Dayton’s Bluff and the Downtown St. Paul Airport (Holman Field) have lived in a state of peaceful coexistence since 1926. Unfortunately, that peace has been breaking down over the past few years. Airport noise is no longer a problem restricted to areas such as Highland Park, Richfield and Eagan. It has now come to the Bluff.

Airplanes from Holman Field have long been a part of Dayton's Bluff as this postcard (ca. 1930) illustrates.  However jet aircraft noise in the middle of the night is a new problem. Postcard courtesy of Greg Cosimini Original caption: "HOLMAN AIRPORT.  Saint Paul is an important transcontinental airport and a terminal for established air lines.  In addition the location of the municipal airport within five minutes' travel from the Loop district is a strong factor in its usefulness. The Holman airport was named in honor of Charles W. (Speed) Holman who was largely responsible for the position Minnesota aviation now occupies.  The Holman Municipal Hanger is occupied by the 109th Air Squadron, Major Ray Miller, commanding." Note: The name on the hangar is "Northwest Airways, Inc."

Annual Election and Meeting

   The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council held their annual election and meeting on October 15, 2001. The annual meeting was kicked off with a barbecue attended by about 100 Dayton’s Bluff residents and other interested people. It was an overwhelming success. President Gene Piccolo spoke to the gathering about the Community Council’s accomplishments over the last year, which included developing a strategic plan that will be the work plan for the next couple of years. 
   The results of the election were announced at the meeting. Sub-District A elected new member Angela Burton and reelected MaryBenton Hummel to the board. Sub-District B elected new members Charles Daily and Larry Ronning, and reelected Sharon McCrea. Sub-District C is returning Greg Auge after a number of years off the board and elected Tracy Nelson as a new board member. Both of the Sub-District D representatives, Barry White and Jacob Dorer, will be new to the board. Chris Guerts will continue on the board as an At Large representative.  The new members of the board will start serving their terms at the next 
Community Council board meeting in November. 

Dayton’s Bluff Take a Hike

    Dayton’s Bluff Take a Hike on the first Saturday of every month meet at 10:30 AM in Indian Mounds Park at Earl Street and Mounds Blvd.  We will hike from Mounds Park through Swede Hollow Park and then walk the length of the Bruce Vento Recreational Trail (formerly the Phalen Creek Recreational Trail) to its end near Phalen Park.  Along the way we will share stories and learn some local history of the area.  The hike is about 6 miles with some moderately rough terrain.  Near Johnson Parkway and Maryland, transportation will be available to return participants to Mounds Park. You may hike back if you wish. 
   Join recreational trail supporters and explore this recreational trail.  The paved trail runs form 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.

Saint Paul to Host “Veteran’s Day 2001: A Celebration of our Heroes and Heroines”

   On Sunday, November 11th, the City of Saint Paul will host a major parade to kick off the “Guns N’ Hoses” benefit for New York Firefighters and Police Officers. The parade, which will take place beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, will feature participants from around the state as Saint Paul celebrates Minnesota Heroes and Heroines.
   State high schools, veterans organizations, police and fire units and other organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade. Organizers hope to use the event as a way to communicate to the men and women who have served, or currently serve in the uniform of any service, Minnesota’s appreciation for what they do.
   “This is America and in America we celebrate our Heroes and Heroines,” said Saint Paul Mayor Norm Coleman. “Now, more than ever, we must come together, as a community to say ‘Thank you’ to the men and women who serve in the uniform of every service in our state.”
   The parade will run the length of Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul, and organizers believe it could be one of the largest parades in the City in quite some time.   Parade organizers are seeking participants to be in the parade and are requesting that interested individuals contact them in the following way: E-mail: gunsnhoses911@hotmail.com or emische@rivercentre.org 
Phone: (651) 266- 8542

Trinity Catholic School News

Athletic Fund Begun at Trinity
   Within the last year the Gymnasium of Trinity Catholic School has been renovated with a new floor, new ceiling and new lighting. The School is presently looking for donations that can help with new bleachers, a tarp for the floor when used as a multipurpose room, new uniforms for players, and equipment for the Athletic Program. Donations may be sent to Trinity Catholic School Development Office, 835 East Fifth Street, St. Paul, MN 55106.

Graduate of East Side Catholic Schools?
   Trinity Catholic School continues to seek graduates of Sacred Heart-St. John’s, St. Casimir’s and St. Patrick’s Schools. Newsletters are mailed quarterly to Alumni of the schools. An active Alumni Committee has begun planning for a special event next spring. Camille and Gordon Heininger will chair this event.

Trinity Board of Directors and Advisory Committee
   Trinity Catholic School has announced the members of the Board of Directors for the 2001-02 School Year. Barb Jacobson will serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. Other members include: Mary Arrigoni, Amy Bearth, Rev. John Dombrowski, Rev. Greg Gallagher, Lori Glynn, Rev. Jerry Hackenmueller, Carol Johnson, Julie Nelson, Kelly Wakem, and Ken Westman. The Advisory Board members to Principal Sandra Krekeler are: Jim Cusick, Chair; Carol Johnson, Margie Mueller, Dan Lemire, John Obitz, Deidre Jackson, Lisa Freyberger, Nancie Whitesell, Michael Rush, and Jeff Lecy.
Additional committees are being formed as the Accreditation Process gets underway.

