The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council elections will be held in mid October.  For the first time, voting will be held on three days and at two locations in order to encourage more people to vote. 
   The polls will be open according to the following schedule:
   Thursday October 17: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Council office
   Friday October 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Council office
   Monday October 21: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Council office 
   Monday October 21: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Margaret Recreation Center.
   The Community Council Office is located at 798 E. 7th St.
   Margaret Recreation Center is located at 1109 Margaret St.
   Snacks and beverages will be available from 5 to 7 at Margaret Recreation Center.
   After the polls close, the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Annual Meeting will follow from 7 to 8 p.m.  While the election results are being tabulated, the 2002 Board of Directors will discuss the state of the neighborhood and review the Community Council’s accomplishments in 2002.  So come to eat, vote and chat with friends, then stay to learn more about what we can all do to improve the community. 

Election Information
   Any Dayton’s Bluff resident age 18 or over is eligible to vote. Voters can cast ballots for their Sub-district Representatives and for an At-Large seat.  Write-in candidates are also permitted. 
   There are 18 members of the Community Council Board of Directors, of which 16 represent four sub-districts and two are At-Large positions.  Sub-district Representatives must be residents of that particular sub-district while an At-Large Director can be either a resident of Dayton’s Bluff, a business owner, or the manager of a local business or organization (including churches).
   Below are the candidates who registered by the September 16 deadline and a summary of the information they supplied about themselves.

   At-Large (Entire Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood)
   1 seat open, 1 registered candidate 
   Candidates: 
   1.  Donavan Cummings: Donavan has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 14 years.  He is now a realtor and previously worked for 20 years in construction.  He has been on the Council for the past 14 years and has served as both President and Treasurer.  He is also on the CIB and Phalen Corridor committees. He considers housing, crime and diversity to be the three main issues facing Dayton’s Bluff. He says he will bring leadership skills to the Council and hopes to pursue the Council’s Strategic Plan.
   Sub-District A (Bounded by Forest, 6th, Johnson Parkway and the railroad tracks to the north) 
   3 seats open, 1 registered candidate
   Candidates: 
   1. Seann Dikkers:  Seann has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 3 years and currently resides on the 1200 block of Margaret.  Seann has a B.A and M.Ed. from Bethel College and is an 8th grade social studies teacher.  Seann thinks these issues are facing Dayton’s Bluff: 1) Maintaining community climate and growth; 2) Upgrading and maintaining properties in the area; and 3) sustaining safe neighborhoods.  Seann would like to pursue the following items as a Council member: 1) Increase green space; 2) Foster pride in the community; and 3) Create a loan program for home improvements.
   Sub-District B (Lower Bluff, west of Forest or Mendota)
   3 seats open, 2 registered candidates 
   Candidates: 
   1. Jean Comstock: Jean has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 20 years and currently resides on the 700 block of E. 6th St.  Jean graduated from North Dakota State University with majors in Computer Science and English and now writes manuals and online help for product data management software.  Jean was involved with Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services in the past and now volunteers at individual events. Issues facing Dayton’s Bluff:  1) Keeping kids safe from the influences of drugs and gang activity by offering more positive alternatives and activities; 2) Promoting a mix of owner-occupied and rental properties; and 3) Saving and maintaining the existing housing stock while providing new housing that is in keeping with the historical nature of the neighborhood.  Jean wants to pursue these issues and also set up events that promote the neighborhood and draw visitors from outside the area.
   2. Lawrence Ronning: Larry is presently a member of the District Council and resides on the 700 block of E. 6th St. where he is the resident caretaker of a 30-unit apartment building.  He also works as a security guard and is an assistant parking ramp manager.  Larry believes these issues are facing Dayton’s Bluff: community involvement, problem properties, vacant properties, drug related crimes.  As a Council member he hopes to accomplish these things: increase community involvement, repair and get vacant buildings occupied, rid the area of problem properties and drug related crimes.

   Sub-District C (Bounded by Mendota, Hudson Road, Johnson Parkway and 6th St.)
   2 seats open, 1 registered candidate
   Candidates:
   1. Carla Riehle: Carla has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 15 years and currently resides on the 1200 block of Fremont Ave. Carla has B.A., M.A and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Minnesota.  She is employed as Senior Assistant Revisor in the Office of Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota Legislature. She is also a volunteer at Adams Elementary and the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. As an attorney Carla says she would bring legal expertise to the Council and as an employee of the Legislature, she would bring a familiarity with the Legislature and state government.  Challenges facing Dayton’s Bluff: 1) The diversity of the neighborhood makes it challenging to create a sense of community; 2) The aging housing stock needs to be maintained; 3) Dayton’s Bluff should have a stronger presence in the city as a whole; 4) Better information should be available to residents about what’s going on in their community; 5) Public areas should be greener, cleaner and better cared for. As a member of the Council, Carla would like to pursue these topics and also contribute to the effort to develop the arts and culture in the area, follow the development of the Johnson Brothers Liquor Store site, and encourage more small and street-corner businesses and restaurants to locate in the community, particularly in Sub-district C.

