Dayton's Bluff District Forum               Section A          September 2000
The Beagle lands in Dayton's Bluff 
by Allen Clausen 

On a steamy August Saturday, several hundred Dayton’s Bluff residents ventured out to celebrate the 5th annual Dayton’s Bluff Summer Fest and Children’s Parade. ‘Explorer’ Snoopy led the parade from Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center to the festival at Indian Mounds Regional Park. Children from the Dayton’s Bluff extended day program, the Dayton’s Bluff Children’s Garden, Trinity school and others, with the Johnson High School marching band providing music, walked the mile long parade route through the neighborhood.
Explorer Snoopy Thespian Snoopy
   A top tournament saw 6 teams from as far away as Milwaukee compete round-robin style on 3 fields. The winner was Team Turtles, second was Hmoob Lawj, and third was Moob Txuj. Joseph Yang brought this new event to Dayton’s Bluff and an associated Hmong food booth was a welcomed addition to the traditional carnival fare.
   The stage show was hosted by ‘The Scary Guy’ with assistance from our own ‘Dayton’s Bluffalo’. From Hmong dance to inspirational song, with some magicians and a Yo-Yo wizard mixed in for fun, not even a little rain could dampen the enthusiasm of the Bluffers who make this neighborhood such a great place to be.
  The highlight of the day was the unveiling of Dayton’s Bluff’s very own ‘Thespian’ Snoopy who will grace the lobby of the soon to be re-opened Mounds Theater at 1029 Hudson Road. (See following article for more information.)
Watch this paper for news of planning for next year’s festival and do your part to shape Dick Lusk (the Dayton's Bluff Bluffalo), 
Mrs. Scary Guy and Scary Guy
future celebrations to reflect the best of what our neighborhood has to offer. 

Mounds Theater becomes home for Thespian Snoopy 
by Greg Cosimini

For a building that has been a warehouse for the last 30 years, the Mounds Theater at 1029 Hudson Road had a lot of visitors this August. One of the more distinguished visitors decided to stay for a while. He is none other than Thespian Snoopy, part of the second litter of Snoopy statues that is now scattered all over Saint Paul.
   The month began with a National Night Out event at the Mounds Theater on August 1. Over 200 people came to meet their neighbors, see the theater (tours were given), play games, eat food at a temporary sidewalk cafe and find out what the mysterious “The Beagle has Landed” message was all about. The mystery was solved with the announcement that Dayton’s Bluff was getting its very own Snoopy statue and that it would be located at the Mounds Theater.
   Thespian Snoopy is being jointly sponsored by the Portage for Youth, the nonprofit organization run by Raeann Ruth that is leading the theater renovation effort, and Donavan Cummings of Edina Realty, a local realtor.
   The contribution of the Portage was made possible in part by an anonymous donor who advanced the money needed to purchase Snoopy. The Portage hopes to pay back some of this money through contributions from area businesses and residents. Names of individual and business donors will be posted (with their consent) at the theater and listed on the Thespian Snoopy web page on the Dayton’s Bluff and Portage web sites. Contributions should be sent to: The Portage for Youth, 965 Fremont Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55106.  Mark your donation “Snoopy.”
   Thespian Snoopy’s first official appearance was at the Dayton’s Bluff Children’s Parade held on August 12.  He rode on a float created by Donavan Cummings.
   Once the Dayton’s Bluff Summer Fest was in full swing, Thespian Snoopy made his grand entrance. He is decorated to represent Laurence Olivier's 1948 rendition of "Hamlet", an appropriate figure to be displayed in a building that will soon house a legitimate theater.  Snoopy holds his hat in one hand, or rather paw, and a script of "Hamlet" in the other. The script starts out, "to Beagle or not to Beagle" and notes that the Woodstock players are performing the play.
   After his fans had had ample opportunity to admire him, Thespian Snoopy moved to the Mounds Theater. He now stands on his brightly lit stage in the theater lobby, bravely wearing his tights and boldly portraying Hamlet in front of a large window, bringing even more visitors to the old theater. The Mounds Theater will be open from time to time during September so his fans can get a close up look and take photos with their favorite Beagle. 

Theater Update:
   During the National Night Out event, many folks shared stories of their visits to the theater when it was open for business many years ago and several visitors signed a giant poster to state their support for the re-opening of the Mounds Theater.
   Over half of the money needed for the renovation has been raised. Meanwhile, more donations are still being sought from foundations. The foundations want to make sure that the neighborhood will support the theater before donating money. Therefore, names are being gathered to prove to them that the support exists.
   People can stop by and sign the poster whenever the theater is open, or else just sign their name on a piece of paper, write something like, “I support the re-opening of the Mounds Theater” on it and drop it in the theater’s mail slot. Either way, the signatures will be shown to the foundations to prove that the neighborhood will give the theater the support it needs.
   Foundations are definitely an important part of the fundraising effort. So far this summer, the 3M Foundation has donated $20,000 dollars (with $20,000 more pledged for next year), while the Marbrook Foundation donated $10,000.  This puts the renovation total well over the 50% mark. 
   Foundations may give large amounts of money, but the donations from neighborhood people can also be significant. As Raeann Ruth states, "If every family in the East Side gave up one meal at McDonalds and sent that $5.00 in, we could easily finance the theater.”  Should you want to do this, or donate even a larger amount, send checks to The Portage for Youth, 965 Fremont Ave, St. Paul, MN 55106.  Mark your donation “Theater.”
   For more information on Thespian Snoopy or the Mounds Theater renovation project, visit either the Portage for Youth web page (www.theportage.com) or the Dayton’s Bluff web site (www.daytonsbluff.org).  Check for open theater times to visit Snoopy in the lobby or see how easy it is to donate money for Snoopy and/or the theater renovation project

Neighborhood clean up is September 16th

The Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Clean Up will be held on September 16, 2000 from 9:00 to noon in the 3M parking lot on the north side of East 7th Street between Forest and Earl Streets.  

