May 2010 Volume 16 Number 5
Your Community News & Information Source
How do you spell fun?
District Council weighs in on new downtown projects Roger Fuller Contributor
‘Friends’ event opens normally reserved library doors for mixer
C
Steven Pease Contributor
Nearly 300 people attended the “Book It” party at the St. Paul Public Library April 1. The event was meant to raise awareness about Friends of the St. Paul Public Libraries.
B
elieve it or not, the St. Paul Public Library was rockin’ on April 1. Friends of the St. Paul Public Libraries (known as “The Friends”) held a mixer at the St. Paul Central Library downtown, complete with catering, drinks and a DJ in an attempt to create more awareness about the organization and pique local interest in library events. “Our aim was to be different,” said Liz Boyd, the Friends’ director of investment and planned giving. “We wanted to create a forum not only for donors and volunteers, but also to find future leadership.” Barrio. the happenin’ Lowertown restaurant,
had a mobile food-anddrinks van out front serving discounted tacos and tequila. Inside, partygoers were treated to a scavenger hunt and a spelling bee, while 30-, 40- and 50-somethings mingled amongst the stacks of books. The estimated 150 paid party attendees showed up for different reasons. Mark Nicklawske, who hadn’t been in the library for 15 years, lounged comfortably on a leather chair in the third floor Mississippi Room. “I believe we should support this library,” said Nicklawske, whose grandfather served on the library’s
board in the 1930s. Others took a more social approach. “It’s definitely fun,” said Jennifer Moore, “and a great new way to get comfortable with the library.” As house music seeped down the Italian marble stairways, a few patrons slipped inside the much quieter and ornately designed Richard & Nancy Nicholson Information Library, which was remodeled and restored about ten years ago as part of the Central Library’s $15.9 million capital campaign. Greg Simpson, a bespectacled librarian with 35 years in the St. Paul library
system, gave a brief overview of the restorations, explaining that the enigmatic markings on the ceilings were actually publishers’ symbols. And if you look really closely, you can even make out some of the hand-painted faces that architect Electus Litchfield worked into the reference library’s support beams. “That ceiling is so amazing,” said attendee George Whyte. “It almost looks like a new room it’s so well done.” Eileen McMahon, a Friends board member, explained the importance of her group’s involve-
Library Mixer / Page 2
apitolRiverCouncil (CRC)/District 17 is not pleased with changes at Galtier Plaza, now called Cray Plaza, that were made to accommodate Cray Supercomputers, which moved in last November. Kim Hyers, CRC chair, said seating improvements and windows to accommodate more natural light have not been incorporated into the development. She also said carpeting has not been completed and the edging is unfinished. CRC plans to send a letter to the city of St. Paul informing it of the unfinished work. CRC supports the city giving a liquor license to Hotel 340 and Kellogg Square Market. Hotel 340, located in the University Club, wants to offer liquor to guests staying at the hotel. It already has a liquor license for special events in meeting rooms. Kellogg Square Market at Kellogg Square has applied for a 3.2 malt liquor license. CRC recommended the new dog park at Sixth and Broadway in Lowertown be named after Jean Matzke, who was killed in an auto accident while walking her dog. The idea to honor Matzke, a member of the Lowertown arts community, came from the dog owners group of the new park. CRC is not in favor of the proposed site for the Union Depot light rail transit station for the Central Corridor line. CRC said the proposed site in front of the Union Depot would prevent motorists from entering or exiting the roundabout in front of the building. It is encouraging LRT planners and the design team of the Union Depot remodeling project to work together to find a solution that would not impede access to the Depot, which is planned to become a multi-modal transit center. CRC’s Sidewalk Café Task Force is looking at possible changes to the sidewalk on the north side of Sixth Street between Sibley and Wacouta. Plans are to create a 10-foot wide café area for patrons of bars and restaurants on the block. At question is whether the sidewalk should be placed near the curb or near the buildings. A temporary café area for seasonal use is under consideration.
