     Even though February 7th was one of our snowiest days, about 50 people attended the Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association Annual Meeting. 
     USHNA has had a very busy year: purchase and move and rehab the house now at 636 Bates, rehab and sell 735-7 East 5th Street, purchase of 800 East 3rd Street, and starting the rehab of the Stutzman building, progress on the Lower Phalen Creek Project  and the Maria Bates Rain Garden was constructed. 
     Awards were given to a number of neighborhood people. Kris Nelson received the Neighborhood Beautification Volunteer Award, Jackie and Richard Merritt received the Historic Preservation Award for the work that was done on their beautiful home. The Community Business award went to Merv Hough the owner of A Toast to Bread bakery. The Civil Servant Award went to Aaron Rubenstein, the former staff person with the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission. Aaron has been an important person in the development of the Dayton's Bluff Historic District. For distinguished service the Karin DuPaul Founder's Award was given to Angela DuPaul. Angela founded and was the editor of the USHNA newsletter from 1989 to 2000. 
     Many door prizes were given to people attending the meeting. Some people went home with free car wash tickets, plants, pens, rock climbing lessons, a beautiful glass blown marble, and other prizes provided by local merchants and artisans. 

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. 

Community Council News
Concrete Crusher Worries Mounds Park Residents

     In early January, the Mounds Park representatives to the Dayton's Bluff District 4 Community Council received word that a special condition use permit had been applied for by Semple Enterprises located at 91 Ridder Circle. The permit seeks approval from the City of Saint Paul to allow the operation of a construction materials recycling center. Part of the planned process at the site includes the operation of a crushing machine for the processing of concrete and asphalt demolition debris. 
     Although this facility is located across the river and adjacent to the Saint Paul Downtown Airport, Dayton's Bluff was notified because the closest residences to the proposed use are located on Mounds Boulevard in the lower Mounds Park area. While this development was mentioned at the January 9th quarterly meeting of the Mounds Park Area Block Clubs, it wasn't until a specially scheduled meeting held on Tuesday, February 13th that the issue received a more thorough hearing. James 'Willie' Semple of Semple Enterprises was on hand to address the noise, dust, appearance, and environmental concerns of the residents.
     It was announced that a special test run of the equipment was scheduled for 4 pm on Wednesday, February 14th for the purpose of allowing Saint Paul Planning Conunission Zoning Committee members to see and hear firsthand what to expect from this facility. Several residents were present for the test and there was no sound audible from the Mounds Park area though some dust was visible. Piles of processed product, that were created prior to the company discovering a special permit was required to operate there, were visible from the park, though they were not out of scale with the surrounding built environment.
    The Zoning Committee met on February 15thi and voted three in favor and three in opposition to granting the permit. The Committee will meet on March 1st to vote again on this, as not all Committee members were present for the original vote. Some committee members expressed concern that this use might run counter to the efforts for riverfront revitalization that have been in progress for several years. Concerns about the content of runoff from the site have been expressed as the City of Saint Paul has only recently been issued its storm water discharge permit from the Pollution Control Agency and monitoring issues are still being resolved in this regard. Stay abreast of this and other Mounds Park issues by joining the Mounds Park Discussion forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MoundsPark. 

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. 

 St. Patrick's Day

     Dear Amber, I'm an Irish American and with St. Patrick's Day coming up, I was wondering if you could tell us a wee bit' of history about this Irish holiday? Sincerely, Ben. 
     Well Ben, the person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, was bom in Wales about 385 AD. His given name was Maewyn and he would have really liked to have been Bishop of Ireland, however he lacked the required scholarship. 
     Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity, he became closer to God. He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul, where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity. 
     His wish was to return to Ireland to convert the pagans that had overrun the country. But his superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland.  Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed as second Bishop to Ireland. 
     Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. This fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. 
     He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity. His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in 461 AD. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. 
     Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated. Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Though originally a Catholic Holy Day St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. 
     One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock and this stems from a bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day. 
   The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in this country in Boston. 
     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 
------------------------
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.