   Sub-District D (South of I-94, including Mounds Park, and east of Johnson Parkway to Birmingham)
   2 seats open, 1 registered candidate 
   1. David Murphy: Dave is presently a member of the District Council. He says he was a “farm boy” and attended Southwest State.  He has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 18 years and resides on the 1000 block of Burns Ave. Dave currently works as a landscaper.
   Note:  There are more open seats than registered candidates. Write-in candidates are allowed. Please call Karin DuPaul at 772-2075 for more information. 
   Visit the Community Council’s web site election page at www.DaytonsBluff.org/councilelections.html. 

Visit Scenic Vento Trail in the Fall

   Fall is a perfect season to walk or bike the beautiful Bruce Vento Regional Trail.  Two miles of paved trail stretches from the bottom of Payne Avenue at 7th St. north to Lake Phalen on the old Burlington Northern Rail right-of-way.  The trail was dedicated in April 2000 in honor of longtime U.S. Representative Bruce Vento.

The Bruce Vento Regional trail passes under 7th Street at the historic  7th Street Improvement Arches completed in 1884.

Macalester Students Help Restore Swede Hollow Park

    As thousands of Twin Cities students returned to the classroom in early September, 40 first-year Macalester students headed outdoors—to Saint Paul’s historic Swede Hollow Park—for a hands-on lesson in community service. Students worked for three hours on Tuesday, September 3, helping Great River Greening plant native vegetation and pull invasive weeds in this steep ravine tucked in the East Side of Saint Paul. 

First-year Macalester College student Christina Houghton, from Manhattan, New York, helped  Great River Greening plant native shrubs and grasses at Swede Hollow Park as part of the  college's new-student orientation.  Great River Greening works with volunteers to restore natural habitat in local river valleys.

Mounds Park Association Meets October 8

   The Mounds Park Association will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8 in the banquet room at Obb's, 1347 Burns Avenue at Clarence. Agenda will include District Council representation and park improvement  updates. For more information contact Al Clausen at (651) 774-3647 or moundspark@earthlink.net.

Neighborhood Cleanup Was a Success

   The annual Neighborhood Cleanup held on Saturday September 14 was a big success. Many dumpsters were filled with general refuse, metal, brush and construction materials.  Tires and discarded electronics were collected and recycled rather than buried in landfills.  As usual there was a lively exchange of used items in good repair in the Free Stuff area and sometimes from the dumpsters themselves. 
   The Cleanup was made possible through the help of 17 neighborhood volunteers and 10 people from Sentence to Serve.  Food and beverages for the workers were provided by M & H, Holiday (Minnehaha), Holiday (7th St.), Subway (7th St.), Burger King (7th St.) and Byerly’s. A special thank you goes to Jerry Frisch who allowed the Cleanup to take place on his property at the old Johnson Bros. Supermarket Liquor Store site. 
   The Cleanup was sponsored by the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council and the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium with funding provided by the city of Saint Paul. 

Get Help Around the House
Hour Dollars Orientation Shows You How

   The Hour Dollars Service Exchange Program (www.hourdollars.org) lets neighbors trade for valuable services. You bank hours by contributing a service you’re good at. Then, you exchange those hours for the services of others.
   For example, a haircutter might give 12 haircuts, then exchange the total hours to learn computer skills. Participation is free. 
   The orientation is all it takes to get started. Plus, you start with 3 hours when you join. 
   The next orientations are:
Place: Mounds Park United Methodist Church 
           1049 Euclid at Earl
Date: Tues. Nov. 12
Time: 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. (choose one)
   Meetings last about 1½ hours. Childcare is provided.
   To learn more, or to reserve orientation childcare, please call (651) 635-8680 or email beth@hourdollars.org.

Trinity Catholic School Craft Fair Oct. 26

   The Craft Fair season is upon us.  Trinity Catholic School will be hosting their 2nd Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the gym at 6th and Arcade.
   Crafters from the Metro area and out-state will be participating in this event with a wonderful variety of crafts.  Some specialties will be homemade candy, tatted note cards and handcrafted wooden pens.  Specially designed Christmas cards will also be available. The Catholic Aid Association will be providing lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
   The gym is handicap accessible and parking is available in the Sacred Heart Church parking lot.  Trinity welcomes you to the Craft Fair.

Tours of Trinity Catholic School

   Special tours are being held this year during school hours for anyone interested in Trinity Catholic School.  An overview of the school and its history will be presented with basic informational pieces about Trinity followed by a tour of the building.  See for yourself the educational system at Trinity.
   For dates and times, contact Sister Virginia Bieren at 651-776-2763 x249 or vbieren@trinity-catholic.org.

"Wish List" for the Marian Center

Wooden Clock with Big Numbers
Hutch for Dining Room on 2nd Floor
Donations of Art Work for the 2nd Floor Hallways
   If you would like to donate any of the above items or make any other type of donation, please call Marcy Koren at (651) 771-2914. You can also come by the Marian Center at 200 Earl Street, Saint Paul.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Marian Center

Church Escort 
To help assist residents to and from the chapel
Pets Visits
Bring a dog or cat to visit with the residents
1:1 Companion
Visit, read or write letters for residents
Music/Entertainer
Play the piano, organ or any musical instrument for residents’ enjoyment
Dining Room Assistance
To help pass trays, help with feeding those that need assistance, clean tables, or be a campanion.
   Volunteering can be very rewarding and open opportunites to you that you never dreamed of. If you are interested in joining our wonderful team of volunteers, please call Robert E Johnstone at (651) 771-2914 and say, "I would like to volunteer!"