A rts & Culture Library Mixer from page 1
ment. “The Friends’ work was and is so critical to the enhancements to the library,” she said. “It is a tremendous resource for all of St. Paul. No matter how much you earn, whether you are rich or poor, anyone can get a library card.” Attendance at the Central Library and its 12 branch locations is strong. In 2009, some 3 million people visited the city’s libraries, and logged on to the system’s website nearly 2 million times. The St. Paul Public Libraries lent 3.4 million items last year, and had some 800,000 log-ins on its public computers. Internet access in particular, with the dip in the economy, is becoming a luxury many patrons can find for free at the city’s libraries. In turn, library staff are becoming more tech savvy, even playing the role of social
Your community news and information source
‘We are hoping to hold an event like this a couple of times a year,’ McKinnon said. ‘We’re hoping people (who) come out to the library are able to enjoy it more — attend an event, join Friends, join the library and keep the flow going.’ worker, helping patrons log on, apply for benefits and searching for jobs, said Ann McKinnon, the Friends’ director of public relations. Founded in 1945, the Friends includes a 44-member board of directors. McMahon explained that the nonprofit helps with programming (considering the summer reading program to be its gem), recruits volunteers, and “makes sure our library stays strong.” After drinks and light appetizers had been served, John Cosgrove, a quick-witted, whitehaired emcee with a Belfast brogue, hosted about 10 teams in an irreverent spelling bee in the Youth Services library. After a brief introduc-
tion, which included Cosgrove dropping three off-color verbs in the first three minutes, he shared some advice with the cocktail-toting attendees. “By the way, if you’re offended in any way, you have low self-esteem leave now,” he quipped. The first round of the spelling bee featured words such as “toboggan” (spelled correctly by about half of the three-person teams), “harebrained,” “leprechaun” and “entrepreneur.” After incorrectly spelling the latter, one Heineken-sipping speller lightheartedly deemed the competition “rigged.” The Friends’ event, labeled “Book It: The Party,” was modeled, in part, on Walker Art Center’s
“After Hours” series in Minneapolis. Winners of the scavenger hunt and spelling bee won gift cards donated by local restaurants. The event featured a crosspollination of community support that the Friends hope to continue at future events. While no future party dates are set in stone, the group’s summer social calendar is full. A full listing can be found at TheFriends. org or you can follow them on Twitter under the handle “TheFriends”. The group is also looking for corporate sponsorship for future events, said McKinnon. The popular summer movie series, held in the Central Library courtyard
Joseph Pettini, right, correctly answers a spelling bee question at the mixer. along Kellogg Avenue, will continue, and McKinnon said the success of the “Book It” event has already spawned a planned dance series, hosted in conjunction with the Ordway and held in Rice Park. “We are hoping to hold an event like this a
couple of times a year,” McKinnon said. “We’re hoping people (who) come out to the library are able to enjoy it more — attend an event, join Friends, join the library and keep the flow going.”
Office Delivery! Having a party for your office, social group or condo association? Call us. • Delivery Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Secret family recipe • We also offer salads for large groups. • Voted #1 traditional pizza by AOL City Search
Call 651-731-1068 520 White Bear Ave.
100% Locally Grown Since 1854 Locations Near You:
The Downtown St. Paul Voice is published monthly and delivered to every apartment, condominium and skyway drop in St. Paul’s historic urban village, as well as other locations throughout downtown St. Paul.
Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Reporter: Mary Diedrick Hansen Contributors: Roger Fuller, Don Morgan, Steven Pease, Masthead design by Nick Germano Advertising: Mario Polanco Home Delivery: Independent Delivery Service Bulk Delivery: SC Distribution 651-285-1119
St. Paul Publishing Co.
1643 So. Robert St., West St. Paul, MN 55118 Phone: (651) 457-1177 sppc@stpaulpublishing.com www.stpaulpublishing.com The Downtown St. Paul Voice assumes no responsibility for the opinions expressed by contributors and for the validity of claims or items reported. Copyright Downtown St. Paul Voice 2010. All rights reserved in compliance of Federal Copyright Act of 1978.
Page 2 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010
Downtown • 5th Ave & Wall St Saturdays, 6am - 1pm • April 24 - Nov 20 Sundays, 8am - 1pm • April 25 - Nov 21 Downtown • 7th Place & Wabasha Tuesdays, 10am - 1:30pm • June 15 - Oct 12 Thursdays, 10am - 1:30pm • June 10 - Oct 21 South Saint Paul • Corner of Marie Ave and 7th Ave Wednesdays, 3pm - 6:30pm • June 23 - Sept 1 Signal Hills Shopping Center • Butler & Robert Street Fridays, 8am - 12pm • June 18 - Oct 29 For a complete schedule of all 19 locations, visit www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com
F uller Files
Your community news and information source
by Roger Fuller
New items at Farmers’ Market
Artisan breads, organic dairy products, hydroponic tomatoes, cider and sauces are among the new items featured this year at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market at Fifth and Wall. Jack Gerten, market manager, said these products were sold successfully this winter at the indoor market at Golden’s Deli. The Farmers’ Market also operates 18 additional markets throughout the metro area. A downtown St. Paul market at Seventh Place and Wabasha will be open 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., beginning in June.
