The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Annual Meeting and Election will be held on Monday, October 20, 2003. Come for the Pot Luck Supper, bring a dish to share, and stay for the annual meeting. Find out what the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is all about and have supper at the same time.
   Some of the activities the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council has been involved in this past year include, Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Clean Up, Block Club Clean Ups, Block Clubs, National Night Out, Dayton’s Bluff Elementary School Spring Carnival, Dayton’s Bluff Greenspace Summit and plant swap, Greening Dayton’s Bluff, Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Home Tour, Arts and Culture Committee, Greenspace Committee, litter and trash pick up on East 7th Street, in the parks, and on some residential streets, a number of Land Use issues, and many others.
   This year, the Housing Alliance Law Office (HALO), a program to help tenants, landlords, and homeowners with legal issues, moved into our offices. For more information call 651-771-9323.
   The Pot Luck will be held between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. The annual meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. where the results of the election will be announced.

2003 Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors 
Candidates

   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors totals 18 members of which 16 represent four sub-districts (see map below) and two are At-Large positions.  Sub-districts Representatives must be residents of that particular sub-district while the At-Large Director can be either a resident of Dayton’s Bluff, a business owner, or even the manager of a local business or organization.
   All of the current Board openings are for two (2) year terms.  Following is a list of this year’s candidates and the information they provided about themselves.

At Large Candidate
Christine Geurts
   Christine is currently on the Board, serving on the finance committee.  Past Board work included serving on committees for: executive director search, MAC St. Paul airport noise issues, strategic planning, Dayton’s Bluff Elementary review, and East 7th Street design planning.  Christine currently resides on the 600 block of North St.  She is self-employed as an independent contractor/realtor.  She believes some of the challenges facing the Dayton’s Bluff Community are: Developers are anxious to take advantage of affordable property for sale but are not willing to work with community groups to assure new building that will compliment the neighborhood’s historic beauty and residents don’t participate in community planning until they disagree with an individual issue.

Sub District A
Jonathan Bucki
   Jonathan is currently a Community Council Board member.  He has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 4 years and currently resides on the 1100 block of Bush Ave.  Jonathan has a B.A. from St. Olaf College, many training skills and certifications, and is a consultant for the Center for Policy, Planning, and Performance.  Jonathan believes some of the challenges facing the Dayton’s Bluff Community are: Bias, poverty, and capacity for multi-cultural engagement.  While serving on the Board he would like to accomplish the following tasks:  Increase Board capacity for fundraising and strategic thinking; increase organization capacity for community building.

Sub District B
Kristine Butler Karlson
   Kristine is currently a Community Council Board member.  She has only lived in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood for little more than a year and currently resides on the 700 block of Fourth St.  Kristine has a Ph.D. in French from the University of Minnesota and is a professor at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  She believes some of the challenges facing the Dayton’s Bluff Community are:  Absentee landlords, drugs, and community participation in improving the neighborhood.  While serving on the Board she would like to accomplish the following tasks:  Improve greenspace, reduce trash on the streets, improve diverse community relationships, and reduce absentee landlord ownership of property.

Sharon McCrea
   Sharon is currently a Community Council Board member.  She has been on the Board for five years and has lived in the neighborhood for 9 years.  She currently resides on the 800 block of Wilson Ave.  Sharon is a high school graduate and is self-employed as a childcare provider.  She believes some of the challenges facing the Dayton’s Bluff Community are:  Placement of multi-status housing, affordable housing, and jobs.  While serving on Board she would like to accomplish the following tasks:  Getting kids off the streets, after-school programs, movie houses, game rooms, and art classes for kids.

Sub District C
Chee Vang:
   Chee just recently joined Community Council Board.  She has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for 14 years and currently resides on the 400 block of Forest St.  Chee is a high school graduate and is a teacher assistant at Frost Lake Elementary.  While serving on the Board she would like to help improve the neighborhood and provide educational resources for the community.

Carrie Dimmick
   Carrie is current Board secretary.  She has lived in Dayton’s Bluff her entire life and currently resides on the 1200 block of Fremont Ave.  Carrie attended Battle Creek Elementary and Junior High, Harding High School and has a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She is working for the US Postal Service at the Airport.  She believes some of the challenges facing the Dayton’s Bluff Community are:  Transits, rental degradation, pollution, abandoned buildings, and storefronts.  While serving on board she would like to make the Eastside a desirable, safe, and clean place to live.

Sub District D
Barry White
   Barry is the current Board vice president and chair of the Arts and Culture Committee.  He has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for five years and currently resides on the 900 block of Burns Ave.  Barry is self-employed as a video producer.

Jacob Dorer
   Jacob is currently a Community Council Board member.  He has lived in Dayton’s Bluff for nearly three years and currently resides on the 900 block of McLean Ave.  Jacob has a B.A. from Gustavus College and is a desktop/LAN consultant for Macalester College.  He believes some of the challenges facing the Dayton’s Bluff Community are: Preserving current lower density of housing, buckthorn removal and adequate fundraising.  While serving on the Board he would like to accomplish the following tasks: Develop more projects with the Greenspace Committee and move ahead with more community involvement.