Hmong Adult Day Care Opens Doors in St. Paul

   Tsev Laus Kaj Siab opened its doors in September. The name “Tsev Laus Kaj Siab” (pronounced Jay Lo Ga Shee’ Ah) refers to a placed for elders where there is freedom from tension and worries. The vision for the adult day care program is to create a worry-free place that is culturally enriched for Hmong elders who may be isolated, frail and at risk of nursing home placement, as well as to alleviate the stress of the elders’ families who provide homes for their elders, but of necessity, must work during the day.
   The opening day started quietly as elders who had never met one another came together. As the day progressed, laughter and conversations filled the air with no barriers in talk between men and women. Staff were rewarded with smiles on the faces of the elders, some of who had shared feelings of stress and loneliness during the pre-admission process. The elders also assertively provided input to the caterer, a local Hmong restaurant, regarding the meals served. They feel empowered knowing that they will be instrumental in developing a program that will grow to serve other elders in the community
who are alone and frail.
   With bilingual and bicultural staff, the adult day program features culturally authentic catered foods and snacks, a nurse consultant and a dietician from within the Hmong community. Wingspan Life Resources (formerly known as St. Ann’s Residential Services) is handling the administrative functions; it is a non-profit that has provided human services programs for more than 25 years. Tsev Laus Kaj Siab is located at 948 Rice Street, St. Paul, in an accessible, cheery space with many windows. With a licensed capacity of 45, the program currently operates three days a week, and will add more days when more participants are admitted.
   Wingspan, through a strategic planning process, consulted both county social services and Hmong community service providers. An advisory committee was instrumental in developing the program’s vision and the project received start-up funding through the Department of Human Services’ Bush Foundation “Affordable Housing with Services for Older Persons” grant. Other community partners include: East Metro SAIL who contributed toward the remodeling expenses, the American Red Cross for subsidized transportation, the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and Ramsey Action Programs for subsidizing food costs.
   The Wingspan Life Resources Board of Directors recognized Gaoly Yang, program officer at the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, at its annual meeting on September 27. Other members of the Advisory Committee recognized were: May Hang, RN with Minnesota UCare; Chad Her, site coordinator for Tsev Laus Kaj Siab; Pa Lee, Hmong elder; and Naly Yang, Executive Director of WAHL (Women’s Association of Hmong and Lao). For more information, contact Nancy Schafer, Program Director, Wingspan Life Resources, at 612-824-3036.

Bluffing with Science
Ghost Bluffers, Part 2
by Greg Cosimini 

   Last month I discussed scientific ghost hunting.  This month I want to get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about what sort of equipment you will need to (maybe) find a ghost. 
   Our basic assumption, so far unproven, is that ghosts do exist and interact with our physical world in various ways that we can measure. Ghost hunters believe that very few ghosts can create a solid body for themselves or throw objects around a room. Apparently ghosts must absorb a lot of energy to do so.  Your typical ghost has weak batteries so it can’t do much except interact with very small things like photons, electrons and air molecules. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it?  Lucky for us, we can detect changes in these little objects quite easily.  Photons give us light. Electrons create electricity, magnetism and radio waves. Moving air molecules produce heat, wind and sound.  We measure these things all the time.
   Ghosts must love playing with photons judging from over a century of ghost “photos”. These have been taken with every sort of camera imaginable so you can choose any kind of camera you want: film, digital, still, movie or video.  A cheaper, simpler camera will result in a smaller chance of operator error, but an expensive, fancy camera might pick up something the other one would miss. Having several cameras of different types is very useful if your budget allows. Whatever you get, you’ll need to know how every setting on the camera works, the construction of its optical lens system and the properties of the film or detector it uses if you hope to interpret any images it produces.
    While the average person doesn’t have an EMF (electromagnetic field) detector lying around the house for tracking supernaturally motivated electrons, they are readily available and relatively inexpensive.  Several models are very popular with ghost hunters because they are simple to use and produce all sorts of readings.  That is their main problem. EMF detectors are basically high bandwidth radio receivers that measure a huge range of radio frequencies, including those used by TV, AM and FM radios, cell phones, CB radios, police radios and microwave ovens. In other words, they can’t be tuned for a specific channel so their indicator lights and needles are always registering something, especially in a large metropolitan area that is saturated with radio signals.  A more expensive and complicated piece of equipment, called a spectrum analyzer, when used with a directional antenna, can pinpoint the direction and frequency of a radio signal. If money is an issue (and when isn’t it?), radios or TVs can be adapted for use.
   Some EMF detectors will also measure static (unchanging) electric and magnetic fields, but special devices can be bought for this purpose. Electronic gaussmeters measure static and very slowly changing magnetic fields. A cheaper approach would be to buy a whole bunch of cheap compasses.  Other gadgets will measure electric fields, such as those produced by walking across a rug in winter.  Really simple electrometers can be made cheaply from scratch but higher priced commercial units are also available.
   Measuring ghostly effects on air molecules can be complicated because there are many different ways air molecules can be excited. If they are vibrated we are talking about temperature.  If they are moved as a group, we have wind.  If they are pushed together or spread apart, we have changes in air pressure. If this is done in an orderly manner, we get sound.
   All sorts of doodads are available nowadays to measure temperature, ranging from standard thermometers, to digital ones, to thermal imaging devices like those used by firemen and the military.  Naturally the best ones cost the most.  A thermometer will indicate a hot or cold spot in a general area, but a high priced thermal imager will let you actually observe the spot, see its shape, track it as it moves and record the observations for later study.
   Changes in air movement and pressure, as well as temperature, can be measured with one of those handy dandy amateur weather stations.  A bunch of them set up in an area can give you some tracking capability. Believe it or not, simple wind chimes, the lighter the better, are recommended for detecting ghosts as they dash by, leaving a windy trail in their path. 
   Any good tape or digital recorder can pick up and record sounds.  Adding a parabolic reflector or a good directional microphone and some noise filters can be beneficial. A voice-activated recorder is handy but may miss something important.  As with a camera, it is very important to understand the specifications and operating controls of your audio recorder.  Just turning it on isn’t enough to ensure good results that you can analyze later. Simple may be better for starters.
   Assuming you still want to go through with this, let’s go shopping. Where does the modern ghost hunter shop for ghost hunting equipment?  Not surprisingly, there are many sites on the Internet catering to your needs.  In general, stay away from these.  You’ll pay higher prices and get little or no useful support. The same equipment can be bought elsewhere although it won’t carry the ghost hunter seal of approval.  Much of it can be purchased at local camera and electronics stores. The less common items can be bought from reputable Internet and catalog sources, such as Edmund Scientific. If you know what you are looking for, don’t forget to check out flea markets and surplus stores for bargains.
   Are you starting to see why mounting a scientific ghost hunting expedition isn’t a simple task?  And I’ve just scratched the surface when describing the equipment you could use.  Even so, the problems aren’t insurmountable.  Amateur photographers, amateur radio operators, 12-year old computer geeks (no offense intended) and reasonably clever people in general could collect and operate the necessary equipment. But even that isn’t enough. We are not trying to study a well-behaved natural phenomenon. We’re trying to detect ghosts, some of the most hard-to-find creatures that exist, or do not exist as the case may be.  They won’t be just standing around waiting for us to snap their photo.
   Next month I’ll discuss how to use your ghost hunting equipment to get some evidence that ghosts exist, or at least attempt to do so.  No one says it’s going to be easy but then again, whoever said life was easy?
   In the meantime, here are a couple of websites to look at: http://www.ghosthunter.org and 
http://www.edmundscientific.com
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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. 