Il Vesco Vino renamed
Il Vesco Vino restaurant, located on West Seventh St. near the Xcel Center, has been renamed Rizzo’s and will now include a bar menu and lunch, according to owner James “Rizzo” Risimini.
Sample Night Live
Sample Night Live, a sampling of local productions, has doubled its attendance since moving to the History Theatre in St. Paul from Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis, according to Barbe Marshall, director. The event, now in its second season at the History Theatre, drew about 250 patrons a night. Performances are held at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month except February. The format features 12 acts per night, including theater, film, dance, improv, visual arts, folk music and opera. The short pieces include productions from the Ordway, Guthrie and local arts groups. All selections have met the standards of a curator. Marshall said Sample Night Live was started by arts administrators and artists seeking a place for artists to showcase their works.
St. Paul to build apartment complex
The city of St. Paul plans to build a 216-unit
apartment building on the site of the old Public Safety building, bounded by 10th, 11th, Minnesota and Robert streets. Two previous attempts by private developers to build on the site have failed. They were the 40-story Penfield condos and a smaller hotel-condo mixed use project. Al Carlson of the Planning and Economic Development department, said financing played a large role in the city getting involved. Lending for a project of this scale is difficult to obtain for private developers in this economy, but the city is able to tap into federal stimulus funds. More than $40 million of the financing is from Buy America bonds. To qualify for the bonds, the city must own the building. The 990,000-squarefoot building will have 11-stories. Studios will lease at $992, one-bedroom units at $1,308 and two-bedroom units at $1,782. A Lunds grocery store will be located on the first floor.
Borealis Too now open on Saturday
Jean Johnson, manager of Borealis Too yarn shop on the skyway level of the Alliance Bank Building, said the shop is now open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop joins others that have recently offered Saturday hours, including the Four Inns restaurant and the St. Marie convenience store at the US Bank Center and the Caribou coffee shop in Town Square.
St. Paul Prep concert
St. Paul Preparatory School will hold its Spring Concert at 7 p.m. Thurs., May 27, in the Third Floor Theatre at Cray Plaza, formerly Galtier Plaza. Students from many countries will perform multi-cultural songs, play African instruments and stage a Turkish wedding dance. A show choir will feature
performances of popular songs and dance.
City Passport events
Events in May at the City Passport senior citizen center, located in the Alliance Bank Center include: Happy birthday party, 2 p.m., Mon., May 10; Book Club, 1 p.m., Tues., May 18; Writers Group, 10:30 a.m., Fri., May 21; Current events
discussion, 11 a.m., Fri., May 21; Ice cream float hour, 1:30 p.m., Fri., May 21; Ladies tea, 2:30 p.m., Mon., May 31; Acupuncture, 9:30 a.m., each Tues. Movies at 1 p.m., Thursdays, include “Tomorrow Never Dies” on May 6, “Anger Management” on May 13, “A Bridge Too Far” on May 20 and “Ocean’s Eleven” on May 27.
www.StPaulRealEstateBlog.com
Events at the Black Dog
Melody Olson will perform at 7 p.m., Sat., May 22 at the Black Dog Café, 308 Prince St. in Lowertown. A poetry recital featuring three performers will be held at 7 p.m., Mon., May 24. The St. Paul Almanac Reading Jam will be held at 7:30 p.m., Mon., May 3.
Central Library events
St. Paul Central Library will present a program on stories related to the labor movement at 7:30 p.m., Wed., May 12, at the Labor Centre, 411 Main St., St. Paul. The Central Library Book Club will discuss “Olive Kitteridge,” by Elizabeth Strout, at 10:30 a.m., Thurs., May 13 at the library. The History Book Club will discuss “Nothing Like it in the World: The Men who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-69,” by Stephen Ambrose, at 2 p.m., Thurs., May 27.
Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 3
S ample St. Paul
Your community news and information source
Festival of Nations
Festival of Nations, one of the country’s longest running multicultural celebrations, is presented April 29-May 2 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. This year’s theme — Folklore, Legends and Heroes — will be explored in over 55 exhibits. Now in its 78th year, this family-friendly festival brings together people from a vast array of backgrounds to celebrate their ethnic heritage, and provides an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of other cultures. Through exhibits, food, music and dance, Festival of Nations provides a look into the traditions, history and journey of over 90 ethnic groups, and sheds light on how each one contributes to the American cultural landscape. New this year is the Minnesota Planetarium’s ExploraDome, a portable mini-planetarium, and a naturalization ceremony, which will take place at 6 p.m., Fri.,
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’ is presented May 4-16 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. The score includes such classics as ‘Some Enchanted Evening,’ ‘Younger Than Springtime,’ ‘Bali Ha’i,’ ‘There is Nothin’ Like A Dame’ and ‘A Wonderful Guy.’
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” is presented May 4-16 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Winner of seven 2008 Tony Awards and considered by some to be the finest musical ever written, the score includes such classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame” and “A Wonderful Guy.” Tickets are $27$75. For more information, call the box office at 651-224-4222.
History Theatre
April 30. Participants may shop for imported gifts, including clothing, jewelry and artifacts from many cultures, at the Interna-
tional Bazaar, and enjoy fare from around the world at 35 different ethnic food cafés. Proceeds from each café benefit a non-profit organization.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-16 and free for children ages 4 and under with adult admission. For more information,
call the International Institute of Minnesota at 651-647-0191, or visit www.festivalofnations. com.
“Queens of Burlesque” is presented through May 23, at the History Theatre, 30 E. Tenth St. This performance is a funny, poignant and revealing look at the lives of burlesque performers, both on- and off-stage, during the Twin Cities’ burlesque theater scene of the 1950s. As
Veinte años atrás comenzamos con una cosa en mente:
Por las pasadas dos décadas, nuestra meta ha sido hacer el cuidado de la salud accesible y de calidad para todos. Eliminando barreras del lenguaje, desarrollando acercamientos culturales respetuosos para cuidar y fomentar innovadores servicios y alianzas a través de las comunidades, son sólo algunas de las maneras en que estamos trabajando para alcanzar esa meta. Cuando de tu salud se trata, siempre comenzamos contigo.
H2456 H2407 PMAP MnCare 071206_2 (071206) IA
ucare.org
Page 4 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010 UC334_TU_La_Voz_ad.indd 1
8/18/09 3:52:42 PM
S ample St. Paul the era comes to an end, these performers find themselves caught between the economics of the time and the talents they had spent their lives honing. Tickets are $28$32 for adults, $25-$30 for seniors and $15 for students. For more information, call the box office at 651-292-4323.
Children’s Museum “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice” is presented through May 31, 10 W. Seventh St. This exhibit will transport families back to the Cretaceous Period (145 - 65 million years ago) to explore dinosaur habitats and understand how these mysterious animals lived. “Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China” is presented through May 16. This exhibit is designed to engage children and families in learning about one of the oldest civilizations – and now among the most modern in the world – through some of
its young people. Tickets are $8.95. For more information, call 651-2256000.
Xcel Energy Center
Taylor Swift will present her “FEARLESS Tour” at 7 p.m., Fri., May 7. Tickets are $27$61.50. Iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel will perform at 8 p.m., Sat., May 8. Tickets are $52$227. Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour, featuring America’s top Olympic stars, is presented Sun., May 9. Doors open at 3 p.m. Tickets are $27-$82. Brooks & Dunn will present their farewell tour, “Last Rodeo,” with special guest Jason Aldean, at 7:30 p.m., Fri., May 14. Tickets are $25$65. Recording artists Carole King and James Taylor will present the “Troubadour Reunion” tour at 8 p.m., Tues., May 25. Tickets are $67$97.
Your community news and information source The Xcel Center is located at 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. For more information, visit www. xcelenergycenter.com.