Earl St. Bridge Finally Gone

This month’s heavy machinery picture features the demolition of the Earl Street Bridge over E. 7th St.  After being closed for nearly a year, it was demolished in September, five months later than originally planned.  The Viaduct Inn, usually hidden by the bridge, can be clearly seen in the background.  A new Earl Street  Bridge will open in 2004.     Photo by Greg Cosimini

Vote for Your Community Council Representative

   Come and vote for your Community Council representatives on Monday, October 20, 2003. Polls are open from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at 798 East 7th Street at the corner of 7th and Margaret.
   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.
   Absentee ballots may be requested. All requests for absentee ballots must be made at least ten (10) days prior to the election, in writing and signed by the voter. All absentee ballots shall be mailed by the Council at least seven (7) days before the election to the residence of the voter requesting the absentee ballot.
   Each ballot is accompanied by two envelopes prepared so that the larger is return addressed to the Election Overview Committee and marked so that the name, address, and signature of the voter should be written on the back of the envelope.
   The smaller envelope, which contains the ballot, should remain unmarked. Put the ballot in the smaller envelope, put the small envelope in the larger envelope with the Council’s address on it and return it. The unmarked small envelope will be put in the ballot box. 
   Absentee ballots must be received in the Community Council office at 798 E. 7th St. by October 20, 2003 before 7:00 p.m.

Grocery Give-Away

   A Grocery Give-Away will take place on Saturday, October 18 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 October 4 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. 

First Lutheran Church Fall Festival
463 Maria Ave. 
Saturday October 11, 2003 
10:00 - 3:00 p.m. 

   Everyone is invited to have a fun at First Lutheran Church.   Mark October 11 on your calendar!! 
   There will be games and prizes for the children. Crafters and vendors, such as, Pamper Chef, Watkins, Home Interiors, Tastefully Simple, Week-Enders and others will be selling their products. Our Bakery store will feature many homemade items including  breads, cookies and pies. 
   Our raffle drawings include a Stillwater Balloon ride, bike, gift items and many certificates from local restaurants. Maybe a Silent Auction is for you - Come and look over our Theme Baskets. There might be one for you! 
   Bring family and friends ... all are invited! 

Do You Want Tutoring for Your Child?

  The East Side Learning Center tutors students on a one-on-one basis to help them improve reading skills. 
   We tutor students in grades K- 4 who live on the East Side or attend school there and are below grade-level in reading. Classes are scheduled after school for one-hour sessions twice a week at Johnson Elementary School at 740 York Ave or Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00-9-00 a.m. at Trinity School at 835 E. 5th St. 
   The East Side Learning Center is a ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. We ask for a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee. No student is turned away due to this fee. Contact Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND at (651) 793-7331 for more information.

Two Dayton Bluff Youth Receive Governor’s Awards

   Two St. Paul youth from the Dayton’s Bluff area received Governor’s Awards August 19th for their outstanding performance with Tree Trust’s Youth Employment and Training Program this summer.  The awards to Lee Yang and Tony Yang were presented by Councilman Jerry Blakey at Tree Trust’s end-of-summer picnic at Hidden Falls Park.

Lee Yang and Tony Yang are presented with Governor’s Awards for their  hard work this summer. (L to r):  St. Paul City Councilman Jerry Blakey,  Lee Yang, Ruth Murphy and Tony Yang.

   The youth were chosen for the award by their crew leaders because of their hard work and leadership.  They have worked since July 1 on a series of environmental projects sponsored by the Community Design Center in the neighborhood.  Their projects included three rain gardens with 725 plants, removing buckthorn in Swede Hollow Park and constructing 4 large berms and planting 300 native plants in Hamm Park.
   “We are very proud of what the youth have accomplished over the summer,” Kirk Brown, President of Tree Trust, said.  “They faced many challenges, but they learned many new skills and became leaders of their crews.  In the process they have served the community by completing projects that will improve the environment and last for years to come.” 
   Tree Trust is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to improve the environment by investing in people.  Funding for this summer youth employment crew was provided by Ramsey County and the Community Design Center.  The St. Paul Parks Department provided materials and Tree Trust supplemented these funds with support from local businesses and foundations.

Walk to Fight Alzheimer's Disease at Memory Walk 2003 

   The Minnesota-Dakotas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association invites you to join us at Memory Walk 2003. Take one step and you improve the quality of life for a person with Alzheimer's disease. Take a second step and you improve the life of a family member or caregiver. Take a third step and you help the Alzheimer's Association provide greater support of our programs and services. 
   This year's Walk will be held October 4th at Como Park in St. Paul starting at 9:00 a.m. Funds raised will help the Alzheimer’s Association continue to provide support groups, educational classes, 24 hour Helpline and many other services to local families dealing with this devastating illness. 
   If you would like to walk, volunteer, become a Team Captain or want more information, call Tiffany Burrall at 952-857-0541 or Tiffany.Burall@alz.org. You can also, visit us online at www.alzmndak.org.