Think Spring: Up-Front Gardening
 

   With winter coming many gardeners are planning for the spring. The Up-Front Garden Program is a way to start a gardening program that is designed to beautify the neighborhood and encourage neighbors to get to know each other. It will be a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to work on their own gardening projects and beautify the neighborhood. 
   Up-Front Gardens is a Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS) program promoting gardening in the front yard and boulevard. These gardens add beauty to the neighborhoods, make it easier for neighbors to stop by and chat, and can be seen all hours of the day. You don’t have to be a member of MSHS to be an Up-Front Gardener. 
   Are you a gloves-on-gardener who takes joy in tending your front yard garden and the smiles it brings to the neighborhood? The Up-Front Garden program would like to add your address to their growing list of “Up-Front Gardens” in Dayton’s Bluff and across the city and state. There are no requirements other than adding a discreet 6 inch sign to your garden that lets viewers know where to go on the Internet for more Up-Front Garden addresses and chatting with those who might say hello while you’re working in the garden. You would become part of a group of gardeners dedicated to beautifying our region. 
   If you are interested call Mary Hunt at 952-544-3227 and leave your name, address, zip code and best time of year for viewing the garden: spring, early summer, mid summer, late summer, fall or winter. 

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:
   As a lifelong resident of the East Side, I have a deep understanding of what we as a community - and all of St, Paul - need in a Mayor.
   We need a Mayor who will set the right priorities - housing, neighborhood business, schools, libraries, and safe, livable communities. We need a Mayor who will be proactive - who will roll up his sleeves and get involved. And most of all, we need a Mayor who will be a responsible steward of our tax dollars.
   There is only one candidate qualified to lead us forward. Jay Benanav has a solid track record of bringing people together to achieve goals. Jay has been a loud voice in City Hall for the East Side. And Jay Benanav is the only candidate who has never raised your taxes.
   Jay is the only candidate with the experience - in both the public and private sectors - to lead us forward. Please join me in voting for Jay Benanav as our next Mayor.
Kathy Lantry

To the Editor:
   Harding High School is planning to expand their athletic facilities to include an additional soccer field even though the facilities meet current and future academic practices and physical education needs. This field will [add] an expense of more than $400,000 to the already $21,000,000 indebted school district (Saint Paul Public Schools Media Release May 1, 2001).
   Building the proposed field would require removing 90% of the mature growth trees and raising the elevation of the land by adding over 30 feet of fill to most of the area. Being homeowners of one of the 34 NewBridge Front Porch Community homes, which are directly West of the proposed site and have an average market value of $200,000, we have concerns about the disadvantages of this location.
   This project is in our backyard, detrimentally affecting the urban advancement and improvement initiative for which the City of St. Paul has put forth much effort and for which the homeowners of NewBridge built in the area. The past addition of the current field on the Harding grounds has had many unappealing effects on the immediate neighboring homes over the years since its construction; thus this history causes great concern for the neighbors of the surrounding community.
   The only advantage of having the soccer fields on the Harding site would be the lack of need to bus Harding Soccer Leagues. The disadvantages are:
1. Decreased property value of the surrounding homes
2. Increased traffic
3. Extremely high construction cost
4. Destruction of the adjacent natural area wildlife
   The advantages of the site 1 block north of the Dayton’s Bluff Postal Office, which is approximately 3 blocks away from the proposed soccer field, are:
1. Use of land unsuitable for housing construction
2. Significantly lower construction costs
3. Increased property value in area
Christopher Meyer and Jeff Quarberg

