By Sarah Clark
   St. Paul’s newest park, the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, is a unique 27-acre former rail yard nestled at the foot of Dayton’s Bluff between the East Side and Lowertown communities.  Situated on the floodplain where Phalen Creek and Trout Brook once joined the Mississippi River, the land possesses enormous ecological significance and a rich human history. 
   The Sanctuary land was acquired in November 2002 through the efforts of a public/private partnership—the Lower Phalen Creek Project—with leadership from the Trust for Public Land, the National Park Service, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  The City of Saint Paul is managing its environmental cleanup activities, and is working with community partners to redevelop the land into a sanctuary that maximizes the area’s natural and cultural value.
   Remnants of the land’s industrial use, including a historic railroad bridge and stone building foundations, can be found around the sanctuary and along the route of a new bicycle trail connection that will soon link East Side trails to the Sanctuary and Lowertown area. “The transformation of this land from an abandoned industrial area into a beautiful, clean park will add enormous beauty and vitality to our city,” said Weiming Lu, a member of the Lower Phalen Creek Project Steering Committee and Board Member of Historic St. Paul.  “The history and natural charm of the area will be enjoyed by families and children from St. Paul and beyond.” 
   Though less visible today, the land’s history as a focal point of Native American cultures is considered extremely significant. “The Mississippi River played an important role in the lives of the Native American cultures of the area, and the entire Nature Sanctuary has the potential to contain, and thereby protect, deeply buried American Indian archaeology sites,” said Anne Ketz of Tthe 106 Group, leading an investigation of the Sanctuary’s historic resources.
   The Dakota village of Kaposia was located just to the south of the Sanctuary before it was moved to the west bank of the river in compliance with the treaty of 1837.  The bluffs above the sanctuary were used for burial mounds, and the flats and marshes along the river provided sugar maples and wild rice.
   Perhaps the most significant natural and cultural features on the Sanctuary are the caves just below the bluffs of Indian Mounds Park.  Carver’s Cave, located at a central point between three Dakota villages, was used as a gathering place for ceremonies and once contained a snake and other animal petroglyphs, according to tribal elders.  The cave was also an important landmark for European explorers including Jonathan Carver and Joseph Nicollet.  According to the British explorer Jonathan Carver, who visited this cave on November 14, 1766, the Dakota called it “Wakon Tepee” or “house of spirits.” 

Theodore H. Lewis visited Carver’s Cave in 1878 and preserved for posterity tracings of four rattlesnake figures and two animals that may be bears.  Drawing courtesy of The Institute for Minnesota Archaeology.

   Dakota elders have described the presence of snake petroglyphs, or sacred symbols, within the cave. Chris Leith (WAKINYAN SHUWAKAN OHITIKA) explained that the snake petroglyphs within Carver’s Cave indicate that it is a site for healing ceremonies. Furthermore, according to Leith, caves, in and of themselves, are sacred places because they allow one to enter simultaneously into the earth and darkness. The presence of a spring within Carver’s Cave furthers its importance as a location of healing, as “water is the most powerful medicine in the world.”
   Gary Cavender, a Dakota elder, who visited the cave in the 1940s and 1950s, recalls that his grandfather, Running Walker Boy, would not let him go very far back in the cave, because a spiritual entity, the UN KTE HI, lives in the lake in the back of the cave. 
   Although the petroglyphs within the cave do not appear to survive, Carver’s Cave is an important location within the traditional beliefs of the Dakota. The creation of the nature sanctuary provides the opportunity to preserve and interpret this important resource. 
   Dayton’s Bluff Cave, located to the north of Carver’s Cave, also once contained numerous petroglyphs.  The entrance is now hidden by extensive rock fall, so it is not certain if any petroglyphs survive, though earlier visitors indicate that they do not. 
   A third cave on the land is more visible today and contains the inscription “Montana Bill 1917.”  Though not a clear focal point for Native American tribes, this cave documents a later phase of human use of the land when hobos “riding the rails” made their homes in the caves and bluffs of the Sanctuary.  The North Star Brewery, located there in the late 19th century, also used this cave for storage.
   Carver’s Cave has been recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and is currently being reviewed by various agencies, including the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.  As the redevelopment of the nature sanctuary land moves forward, the many partners in the project will be working to make sure that the caves and other historic resources are preserved and interpreted — and that visitors are given the opportunity to learn about the intersection of ecology and history in this special part of the city. 
   The author wishes to thank Anne Ketz of The 106 Group for her research into the history of the Sanctuary land, as well as Dakota elders and leaders who contributed invaluable information on Dakota traditions and history to Anne’s research.