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary:Cleanup, Restoration and Cultural Resources Update

Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m.
Dayton's Bluff Community Council Office
798 East 7th Street

   This fall marks the launch of important environmental cleanup and wetland excavation work on the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary.   You can learn about, and provide input on, these exciting activities! 
   The meeting will include presentations from project consultants Ken Haberman of Landmark Environmental and Tony DeMars of Emmons and Olivier Resources.  Anne Ketz of the The 106 Group will also present the fascinating results of her research on the historic and cultural significance of the sanctuary and its caves.  For more information, contact Amy Middleton at 715 483-1414, email amiddle@centurytel.net or leave a message for the Lower Phalen Creek Project at 651 771-1152, ext. 132.

You Can Make a Difference —  Board Members Needed

   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council would like to have you on board, if you can attend two meetings per month, want to make a difference, and like to meet other people.
   Benefits serving as a board member for the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council: Voices and inputs count, opportunity to network with other great people from the neighborhood, opportunity to learn about neighborhood issues and run non-profit organization, and provide great reference for future opportunities.
   Criteria for serving as board member:  Must be at least 18 years old, live or own property or operate business in Dayton’s Bluff, care for the betterment of the neighborhood, and a great smile.
   Election for new board members is Monday, October 20, 2003.  The filing deadline is past but write-in candidates on the day of the election are allowed. If you are interested in coming on board or would like more information, please contact Mr. Nachee Lee, Executive Director, at 651-772-2075.  To learn more about the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council, please go to its website at www.daytonsbluff.org 

Koj thiaj li yuav pab tau.  Xav tau koj tuaj ua ib tug npauj.

   Lub koom haum Dayton’s Bluff Community Council xav tau koj kev pab yog tias koj muaj sij hawm tuaj sab laj ob zaug ib lub hli twg, muaj lub siab pab thiab xav ntsib lwm cov neeg.
   Kev zoo rau yus yog yus tau ua ib tug npauj. Yus tej tswv yim thiab kev pom zoo muaj nuj qhi, muaj sij hawm ntsib lwm cov neeg zoo nyob rau ntawm thaj chaw no thiab, muaj kev kawm txog tej teeb meem nyob ntawm lub zej zog los yog thaj chaw, kawm txog kev dhia koom haum, thiab yus kuj siv tau yus txoj kev pab no mus nriav dej num lawm yav tom ntej thiab.
   Kev xaiv tsa ua npauj no muaj xws li:  Yus yuav tsum muaj hnub yug 18 xyoo, nyob rau ntawm thaj chaw hu ua Dayton’s Bluff los yog muaj vaj muaj tsev los yog muaj lag luam nyob rau ntawm thaj chaw, muaj siab pab thiab txawj txog thaj chaw nyob, thiab yus yog ib tug neeg muaj cwj pwm zoo.
  Hnub xaiv tsa yog hnub Monday tim 20 lub 10 hli ntuj, xyoo 2003.  Yog koj xav tuaj ua ib tug npauj no, thov koj hu tuaj rau tus thawj tswj hu ua Nas Cib Lis, tus xov tooj yog 651-772-2075.  Yog koj xav paub txog ntxim lub koom haum cov dej num thov koj mus saib nws hauv Internet, www.daytonsbluff.org. 

Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Receives Grants

   The 3M Foundation and the Otto Bremer Foundation recently made grants to the Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council.
   The 3M Foundation, which has a company branch located in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, made a grant of $5,000 to support the Greenspace Program of Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council.  The goal of the Greenspace Program is to increase curb appeal and fight blight, reduce crime, foster better neighborhood relations in our diverse neighborhoods, create a network of business people, beautify the commercial corridors, improve the streetscapes, and to create a livable neighborhood.
   The Otto Bremer Foundation, located in downtown Saint Paul, made a three-year grant of $45,000 to the Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council to support its general operation and encourage participation from the Hmong and Latino communities in neighborhood issues and events.
   The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council is a community-based non-profit organization with the mission to advocate for the community, advise government, provide information, and undertake action to promote, cultivate, and set in motion conditions, programs, and ideas for the recreational, housing, educational, economic, and social needs for the betterment of the community.
   For more information, contact Nachee Lee, Executive Director, at 651-772-2075.  To learn more about the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council and its services , please visit www.daytonsbluff.org.

Dayton’s Bluff Memories and Musings
Historic Recipes and Helpful Hints

By Steve Trimble 
   I’m sure most of you have been waiting impatiently for the third and final installment in the Seventh Street story--I did receive a nice letter from someone who likes the local history articles. But it seemed that prolonging the suspense another month would make readers appreciate the material even more. And, because our recipe columnist may not be writing any more—we hope we can change her mind-I decided to do a history/cooking combo this issue.
   Well, actually (as an old acquaintance of mine used to say to the point of tedium), I didn’t have time to do the research needed to bring the Seventh Street Story up to the present day and did have all these cookbooks handy. 
   Why? In one of my lives, I am the founder, only staff member (unpaid) and librarian for the Minnesota Cookbook Archives, currently located at Metropolitan State University. Through garage sales, trips to thrift stores and—HINT, HINT—donations—I‘ve gathered around 2,300 cookbooks and recipe leaflets.
   Cookbooks are a wonderful, usually overlooked source of information on our state’s heritage.  They are filled with women’s history, the story of changing patterns of nutrition, ethnic food, church stories, business advertisements and a whole array of information that can help develop the story of our state’s heritage as expressed through food.