Neighborhood Projects

   Are you interested in neighborhood improvement and getting to know your neighbors? Neighbors can come together and get to know each other and at the same time work together to make their neighborhood a better place to live. One of the best ways to insure that neighbors continue to keep this connection ongoing is to form a neighborhood group, club or block club. The best way to make your neighborhood a better place to live is for your neighbors to work together on neighborhood improvement projects. 
   Neighborhood projects could be things like a neighborhood barbecue, book club, ball team, garden or helping each other paint your homes. Neighborhood groups and block clubs provide neighbors with a way to get things done. Call it a neighborhood group, a block club or any other name that you like. 
   Studies have proven that knowing your neighbors is the best tool for fighting crime in your neighborhood. Organized neighborhoods help you and your neighbors communicate better with each other and with police when necessary. If you are interested in this or if you have any other ideas for projects in our neighborhood call Karin at 772-2075. 

Bluff Memories And Musings
by Steve Trimble 

60 years ago: from the Dayton’s Bluff Booster
   November 10th, 1941: A New England supper is being given by the Ladies Cooperative Society in the parlors of the Atlantic Congregational church.  So, what is served at a “New England” supper? November 14, 1941: There will be a card party at the Deane PTA, Fauquier (now Bush Ave.) and Clarence. They will be playing 500, cribbage and bunco.
   Mrs. Armond Auge is the general chairman. Any one remember the Deane School? It and Sibley were merged together to create Parkway Elementary. If you went there, why not send in your own memories.  The bakery formerly known as Braunig’s at Maria and Hudson Road is being reopened by Sam Pogoler. It will be known as Uncle Sam’s Bakery and will specialize in party and wedding cakes. Mr. Pogoler said, “We are dedicating this open house party to the housewives of the community and pledge ourselves to use the same fine ingredients for baking that most housewives use in their own kitchen.”
   It was not that long ago that Dayton’s Bluff had three bakeries serving the area. People would walk to the bakery frequently for fresh bread and pastries. Like many other neighborhood stores they disappeared. We’re lucky to still have the fairly new Toast to Bread (the old Roma Bakery) on Third and Bates and, of course, the award winning caramel rolls at the Swede Hollow Cafe.
   The third bakery, originally known as Mounds Park Sanitary Bakery, was located at 1039 Hudson Road. It later became Basta’s Bakery and finally Heroff’s Bakery.
   November 21, 1941: The Cannon Valley Barn Dance Gang will appear live on Friday at the DeLuxe Theater (287 Maria Ave.). It marks the first time in almost ten years that an adult vaudeville show has been on the Bluff.  Made up of two accordions, a guitar, a fiddle and a bass, the band plays what the paper called “hillbilly corn,” as well as rhumba and even “boogie woogie.” There will also be a regular full-length movie feature. November 28, 1941: Some of the births the paper reported included: Girls, born to Mr. and Mrs.Gerhard M. Mueller, 733 Earl, Mr. and Mrs.William B. Coughlin, 635 Bates, and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence LaBore, 1101 Ross. Boys, born to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Wewerke, 1332 Margaret and Mr. and Mrs. James W. Ford, 970 E 6th. Where are they now?

100 years ago: from the 1901 St. Paul Globe:
   November 10, 1901: St. Agnes Guild of St. Peters Church gave “an entertainment Wednesday in the Guild rooms. A short programme was given. Tea and wafers were served by young girls dressed in Japanese costumes.” Mr. and Mrs. Charles Weinhagen of Bates Avenue entertained about seventy young people at a dancing party Thursday evening in the Mozart annex in honor of their niece, who was visiting from Milwaukee. Now here’s a question: What was the Mozart annex and where was it located?
   November 17, 1901: Mrs. William Brink of Bates avenue “entertained the Dayton’s Bluff History Club on Monday afternoon. I wonder if they talked about the neighborhood during the frontier era or if they read history books and discussed them. Any ideas?
   Lots of other clubs met every week, some during the day and some in the evening. Here’s what a few of them were up to: Mrs. W. H. Dickerman of East Seventh Street entertained the New Century Club. Mrs. Adolph Giesen won a prize; Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Andrews of “The Euclid View” will entertain the Card Club on Monday evening. Do you know what was meant by the Euclid View? “Mrs. William Brink of Bates Avenue will entertain the Dayton’s Bluff History class tomorrow afternoon.” The history group again! Looks like they were an active group. Should we revive it?
   November 24, 1901: Miss Gussie Steib of the Alcayde entertained at an informal card party on Thursday evening. There’s a connection here with the “Euclid View.” A century ago, many up-scale apartments were referred to by a name that was over the door, not an address. The Euclid View still stands, (unfortunately minus its ornate front porches thanks to a recent chintzy developer) at the southeast corner of Euclid and Bates. I’m not sure of thesite of the Alcayde. Any help from readers would be appreciated. Maybe it could be a project of a new Dayton’s Bluff History Club.