Mounds Theater Update - Construction Moving Ahead Slowly But Surely

   The Mounds Theater renovation project is moving ahead slowly but surely.  Over the past few months it has consisted of nearly equal parts of demolition and construction.
   The most noticeable accomplishment was the installation of three large heating and air conditioning units on the theater’s roof in early August.  A tall crane was used to lift and correctly position them on the roof. 

Photo by Fred Kaphingst  Workers use a crane to lift one of three heater/air conditioner units to the roof top of the Mounds Theatre.

   Almost all of the other work was done on the inside of the building. 
   The old air conditioning ducts were dismantled, along with the boiler in the basement and associated steam pipes and radiators.  New ductwork was installed that connects to the rooftop units. It will supply both heating and cooling throughout the theater.
   What remained of the old plumbing system was removed.  New sewer and water pipes were installed in its place.  To accomplish this job, large portions of the concrete floors in the lobby and auditorium were broken up and hauled away.  New concrete floors should be poured by the time you read this.
   The ancient electrical system, which consisted of at least three generations of wiring and every type of fuse imaginable, was finally laid to rest.  It was replaced with a modern, 208 Volt, 3-phase, 800 Amp service that should easily supply the electrical needs of the theater for a long time to come.
   As part of the theater rewiring, new lighting is being installed throughout the building. The most noticeable portion of this task to date was the installation of ceiling lights in the auditorium and stage areas.
   Several smaller side projects yielded some interesting results.  The removal of the suspended plaster ceiling in the lobby revealed a domed ceiling above.  It was part of the original design of the theater and was hidden during the 1950 renovation. It was decided to repair this ceiling and incorporate it into the lobby décor.
   In the auditorium, the front openings of the organ pipe chambers on either side of the stage were finally removed for the first time since the theater was built in 1922. Although never used to house organ pipes, these chambers could still be used for that purpose.  A pipe organ is available for installation in the theater but the costs involved in doing so at this time are prohibitive.
   Finally, a small section of the orchestra pit under the stage was uncovered.  It was sealed over with cement in the 1930s but still exists intact under the floor. Eventually the entire orchestra pit will be opened up and used for storage under the new stage.
   The Mounds Theater renovation project is scheduled for completion before the end of the year. Visit www.theportage.org/theater.htm for photos and regular updates on the project’s progress.

What Happened to the Dayton’s Bluff Urban Partnership?

   The Dayton’s Bluff Urban Partnership was formed in late 1996.  It consisted of representatives from the Dayton’s Bluff District Four Community Council, Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhood Association, and Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services, along with Metropolitan State University, Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary School and 3M. 
   The Partnership met bi-weekly for over a year and sponsored two community events to report to the neighborhood on what they were doing and to receive input from its residents.
   At the end of that time a report was to be written and distributed to members of the Dayton’s Bluff community, elected officials, various government groups, foundations, lenders, future potential collaborators and other interested parties.
   So what really happened?  Was this just another group that held meetings, got neighborhood residents all excited and then disappeared into the woodwork?  Or did something concrete result from this Partnership?
   The mission of the Partnership was to “seek to build strong relationships, create common goals and priorities, speak with a unified voice on issues of common concern, and identify human, technical, and financial resources to implement neighborhood initiated plans that will ensure a high and sustainable quality of life for Dayton's Bluff residents.” 
   Actually the Partnership accomplished much of this.  It just didn’t do a very good job of communicating that fact.
   Most of the groups involved in the Partnership had collaborated in various capacities in the past.  The formation of the Partnership renewed and formalized many of their previous working relationships. These still exist today.
   As some readers may remember, a large open house was held at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary on May 6, 1997.  There were cookies, beverages, gift packs from 3M and some lively and interesting discussions about what residents thought our neighborhood needed. A follow-up presentation and solicitation of comments occurred at an open house at the school on November 24.
   Both of these events were very productive. Many of the ideas brought up at these gatherings were incorporated into the Partnership’s framework for building a better neighborhood.  These included everything from creating more green space to traffic concerns; from improving schools to providing more and better housing; from developing various neighborhood nodes to creating jobs for local residents.
   Some of Partnership’s goals, such as helping to procure a library for Metropolitan State University, have already been achieved.  Other goals will take much longer. When the Community Council created its long-term strategic plan, many of its goals were the same as the Partnership’s.  All of the groups involved in the Partnership, as well as other organizations, are pursuing many of the tasks identified by the Partnership.
   The major failure of the Dayton’s Bluff Urban Partnership was in the manner it reported its findings and plans.  A final report was due out in 1998.  For a variety of reasons it didn’t get printed until mid 2001 and then received minimal publicity and circulation. 
   Their Working Paper, as it is called, can now be viewed in its entirety on the Dayton’s Bluff website.