METHODIST MEALS
   Asbury Methodist Church, which recently dissolved, was one of the pioneer churches in the community, located at 815 Frank Street. It put out the Culinary Guide, which unfortunately is undated. So how do you know when it was printed? First, by the way it looks, how it is bound, the style, etc. suggests a 1920’s document.
   A careful look at the advertisements provides further hints. Drewery’s is promoting its line of soft drinks. Hamm’s mentions its ice company and not its beer. Both of these were breweries, so it looks like the book was created during prohibition—the twenties. If anyone who used to attend the church knows a more precise date of publication, we’d love to hear from you.

These are a few of the ads from local sponsors found in the Asbury Methodist Church Culinary Guide published in the 1920s.

   This cookbook is a treasure chest of local history. One page has a list of the members of the Ladies Aid Society-forty three were listed along with their addresses. About half of them had phone numbers. A student of local history could comment that almost everyone on the page lived within walking distance. 
   Here are a couple of recipes from the era. 

PARSNIP BALLS
   Mash and season boiled parsnips, remove from the fire and before it cools add one well-beaten egg. When cold make into balls about one half the size of an egg, dip into beaten egg, then into bread crumbs, fry a pale brown in boiling lard.

   People today rarely use parsnips, but before the days of electric refrigeration, root crops were much more common. Good luck finding lard at the local market. And, as seen below, you don’t have to just throw away your pumpkins this Halloween; maybe you can follow the directions below and make a tasty pastry. That way you can keep your outdated jack-o-lanterns out of the waste stream and maybe Ramsey County will lower your property taxes. Yea, like that’s going to happen!

PUMPKIN PIE
 2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup mashed pumpkin
1 1/4 cups milk

   Cream butter, add sugar, eggs and milk, then remainder of ingredients and mix swell. Bake in moderate oven 1 hour. Line pie tin with pastry and fill with above mixture.

RADIO RECIPES
   Today there are many television cooking shows, but in the past, radio ruled. As the new technology became common in 1920’s homes, networks left most daytime programming to local stations. They often filled the time with “radio homemakers” who came on the air offering recipes, household hints and general advice. According to many accounts by listeners, it was like having a friend coming to visit. It provided a welcome break in the endless chores around the house.  And, unlike TV, you could do others chores, such as mending while listening.
   There were national programs from Minnesota with Betty Crocker of General Mills and Mary Ellis Ames “Cooking Closeups” sponsored by Pillsbury. But many women also listened to local programs, including “The Neighbor Lady,” whose program was beamed out by powerful station WNAX in Iowa. They published an annual booklet, filled with recipes usually sent in by listeners, household hints and hundreds of small photos, also sent in by listeners.
   Two of the booklets have contributions from an East Sider. Mrs. Albert Korba, whose address was listed as Dayton’s Bluff Station, Route 2, contributed several recipes in two or three different Neighbor Lady books. The 1950 publication had the following information from our former area resident:

LEMON DESSERT
1/4 cup butter
3 eggs
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1 cup whipped cream
1 1/2 cups prepared wheat cereal
1 lemon, juice and rind

   Melt butter and brown sugar, cook on low heat to hard crust stage. When cool, pour over nuts and wheat cereal. Stir gently and let cool. Beat egg whites stiff with sugar, adding sugar gradually. Beat the egg yolks until lemon color, fold into the whites. Add whipped cream by folding in and last fold in the lemon juice and rind.
   Now, in a glass mold, crumble a layer of the cereal and nut mixture then add the creamed mixture.  Repeat till the mold is full with creamed mixture on top. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, put in refrigerator to chill.

MRS. KORBA’S HOUSEHOLD HINTS
…that to make meat tender put it in strong vinegar water for a few minutes.
…that lemon juice or vinegar in the water cauliflower is cooked in makes it keep its snowy white color.
….that a teaspoon of vinegar added to water in which eggs are poached keeps the whites from spreading and makes the whites cook over the yolk.
…that to improve the flavor of old potatoes, add a little sugar to the water in which they are boiled.
….that if you bury the yeast cake in salt, it will keep for some time.

   As part of my research, I called several Korbas in the phone book to try to find the family that was then on outer Hudson Road. When you’re doing local history, sometimes you have to call strangers. I was able to locate Mrs. Korba’s son, who still lives in the old family farmhouse, which now sports a Maplewood address. He confirmed that his mother loved to cook and regularly listened to the Neighbor Lady.