More Good Neighbor Volunteers Neededl

  We are looking for people to help with the Good Neighbor Program. It only takes a couple hours a month and you will be helping to improve the look of the community. 
   The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council and the City of Saint Paul have formed a partnership to clean up Dayton’s Bluff! The Good Neighbor program serves as a kind of early warning system that gives residents a heads up to code problems before Code Enforcement is involved.
   Dayton’s Bluff identified two focus areas for this program: east of Mounds Blvd., south of East 7th Street, west of Forest and north of Hudson Road. The other Good Neighbor area is east of Earl, south of the Vento Recreational Trail, west of Johnson Parkway, and north of Minnehaha. We need citizen volunteers to work with their neighbors on reducing blight and getting problem properties cleaned up. If you need more information or if you want to sign on call Karin at 772-2075. 

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Dear Amber, 
   Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  I really enjoy "turkey day" and was wondering how this holiday originated?  Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
Nancy

   Good question, Nancy. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays too.
   Thanksgiving Day in the United States is an annual day of thanks for the blessings of the past year, observed on the fourth Thursday in November in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  It is a historical, national, and religious holiday that began with the Pilgrims.  After their first colony survived the bitter winter and had a successful gathering of the harvest, Gov. William Bradford of Plymouth Colony issued a thanksgiving proclamation in the autumn of 1621.  This first thanksgiving lasted three days, during which the Pilgrims feasted on wild turkey and venison with their Indian guests.
   Days of thanksgiving were celebrated sporadically until on November 26, 1789, President Washington issued a proclamation of a nation-wide day of thanksgiving.  He made it clear that the day should be one of prayer and giving thanks to God.  It was to be celebrated by all religious denominations, a circumstance that helped to promote a spirit of common heritage.
   Credit for establishing this day as a national holiday is usually given to Sarah J. Hale, editor and founder of the Ladies’ Magazine (from 1828) in Boston.  Her editorials in the magazine and letters to President Lincoln urging the formal establishment of a national holiday of thanksgiving resulted in Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863 designating the last Thursday in November as the day.  Succeeding presidents annually followed his example, except for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who in 1939 proclaimed Thanksgiving Day a week earlier—on the fourth but not the last Thursday—to encourage holiday shopping.  In 1941, Congress adopted a joint resolution setting the date on the fourth Thursday.
   So, there you have it Nancy.  I hope that this answers your question.  Enjoy Thanksgiving this year. I know I’m going to.
   Amber 

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

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

Cooking in the Bluff 
    by Shiela Johnstone 

Slow Cooker Broccoli, Rice & Chicken
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless breasts cut in strips
1 1/4 cups uncooked converted rice
1 package Cream of Broccoli Soup Mix
1 1/2 cups chicken broth pepper to taste
Directions:
1) Place rice in a lightly greased crockpot. Sprinkle with parsley and
pepper.
2) Top with chicken pieces.
3) Mix together the soup mix and broth.
4) Pour over chicken and rice.
5) Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 522
Protein 40g
Fat 23g
Sodium 959mg
Cholesterol 109mg
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 4g

Tip: Remove skin from poultry and trim excess fat from other meats before cooking.

Sugar Free Lemon Squares
Ingredients:
2 eggs
18 packets Equal sweetener
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons margarine, melted, cooled
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
Rich Pastry
Directions:
1) Beat eggs and Equal; mix in lemon juice, margarine, and lemon rind.
2) Pour mixture into baked pastry.
3) Bake in preheated 350oF oven until lemon filling is set, about 15
minutes.
4) Cool on wire rack.
Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 100g
Protein 1g
Fat 4g
Sodium 57mg
Cholesterol 18mg
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 0g

     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. 

Business on the Bluff
by Shaun Murphy

 This month’s issue marks the beginning of a new column for the Forum, written by yours truly. On the days I have off from my full-time job, when I hit the streets of Dayton’s Bluff to pitch our newspaper to customers and drop off stacks of papers to businesses and public buildings, my mind fills with a flood of ideas for articles related to the economy in our neighborhood.
   Café del Sol opens on East 7th! Roger’s Print Shoppe offers better service than Kinko’s! Great America Foods begins to remodel! “There are so many positive developments that somebody should write about,” I think to myself.
   My mental to-do list almost always includes, “Write an article for next month’s issue.” But alas, a schedule that involves a full-time and part-time job, along with hobbies, classes, and social commitments, often erases the opportunity to write such articles.
   So, I have decided to scale back and reshape my goals. Instead of writing business-related articles, I will compile my mental flood of ideas into a column of notes so that you, the reader, can journey along with me.
   By trade, I am an advertising salesman, at least during those days when I head off on my bicycle to visit businesses in our neighborhood. But in reality, I am a community supporter, I am a listener, and I am an observer.  I do notice good things, as I have mentioned above. But I also notice areas for improvement. Both will be the subjects of this column.
   Café del Sol has recently opened on E. 7th Street. Adding to the Latino presence on Dayton’s Bluff, this restaurant offers our neighborhood its first taste of authentic Mexican food. My roommate and I visited Café del Sol in September. It is located just west of the 6-way intersection at 7th and Minnehaha. The cheerful waitress and bright décor were a pleasant surprise late at night on our sometimes gritty business strip. Not to mention, the delicious food and the old-fashioned pop-served in a glass 16-ounce bottle!
   Twins Market & Meat is the newest business on Dayton’s Bluff. Located on the northwest corner of the intersection of 4th and Earl, this corner store offers residents an opportunity to buy fresh-cut meat, right in our own neighborhood! In addition to the amenities of a small grocery, the meat counter also offers a variety of cheeses and salads. If long lines and packed parking lots have been grating on your nerves lately, this may be your alternative.
   Empty storefronts await businesses. Despite recent arrivals, “For Rent” signs adorn the windows of buildings across the bluff. The recently remodeled Schoch Building at Maria and 6th, and the Earl Street storefront across from Leo’s Chow Mein both sit empty. If you have always dreamed of owning your own business, now is the chance! I would certainly admire you, as would much of the neighborhood.
   Swanson Drug donates to the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum. Our neighborhood pharmacy is the second business to offer a gift certificate to the lucky reader who is the first to find Lyman Dayton within these pages.  Appreciation goes out to the many readers who participated last month, and to Sandy at Swede Hollow Café who donated last month’s prize. Look for the Where’s Lyman? Contest in this month’s print edition.
Shaun Murphy sells advertising for the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum.  Business on the Bluff will appear whenever space is available and time permits.