A Message from the President at the Start of Metropolitan State's 31st Year
By Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D.
President, Metropolitan State University

   This month marks the beginning of Metropolitan State University’s 31st year of service to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and ten years that we have been privileged to call Dayton’s Bluff our Saint Paul campus home. 
   As those who drive on East Seventh Street know, this year also will bring the most significant physical development since this campus was created on the old St. John’s Hospital site—the start of construction on our long-awaited Library and Information Access Center. This university library, which will enrich the local economy by better equipping our students to begin or improve their careers, will also contribute directly to the community through a branch of the Saint Paul Public Library that will be housed in the same building. 

The new Metropolitan State Library and Information Access Center will be connected to  the St. Paul campus' New Main building by a skyway over 7th St.

   This Saint Paul library branch will focus on providing neighborhood children and students with a safe place to study and read for fun. It will enrich families with opportunities like literacy programs and access to the Internet. Combining a university library with a city library branch is an unusual approach, but it grows out of Metropolitan State’s thirty-year-old commitment to civic engagement and giving back to our community. 
   As our library begins to grow this month, our enrollments continue to grow steadily every semester. While having 5%-6% more students each semester keeps us on our toes to provide high-quality instruction on an ever-increasing scale, we are deeply gratified to be able to offer opportunity and life-enhancement to more of the area’s citizens every year. 
   In spite of the difficulties in the larger economy and in the state’s budget, our commitment to keeping opportunity affordable for working adults prompted Metropolitan State last spring to propose the smallest tuition increase of any public university in Minnesota. 
   On September 12th we were privileged to host “Participate Minnesota,” a federally sponsored forum on civic engagement and participatory democracy organized by the state university students’ association. In that spirit of grass-roots involvement, we look forward to the upcoming general election and urge all Dayton’s Bluff residents to register and vote. In the tradition of Saint Paul’s East Side, there’s no such thing as an “off-year” election—they’re all vitally important! 

Metropolitan State University Hosts Domestic Violence Survivor Hedda Nussbaum

   Metropolitan State University hosts Hedda Nussbaum, America’s most well known survivor of domestic violence, on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Nussbaum, a battered woman and the victim of domestic violence for many years, reluctantly became a household name 15 years ago when her partner, Joel Steinberg, then a successful lawyer, beat their young daughter to death.  Although the lethal blows were struck Nov. 1, 1987, Steinberg and Nussbaum waited 12 hours before seeking medical help; six-year-old Lisa died three days later from severe brain injuries.
   Nussbaum’s face, shattered and scarred after years of physical abuse, was splashed across newspaper and magazine covers.  Formerly a children’s book editor at Random House, she was found to have been so completely incapacitated both physically and emotionally that the New York District Attorney found it impossible to pursue charges against her.
   The Lisa Steinberg case, which shocked New York and the nation, has sparked historic reforms in state child protection laws. When Nussbaum took the stand during the 1989 trial, for the first time in New York City history, TV stations carried her testimony live. Steinberg was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 1989 and is eligible for release in 2004.
   Nussbaum, after a year in a psychiatric hospital, has begun to put the pieces of her life back together.  Now working with a New York-based community organization that offers support, survival skills and decision-making tools for abused women, she is able to speak out and tell her own story of domestic violence and the torture she endured, in the hope of shedding some light on this despicable crime.  Her story illustrates that domestic violence can and does happen in any kind of home.
   Nussbaum will speak at two free presentations on Oct. 16—one at 11 a.m. and another at   7 p.m.  Both sessions are on Metropolitan State’s Saint Paul Campus, 700 East Seventh Street, Founders Hall, Auditorium.  There will also be a Silent Witness display and a Women in Black vigil in the evening. Although Nussbaum’s presentations are free and open to everyone, pre-registration by Oct. 7 is required.  Check-in starts at 10:30 a.m. for the morning presentation and at 6:30 p.m. for the evening session.
   Hear the inspiring story of Hedda Nussbaum, a woman who lived through extreme domestic violence.  Learn how the community—–her employer, law enforcement, child protection, family, friends, and others—–both helped and failed to help in her struggle to stay alive

Details:
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2002
Where: Founders Hall, Auditorium, 700 East Seventh St.
11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. (First Presentation)
· Public Address; Questions and Answers
12:30 — 1:30 p.m.*
· Advocates will be available to offer individual support and information to those with current or past experience with abuse
· Legal advocacy/community resources information and discussion session to assist students, staff, employees, and members of the public
· Breakout discussion for employers and those involved with systems responses to domestic violence
* Light refreshments provided
6:30 — 7 p.m.
· “Women in Black Vigil” outside Founders Hall; all welcome.
7 — 8:30 p.m. (Second Presentation)
· Public Address; Questions and Answers

   Free Admission (donations for scholarship fund welcomed).  Parking $1.50.  Advance reservations required by October 7 due to limited seating. Call Dianne Hubbell at 651.772.7582.
   This event will be sign language interpreted; facilities are wheelchair accessible.  For other reasonable accommodations, contact 651.772.7819 or 651.772.7687 (TTY).
   Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Metropolitan State University (Saint Paul Campus) Auditorium in Founders Hall (700 E. Seventh Street) located at the corner of E. 7th St. and Maria Ave. on the East Side.  Directions and maps at:  http://www.metrostate.edu/facilities/.
   This event is sponsored by: Metropolitan State University Women’s Services Program; Student Affairs Division; GLBT Student Support Services; Office of Student Life and Leadership Development; Metropolitan State University Foundation; Community Violence Prevention Institute; and the Minnesota Corporate Citizenship Initiative.