NEW THIS YEAR
Appliances will be picked up at your curb on Monday September 18, 2000.  Do not bring your appliances to the clean up.  If you have appliances to get rid of call JR’s Appliances at 454-9215 and ask for Operator 33.  Be sure to call before Thursday September 14 to arrange to have your appliances picked up at your curb.  The cost is $20.00 for the first appliance and $8.00 for each additional appliance.  There is also an $8.00 surcharge for each air conditioner.  All appliances must be at your curb by 7:00 a.m.  The best part of this change is that you do not have to bring your appliances to the clean up.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We need community people to help with the clean up.  Call Karin at 772-2075 for more information.

Putting the JOY back in child care 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 655 Forest at Margaret Street, now has openings for the expansion of its preschool program into full-time child care.  The JOY in our name is also the philosophy of our program. Children need loving care and positive direction for their lives at home and at child care.  Our "joy" is expressed when we teach that "J" Jesus is first in our lives; "O" Others are respected and their needs considered next, and finally "Y" You are cherished as an individual with special gifts and talents as a gift of God.  JOY Preschool Childcare intends to offer parenting classes for parents who are interested in developing their skills.
  Opening September 5, 2000,  JOY Preschool Childcare will offer a flexible schedule for working parents.  The hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The program is licensed for 3 ½ -5 year old children, registered with Ramsey County and taught by experienced staff in a secured building. The program welcomes children of all races and cultures into its family.  Mrs. Wendy Ewald, the new director/teacher, has had eleven years of child care administration and is eager to work in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood.  Call 651-771-6982 for further information.  We will put JOY into your child's child care
experience.

Metro State/Swede Hollow sponsor Run/Walk as part of FallFest 2000 

   Metropolitan State University and the Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhood Association are co-sponsoring the third annual Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 9.  This year, the Run/Walk kicks off FallFest 2000, Metro State’s nontraditional answer to other colleges' homecoming events.
   Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the East Seventh Street and Payne Avenue trail parking lot for the two-mile walk, which starts at 8 a.m., and the three-mile run, which starts at 9 a.m.  The Run/Walk follows the recreational trail area along Swede Hollow.  Free parking is available in Metro State’s Nobles parking lot on Seventh Street, approximately one block from the registration area.
   Preregistration is highly recommended.  The fee is $12 for registration before September 1 and $15 after September 1.  Metro State students, staff and alumni are eligible for a discounted registration fee.  A commemorative t-shirt is given to all running/walking registrants.  Prizes are awarded to the top overall male and female finishing participants, and to the top male and female runners in each of following age categories:  19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
   Following the Run/Walk, community members are invited to Metro State’s St. Paul Campus for FallFest activities, including free food, a FallFest parade at noon and family games and activities from 1-3 p.m.  There will also be interactive exhibit and service booths sponsored by university departments and student organizations. 
   FallFest has something for everyone.  The adventurous may choose to climb the 14-foot rock wall, then enjoy the ride down the giant slide on the other side.  Closeted and star musicians alike are invited to bring their guitars, voices and/or any other instruments and join the Big Bob Scoggin Band.  This is the first time that Metro State students, staff and alumni can showcase their talent live and on-stage.  Oldies and blues will jam throughout the day. 
    For more information, check the Metro State website at www.metrostate.edu or call event co-chairs, Jemal Everett or Mary Garvie, at 651-772-7587 or email them at student.activities@metrostate.edu. 
    Preregistration forms for the Run/Walk are available at Metropolitan State University, St. Paul Campus, 700 E. Seventh St., Founders Hall, Information Desk, and at the Minneapolis Campus, 730 Hennepin Ave., Admissions Desk.  For more information, call Nancy Moritz at 651-772-7803, or Curt Barlow at 651-772-7744, or (TTY) 651-772-7687.

Board Members Needed 

   The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council is looking for people to serve on our board of directors.  This is an opportunity to work on neighborhood issues and events that will improve the quality of life in our community.  The deadline for filing as a candidate is September 18, 2000 and the election will be held on October 16, 2000.  For more information, please call John Vaughn or Karin DuPaul at 772-2075.

Mounds Park area block clubs
  The next quarterly meeting of the Mounds Park Area Block Clubs will be on Tuesday, October 12th at 7 pm at the Marian Center nursing home, 200 Earl Street.
  Discussion topics will include the ‘Pigs Eye’ sewage treatment plant, Mounds Park improvements, and organizing the group into a resident’s association.  For more information call Al Clausen at 774-3647.

FREE GUN LOCKS AVAILABLE
Free cable locks are available to gun owners who live in Saint Paul who do not have a gun safe or locked storage for their gun, and have children in their homes at any time.   The Saint Paul Safe Gun Storage Campaign is a new initiative of the Saint Paul Police Department that will help make Saint Paul safer for everyone. This initiative is funded by an anonymous donation from a Saint Paul resident.  To get a gun lock, or for more information, please call Karin at 772-2075.