Graffiti Is Not Art, Graffiti Is A Crime
by Raeann Ruth, Executive Director The Portage for Youth

   Last week the Portage for Youth received a notice from the City of Saint Paul, Citizen Services Office. It was a notice to remove the graffiti from the Mounds Theater at 1029 Hudson Road by the 17th of October or pay the City $250 an hour to have it removed.  Is there something wrong with this picture?
   I have heard from other individuals in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood that they too have been vandalized through the use of graffiti. I realize that graffiti “artists” view graffiti as an artistic means of self-expression and that they believe that the world should want to see what these “artists” paint wherever these “artists” choose to paint.  To me, this is a weird free speech concept.  Imagine being allowed to exercise your right to free speech at great personal expense to others. Graffiti is NOT an acceptable form of self-expression and treads heavily on the rights of others.  Also graffiti in a neighborhood tends to lower property values and scare away responsible persons who might otherwise buy property and invest in the community.
   I must say this to these “artists”:  Graffiti isn’t funny, it isn’t cool, it isn’t art.  The act is criminal and it is not civilized. Graffiti is a crime and should not be tolerated and ignored.  We need to band together as a community to eliminate the “artists” that deface our houses and businesses.  We need to hold Moms and Dads responsible for the actions of their children.  We also need to hold these vandals responsible for graffiti damage by prosecuting them. Cleaning graffiti is hard work and also expensive.  We as a community do not need to tolerate this.  If you see one of these “artists” in action, call the police.  Get a description of the ”artists” and get involved.
   In closing, I will say we have installed cameras on the Mounds Theater and next time an “artist” chooses to express himself/herself, you will be caught on film and indeed prosecuted.

Talking with Children When the Talking Gets Tough
by Ron Hoyt, Ramsey County Extension Service

   Wars, shootings in schools, natural disasters, deaths at sporting events-as adults we hope that these and other tragic outcomes will never happen anywhere and definitely will not impact the children and youth we care about. We would like to protect those young minds from the pain and horror of difficult situations. We would like to ensure that they have happy, innocent, and carefree lives.
   So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when disasters fill the airwaves and the consciousness of society?
   Don’t assume that the kids don’t know about it. They probably know more than you think. The reality of today’s world is that news travels far and wide. Adults and children learn about disasters and tragedies shortly after they occur, and live video footage with close-ups and interviews are part of the report. Children and youth are exposed to the events as soon as they can watch TV or interact with others who are consumers of the news. Not talking about it does not protect children. In fact, you may communicate that the subject is taboo and that you are unavailable if you remain silent.
   Be available and “askable.” Let kids know that it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find out if they have misunderstandings, and you can learn more about the support that they need. You do not need to explain more than they are ready to hear, but be willing to answer their questions.
   Share your feelings. Tell young people if you feel afraid, angry, or frustrated. It can help them to know that others also are upset by the events. They might feel that only children are struggling. If you tell them about your feelings, you also can tell them about how you deal with the feelings. Be careful not to overwhelm them or expect them to find answers for you.
   Help children use creative outlets like art and music to express their feelings. Children may not be comfortable or skilled with words, especially in relation to difficult situations. Using art, puppets, music, or books might help children open up about their reactions. They may want to draw pictures and then destroy them, or they could want to display them or send them to someone else. Be flexible and listen.
   Reassure young people and help them feel safe. When tragic events occur, children may be afraid that the same will happen to them. Some young children may even think that it already did happen to them. It is important to let them know that they are not at risk-if they are not. Try to be realistic as you reassure them, however. You can try to support them and protect them, but you cannot keep all bad things from happening to children.  You can always tell them that you love them, though. You can say that, no matter what happens, your love will be with them. That is realistic, and often that is all the children need to feel better.
   Support children’s concern for people they do not know. Children often are afraid not only for themselves, but also for people they do not even know. They learn that many people are getting hurt or are experiencing pain in some way. They worry about those people and their well being. In some cases they might feel less secure or cared for themselves if they see that others are hurting. It is heartwarming and satisfying to observe this level of caring in children. Explore ways to help others and ease the pain. Look for feelings beyond fear. After reassuring kids, don’t stop there. 
   Studies have shown that children also may feel sad or angry. Let them express that full range of emotions. Support the development of caring and empathy. Be careful not to encourage the kind of response given by one child: “I don’t care if there’s a war, as long as it doesn’t affect me and my family.”
Help children and youth find a course of action. One important way to reduce stress is to take action. This is true for both adults and children.
   The action may be very simple or more complex. Children may want to write a letter to someone about their feelings, get involved in an organization committed to preventing events like the one they are dealing with, or send money to help victims or interventionists. Let the young people help to identify the action choices. They may have wonderful ideas.
   Take action and get involved in something. It is not enough to let children take action by themselves. Children who know that their parents, teachers, or other significant caregivers are working to make a difference feel hope. They feel safer and more positive about the future. So do something. It will make you feel more hopeful, too. And hope is one of the most valuable gifts we can give children and ourselves.