Land of Oz at the Marian Center

   Bring the kids dressed in Halloween costumes to a safe place for a fun-filled evening, featuring our very own "Land of Oz", at the Marian Center. They will meet the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion and all the other characters from the Wizard of Oz. The children will follow the yellow brick road ... and who knows who will be around the corner.

Marian Center elders will be passing out Trick or Treats Oct. 30 as they participate in a fun-filled and safe evening for children in the "Land of Oz."

   Our elders will be passing out the Trick or Treats throughout the evening, making it fun for all. The smiles and expressions on the faces from the youngest kids to the eldest elders are priceless as they all experience this enchanted and mystical evening. If you stopped by last year, you know what a wonderful time your children had.
When: Wednesday Oct. 30, 2002
Where: Marian Center at 200 Earl St., St. Paul
Time: 6:00PM to 7:30PM
Admission: Free with a canned good item for our local food shelf at Merrick Community Services on Hudson Road. 
   No one over 12 years old will be allowed to Trick or Treat.
If you would like to donate wrapped candy or volunteer and help set up the props for this event, please contact Robert Johnstone at (651) 771-2914. Thank you in advance!

Meet with Police

   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 on the third Friday of each month at 9:30 am and on the preceding Thursday at 6:30 pm.
   Please join your neighbors and the police at either the Thursday evening or Friday morning meeting. 

The meeting schedule for the remainder of 2002 is:
October: Thursday, October 17 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, October 18 at 9:30 am
November: Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, November 15 at 9:30 am
December: Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 pm and on Friday, December 20 at 9:30 am

Dayton’s Bluff Memories and Musings
By Steve Trimble

   There is no theme for this month’s column, just bits and pieces of things I found here and there. If you do have something you’d like to know about Dayton’s Bluff history please call, write or e-mail the paper and I’ll try to see if I can come up with answers. 
   In our “nothing is really new” category, reducing city services is nothing new.  In January 1928 the East Side Journal reported that various libraries would be curtailing services and that some East Side sites were affected.  Head of the system Webster Wheelock said the action was “unavoidable due to the slash which was made in library funds.”
   The Arlington branch, remember a few years ago when it faced shut down, would start to close at 8:00 rather than the current 9:00. The station maintained at the City Railway Shops at Duluth and East Seventh “will be discontinued entirely.”  I never realized there had been such a branch. Do any of our readers remember it? 
   The Margaret Recreation Center branch was heavily used and would stay open with regular hours. The Highwood station that was slated to close would be kept open because Highwood residents agreed to staff it for free. A good example of community involvement. I wonder if it could happen today?
   Fall is harvest time and many Dayton’s Bluff gardeners are looking proudly at their backyard produce. Interestingly, a 1920’s paper reported that growers from Dayton’s Bluff, clearly an urban area, won several prizes in the potato exhibition at the Tri-County Corn, Potato and Food Show. While a White Bear grower took top spot, the next three prizes were won by Dayton’s Bluff residents Edward Heckroth, Paul Gaebe and Ben Gaebe. 
   The event, sponsored by the Ramsey County extension Service was held at the University of Minnesota farm campus. In another article, the Extension program announced that they would be starting a garden and flower club for East Side children. Do you think we should start awarding neighborhood prizes for best produce?
   Fall is also the time to get out to see the changing tree colors. People take long walks or get their family into the car for a trip. A 1938 equivalent of an infomercial found in a local paper had a suggestion that when motorists were ready to “take to the road on pleasure trips, auto radios become almost a necessity.” They will “greatly insure a pleasurable trip to those who enjoy tuning in on certain radio stations to hear favorite programs of music and news.”
   It depends. Those readers who have raised teenagers may not agree that over-the-road battles on what kind of music to tune into adds its own kind of flavor to the family trip experience. Incidentally, the paper added that Tower Radio and Appliance, which had recently moved to 834 E. 7th, was displaying the newest Motorola Automatic radios. 
   Here are a few old news items about local landmarks. Two of them are still around but one has been long gone, but may be remembered by some area residents.  Your comments would be appreciated.
   In January 1915, the East Side Leader reported that state Senator Dunn of the Dayton’s Bluff area asked the City Council to push legislation for a state appropriation providing that part of the current fish hatchery tract be procured “for the nucleus of a municipal forest for St. Paul.”  He explained that the city had earlier given the state 200 acres for a fish hatchery but they had not really needed all of the land.  The 80 acres that had been procured to protect the springs was hilly and “would make an ideal forest,” Dunn said. 
   While most people probably think of the area across Burns Ave. from today’s Obb’s Bar as just part of Mounds Park, much of it is officially a city municipal forest. The Legislature and the Council working together to add to the city park system - not a bad idea. Maybe today they can see their way to adding the small tract of land at Plum and Mounds Boulevard to the system rather than peddling it off to developers. It would be a chance to have a beautiful gateway into Mounds Park. Readers?
   The Carver’s Cave area made the local news around the same time. An East Side paper said that along with the land on the bluff above, “the cave was now in the possession of the Park Department” and is “securely locked and in good shape. The keys are in the hands of the Park Department.”  They had great plans for the historic site and felt that some day “the cave will be made one of the city’s attractions.” 
   The area on the bluff is now part of Mounds Park and has a plaque describing the area’s historic significance, but the Cave itself is neglected except by the occasional area youth whose parents aren’t keeping track of them.  It was certainly more securely locked up eighty years ago than it is today. But then, that’s just part of my musings. 
   Slightly larger than this summer’s Moundstock: 10,000 spectators were on hand for the January 1925 opening of the new municipal ski slide located near Johnson Parkway and Burns Avenue. It had been an expensive project, but many St. Paul lumber companies had donated material for the slide to help out.  Who said that public-private partnerships were a new idea?
   According to the paper, “dedication ceremonies were under the auspices of the St. Paul Ski Club and much excitement was manifest as the different events took place and when the high jumps were made.” In February the inter-city ski meet was going to be held at the new ski facility and East Side resident Ray Solie would be a strong competitor. The ski slide would eventually move to the Battle Creek area. It is long gone, but if you look closely as you head south of Upper Afton on Winthrop, you can still see a small sign that points to where it once was. 