Lights, Camera, Action
by Raeann Ruth

     In the latter part of January 2001, the Portage for Youth, an after-school and summer enrichment center for young women in St Paul's, East Side, filmed their first television show at the SPNN studios. The show will be air on St. Paul Cable Access Channel 35 on the last Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. 
    Two months prior to the actual filming, seven young women were chosen to participate in the production of the show. As only those who were 14 years of age were allowed to run the camera, the choice was fairly simple. But before going into the studio to film our first production Mai Kou Vang, Lia Thao, Mai Nhia Vang, Mai Her and Kong Vang needed to first learn how to use a camcorder. So off they went to SPNN for their first 3-hour class. This class taught them how to do “white balancing”, freeze frame, manual vs. automatic settings and other features of a high quality camcorder. They were then certified to check these camcorders out in order to film segments of the television show at various locations around the Twin Cities.
     Then it was on to the Basic Studio Crew course where they learned about studio cameras, lighting safety, the video switcher and the audio board. They were now ready to enter the studio to tape their first television show. 
     But what to call the new show was the next question in their minds.  What message did they want to convey to their audience? After much deliberation, the name YWWAV (Young Woman With A Voice) -TV was chosen. As the Portage for Youth is an all girl’s organization with the theme, "GIRLS RULE”, YWWAV-TV just seemed to be a natural fit, 
     So now the girls had the camera knowledge and a name.... what next? Who would be on the show and what would they talk about? In late December, three hosts were chosen to take the lead, Amber Ruth (Program Assistant for the Portage for Youth) and two Portage participants, Mia Yia Vang, and Lia Thao. These three were now responsible for choosing a theme, for programming each month and interviewing a guest speaker. They would also be responsible for keeping the show moving and on time - which is no easy task when so many things are going on at the same time. 
     The first show in January featured special guest Barbara With. Barbara has been the Portage Music Coordinator for the past year. During that year she developed the singing group "Jagged Innocence” who have to date cut two CD singles, "Someday” and "Voices in the Wind". They have also appeared at various functions such as the 10th Annual Conference on Adolescent Females, Capital City New Years -2000 and at other events around the Metro area. Ms. With also established a “Portage for Youth Choir”, which helped bring in other young women who were not part of the "Jagged Innocence group of 4. The theme for the first show was now well established and centered around music. 
     From this point everything else seemed to fall into place. Another portion of the television show consists of "Mr. Electronics - Greg Cosimini, who has created a character much on the same lines as the old Mr. Wizard show, which aired back in the 50s and 60s and much later on cable TV. Greg’s segment centers around the world of "Science and Engineering”, explaining to the television audience how things work, such as the difference between music and noise on the first show.
     Then comes “Auntie Rosie” - Rose Marie Felshiem, our local “Fairy Godmother”, who digs through her trash can to find recyclables suitable for constructing fun and useful art projects. The message she is trying to convey is, "you don't have to spend a lot of money to make things at home". 
     And last but certainly not least is “Keesha's Komfy Korner”  - featuring Keesha Hall. Keesha chooses a story and reads it to the audience. She continues the story during subsequent shows until the book is finished. Then it's back to the hosts who sign-off for the month and voilá, instant television show. 
     But next comes the editing of the completed videotape before the show can be aired. So it's on to yet another SPNN Class - Casablanca Editing. Two individuals, Greg Cosimini, "Mr. Electronics", and Raeann Ruth, Executive Director of the Portage for Youth, took this class on February 15th.  The class consisted of using the Casablanca editor, basically a computer that is dedicated to video editing, to perform non-linear digital editing of videotapes, either the standard analog variety or newer digital type. After converting the show’s videotape into digital format, individual segments can be edited, special effect transitions and high quality titles can be added and audio tracks can be dubbed.  This type of cut and paste computer video editing is almost like using a word processor. Upon completion of the course, both Raeann and Greg became certified on the Casablanca editor. The Portage for Youth will now be able to tape and edit their own television shows without the assistance of others.
     Oops, I almost forgot. We have written and recorded our own theme song and of course, it is entitled, “Girls Rule”. The song was written by Raeann Ruth and set to music by Barbara With. Once you listen to it you will be humming it for weeks. The song will be the introduction and close for the show. 
     Whew   ... I'm getting tired, just thinking about all of this. But “onward and upward". The second show for YWWAV-TV was filmed on February 21, 2001, with special guest Laurie Schneider, President of WPVA (Woman Photographers and Visual Artists). She is also responsible for the "Photo Mentoring Program” at the Portage for Youth. 
     Our hope is to "draw in" a whole new television audience, that of young women ages 8 to 15. YWWAV-TV is JUST FOR YOU. So, please tune in the last Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on St. Paul Cable Access Channel 35 and check out how girls rule in all the best ways. If you have questions or comments, please call Raeann at the Portage for Youth, 772-8674. Also, if you have ideas for the show, we would love to hear them. Visit us on the Internet at www.theportage.com.
 

Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:

     The Ventura Administration has proposed a 25 cent fare increase for all Met Transit bus rides. Simply stated, now is not the time to be increasing bus fares. In fact, we ought to be lowering them. All commuters, and frankly all residents and businesses in the metro area have a vested interest in keeping
fares down. Increased fares result in reduced bus ridership (typically by 3 to 6 percent). The people who quit riding, start driving, thereby putting more cars on the road and aggravating our congestion woes.
     Additional congestion on our freeways lengthens commute times, increases driver frustration and contributes to air pollution. Congestion is also seriously detrimental to the region's economic health. Businesses make decisions about expanding in, or moving to, an area in part based upon the
ease of moving products and ease of commute for their employees. Increasing fares, and thus increasing congestion is not a recommended path to economic expansion.
     Furthermore, with the population in the metro area expected to increase by over 500,000 in the next twenty years, our priority should be to expand transit opportunities and increase incentives for people to use them; not discourage use by increasing fares. Mass transit benefits everyone, whether we personally use it or not, and shifting an additional burden to the rider is simply unfair. Instead, in a equitable and sustainable fashion, we need to create a multi-modal fund that will be used to develop a first-rate transit and transportation system in Minnesota. As the new Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, this is my top priority.

Randy C. Kelly
State Senator /District 67
651-296-5285
323 State Capitol
St. Paul, MN 55155

Bluffing with Science
The Dayton’s Bluff Observatory
by Greg Cosimini

     It is a little known fact that there is an observatory located in Dayton’s Bluff. It not only has a huge dome but also many optical instruments for viewing the heavens although most of them are never used. Anyone can go there but very few people do.  The observatory is the sky and the instruments are your eyes.  Binoculars and telescopes are also permitted but not really necessary.
     We can observe many objects in the sky, day or night. Let’s consider the night sky for now and concentrate on two types of objects: natural planets and manmade satellites.  Three planets plus the moon will be visible over Dayton’s Bluff for the next month or so.  Anyone should be able to locate and identify the moon.  If not, you’ve led a very sheltered life and should get out more.  The planets are a little trickier but there is one easy way to recognize them.  They are the brightest stars in the sky. 
     The very brightest star in the southwestern sky just after sunset is the planet Venus.  Venus is the next planet towards the sun after our earth.  It is very bright not only because it is also the closet planet to earth, but also because it is covered in clouds that reflect a lot of sunlight.  With binoculars or a small telescope, Venus will displays phases like the moon.  That means sometimes it will not be perfectly round but will actually have a crescent shape.
    The next brightest star is Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.  It can be seen higher in the southern sky.  Through binoculars or a small telescope it will look round and may display gray bands of clouds.  Four of its moons are large enough to see.  They will look like small stars lined up in a row. Sometimes they will all be on one side of Jupiter and at other times a few will be on each side.  They change from night to night.
     Between Jupiter and Venus is Saturn, the ringed planet.  It looks slightly yellowish. Its rings can be seen in a small telescope or even binoculars if they are held very still.
    The planets and the moon follow the same path through the sky but move at different speeds.  Watch the moon (that’s the really big, bright round thing) from night to night. It will show up at different positions every night with respect to the planets because it moves faster.
      Manmade satellites move even faster.  They look like stars but will cross from one side of the sky to another in less than five minutes.  But don’t be fooled by airplanes.  If the light is red or green and blinking, it’s just a plane. Or it could be a UFO but that’s a topic for another column. Look for satellites within in an hour or so of sunset. 
     There are two special satellites in the sky.  One is the Russian Mir space station.  Many astronauts and cosmonauts have lived there for months at a time.  But it is no longer inhabited and will soon be brought back to earth to burn up in the atmosphere with any remaining pieces falling into the Pacific Ocean.
     There is also a new space station up there.  The International Space Station, also known as Alpha because it is the first one, is in an orbit that passes several hundred miles above Dayton’s Bluff. It passes overhead a couple times of days and when conditions are right we can see it. As more and more parts of it are brought up by the space shuttle, it will get larger and brighter.  When it is completed in 2004 or 2005, the only thing brighter in the night sky will be the planet Venus. 
     As a bonus, the space shuttle itself can often be seen overhead when it is in orbit.  In mid February it delivered a laboratory module to the space station.  After it left it could be observed in our northern sky for several nights, separated from the space station but in the same orbit, two bright stars traveling the heavens together.
     Check the NASA web site at: http://www.shuttle.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/SightingData/Minneapolis.html to see when the shuttle and space station are visible over Dayton’s Bluff.  Unfortunately you’ll have to look under the listing for Minneapolis.
     Most people don’t think you can do any astronomy in the city because of all the lights and air pollution.  That is not true.  You just have to know what to look for and how to do it.  Remember these simple instructions: Look Up!
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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 or email me at greg_the_skeptic@angelfire.com. 