VENTO FAMILY VITTLES
   I realize that the old St. Ambrose Church was in Railroad Island, not Dayton’s Bluff, but there is a connection here. Bruce Vento represented the East Side and our community in Congress for many years, and did live in a Conway Avenue apartment for years. (Editor’s note: Father Thomas Pingatore, longtime pastor of St. Ambrose, is now pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church located at Fifth and Forest.  Many of his former parishioners are now members of St. John’s). Bruce’s grandmother made several contributions to Favorite Recipes from the Kitchens of St. Ambrose Parishioners, published in 1978. I think it’s fair to assume that Bruce enjoyed this very recipe:

PASTA WITH BEANS        Mrs. Vento 
1 lb. pea beans (or 2 to 3 cups cooked white beans)
1/2 cup oil
1 small can tomato paste
1 cup parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon pepper 
2 lg. onions, chopped
1 lb. Detalina or elbow macaroni, cooked
2 medium carrots, chopped
1/2 lb. bacon, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon oregano

   If dried beans are used, soak overnight in water to cover. Drain; simmer slowly
1 to 2 hours or until tender. Drain. If cooked beans are used, drain only. Combine parsley, garlic, onion, carrots, bacon, basil leaves and oregano; sauté in oil in large kettle until soft.
   Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer the mixture slowly, stirring for about ten minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  Add cooked beans; simmer slowly for 20-30 minutes. Add cooked pasta over 1/2 cup grated cheese. 

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.

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. 

   So there you have it, a combination history and food column. Hope you enjoyed it. I have a second article that would feature greater East Side cookbooks I could do next month. Or would you rather have the East Seventh finale? Hopefully our regular recipe column writer will decide to return. Send her a letter c/o the Forum.
   And remember, we are always looking for more old and new church, community, school, family, company and other cookbooks for the Minnesota Cookbook Archives. If you have any donations, I’m in the phone book. We’re also looking for photos of people cooking and eating. And, even though I’m not the Neighbor Lady, please feel free to send in recipes and household hints.

Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Activities: The Year in Review

By Karin DuPaul, Community Organizer

Greening Dayton’s Bluff 
   Greening Dayton’s Bluff has had a busy year. The focus of Greening Dayton’s Bluff is neighborhood beautification and community building.  To be involved all you have to do is register and participate in one or more of the following: Up-Front gardens (gardens in your front yard and/or boulevard), help get neighbors involved, community gardening projects, attend greening meetings, or go to gardening workshops, or participate in a plant swap.  Neighbors and business people will work together on beautification of our commercial areas also. Members are eligible to receive discounts on plants at a number of greenhouses and free plants for public spaces including boulevards.
   The year started off with two meetings to get input from the residents of Dayton’s Bluff.  Ideas that came out of the meetings included: workshops, garden tours and boulevard gardens.  We worked with the Dayton’s Bluff Greenspace Committee and held a Dayton’s Bluff Greenspace Summit and plant sell and swap.  We had a couple of workshops this year including: Critters in the Garden and Shade Gardening.  Boulevard planting popped up on East 7th Street this year.  Thank you for helping to beautify 7th Street.  Planters included, Kristine Johnson, Roger’s Printing Services, Community Design Center, AWP Meats and Grocery, State Farm office, John Trudeau Accounting and Burger King.
   We had two neighborhood garden tours this past summer. The first one was in the 654 Breech and Margaret Block Club area where there are many beautiful gardens. The second garden tour was in the Mounds Park neighborhood on National Night Out (August 5th). There were many outstanding gardens on that tour. A number of them had beautiful front yard gardens.
   Greening Dayton’s Bluff grew out of the code enforcement efforts that the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council has been promoting for the last few years.  We have a project, the Good Neighbor Code Enforcement Program, which works on cleaning up code issues in Dayton’s Bluff.  Now that we have been working at cleaning up Dayton’s Bluff, it’s time to beautify Dayton’s Bluff as well!

Clean Up Efforts are Successful
   The Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Clean Up was held on September 13th.  Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board members, residents, friends, and Reentry Services Sentence to Service played an important role in the success of the clean up.  Tons of trash and refuse left Dayton’s Bluff that day.  Some people found treasures in the Free Stuff reuse area.
   The weather was great for the clean up and all of the volunteers did an excellent job.  Volunteers included Cassandra Moe, Carla Riehle, Jean Comstock, Wayne Lundeen, Daryl Johnson, Julie Benick, Carrie Dimmick, Jacob Dorer, Al Clausen, Donovan Cummings, Dan Kadlac, Sharon McCrea, Dave Murphy, Ed Overmeyer-Kolb, Roger Schaefer, and a Sentence to Service crew.  John from Eureka Recycling was on hand to answer questions about recycling and their other programs.  If I missed anyone I am sorry and please let me know.  We appreciate everyone that helped.
   A number of local businesses supported our efforts by supplying food, beverages and services.  We would like to express our appreciation to Subway Sandwiches at East 7th Street and Willius, Holiday Gas Station at East 7th Street and Kittson, Byerly’s at 1959 Suburban, Culver’s at 2065 Old Hudson Road, and Holiday Gas Station at 1477 East Minnehaha. 
   Earlier this year we had mini clean ups in the Good Neighbor Code Enforcement areas in Dayton’s Bluff.  Throughout the year Sentence to Service crews have picked up trash and litter from the streets and parks here in Dayton’s Bluff.  All and all a lot of clean up activities have happened in Dayton’s Bluff this year.  We could not have done it without all of the help!