Calling All Artists

   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is putting together an Arts and Culture Directory for the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. It will include names and contact information for artists living or working in or near Dayton’s Bluff.  The finished directory will be available in both printed and online versions.
   “Artist” is being defined here in the broadest sense of the word.  It includes painters, sculptors, pottery makers, actors, singers, musicians, magicians, comedians, photographers, movie/video makers, acrobats, jugglers, ventriloquists, writers, poets, glass blowers and candlestick makers.
   If we’ve forgotten something or if you don’t fit into one of these categories, make up one of your own.  We are being very liberal about the arts. Both amateurs and professionals will be listed.
   A second part of the directory will include arts related organizations.  These can include singing groups, dance troupes, rock bands, theater groups, church choirs and barbershop quartets. Once again, if your organization doesn’t fit, don’t quit.  Make up a new category.
   A final section of the directory will list facilities where arts and cultural activities can be held.  These might include theaters, parks, school gyms (with or without a stage), church halls or any other large room, parking lot or cave. They can be available on a free or rental basis.
   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.  Be prepared with all relevant information.

Great American History Theatre presents Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II
True stories of everyday Americans from Pearl Harbor to the Japanese surrender

Event:  Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II
When:  September 28, 2002 - November 2, 2002
Where:  Great American History Theatre, 30 E. 10th Street, Saint Paul 
Tickets:  $25-$27/general
Box Office: Call (651) 292-4323; info@historytheatre.com
                   Group Sales (groups of 12 or more), call (651) 292-4320

   The Great American History announces the opening of Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II, a moving collection of true stories of everyday Americans that honor the bravery and achievements of the World War II generation on Saturday, September 28, 8:00 p.m. 
   Written by multiple playwrights based on an idea by Ron Peluso with dramaturgy by Bob Beverage and James Cada, Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II features a dynamic collection of more than 20 playlets that convey a valuable understanding of the sacrifices made by this generation that changed the face of the 20th Century.  From Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Bulge to the atomic bomb and the Japanese surrender, this new original play from the Great American History Theatre offers a few of the true stories which galvanized this nation in a way it never had been before or has been since.
   Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II offers an insider’s view into the exit of life-as-usual to extraordinary opportunities for women and African Americans.  These dramatic stories -- of cruelty, and hatred, courage and sacrifice, terror and suspense have been gathered from local playwrights (Mary Jane LaVigne, Janet Allard, Christopher Kidder, Brian A. Grandison, Ann Schulman, Lily Baber Coyle, William Randall Beard, Sara Dejoras, Vince Delaney, Gary Heibert, Michael Brody, Jim Cada, Jeannine Coulombe, Michael Peroz, Jerry Seifert, Jenna Zark) and national playwrights (Robert Brophy, Jane Cox, P. Paullette MacDougal), as well as veterans and their families.
   Set in the United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim during early to mid-1940s, Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II promises to deliver tales of courage, friendship and love. From an unlikely exchange: a portrait for a cigarette (Picture.Cigarette.) to uncovering the truth by using America’s past-time for the right password (Double Play), these true stories are explored through monologues, song and vignettes that unified the “sleeping giant” in what felt like a clear struggle between good and evil. 
   Last spring and summer, the History Theatre’s blockbuster hit, Sisters of Swing, a musical tribute to the Andrews Sisters touched the hearts and souls of “the greatest generation.” This fall, the History Theatre will revisit that era with Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II. “Sisters of Swing reminded us of the most turbulent time of the 20th Century and at the same time brought to life the story of the most beloved female trio of all time...those girls from Minneapolis,” Peluso said. 
   Over a year ago, Peluso put out a call for 10-minute plays about the World War II experience. Peluso received over 100 entries from around the country. “My hope was to tell the untold stories, not the famous but those of the everyday men and women whose lives were touched by this world-wide conflict.”
“It has been my great honor to meet a number of men and women of this greatest generation during the creation of this play. In the process, I have gained new insight into the war and a greater admiration of the sacrifices made by these veterans and their families.”
   One such inspiration for Peluso was his father, John A. Peluso, who was a World War II veteran.  “He talked about the war every day of his life. He had seen 365 days of combat over four years and according to him, his life afterwards was ‘all gravy,’ his family, his work, the good times and the bad, one beautiful gift. Last January as my father was laid to rest I suddenly realized that those stories would now live only in our family’s memory.”
   “Open yourself up to all the drama, passion, and human emotion that was World War II,” Peluso said.  “When you join us for this dynamic collection of stories, you, too, will be touched by the countless fascinating stories that bring to life that time in American history when ‘V’ stood for ‘Victory.’ This play is sure to inspire grandparents and parents to pass on their own stories.”
   To accurately represent this era, Costume Designer Jeannie Galioto worked closely with Doug Bekke, Historian & Curator of Minnesota Military Museum at Ft. Ripley. Bekke is one of the organizers of the World War II History Round Table, which meets each month at the Minnesota Historical Society’s Fort Snelling.  “It’s been an intimidating process but I have learned so much. These veterans are so passionate and it’s been great to work with them to get the little details right,” Galioto said. 
   The cast of Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II features Cathleen Fuller, Christopher Gabriel, Brian Goranson, Gus Lynch, Jeany Park, Andre Samples, Sandra Struthers (The Gangster Musical), Eric “Pogi” Sumangil, James Young (Summer in the Shadows, The Fierce Clockwork of Destiny), Steven B. Young (Meet Me at the Fair, In Coya’s House). 
   For individual tickets to the production of Under the Stars & Stripes: Stories of World War II contact the box office at 651-292-4323 or email info@historytheatre.com. For groups of 12 or more, please contact Linda Berglund, Group Sales Manager at 651-292-4320 or email her at lberglund@historytheatre.com.
   The Great American History Theatre is a nonprofit, professional theatre in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, devoted to creating and producing plays about Minnesota, the Midwest and the diverse American experience. The Theatre also is committed to works about our diverse community, and History Theatre productions have embraced both diverse cultures and people whose diversity stems from disability, religion or life experience. For more information about the History Theatre’s 2002-2003 25th Anniversary season, contact the box office at (651) 292-4323 or check the History Theatre’s website at www.historytheatre.com.