Talking with Your Children About Recent Events

Ramsey County Public Health
   We have looked at a variety of materials and listened to experts such as Michael Resnick of the University of Minnesota and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Physicians and we have the following information to share with you.
1. Watch the news today with your children but limit the amount of time you spend doing it because of the numbing and chilling effect this story has on all of us.
2. Tell your children that they are safe!
3. If we learn that perpetrators come from a certain country, try to avoid judging and blaming the whole population of that country.
4. Discuss as a family ways you can show support and express concern for those affected by the tragedy-give youth an opportunity to do something positive.
5. Know that a child’s age will affect how he or she responds to this situation. For example, a four year old may show concern by wanting to sleep in the parent’s bed, an eight year old by missing school and a teenager by arguing more with parents.
6. If your church or synagogue is having a special service or time of quiet, consider taking your family.

Parents Must Stay Involved if Young Adolescents Are to Succeed
Prepared by National Middle School Association

   A 10 to 15 year-old may act as if he or she wants parents to stay out of his or her life, but it’s essential that parents stay engaged in the lives of these young adolescents if they are to succeed.  That’s the best strategy parents can keep in mind dealing with their young adolescents.
   “Parents better be ready for change when their child enters the early adolescence years, but it’s natural change,” said Sue Swaim, executive director, National Middle School Association, the nation’s only educational group focusing specifically on the needs of 10 to 15 year-olds. “This timeframe has been called the second most important period in a person’s development, and it’s when children are experiencing tremendous emotional, behavioral, physical and intellectual changes. That’s why parents must be there to support and encourage their young adolescent.”
   Swaim recommends that parents consider five action steps to help their students:
> Think ahead. One of our best tools as parents is being prepared. As your son or daughter enters the middle school years, get ready for at least occasional conflicts. Think through what is truly important to you, and focus your energy on those big issues. Is your youngster’s hairstyle really as important as homework? Isn’t curfew more of a concern than crabbiness?
>If the issue is minor, keep things light. The shoes on the floor, the wet towel on the bed, the carton left open; these are maddening, but not earth shattering. Call attention to them in a light way, so your
middle-schooler knows you want action but you aren’t being punitive. “Either the cat’s smarter than I thought or you left the milk carton open on the counter. One of you please put it back before it spoils.”
> Don’t use power unless it’s urgent. Parents have the ultimate power, and kids know it. We don’t have to “prove” it to them at every turn. Save your strength for those really important issues you’ve decided are non-negotiable.
> Encourage your middle schooler to keep a daily “to-do” list. Stick with daily; weekly is too much. Put a few things on the list that need to be done that day. It may be necessary to assign a specific time to each task. When it’s completed, draw a line through the task to show accomplishment. This strategy will help young adolescents learn responsibility and planning.
> Break down big chores into smaller parts. Sometimes young people feel overwhelmed by tasks and give up rather than getting started. If there are 12 overdue school assignments, focus on one on Thursday night, another on Friday, and five during the weekend.
   “Parents are essential in the lives of young adolescents,” said Swaim.  “Even though your child may scream, ‘Get out of my face,’ he or she needs and eventually will appreciate your support. When parents and schools work together, kids succeed. Contact your child’s teachers and principal to discuss working together.”
Parents can receive a complimentary copy of “Tips for Parents” from NMSA by going to the association’s web site, www.nmsa.org/moya/tipsforparents or by phoning 1-800-528-NMSA.

The Box
By Michael Ruth

Living in a box with a beautiful view of the sky
No doors or windows, just the open top and blank walls.
Years go by with different things added to my world
Why can’t my box hold keepsakes or treasures?
Instead dirty rags and sharp, rusty nails become my roommates.
The noxious fumes, cuts and scraps are daily norms.
This is my life here in my box.  Dreaming of a door.
Fantasies of a ladder to touch the sky, but no such luck.
Sometimes a bit of candy drops inside, a brief luxury.
Turning round and round, just dull brown walls.
Is this my course?  Is this my destiny?
A corrugated prison, shared with baggage that wounds?
I hear voices and laughter outside, but no one hears me.
Months turn to years, my youth is long gone.
A sense of self is lost.  There is only “The Box.”
I wake up, sore, unrested and cold as usual.
Climbing to my feet, I’m pierced with a dirty nail.
Writhing in plain, a glimpse of a door catches my eye.
Scarred and sick I open the door.  It’s the world I’ve longed for.
It’s strange to think there’s a fear of leaving my box.
It’s been my home, as dismal and dull as it is.
Staring out at grass and trees and a stream, confused.
Am I suppose to stay here, in the box?  I don’t want to.
What if I leave?  Will I miss it?  I can’t bring it with.
A voice inside says to go, “It’s what you have dreamed of.”
Another warns, “What if treasures are put in the box?  You will miss it.”
Yet another, “What if the door disappears, and no treasures come?”
Standing on the threshold of hope and opportunity...what to do.