2003 National Night Out in Dayton’s Bluff
   All of the Dayton’s Bluff National Night Out events were very successful.  The cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments was outstanding.  Each event reports good conversations were going on and some neighbors met neighbors who they did not know before.  The kids liked the fire engine.  The motorcycles were a great hit again. 
   Our National Night Out events attracted officials including Governor Pawlenty, Mayor Kelly, Councilmember Lantry, Senator Mee Moua, Mike Hatch, and Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement Director Andy Dawkins. A neighborhood in the Mounds Park area had a Garden Tour as part of  its National Night Out event.  Events included kid’s games.  People are already talking about next year’s events.  For more information call Karin at 651-772-2075.

Hamm's Bear Visits Dayton's Bluff

The Hamm’s Bear, shown here with Dayton’s Bluff Community Organizer Karin DuPaul,  recently paid a visit to the old Hamm’s Brewery during a Hamm's Sky Blue Water Collector's Club Flea Market.  The Hamm’s Bear has been  in the middle of a controversy since the Collector’s Club proposed placing a monument to him in Como Park or some other city park.

Take Back Your Family Time Week

   Early Childhood Family Education Classes at Dayton's Bluff Achievement Plus School are participating in Take back Your Family Time Week, Oct. 20-24, 2003.
   Parents in Early Childhood Education Programs in the Twin Cities region and around the state have expressed great concern about the erosion of family time.  In fact, when parents in six school districts were asked about the main challenges facing families nowadays, time/life balance was their top concern.
      Moreover, recent national polls indicate that children want more time with their parents.  A 2000 national poll of teenagers that asked about their worries and concerns found that “not having enough time together with parents” tied for first (along with educational worries) as the chief concern. 
   The goals of Take Back Your Family Time Week include increased awareness of contemporary forces impinging on family time.  All parent groups at Dayton’s Bluff Early Childhood Family Education will consider how their time with their children is impacted by the requirements of jobs, children’s activities, and the tasks that daily life demands.  They will evaluate what in their lives they can and want to change, and explore some avenues toward achieving a more supportive and satisfying balance in their time with their children.
   Please join the dialogue.  Help build healthy families and communities.  Contact the Early Childhood Family Education Program at Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus School at (651) 293-5343 for more information.

From the President —Metropolitan State University Update

By Wilson Bradshaw
President, Metropolitan State University
   As everyone who approaches Dayton’s Bluff can see, the construction of the university’s new Community Library and Information Access Center is moving along rapidly. The masonry and prairie-style windows already in place give a sense of how the finished exterior will look. The building’s exterior will be sealed before the snow flies, so that interior finishing can continue during the winter. We plan to begin moving staff into the library in the spring of 2004. A gala grand opening is scheduled for October 9, 2004—it will be an event to remember in St. Paul. 
   While the university community is preparing to use its new information access center, there is also a lot of activity in preparation for the new Dayton’s Bluff branch of the St. Paul Public Library that will occupy the east wing of the building. The community will be very pleased with the warm and welcoming interior, and with the library’s facilities and services, like the “Homework Center.” The SPPL staff will also offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of the community, such as literacy.
   As community members will know from the press, Metropolitan State is operating under serious fiscal constraints this year, and will be for the foreseeable future. Enrollments are slightly above last year’s. With a tight budget, this is not a bad time for the rate of enrollment growth to be slower than in recent years. 
   The university has been putting a number of its programs and courses online, and enrollments in online courses this year are strong. To make classroom courses even more accessible to working students, we are trying out new class schedules that may fit better with some work and family schedules. 
   As we enter another academic year full of opportunities and challenges, we at Metropolitan State appreciate the interest and involvement of our community neighbors. Dayton’s Bluff is a great place to call “home.” 

Dayton’s Bluff  Student to Attend Bates College 

   Samuel E. Murphy of St. Paul is among 509 students who are starting at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine this fall. 
   Murphy is a 2003 graduate of Harding High School and the son of David Murphy and Jane Prince, of Burns Ave. 
   Bates College, widely regarded as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation, is dedicated to the principle of active engagement. A 10-1 student-faculty ratio makes possible close collaborations in classroom and laboratory, and the Bates learning experience is honed through seminars, research, service-learning and the capstone of senior thesis. Typically, two-thirds of Bates' 1,700 students study abroad. Co-curricular life is rich: most students participate in club and varsity sports; many participate in performing arts; and almost all students participate in one of more than 90 student-run clubs or organizations. 
   Alumni frequently cite the capacities they developed at Bates for critical assessment, analysis, expression, aesthetic sensibility and independent thought. About 40 percent of students participate in career internships, and more than two-thirds of recent graduates enroll in graduate study within 10 years after graduation. Bates was founded in 1855 by Maine abolitionists, and Bates graduates have always included men and women from diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Dayton’s Bluff School Beat

By Cassandra Moe
Trinity Catholic

The kick-off of the year for the Science Program at Trinity found all students from Grades 4-8 in the Mississippi lock at Boom Island.  The seventh grade girls: Leslie Johnson, Samantha Richie and DeLina Brown-Jackson and their classmates are gathering information for their asignment.