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 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. 

My Summer Vacation in Sturgis
By an anonymous person 

   To some of us August means National Night Out, birthdays, anniversaries, and the State Fair. Now for me it also means Sturgis. During the first week in August over 450,000 people and their motorcycles descend on the small Black Hills town of Sturgis, South Dakota. The event, in its 62nd year, is called the Sturgis Rally or by Black Hills locals, Bike Week. The rally draws people from all over the world. Some people ride their motorcycles to Sturgis; others trailer their bikes out. This is the first year we attended the Sturgis Rally.
   South Dakota is my home state. Our last trip to the Black Hills in 1998 started the day after the Rally ended. When we scheduled the trip the lady at our motel said we would have a room as long as the bikers were gone.  The bikers were gone when we got there but this made me wonder who the bikers are that go to Sturgis. We did see lots of motorcycles in the Black Hills on that trip.
   When we got back to Saint Paul from that trip a number of fellow motorcyclists told us about the incredible time they have attending the Sturgis Rally each year. We have a motorcycle, so we decided to go this year.
   Our schedules only allowed us to attend the last few days of the Rally. Some people stay for the entire Rally, some longer, and some for only part of it. On our way to the Black Hills on I-90 from I-35 here in Minnesota to a large traffic jam just west of Wall, South Dakota we counted 5,553 motorcycles that were visible (not in enclosed trailers) heading east from the Black Hills. We were wondering if there were any motorcycles left in Sturgis.
   Some of the towns we stopped in like Wall, Keystone, Hill City, and Deadwood were full of motorcycles. Sturgis was bursting with cycles. Biking in the Black Hills is incredible. The roads and scenery is beautiful. We had a great time.
   Bikers at Sturgis included CEOs, teachers, police officers, computer experts, factory workers, and just about any other profession that exists. Many women were riding their own motorcycles. Some people were in costume, some were scantly dressed, and some wore their leathers. Couples, groups of guys or gals, families, and people of all ages and races were at Sturgis.
Information from the Sturgis Rally Newsletter:
   This year had an estimated attendance of 450,000. 534,510 tons of garbage was hauled away. 110 marriage licenses and around 900 vendor licenses were issued.  There were eight Rally-related deaths. 
   Crazy Horse Monument doubled their parking lot size, and still ran out of room! Mt Rushmore set all new attendance records too. 
   Trooper Phil Story observed a bullet-like streak of a motorcycle on I-90 in the heavy Rally traffic. He was unable to get a radar speed reading. As the Suzuki turned around, he caught a glimpse of it going north at exit 177. Trooper Story blocked the gravel road as the Suzuki headed back to I-90. The rider stopped and right away admitted to going 160 mph. After some interrogation, he admitted to having the speedometer buried at 180 mph. He was a mechanic from O'Hara Airport and had left Chicago that morning, traveling at 100 mph the whole way. He saw a straight stretch and opened it up. Last year he took a Harley to the Rally, but decided to take something faster this year. 
   Rain... more rain... and even more rain. The Black Hills really needs every drop it can get. Incredibly, and to the credit of the bikers, the complaining was almost nil! The rain caused Deadwood, a town near Sturgis, to have a large mudslide during the Rally. The rain is needed; currently fire fighters are battling a large fire just South of Rapid City - the Battle Creek fire. See http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/wildfire/.
   Sturgis has a wonderful Motorcycle Museum. You can learn more about the museum at http://www.SturgisMotorcycleMuseum.org.
   There are a LOT of pictures online from this rally, over 2000 of them sent in by attendees already!  Check http://www.Sturgis.com/2002pics. 
   For more information about the Sturgis Rally check out www.Sturgis-Rally.com or http://www.Sturgis.com. Next year’s rally runs from August 4 to 10, 2003.
   So that was my summer vacation. I hope other Sturgis attendees will share their experiences with us. Please fax them to 651-774-3510 or email to KarinDD@msn.com