Ghost Story
The Thing He Saw
by Ray Ronning 

   What was the thing he saw? Was it his imagination? Was it a ghost? What was it? Whatever it was, it followed him everywhere. It followed him to the living room. It followed him to the kitchen. It even followed him in the bathroom. He went to work so it disappeared.
But when he got home it was there.     It had been waiting for him. 
”Oh no,” he said to himself. “It wants me.” He started to run. He ran as fast as he could, as far as he could, but it was still there. He felt something about it. It was anger. He ran right into the middle of the street and was hit by a minivan. On the other side of the street he saw the thing. He saw a face in the thing. It was somebody he once knew, somebody he once killed in a game. Now it was his turn.
—————————
The above story is fiction. Or is it?

Notices

Trinity Art and Craft Fair November 10
   Trinity Catholic School will be sponsoring their first Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, November 10, from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Over 25 crafters will be displaying their creations. For more information, call 651-776-2763 x. 249. Bring your friends and neighbors.

Recycling
   Recycling bins and lawn signs are available at 798 East 7th Street.    If you have a neighbor who does not recycle, talk to them about it. Recycling can reduce your trash by at least 40%.  In Dayton’s Bluff last year recycling tonnage (the total pounds of recycling) was down from previous years.  We are working to increase recycling in Dayton’s Bluff.  The November recycling dates are Tuesday November 6 and 20.  If you have any questions call 772-2075.

Basic Skils and ESL Tutoring forAdults
   Free tutoring is available for adults on the East Side of St. Paul.  Tutoring is being offered in basic reading, basic math, GED Prep, and English as a Second Language. 
   We are also looking for volunteer  tutors.  Training and materials are provided.  Both opportunities are on-going. 
  For more information on becoming a tutor or if you or someone you know needs assistance with basic skills or English Language skills, call East Metro Learning Center at 651-778-0111 

Dayton's Bluff Up-Front Gardens

   Up-Front Gardens is a Minnesota State Horticultural Society program promoting gardening in the front yard and boulevard.  These gardens add beauty to the neighborhoods, make it easier for neighbors to stop by to chat, and can be seen all hours of the day. 
   Are you a Gloves-on-Gardener who takes joy in tending your front yard garden and the smiles it brings to the neighborhood?  The Minnesota State Horticultural Society would 
like to add your address to their growing list of  “Up-Front Gardens” in Dayton’s Bluff and across the city and state.  There are no requirements other than adding a discreet 6 inch sign to your garden that lets viewers know where to go on the Internet for more Up-Front Garden addresses and chat with those who might say hello while you’re working in the garden.  You would become part of a group of gardeners dedicated to beautifying our region. 
   Here in Dayton’s Bluff we have a lot of front yard gardens.  We are compiling a list of gardeners names and addresses of the Dayton’s Bluff Up-Front Gardens.  Please call Karin at 651-772-2075 if you have an Up-Front Garden or if you are interested starting a front yard garden. 

Community Police Meeting
   The Eastern District Police host a monthly meeting with community members to listen to and address people’s concerns about crime and other issues on the East Side. 
   The community meetings are held at the Eastern District police office at 722 Payne on the corner of  Payne and Minnehaha Avenues.
   Please join your neighbors and the police at either meeting. The November meetings are on Thursday, November 15th at 6:30 pm and on Friday, November 16th at 9:30 am.
 

The Best Kept Secret In Dayton's Bluff    For the past year, parents in Dayton’s Bluff have had the opportunity to provide their children with full-day, licensed, Christian daycare complete with hot meals and educational activities at very reasonable rates.     The children have participated in field trips, learned about Jesus, their Savior, developed their social and emotional skills, made lots of friends and are now ready for kindergarten!     Parents were given the opportunity to evaluate the program this past year and here’s just a sample of what they had to say: “It is very helpful to have preschool and daycare in the same program.  Since my son started the program I am very pleased with all he has learned and the progress he has made. I am very pleased with the program and would recommend JOY to anyone.”  -”It is a very safe and positive environment. My child has had a wonderful experience at JOY Preschool and Childcare.”  -”I know the children are safe and loved when they enter the classroom.”  -”It emphasizes the importance of the child’s relationship with Jesus.”

-”My child enjoys going to JOY and the Christian influence is apparent.-“My son talks about how much Jesus loves him and that he’s special because Jesus died on the cross for him.”  -”It’s a great place to take my child where I know he is safe and learning a lot.”If you want your child to be a part of the best kept secret in Dayton’s Bluff, just call Wendy at 651-771-6982 to set up a tour. JOY Preschool and Childcare, located at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 655 Forest St., operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

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

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

Take a Hike 
     Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike on the first Saturday of every month meet at 10:30 AM in Indian Mounds Park at Earl Street and Mounds Blvd. We will hike from Mounds Park through Swede Hollow Park and then walk the length of the Bruce Vento Recreational Trail (formerly the Phalen Creek Recreational Trail) to its end, near Phalen Park. Along the way we will share stories and learn some local history of the area. The hike is about 6 miles with some moderately rough terrain. Near Johnson Parkway and Maryland, transportation will be available to return to Mounds Park or you may hike back if you wish. 
     Join recreational trail supporters and explore this recreational trail. The paved trail runs from East 7th Street and Payne Avenue through Swede Hollow to Phalen Park. Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike started in December of 1990 and over the years hundreds of people have attended these events. For more information, call 776-0550. 

Free Acting Classes for Adults 
Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center 
800 Conway Street 
651-793-3885 
Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m.
Join us. It's fun! 

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.