Plans Being Made for Next Year’s Grand Excursion 2004

   The original Grand Excursion of 1854 was an event that involved the entire upper Mississippi River, but captured the interest of the entire country. It was the most spectacular tourist event in pre-Civil War history, a festive steamboat journey by 1,200 travelers from Rock Island, Illinois to Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Excursion celebrated the completion of the Rock Island Railroad connection to the Mississippi River. 
   This event hosted more than 1200 dignitaries, politicians, journalists, business leaders and artists, including the 13th United States President, Millard Fillmore, on a journey that began on rail from Chicago to Rock Island, then by steamboat up river from Rock Island to Saint Paul and Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, with several stops in riverfront communities along the way. 
   Grand Excursion 2004 will retrace this historic adventure. Participants in Grand Excursion 2004 will have hundreds of opportunities to participate in special events, festivals, parades and programs showcasing riverfront improvements, pathways and tourist attractions in the participating communities in this four-state initiative (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota). 
   Grand Excursion 2004 is a collaborative effort of more that 50 upper Mississippi River communities and dozens of regional organizations guided by Grand Excursion, Inc., a non-profit organization coordinating this unprecedented four-state initiative designed to celebrate the renaissance of the upper Mississippi River region.
   The highlight of this yearlong initiative will be the magnificent Grand Flotilla that will arrive in the Twin Cities on July 3, 2004. The Grand Flotilla will feature steamboats, riverboats, commercial barges, pleasure craft, trains, bicycles and more, with dramatic once-in-a-lifetime celebrations at ports along the upper Mississippi. Its scale and character will attract national and international attention. 
   The 150th anniversary of the Grand Excursion of 1854 will celebrate the achievements of communities to reconnect with this great river. The original tour was an unparalleled media event that involved the participation of every major news organization of the time. The 2004 Grand Excursion with its flotilla of steamboats and festivals on shore for 400 miles and including 53 cities in four states, will also attract national and international publicity to this region, showcasing it as a great place to live, work and play. 
   Grand Excursion 2004 recently unveiled its successful educational outreach program at Battlecreek Elementary Environmental Magnet in Saint Paul. Its educational component was developed by educators from throughout the region and manifests itself as River Exploration Trunks – literally steamer trunks filled with high quality resources that use the Mississippi River to enhance the curriculum for K-12 students – distributed free to schools along the upper Mississippi. Its unprecedented impact on so many school districts in four states speaks to the value and quality of the program. 
   The River Exploration Trunks, generously underwritten by Hamline University and supported by many foundations, resonated with superintendents, district staff, curriculum specialists, principals, and teachers throughout the region. Of the 875 trunks being delivered, Minnesota schools requested 500 trunks. The greater seven-county Twin Cities metro area represents the highest concentration of River Exploration Trunks with almost 400 trunks delivered to schools including 100% of the Saint Paul and Minneapolis public schools. 
     For more information on Grand Excursion 2004 including, maps, events and photos, visit the media center at www.grandexcursion.com. 
 

How can  Dayton's Bluff  participate in  Grand Excursion 2004? Send  your ideas to  this paper or call  Karin at  651-772-2075

Drive for Kids

These were six of the many classic cars that gathered at Indian Mounds Park on Sunday October 12.  The park was the starting point for the Drive for Kids, a fundraiser for the Portage for Youth and Bolder Options, two programs that help “at-risk” children, that are “at-risk” themselves due to recent cutbacks in public and private funding and support.  Photos by Greg Cosimini

First Lutheran Says “THANK YOU!!!“

   First Lutheran Church at 463 Maria Avenue would like to thank everyone for coming to our "Fall Festival." 
   The donations from restaurants and other establishments added to the excitement for this event. Thank you again Slumberland, Home Valu, Wicks Furniture, Donald’s Department Store, Bachman’s, Stillwater Balloon, Minnesota Children's Museum, Menard's, Minnesota Zoo, Science Museum of Minnesota, Chanhassen Theater, Guthrie, Minnesota Zephyr, Karen’s Hallmark, Sam's, Stillwater Cub, Wal-mart, Triple Expresso, Minnesota Orchestra, TCF, Boler Express, Big Steer, Maple Rainbow, Famous Dave's, Timber Lodge, W.A. Frost, Little Oven, Perkin's, Bonfire, Swede Hollow Cafe, Magnolias, Fern's, Mancinis, Boca Chica, Govemor's, Cafe Latte, Sunsets, Awadas, Green Mill, Buon Giorno, Saint Paul Saints, NHL, Timberwolves, Vikings and our Minnesota Twins. 

Grocery Give-Away

   A Grocery Give-Away will take place on Saturday, November 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Mounds Park United Methodist Church, Euclid and Earl.  Free produce, dry goods and bread items will be given to anyone who can use them.  No registration or sign-up is necessary.  Sponsored by United Methodist churches on St. Paul's east side.

Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike 

    Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike meets on the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in Indian Mounds Park at Earl Street and Mounds Blvd. Join us on November 1 for the next hike.
   We  hike from Mounds Park through Swede Hollow Park and then walk the length of the Bruce Vento Recreational Trail (formerly the Phalen Creek Recreational Trail) to its end, near Phalen Park. 
    The hike is about 6 miles with some moderately rough terrain. Near Johnson Parkway and Maryland, transportation will be available to return to Mounds Park or you may hike back if you wish. 
   Join recreational trail supporters and explore this recreational trail. The paved trail runs from East 7th Street and Payne Avenue through Swede Hollow to Phalen Park. Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike started in December of 1990 and over the years hundreds of people have attended these events.
   For more info, call 776-0550. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Assistant  Resource Manager
   Are you looking for a "behind the scenes" opportunity that will have a positive impact on others?  Assist Ramsey County Community Human Services staff to collect and maintain community resource information.  Contact Ramsey County Community Human Services-Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to volunteerservices@co.ramsey.mn.us

After-school  Program
   Merrick Community Services is looking for volunteers to help out with their after-school program. Come and help out with homework, arts and crafts, play basketball, or make and serve Kid's Cafe. Call Erin at 651-771- 9339.

Merrick Community Services 3-on-3 Basketball

   Merrick Community Services and New Hope Baptist Church are hosting a 3-on-3-basketball tournament on November 7, starting at 6:00 p.m. It's a community event so bring your family for some good basketball and snacks! Players must be between 10 and 18 years old. Call Erin at 651-771-9339, or stop by Merrick to sign up your team today!! Registration deadline is Monday, November 3rd. 

Dayton's Bluff Pumpkins

Mrs. Wolfangel shows off some of the big pumpkins she grew in her Dayton’s Bluff backyard to neighbor Joe Cosimini in 1928.  Can anyone identify the exact location of this scene from the buildings in the background?  Photo courtesy of the Cosimini family photo archives.

Calling All Artisits

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

Local Cub Scout Pack Celebrates 50 Years of Scouting

By Andrew Riemer
   This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cub Scout Pack 217, which meets at Mounds Park United Methodist Church (1049 Euclid St.—the corner of Euclid and Earl).  This seasoned organization has been serving youth on the East Side since 1954.  It serves boys in first through fifth grades with programs and activities designed to promote character development, physical fitness, and good citizenship. 
   In a Cub Scout Pack the boys meet in grade-specific groups called dens to have fun while working through an advancement program that rewards both individual initiative and teamwork.  Once a month all the dens come together for a special event called a Pack Meeting.  At the Pack Meeting boys receive recognition for their achievements and dens have an opportunity to exhibit the projects and activities they worked on earlier in the month.  Pack 217 holds its Pack Meetings on the fourth Sunday of each month, starting at 2:30 p.m., at Mounds Park United Methodist Church.  Members of the public are welcome to attend.
   Several times a year the Pack holds special events and activities, like the Pinewood Derby where boys race each other using wooden cars they make with their families, or the Blue & Gold Banquet, which celebrates the birthday of Scouting and is the time when some of the boys move from the Cub Scout program to the Boy Scouts.  This year’s events hold special significance since they are part of our historic 50th year.
   As part of the Dayton’s Bluff community, the members of Pack 217 are looking for ways to support our neighborhood through service projects and activities that will teach the boys about community involvement.  They have been involved in park cleanups and food drives, and individual dens have distributed Operation ID kits and picked up trash along neighborhood streets. 
   On October 26 they helped distribute food collection bags for the regional Scouting for Food program and on November 1 older boys from a nearby Boy Scout Troop will pick up the groceries and deliver them to the Merrick Community Food Shelf.  If you know of service projects suitable for boys in first through fifth grades, contact our Community Involvement Coordinator Michael Gay at 771-8979.
   Pack 217 is a volunteer organization comprised of concerned parents and individuals who want to make a difference in our community and in the lives of the boys they serve.  If want  more information about Cub Scout Pack 217, please contact Committee Chair Andrew Riemer at 651-772-6836.

Cub Scout Pack 217 Seeks Volunteers

By Andrew Riemer
   Cub Scout Pack 217, chartered out of Mounds Park United Methodist Church, is seeking community-minded volunteers willing to help plan and execute programs and activities for boys in first through fifth grades.
   Pack 217 is comprised of concerned parents and individuals who want to make a difference in our community and in the lives of the boys they serve.  Volunteers are needed to help with various programs and activities throughout the year, and on an as-needed basis.  The pack committee meets on the first Thursday evening of each month to help with unit administration and activity planning.  Responsibilities are based upon committee member skills, interests, and availability.  The local Boy Scout council provides training for all volunteer committee members.
   At this time, Pack 217 has a special need for volunteers with the following skills:
· Scrapbook creation
· Record keeping
· Event coordination
· Writing (for newsletter and/or Website)
· Graphic design (for newsletter and/or Website)
· Web design (for Pack Website)
   If you are interested in serving as a volunteer committee member, or want more information,  please contact Committee Chair Andrew Riemer at 651-772-6836.