   Trinity School launched its partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota with a paddleboat ride and field trip to Boom Island on September 11. The program, new for both Trinity and the Science Museum, will consist of twice monthly trips to the Science Museum for Trinity students in grades 3-8. Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 will also participate in the program. 
   Jeanne Olson, a math and science teacher for middle school grades at Trinity, and Larry Thomas, a biologist at the Science Museum, will lead the program. They hope that the program will be an extension of the classroom and an interdisciplinary experience for students, integrating writing, math, science, and history with lessons about the Mississippi River and the scientific method.

Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus

Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary held a parade to kick-off their reading activities for this school year.  The school has collectively pledged to read 1,000,000 words.  Their dragon mascot danced at the front of the parade right behind a police escort.  They were also joined by some of the Concordia College basketball team who volunteer to help students with reading activities.

   Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus has collectively pledged to read one-million words this school year. They held a parade in September to kick off their reading activities for the year. 
   October dates to note at Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus: 
Site Council Meeting (Monday, 10/6, 3:30-5:30 p.m.)
Families Reading for Fun (Tuesdays, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.) 
MEA – No School! (Thursday and Friday, October 16-17) 
Monthly Assembly (Thursday, 10/30, 2 p.m.)

Poet Finds Inspiration in Mounds Park

By J. Wittenberg
   Miss Lee Neogan is a poet, and fairly new to Dayton's Bluff and the U.S. in general. She has settled now in Mounds Park, and was to perform a few short readings at the recent Moundstock, but the rains came and the people fled. 
   Miss Neogan claims Mounds Park offers much muse and inspiration, if one will but look. And thus, to prove her view, we took a walk along the Bluff, and truly, I am a better person after being afforded this opportunity to see the world through her eyes. 
   "When I am exploring and communing with nature ... people do not exist to me," she said. I trusted she was making an exception in my case, and listened with care as this young woman of 27 expounded upon biological and Latin terms for insects and flora. Indeed, Miss Neogan knows her entomology, identifying the remains of a dried cicada along the way, which she offered me later as a gift. With a smile she said, "He's dead, but he may have a poem growing inside of him." 
   Her verses are often short, usually no more than 6 lines, and she's been greatly inspired by ancient Asian poets such as Li Po. She spoke of her garden as another source of inspiration, and indeed she had tips for my own amateur efforts at horticulture, those not so refined as her aesthetic. 
   We sat for a time, and just listened to the passing train, coupled with that of a robin. “What of the discordant noise of cars?" I asked, as one passed going about 20 miles over the speed limit, a common, unchecked practice on Mounds Boulevard. "Concentrate on what you wish to hear," she said. Just then, an airplane flew overhead, followed by an un-muffled motorbike, and all of nature's sounds were blacked out. By the expression on her face I could tell Lee hadn't heard them; she was unfazed. Perhaps her mind is so trained to filter out the sludge of our society. 
   Besides her penchant for poetry, Miss Neogan practices various forms of yoga and meditation, and did appear more self-possessed than most, perhaps more than anyone I've met in a very long time. She takes living "by the hour," and spoke of her life writing near the Pacific Ocean in her native land. Although she misses family and friends, seeing this different world has been good for her. 
   A good portion of our sojourn was taken in silence, whereby Miss Neogan would take out her notebook and write. At journey's end I asked if she has been published. She smiled shyly, bit her lip, and said, "No, but I hope to, someday." 
   One should keep an eye and ear open for her next reading, for this woman's very presence makes Dayton's Bluff a richer community.  I trust unequivocally that her work will be published "someday," and that her dreams will come true if she will but persist. ]
   I felt blessed on this late summer day, for I was given two poems: one for me to keep, the other for me to share, with Miss Neogan's kindly permission. 

The palm holds rivers 
Of drought
But the throat holds acres 
Of Song. 
© L. Neogan

Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center Fall Activities
800 Conway St.
651 793-3885

STAFF
Director: Jody Griffin
Leader: Steve Randall
Leader: Will Xiong
P & R Worker: Maiknue Moua
P & R Worker: Damien Rochon -Washington

BUILDING HOURS
Monday – Friday: 3 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 am - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration for any fee-based class or activity is not complete until fee is paid.  Athletic registration must be done in person.  Class register may be done by phone or in person.  Please register early; the number of registrations accepted for sports, activities & classes may be limited.  NO REFUNDS will be given after the first class or practice begins.  If a class is canceled due to lack of participants, a full refund will be given.  Permission slips for field trips must be received no less than five days prior to trip.  All payments can be made by check or cash.