Children's Safety Centers to Host Grand Opening

     (St. Paul, Minn.)-Thanks to the city of St. Paul's STAR grant program, the Bremer Foundation, Nordan Builders md support from the local community, Children's Safety Centers (CSC), a provider of Supervised Visitation and Saf e Exchange, now calls 281 Maria home for its National Headquarters and model Supervised Visitation and Safe Center. CSC provides services for childen and families who have had histories filled with abuse. It is CSC mission to provide safe haven for children during parental visitation.
     "We are pleased to welcome the new national headquarters of the Children's Safety Centers to St. Paul's east side," said St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman. "Those of us in this community know how precious children are ... and know that is no greater act than protecting and nurturing our future generations. We are proud to support CSC and applaud their efforts to protect children and their families." 
     This new center is an addition to 9 other centers CSC currently operates in Rush City, Cambridge, North Branch, Forest Lake, Columbia Heights, Woodbury, Lakeville, Burnsville and Amery, WI. 
     "When the Community Council decided to move to a smaller space there was concern about what would happen at 281 Maria; I was happy to learn that Children's Safety Centers was interested," said Julie Benick, former president of the Dayton's Bluff Community Council. "Dayton's Bluff didn't need a vacant building or a tenant that could have negative impact - CSC solved both those issues. The work that CSC does is so very important to keep kids and families safe - I welcome them to the Bluff!" 
     To celebrate this momentous occasion, CSC is hosting a Grand Opening event that will take place Wednesday, March 21, 2001 from 4:00pm -6:30pm, at 281 Maria Avenue, St. Paul. At 5:00pm there will be a program with guest speaker Mayor Norm Coleman.

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.

Cooking in the Bluff 
Eggs Benedict, Light Peach Souffle
by Shiela Johnstone

     For this addition I have chosen one of those breakfast dishes you wouldn't expect to see on a low fat menu. With 30 % fat calories, it's not the lowest choice available, but still significantly fat reduced from the original recipe. The secret is in the sauce. Make it for a special treat. 