Community Council Election Results

At Large Candidate: Christine Geurts
Sub District A: Jonathan Bucki and Roy Carlson
Sub District B: Kristine Butler Karlson and Sharon McCrea
Sub District C: Chee Vang and Carrie Dimmick
Sub district D: Barry White and Jacob Dorer

Dayton’s Bluff Memories and Musings
More Historic Recipes

By Steve Trimble 

   The Dayton's Bluff area had such a rich heritage of recipes that we couldn't print the whole article in the last issue. So, as Paul Harvey always says, here's the rest of the story.
   After the last cookbook/history story, I actually did get some responses that were mostly positive. One woman, a member of the old Asbury Church, asked for me to make a copy of the list of the Ladies Auxiliary that was mentioned.  She had herself been active with the Auxiliary.  It will soon be in the mail. See, I told you that cookbooks were great sources of history.
   One woman I ran into at work, however, said, "That was a terrible pumpkin pie recipe." I asked why, and she replied that it was far too bland and needed different spices. If you remember, it was a 1920's recipe and, as was typical of the times, did not have a lot of ingredients. Once again, cookbooks can show how tastes have changed over time.
   I encouraged her to send in her own version of pumpkin pie. And I hope that many of you will send us a letter with old or new recipes, especially if there are suggestions on how to use pumpkins left over from Halloween.

SANITARY FARMS DAIRY

   Sanitary Farms Dairy was once one of the major employers in Dayton’s Bluff, with jobs processing the milk, bottling it and delivering the products door to door. It was located for many years on Minnehaha and East Seventh Street. The building is still there and if you carefully look in an easterly direction from the corner, you can still see a faded advertisement on a high outside wall. They put out an undated booklet—looks like the 1950s or ‘60s- called So You Think You Know What to Eat. Here are a couple of recipes that are sure to help you with your calcium-based cuisine:

COTTAGE CHEESE SPICED RICE DISH
Combine rice and green onions. Blend cottage cheese with garlic, sour cream, milk, Tabasco and salt. Stir into rice mixture. Pour into a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

40-MINUTE CHEESECAKE 
1 cup sugar
1 lb. cottage cheese
2 eggs 
2 tablespoon flour
1 can (6 oz.) evaporated milk 
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all ingredients in electric blender until fine. Pour into greased pan and bake in a 350 oven for 40 minutes, placing pan in a pan of water when baking. Check with toothpick to test doneness. Place on wire rack and cool.

St. John’s Hospital as it looked in the late 1950s when the cookbook From Creative Cooks Who Share was written.  Metropolitan State University’s New Main now stands in this location.  Postcard courtesy of Greg Cosimini

HOSPITAL FOOD CAN TOO BE TASTY

   As most readers may know, St. John’s hospital was a landmark on the Bluff starting in the 1880s. I’m sure some of you were born there, or ate food while occupying one of its rooms on East Seventh Street. Sometime around the late fifties or early sixties—no date is given-St. John’s Hospital volunteer services published From Creative Cooks Who Share. Employees submitted recipes, one of which sounded especially tasty for a fall meal.  I know that some people wonder if consuming alcohol is good for you, but I figured that a recipe in a hospital cookbook had to be healthy.

BEEF IN WINE SAUCE
4 lb. boneless beef 
Garlic powder
2 cans golden mushroom soup
1 pkg. onion soup mix
3/4 cup dry sherry
1 can mushrooms
1 bag frozen carrots

   Sprinkle meat lightly with garlic powder. Put in heavy casserole. Mix remaining ingredients except the carrots and add to meat. Stir, cover and bake 15 minutes more; stir them into sauce.
- Marge Thoele

   A decade or so later—1977 to be exact--St. John’s Hospital produced another cookbook, this one named From Cooks Who Care. Compare this to the earlier title. Is this to imply that the more modern cooks were less creative but cared more? I don’t really know. Perhaps some of our readers contributed recipes and can drop the newspaper a note. 
   The recipe I decided to use hopefully reflects the institution’s origins. In the 1880s when it started, it was called St. John’s German Lutheran Hospital. Now, of course, it is HealthEast and is located in the suburbs.

HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD 
8 slices of bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces
1 chopped onion
7 to 8 cup cooked, peeled, sliced potatoes 
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
Dash of garlic salt
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 hard cooked eggs, sliced or chopped
1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar 

   Fry bacon until crisp; drain. Reserve 1/3 cup drippings; add onion and garlic salt. Cook and stir. Add vinegar, sugar and flour. Bring to boil and boil 1 minute. Add potatoes, sour cream, 3/4 of bacon, salt and pepper. Turn into serving dish. Garnish with reserved bacon and hard cooked egg.  Makes 8 to 10 servings.     -Bonny Brinkman

   Speaking of cookbooks as a source of history—changing tastes in food and use of new ingredients can reflect social and demographic shifts. New dishes, exotic flavors and unfamiliar ingredients coming into recipes can tell a researcher a lot about cultural trends. A German or Norwegian hospital cookbook from the 1920s would not have the following tasty recipe included in the 1977 St. John’s cookbook:

TACO PIE
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 (15 oz.) can refried beans
2 cup biscuit mix
1 cup shredded sharp cheese
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup chopped tomato
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 envelope taco mix
Taco sauce