Cooking in the Bluff
By Shiela Johnstone

Lasagna with Italian Sausage

Ingredients: 
12 lasagna noodles (about 12-ounces), cooked according to package directions 
1 (16-ounce) container ricotta cheese 
2/3 cup plus 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese 
1 large egg 
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley, or 1 tablespoon dried 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
Freshly ground black pepper to taste 
5 cups grated mozzarella cheese 

Sauce: 
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves 
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds, crushed 
1 large bay leaf 
1 pound hot or mild Italian sausages, casings removed 
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1 medium onion, chopped 
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped 
6 to 8 garlic cloves, finely minced 
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste 
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with puree 
1 cup water 
1 tablespoon brown sugar 
1 teaspoon salt 
Freshly ground black pepper to taste 

Prepare sauce first:
1) In small bowl combine the basil leaves, oregano leaves, anise seeds and bay leaf; and set aside.
2) In a large cooking pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat; drain excess fat.
3) Push sausage to one side of saucepan, pour olive oil in cleared area. Over medium heat, add the reserved spice mixture, cooking and stirring for 30 seconds.  Then combine with the sausage.
4) Add onion, carrot and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. 
5) Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

To Assemble Lasagna:
1. Preheat oven to 350oF (175oC). 
2. Combine ricotta and 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese in medium bowl. Add egg, parsley, salt and pepper, mixing well. 
3. Spread 1/2-cup sauce over bottom of 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Place 4 noodles over sauce, overlapping to fit, if needed. Drop by spoonfuls (do not spread) half of ricotta cheese mixture evenly over noodles. Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella cheese evenly over ricotta cheese mixture. Ladle about 2 cups sauce over mozzarella cheese. Repeat same procedure with second layer. Top with last four noodles and the remaining sauce. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over lasagna. 
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes; uncover and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more or until hot and bubbly. 
5. Allow lasagna to stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories 776
Protein 38.3g
Total Fat 53.5g 
Sodium 1649mg 
Cholesterol 159mg 
Carbohydrates 36.2g 
Fiber 2.8g 

Caesar Salad

Ingredients:
1 head romaine lettuce 
2 cups croutons, divided 
6 cloves garlic, minced 
1 tablespoon prepared Dijon-style mustard 
1 lemon, juiced 
1 dash Worcestershire sauce 
1/2 cup olive oil 
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: 
1) Clean and chop lettuce, set aside. 
2) Crush 5 or 6 of the croutons in a deep mixing bowl. Add the garlic, mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Blend thoroughly in a mixer and slowly add olive oil until creamy.
3) Pour dressing over the lettuce, add Parmesan cheese, remaining croutons, toss and enjoy. 

Nutrition at a glance: 
Calories 258
Protein 4.4g 
Total Fat 22.1g
Sodium 274mg 
Cholesterol 3mg 
Carbohydrates 14.4g
Fiber 1.9g 

   If you have comments, suggestions, a special recipe that you would like to share, or you are looking for a special recipe, feel free to contact me through the Dayton's Bluff District Forum.
Write to:
Shiela Johnstone
Dayton's Bluff District Forum
P.O. Box 600511
St. Paul, MN 55106
Email:  shiela2@qwest.net (new email address)

Marian of Saint Paul Opens Doors to New Section in Less than 7 Months
By Vicki M. Tobroxen
Director of Senior Housing Development HealthEast

   We appreciate the opportunity we have had to meet with parties interested in the new senior housing.  Most of them are from the East Side of St. Paul – born, raised, worked and/or lived in the area.  About half of them have ties to the old Mounds Park Hospital – former employees, patients, or volunteers. 
   They are mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sisters and brothers.  Some worked as engineers, healthcare workers, factory workers, and business folks, while others were ministers, homemakers or teachers.  Some have traveled abroad and saw the world, while others stayed close to home.  Everyone has a story to tell and it has been a pleasure visiting with you. 

Photo by Greg Cosimini  Construction continues at Marian Center in preparation for a spring 2003 opening.

Recycling Days for Dayton's Bluff

   Blue plastic recycling bins and lawn signs are available at 798 E. 7th St. If you have a neighbor who does not recycle, talk to them about it. 
   Recycling can reduce your trash by at least 40%.  We are working to increase recycling in Dayton's Bluff.
   All recycling days in Dayton's Bluff are on Tuesday.  Recycling should be on the curb by 7:00 a.m. If you have any questions call 651-772-2075.
   The remaining recycling dates for 2002 are:
October: 8, 22
November: 5, 19
December: 3, 17, 31