SO YA WANNA BE AN ACTOR, HUH?
This workshop is designed for the individual who wishes to explore pursuing commercial or paid acting gigs here in the Twin Cities Area.  No acting experience required, as this class will cover how to get experience, head shots, monologues, community theater, networking & any other questions you may have about “the biz!” Limit 15
Tues./Thurs., Oct. 21/23
2 sessions
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Fee: $28
Instructor: Matthew Feeney

WHOSE LINE REALLY IS IT ANYWAY?
This is a beginning level IMPROV class - you’ve seen it on TV.  Now is your chance to get off the couch & be part of the action!  We’ll take you through basic fundamental skills, exercises & games all the way up to some frantically funny long form improv with props!  No experience necessary, come dressed for movement & leave your inhibitions at the door! 
Mon., Oct. 13
6:30 - 8 pm
Fee: $18
Limit 15 
Instructor: Matthew Feeney 

LIFE IN THE STRESSED LANE
(All ages) This presentation gives an overview of how chronic elevated stress can be a contributing risk factor for heart disease & Stroke.  Learn to recognize signs & symptoms of stress & how to develop healthy coping strategies.
Mon., Oct. 6 
6 - 7 p.m.
Fee: Free 
Instructor: Amer. Heart Association

HALLOWEEN PARTY
Come to your local recreation center for a “Spook”tacular time? Calling all little pumpkins to an afternoon of fun which would be frightening to miss.  All ghosts & goblins 6th grades & under are invited to join us for our annual Halloween party.  No registration needed.
Call for more info.
Thurs., Oct. 30 
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Fee: Free

HALLOWEEN SAFE HOUSE
On Friday, Oct. 31 all recreation centers in St. Paul will be open as a “safe house” for neighborhood youth from 5 - 8 p.m.

POPCORN & MOVIE NIGHT
(All ages) Join us each week for a movie & popcorn in our wonderful theater.  Movies shown will be G or PG. 
Wednesdays, Starting Sept. 3
10 weeks
6 - 8 p.m. 
Fee: 50 cents per week 

TEEN CLUB 
(Ages 9-14)  This club is for teens who want to have fun by doing various activities, going on field trips & planning weekly meetings.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
On-going
5 - 7 p.m. 
Fee: Free

TEEN ROOM 
(Ages 7-14)  Kids are welcome to come play Foosball, Ping Pong, Air Hockey, Dome Hockey, watch TV or just hang out with friends.
Mondays
On-going
6 - 8 p.m. 
Fee: Free 

FIELD TRIP – SCIENCE MUSEUM
Children 9 years & under are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  Permission slips must be filled out.  You may pick one up at your rec. center office.  Staff ratio is 10:1. 
Thurs., Oct. 16
Fee: Free - includes admission, Omni Theater show, transportation & supervision.
Must register by Tues., Oct. 9.

Land of OZ 2003 at the Marian Center

    Bring the kids dressed in costume to a safe place for a fun filled evening, featuring our very own "Land of OZ", at the Marian Center, on October 29, 2003, from 6:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m. They will meet the Wicked Witch, 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.

Each year the “Land of OZ” gets bigger and better at the Marian Center.  Bring your children ages 12 years and under for Trick or Treat and check it out on October 29.     Photo by Robert Johnstone

   The smiles and expressions on the faces from the youngest youngsters to 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.   Sorry … no one over 12 years of age will be allowed to Trick or Treat.
   FREE ADMISSION with a canned good item for our local food shelf at the Merrick Community Center. Please help us fill their shelves.
   If you would like to donate wrapped candy or help us set up the props for this delightful event, please contact Robert Johnstone or Jody Auger at (651)771-2914. Thank you in advance!

Attention all Crafters and Bakers!

   Mark your calendars! HealthEast Care Center – Marian of Saint Paul is getting geared up for the annual Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale on Friday, November 7, 2003, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All tables rent for $20. We are looking for vendors and individuals from the community to display and sell their home-made items. This year we have more space and that means our boutique is going to be bigger and better than ever! You don’t want to miss out, so please call now to reserve your table. Tables are going fast!
   Even if you are not a seller, mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, 2003 to stop and shop! You'll be glad you did.
   For more information, call Robert Johnstone or Jodi Auger at (651) 771-2914.

Krispy Kreme at the Marian Center

Krispy Kreme on Suburban Ave. graciously donated enough doughnuts for each of our Elders enjoyment. For most, this was their first experience of tasting those yummy holey cakes. The response to these tasty wonders was phenomenal. Their eyes lit up, lips puckered up savoring every bit of flavor, and the smiles … priceless. From all the residents at the Marian Care Center … a warm and special “THANK YOU Krispy Kreme, for giving us such a wonderful gift and touching our hearts.”  Photo by Robert Johnstone

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.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Marian Center

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

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

   Volunteering can be very rewarding and open opportunities you never dreamed of. If you are interested in joining our wonderful team of volunteers, and you are between 14 and 110 years of age, please contact Robert Johnstone, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (651) 793-2116.