   Grease a 12-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with corn meal. Combine biscuit mix and water. Mix well; turn out on board and knead 5 or 6 times. Roll out to fit pan. Brown meat; pour off excess fat: add 3/4 cup water, taco mix and bring to boil; simmer for 15 minutes. Spread bean on dough. Top with meat mixture.   -Muriel Heywood

CHURCH COOKBOOKS

  All right. We had a Protestant Church cookbook from the 1920s. Half a century later in 1976 Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Sixth and Arcade completed Our Favorite Recipes, for the 95th year anniversary of the church
   Once again, it was hard to decide what to choose for this article. I got to thinking--what’s more Minnesotan than a hot dish. As an added bonus the one below uses a landmark state resource—wild rice. 

WILD RICE HOT DISH
1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
1 stick of celery
3 cups pre-cooked chicken
1/2 can water chestnuts (sliced)
1/4 cup onion (chopped)
1 small jar pimentos
1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms
1/4 cup green pepper
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup

   Boil the wild rice for 40 minutes in 6 cup boiling water. Add 1 tsp. salt. Cut up the chicken into large chunks. While the rice cooks, sauté onion, mushrooms (drained), green pepper and celery in 4 tablespoons butter for 5 minutes. Add the water chestnuts, pimentos and undiluted soup. Then add the cut up chicken and the cooked and drained wild rice. Mix well and pour in 2 qt. casserole to bake at 350 oven for 40 to 45 minutes. (I have used leftover roast pork in place of the chicken-delicious!)  -Mrs. Nellie Hosek

   I decided to include the Sacred Heart recipe below because it so perfectly evokes the foods of the era in which I grew up. Like other mothers, mine had a variety of Jell-O based dishes. Sea foam salad was always one of the big hits at the Scout potluck dinners. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough room to include one of my other childhood favorites—Spam sandwiches.

SEA FOAM SALAD
1 medium can of pears
1 small can of crushed pineapple
1 pkg. lime Jell-O
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 small pkg. Philadelphia cream cheese

   Dissolve the Jell-O in 1 cup heated pear juice. Mash the cream cheese and pears. Add to Jell-O with pineapple. Fold in whipped cream and out into the refrigerator for a few hours. This is truly delicious.   -Mrs. Florence Goward

HMONG RECIPES

   It doesn’t take an urban studies academic to figure out that East Seventh Street has been undergoing significant sociological changes. In addition to the older storefronts are numbers of establishments managed by Hispanic and Asian businesses. Some of them are food related, including groceries and restaurants.
   So what is the neighborhood cookbook connection here? It is Peb Noj Mov, a Hmong title that translates into “Let’s Eat Rice.”  Its creator was Jackie Richardson, a professor at Metropolitan State University. She decided that instead of just learning about recent immigrant culture out of books, her Spring, 1999 Human Services Diversity Course would do field work that, among other things, included food studies.
    Through interviews and observation, students learned about Hmong holiday feasts, meals, and family food and drink rituals in Laos and the United States. With the help of Neal Thao (a Metropolitan State University teacher and school board member) and his family who were willing cooks for the group, a cookbook emerged. I’m pretty sure copies are still for sale if you are interested. Here are two typical recipes: 

SPRING ROLLS
40 spring roll wrappers
6 green onion tops, thinly sliced 
6 ounces cellophane noodles
1 1/2 pound meat*
4 tablespoons nuoc nam**
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil 
4 large black mushrooms, finely chopped
Notes: 
*Meat can be ground pork, shredded shrimp or crabmeat. 
**Nuoc nam (fish sauce) can be purchased in specialty grocery stores.

   Stir fry meat or seafood in small amounts of vegetable oil. Season with black pepper and nuoc nam. Add garlic cloves, onion tops, mushrooms and cellophane noodles. Set mixture to one side. Prepare spring roll wrappers. Soften wrappers in warm water. Individually, remove wrappers from water and place on platter. Place 2 tablespoons of mixture in the center of the wrapper, fold sides together and roll. Each spring roll will seal itself. Dry slightly before serving

SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD
1 1/2 cucumbers
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon chili paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil

   Cut off ends of cucumbers. Cut cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Add salt, mix and let stand for 1 hour. Lightly rinse cucumbers and drain water. Add other ingredients and mix. Refrigerate for 6 hours and serve. 

   By the way, last month's article caught the eye of a couple of folks and I have now added new East Side volumes to the Minnesota Cookbook Archives. The first was a St. Pascal Baylon Church's "Seasoned With Love", recently published in 2002. Because I was making phone calls about an earlier publication, I received a donation from the East Immanuel Lutheran Church on Payne Avenue. Called simply "East Immanuel Cook Book," it was put out in 1981.
   Finally, a third one showed up at an estate sale I went to on East 5th just off Johnson Parkway.  I had to buy "Our Favorite Recipes" produced around 1972 by the Sarah Circle of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Well, it was only a dollar.
   Once again, I hope you enjoyed the connection between food and heritage. Unless I see letters to the contrary, I plan to write one more, this time featuring recipes from the Greater East Side. I'll try to include a few that evoke the spirit of the holiday season.
   Please send in your own recipes and remember, if you're ever in the mood to clean out the kitchen shelves or the attic, don’t throw away any cookbooks. Give me a call and I'll even come and pick them up and personally place them in the Minnesota Cookbook Archives.