Eggs Benedict 

Makes 4 Servings 

8 slices Canadian Bacon 
4 large eggs 
1/4 cup each low-fat mayonnaise and lowfat sour cream 
1 tablespoon each honey mustard and lemon juice 
Pinch of salt and cayenne pepper 
2 English muffins, split and toasted 
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional) 

     In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown bacon (about 3 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and keep warm. 
    Fill a medium skillet half fall of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmering. Break 1 egg into a small dish, then slide egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Simmer eggs, uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, until yolks are set, but not hard. 
     Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey mustard, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne. Cook over medium heat just until mixture is heated through. Do not boil. Remove sauce from heat. 
     For each serving, place 1 toasted muffin-half on a plate. Top with 2 slices bacon. Remove 1 egg from water using a slotted spoon. Place egg over bacon. Pour 2 tablespoons sauce over egg. Garnish with ftesh dill or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Nutrtion at a glance: 
Calories: 188 
Protein: 13.5 g 
Carbohydrates: 19.7 g 
Total Fat: 6.2 g (1.9 g. sat.) 
Sodium: 784 mg 
Fiber: 0.6g 
Cholesterol: 226.3 mg 

Did you know? 
For easy clean up to remove burnt on food, add baking soda and hot water. Let it sit for 15 minutes and it will help to do the job. 

Light Peach Souffle

Serving Size : 4 

1 peach 
2 tablespoons sugar 
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice 
Pinch salt 
2 egg whites 

     Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and sugar 4 individual souffle dishes (1-cup capacity). 
Peel peach and cut into thin slices. 
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the lemon juice. 
    Beat egg whites with salt until they hold soft peaks. 
Gradually beat in the remaining  1-tablespoon sugar and continue beating until the whites hold stiff peaks. Gently fold in peach slices. 
Divide among dishes and smooth tops. Bake until puffed and browned, about 18 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories: 43 
Fat: (0% calories from fat) 
Protein: 2g 
Carbohydrate: 9 g 
Cholesterol: 0mg 
Sodium: 27mg 

     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. 

Notices

PARKWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
1363 Bush Avenue 
293-8845 

March 13 

Extended Day classes 
Parkway Parents & 
Partners 5:15-7:30 
Site Based Meeting 

March 15 

Extended Day classes 
Hmong Parents Meeting 
5:15-7:30  Motheread/Fatheread Night 

Good Sports Day 

     The East Side Recreation Centers will be sponsoring a "Good Sports" Day for youth and parents on March 10, 2001 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center. Activities include: good  sports activities, guest speakers, soccer clinics, and a soccer preview. Refreshments will be served. This is a free activity. 

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. 

Concerned about High Heating Bills?
     Together we can do something about it! Residents across St. Paul together with the Energy CENTS Coalition are hosting a community meeting with elected officials to address solutions to this winter's heat- ing crisis. The meeting will convene at 7 PM on Tuesday, March 27 at the Arlington High School Auditorium, 1495 Rice Street. For more information call the Energy CENTS Coalition at 651-774-9010. 

Mounds Park World Culture and Languages School
Open House
1075 East 3rd Street
March 8
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friends of Swede Hollow Meeting
     The next Friends of Swede Hollow (FOSH) meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2001 at 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Dayton's Bluff Community Council at 798 East 7th Street.. Anyone interested in or concerned about the Swede Hollow area is welcome to join us. 
     Monthly topics include: Hamm Mansion Wildflower Garden, Swede Hollow Planting Plan, other Swede Hollow activities, Lower Phalen Creek Watershed Project and Hamm Brewery Neighborhood Initiative. For more information call Karin at 776-0550. 

Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Home Tour
Mark your calendar.
May 5th and 6th
Interested in Helping?
Call Karin at 772-2075

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

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!

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

Caroline's Cameos
Trinity Catholic School...where Respect is key to learning
by Caroline Snyder