Myth and Meaning of Hmong New Year Celebration

By Nachee Lee, Executive Director, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council 
   The myth behind the Hmong New Year Celebration:  The Hmong have a folktale story about the origin of their New Year Celebration. The story was that a long time ago, a shaman-hero named "Txoos Sis Yis" defeated the evil spirit called "Liv Nyoog", a spirit who eats the Hmong people. And when he defeated the "Liv Nyoog", he then called out for all Hmong in hiding to come and celebrate their freedom.
   Meaning of Hmong New Year: Noj peb caug or eating thirty.  The Hmong New Year is a time of rest from harvest and work, a time for Hmong people to start new lives, a new year, or a new beginning; a time where Hmong people have called, “throwing or washing away the old and bad news and bringing the new and good news to life”. Over a period of ten days, families celebrate and make thirty different dishes for meals.
   Traditional ceremonies on New Year’s Eve:  On New Year’s Eve, the Hmong conduct a traditional ritual ceremony called "lwm sub or qaib". It begins after 3 p.m. and must take place before other ceremonies. It’s a ceremony for washing away the old and bad news and bringing forth the new and good news. Family members walk through a new year’s pole three times forward and three times backward and a rooster is sacrificed for the ritual ceremony. 
   After this ritual ceremony, families go to their homes and conduct other ritual ceremonies such as "hu plig" or the calling of the spirit and "pe tsiab" or honoring the elders and ancestors. Once these ceremonies are done, families are prohibited from going any far distance or spending money. They stay in their homes for three days and nights and listen for signs of good and bad news, while hoping for good news.
   New Year Celebration Activities:  A traditional Hmong New Year Celebration in Laos has activities such as bullfights, sports like soccer, topspin, and talent shows. The Hmong New Year Celebration is also a time for young people to find their mates as they have been working all year round and have not had time for courtship. Young people usually get married after the New Year, between the first and the fifteenth of the month; Hmong tend not to get married during the year after the month of June. Hmong believe that it’s a good time for marriage, because everything starts as new, especially with a new moon - an occurrence the Hmong live their lives by.

"Trick or Treat" or Whaever...

Photo by Greg Cosimini Newlyweds Amber Ruth and Jason Pluff made an appearance at a recent event held at the Mounds Theatre dressed like this … and it wasn’t even Halloween.

Starkely Duncan's Diatribe

Depressed Economy, Strong Supporters

By Nachee Lee, Executive Director, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council
   As our economy sours and becomes depressed many Eastside non-profit organizations are facing tough financial challenges.  Many non-profit organizations, including the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council, have to cut programs and lay off staff as well as minimize their operating expenses.  Thanks to great Eastside supporters the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is able to keep some of its programs alive.
   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council would like to give its sincere thank you and appreciation to Wells Fargo Bank, MN, N.A-Prosperity Office and to Cleo and Charlotte Kelly for their contributions to help the organization maintains its programs and operation.  Cleo and Charlotte are long time Eastside residents and property owners.
   Wells Fargo Bank-Prosperity Office, once located in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, is now located near the old Phalen Center.  The Bank, besides providing financial services to Eastside Saint Paul residents, provides charitable support to non-profit organizations working to strengthen the neighborhood and improving the quality of life of Eastside residents.  It was said, “Many of their successes are through giving back to the non-profit organizations that address community needs and issues.”
   The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council’s mission is to advocate for the community, advise government, provide information, and undertake action to promote, cultivate, and set in motion conditions, programs, and ideas for recreational, housing, educational, economic, and social needs for the betterment of the community.  For more information about the organization and its services, please call 651-772-2075 or visit the organization on the Internet at www.daytonsbluff.org, or at the office at 798 East Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN  55106.

Joanne Anderson - An Artist of Many Talents

By J. Wittenberg
   When I first saw the artist Joanne Anderson, she was creating a pencil portrait of our own Greg Cosimini; one of many she had already competently rendered at the Dayton's Bluff Home Tour - Mounds Theatre Art Show extravaganza held last May.
   This red-haired artisan was selling these portraits for a reasonable $25 a piece, and also offered fine pastel portraits on paper for $250 each - $175 for each additional person in a group portrait - all done from a favorite photograph of yourself, or the person or pet you'd heartily wish to immortalize. 
   Ms. Anderson also specializes in highly decorative interior and exterior painting, for about $25 per square foot. For simple motifs, she charges $20 or less per square foot. Indeed, she can customize your interior, or create that image you've long imagined for yourself.  This is a woman who can "cold wash" your dining room wall!!! "I can create anything based on your wish and my talent," Joanne says. 
   She has over 20 years experience in this sort or work, and is also available for large murals and special paintings, at reasonable prices. Joanne also offers computer graphics, logos, illustration, and fine art paintings to enliven your home. She has also painted copies of the masters, no less. 
   Speaking of which, remember the last time you were at the Renaissance Festival and you and your loved one posed with your heads atop the painted, scantily clad figures of Adam and Eve? (Like we all have.)  Well she's the artisan who created these life-size works. 
   Besides "cold washing" and faux painting many a room in our fine city, Joanne has led a marathon sidewalk drawing event for Da Vinci days, and won best of show at the Martin Luther King Center in Minnesota! Furthermore, this Dayton's Bluff resident has performed art restoration at the State Capitol and the courthouse.
   To invigorate the arts in our community, Joanne believes more advertising is needed and more arts events, such as the aforementioned, springtime Mounds Theatre event. 
   This very November, her work may be seen at the Stillwater courthouse. 
   "This work is something I need to do ... I can't imagine myself doing anything else. It makes me both crazy and happy," she says, before emphasizing that it is one of her goals to help a person's imagination come alive, to get their visual ideas executed, and into the light of day, from dreams to reality. 
   And thus, if you believe you may have a creative project for Joanne, and could utilize one or more of her many talents, call her at (651) 295-8980, or email her at Anderson@PaperAndPaintStudio.com. Here you'll find quality work, and Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Dayton’s Bluff School Beat
By Cassandra Moe

Parents and children enjoy a beautiful fall day at Afton Apple Orchard with Dayton's Bluff Early Childhood Family Education and School Readiness Programs

ECFE Fieldtrip

   On Monday, October 6, thirty children and twenty-one parents enjoyed a beautiful autumn day at the Afton Apple Orchard as part of a fieldtrip for Early Child and Family Education Preparing for Kindergarten and School Readiness classes at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary School.
   The field trip tied into the school curriculum of ‘building community into the classroom,' and was brought back to school with apple taste tests, classroom literature and shared experiences.  Besides seeing livestock, corn and plenty of apples, children, families, and staff got the
opportunity to leave the city and have a day in the country.
   The two classes attending the field trip are offered to residents of St. Paul, with preferences given to Dayton’s Bluff area residents.
   In ECFE’s Preparing for Kindergarten class, four and five year old students attend school for a few hours twice a week with their parents/guardians.  The adults attend an interaction and learning group while their children get a foundation of skills for kindergarten for the coming year.
   The School Readiness Program is also attended by four and five year olds but for three days per week and without their parent’s /guardian’s attendance.  Bus transportation with a teacher’s aid is available for children attending the School Readiness Program.
   For questions or to participate, please contact Sara or Kathie at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary School, 651-293-5343.

Trinity Catholic School Recipient of Peace Maker Award

   Several young men in the Metro area joined together a few years ago to "put their money where their mouth is." They formed the Peace Maker Foundation. The group searches for organizations that are interested in promoting peace in their area. Trinity Catholic School has been fortunate in being a charter member and third time recipient of grants received through this foundation. The first year the grant monies were used for classroom supplies in promoting the teaching of peace in various grades in the school. The second year the grant helped promote the Hands of Peace Project. 
   This year the focus of the grant is a Support Group for Single Parents called Support our Singles (SOS). During a survey conducted last year, this topic of a support group for single parents was the highest request by parents at Trinity. The group will gather monthly with Jenny Littlewolf, Social Worker at Trinity Catholic School, using a theme of peace-making in their homes and being a support to one another. Some of the topics for the year are: 
   * Wisdom among Us - sharing peaceful solutions 
   * Creating Peace among Siblings - sibling rivalry 
   * Listening & Creating Peace for Mom - behavior modification 
    * Peace of Mind with Community Help - resources 
    * A Moment of Peace for Mom -parent socializing 
   The program is open to parents of Trinity Catholic School and member parents of St. Casimir's, St. Patrick's, St. John's and Sacred Heart parishes. For more information contact Jenny Littlewolf at 651-776-2763 x. 252.