     I must admit I had some preconceived notions in my head when I entered the hallowed halls of Trinity Catholic School in Dayton’s Bluff.  Thoughts of the “Catholic rituals” which I experienced when I was a child were immediately dismissed.  Children who were going from classroom to classroom were smiling and congenial and faces lit up when Sister Virginia Bieren, Development Director and Barbara Jacobson, Marketing & Development Committee Chairperson were giving me a grand tour of the building.  I was impressed with the children’s enthusiasm and their respect for each other, even the young ones in the first and second grades. 
     A Catholic school with such unique dynamics and a rich heritage of ethnic inclusion was predestined for success in our community.  Theirs is a rich ethnic student population composed of 35% children of color.  The merger of three parish schools:  Sacred Heart-St. John’s, St. Casimir and  St. Patrick occurred in 1992.   The total enrollment today is 245 students kindergarten through 8th grade.  The size of the classroom’s ratio of teacher to pupil is an average of 18 pupils per teacher.  There are a total of 17 full-time classroom teachers.  Tuition is $1550 per child.  The expenditures include the operating budget and maintenance needs.  There is a population of 35 pre-school children consisting of two classes of 3 and 4 year olds. They have a full time librarian, a social worker, counselor, part time nurse and many parents and seniors involved with volunteerism and tutoring.
     Sister Joyce Stemper, the librarian, was delighted to share the library curriculum with me and I was impressed with the diversity of books available to the children.  Because of the significant Hispanic enrollment, Spanish is introduced in all curriculums but the English Immersion program is preferred to the ESL. 
     “The Peaceable School” where teachers and students are taught conflict resolution once a week is an innovation to acknowledge and emphasize in a world of conflict and mistrust.  The theme “ where respect is key to learning” introduces a special project for each classroom to initiate every month this year as they work at respecting people and things. 
     The first Friday in February there was  an “International Festival” at the school.  Ethnic dances and foods were highlighted and each “traveler” wias given a passport, which enabled him or her to visit each country of the world via the classroom and the students.
     Extra-curricular activities are not to be underestimated at Trinity.  Their athletic programs encompass soccer, volleyball, basketball and baseball.  The volleyball A and B Squad won first place in the Catholic Conference Championship.  Band is offered from the 4th grade through 8th and they have a special Music teacher. A specialist in Art instruction is available from grades 6-8.
     A full time physical education teacher is on staff.  Two computer classrooms are available to students and both the MacIntosh and the PC are taught.  A highly innovative Science teacher, Gene Pitra has come on board and through his initiative “the best science lab has been created with hands on experience” noted Mrs. Jacobson. 
     Extended Day Care hours are available for working parents before and after school. 
     A school marathon was recently held as a fund raising initiative and from all accounts it was a huge success as the students reached their goal of $17,000.  All three parishes are actively involved in the setting up of an alumni committee.
     Mert Lassonde a '46 graduate of the school is chairing this group.  Their first meeting on October 30 indicated a great desire for a school reunion.  Alumni numbering 1100 have currently registered.  Others can do so by entering the Alumni section on their website at www.trinity-catholic.org.  The school calendar and newsworthy information can be accessed through this site.
     The Development Director of Trinity, Sister Virginia Bieren, is a native of Washington State and entered the sisterhood in 1956.  She is a graduate of Notre Dame Academy there and has been a principal and teacher for 30 years.  She has been a Development Director for 10 years. She came to Trinity one year ago, November 1, 1999.
   Along with Father John Dombrowski from Sacred Heart, Father Jerry Hackenmueller from St. Patrick’s and Father Chester Capucci from St. Casimir’s parishes, the parish boards have been active in the neighborhood  by offering this opportunity of a Catholic education not only to their respective parishes but also to the entire East Side community.  The Board of Directors is made up of two members from each parish and is a separate entity from the parishes.  Barb Jacobson is a member of the Board and has three children attending Trinity – Rachel, Kevin and Trevor.  Her excitement about the school, coupled with Sister Virginia’s, is a determining factor for more events coming to Trinity in the months ahead. 
     Most exciting to me was the aspect of the many cultures integrated in one location and environment on the East Side of St. Paul.  Twenty-nine parishes in the Archdiocese are represented in the school this year of which 14% are non-Catholic students.  From December 14, 1881 when Sacred Heart Church first became a parish on the East Side and the following year when the school was opened we have experienced over 100 years of education and commitment to the children who are truly the pride and spirit of Trinity and our community.  It is a landscape filled with history and love.  Thank you from all of us.
     Oh yes, one thing hasn’t changed since I was a kid.  There is still daily religious instruction and Mass is celebrated for the students on Wednesdays of each week during the school year!