The Long and the Short of It

By Steve Trimble
   The clamoring crowd sat in lawn chairs or stood under the blazing September sun, waiting and, perhaps, wagering. When a loud whistle sounded, an eager group began running towards the finish line, around a hundred feet away.  Among them was #16, a resident of Dayton’s Bluff.  As frantic people shouted support for racers, this handsome youngster was near the front of the pack, his colorful costume flapping in the heated breeze.
   His name is Brownie. And if you call him “dog”, it’s not because you use current street slang. He was, in fact, a proud participant in the 19th annual Dachshund Olympics in Wayzata. It is a growing event. Only seventeen participants showed up at the initial gathering; this time there were over 90 “wiener dogs” as they are sometimes unfortunately labeled. 
   “Brown Brown,” as his owners call him, turned one year old last May. Born to a litter of four in North Dakota, Brownie was brought to the Twin Cities where he was purchased as a puppy and taken to the Mounds Park area. The family wanted a small second pet-third if you count the reclusive Grazelda the cat.   They were looking for a Westy at the time, but found the asking prices steep. Brownie was chosen because he was—well, a lot cheaper. It’s not that he has a tainted lineage. His parents are AKA registered. He’s not what you would consider the Kmart of dogs.
   According to “Daddy” Alan, a classical guitar teacher, university professor and sought-after performer, Brownie has “a typical small dog personality,” making up for his lack of stature with an occasionally aggressive attitude.  Alfred, a recent graduate of Central High, says the wee one likes long walks and laying in the sun. 
   Brownie’s best friend is housemate Juba, a black lab. They are an odd couple since one weighs 12 pounds, while the other tops the scales at over eighty. 
   Brownie usually sleeps with Elliot, a senior at Central High School, who says that the dog is often  “stubborn and cantankerous,” but can also be very cuddly.  “He likes to burrow under blankets,” says Henry, a first grader at Expo Elementary School.
   So, what goes on at a Dachshund Olympics? And how did Brownie do?
   As you might expect at such an upper crust event, there is a dress code. Each dog had to wear a standard cape, but it could be personalized. Heather, a professional pianist and college music teacher, hand crafted a stunning gold and green outfit encrusted with beads and faux jewels. 
   There are three events. The first is the “Dachshund Dash” in which several heats of dogs (if you’ll pardon the expression) run thirty yards. Winners advance to the finals.  Next, in the “Belly Scratchers”, dogs run the same course but have to jump over two sets of six-inch hurdles. 
   Finally, there is the “Sofa Jump”. In this event owners sit in a threadbare lazy boy and try to coax their “doxy”--an affectionate term insiders use for this breed—into their lap. Laughter erupts when people frantically wave food, sadly shake favorite toys or resort to plaintive, pathetic pleading.
   So what actually happened to Brownie? It’s a bittersweet tale. It features “the evil Gretel.”  She and her owners were obviously part of the Wayzata in-crowd. You know the type. Her owner probably has a “My Doxie was an Honor Student at Obedience School” bumper sticker on her late model car. In the previous heat, Gretel’s holder forgot to let her go when the whistle blew. They then allowed her to try again in Brownie’s race and, you guessed it—she cheatingly took first. Brownie came in a close second, should have won and would have been in the finals.
     Oh well, there’s always next year and Brownie will be there. He also hopes other dachshunds from Dayton’s Bluff will participate. If anyone has a dachshund or knows someone who does, please contact Brownie c/o the Forum. Perhaps a local club can be formed and possibly train together. Our local Dachshunds know it will take hard training to win in 2004. When asked if it he thought it would be smooth going, Brownie responded, “Ruff.”

Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale at the Marian Center

   Mark your calendars! HealthEast Care Center – Marian of Saint Paul is having their annual Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale on Friday, November 7, 2003, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.. This year’s boutique is going to be bigger and better than ever! There will be all sorts of handcrafted items and many different baked goods for sale, by our residents and the local community. You don’t want to miss out, so please stop by and have some fun shopping before the holiday rush. You'll be glad you did.
   Marian of Saint Paul is located at 200 Earl Street, St. Paul, across from Indian Mounds Park.
   For more information, call Robert Johnstone or Jodi Auger at (651) 771-2914.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Marian Center

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

1 to 1 Visits
Receptionist
Gift Shop Clerks
Beauty Shop Assistants/Escorts
Dining Room Assistants
Chapel Services Escorts
Physical Therapy Escort
Recreation Programs Assistants
Arts & Crafts Instructors
Outings Assistants
Music Entertainer (singers, play the piano or the organ, or any musical instrument)
Building Maintenance and/or Landscaping Assistants
US Mail Delivery Assistant (room to room delivery)
Men’s Discussion Group Leader
Grocery Shopping Helper
And so much more!

   Are you a High School student? You can get credit for volunteering! Many schools require a number of hours in “Community Service”. By volunteering at our facility you’ll  get your school credits, gain experience in Senior Care, contribute to the community and have fun at the same time.
   Volunteering can be very rewarding to everyone of all ages and open opportunities you never dreamed of.
   If you are interested in joining our wonderful team of volunteers, please contact Robert Johnstone, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (651) 793-2116.

Do you need a DayAway?
“We are right in your backyard!”

   We are an adult day service designed for seniors and their caregivers. DayAway offers structured, non-residential, community-based activities. It provides a variety of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting.
   Our purpose is to meet the individual needs of senior and disabled adults through social, therapeutic, recreational, and spiritual programs.
   We encourage seniors to maintain their independence by offering various activites and services. This supportive enviroment promotes the individual’s maximum level of independence.
   DayAway is located in the HealthEast Care Center and Residence – Marian of Saint Paul.  For more information, please call (651) 793-2117.