Park Square Theatre “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” is presented through May 2, 20 W. 7th Place. All Jean wants to do is stop the ringing cell phone of the man sitting (quietly) next to her. Boldly choosing to answer it may end up being the best thing that happens to her. In this quirky modern adventure, Jean reconnects to her own spirit and learns, from a dead man, that life is for the living. “The Diary of Anne Frank” is presented through May 7. In this extraordinary account of eight Jews hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Anne Frank emerges from history as a lyrical and intensely gifted young woman. Be inspired by this timeless account of a girl whose imagina-
tion and hope would not be stifled by adversity. Tickets are $36-$40 for adults, $31-$35 for seniors and $15 for age 30 and under. For more information, call 651-2917005.
or $34 and $28 respectively with admission to the Omnitheater. The Science Museum is located at 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. For more information, visit www.smm.org, or call 651-221-9444.
Science Museum
Minnesota History Center
“Dead Sea Scrolls: Words That Changed the World.” This exhibit, featured through Oct. 24, offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The Dead Sea Scrolls include the earliest known Biblical writings. The 2,000-year-old, authentic text fragments are steeped in scientific, religious and cultural significance. Complementing the exhibit is “Arabia,” showing in the Omnitheater. This new film offers a look at Arabia’s culture, history and religion. Tickets are $28 for adults and $22 for children ages 4-12 and seniors age 60 and older,
“Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World” is presented through July 4, at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd.. You know about Benjamin Franklin’s famous experiment with a kite, a key and some lightning, but did you also know about his rebellious youth? That he pioneered wind surfing and invented swim fins? That he helped found the nation’s first hospital, was an environmentalist and charted the Gulf Stream to assist in ocean travel? In many ways Benjamin Franklin is the founding father nobody knows – misunderstood because
of the sheer breadth and diversity of his accomplishments. Discover the many ways Franklin has affected our world today in the new exhibit. “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: The Depression, The War, The Boom” This exhibit features more than 6,000 square feet of artifacts, interactive displays and innovative multimedia experiences that reveal the lives and stories of the men and women who came of age during the Depression and World War II, and who went on to create the phenomenal postwar boom. The exhibition features first-person narratives in recorded interviews, images, film and audio. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, and $5 for children ages 6-17. The Center offers free admission on Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. For more details, call 651-259-3000 or visit www.mnhs.org.
Isn’t it time you put as much thought into your finances as you do your Facebook status? At Unity One, we are here to help you navigate through your questions and concerns about banking solutions. We help you understand your options and how to make your money work. We not only provide low interest rates on loans and high returns on savings, we provide guidance that allows you to take control of your financial situation. It’s time for you to work it! Visit us online to discover how Unity One can help you take charge of your finances, and see if you have won one of our daily prizes, including a PS3, iPods, cash and t-shirts!
w w w.facebook.com/outsidethebank Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 5
R iver Connections St. Paul’s Great River Park
Your community news and information source
More Natural, More Urban, More Connected Tim Spitzack Editor
D
uring the recent flood, I visited Harriet Island daily until the river’s crest to see the effects of the rising tide. It was breathtaking to see the powerful movement of the impregnated river as it jumped its banks and reclaimed its natural floodplain. And I was not alone. Scores of others witnessed this natural phenomenon. We were able to get close to the river thanks to St. Paul’s commitment to its parks system. According to the St. Paul Riverfront Corporation, St. Paul boasts more parkland along the
Mississippi River than any other river town. The capital city has 26 miles of shoreline, 3,500 acres of parkland, 16 public parks and over 25 miles of trails. These natural amenities are part of a greater effort called the Great River Park, a concept introduced in 2006 to link existing parkland within the river corridor, thus making it “more natural, more urban and more connected.” It’s a movement that has its roots in the environmental efforts of the late 1970s and 1980s to clean up the river and its banks, which at the time showed massive signs of abuse and neglect. In St. Paul, much prog-
High School Teachers
Open positions for the 2010-11 school year: • 9th Grade Math Teacher- MN Teaching License required • 9th Grade English Teacher -MN Teaching License required • K-12 Physical Education/Activities Director
Community of Peace Academy K-12 Public Charter School, St. Paul Call 651-776-5151, #430 http://cpa.charter.k12.mn.us bonniej@cpa.charter.k12.mn.us Leave name and address to apply EEO/AA employer
Thompson Oaks City of West Saint Paul WWW.THOMPSONOAKS.COM
ress has been made in the past decade. For example, if you stand in the center of Raspberry Island and take a panoramic survey of the landscape around you, you’ll see a grand example of what is taking place. This small park, located within Harriet Island Regional Park, is a shining example of today’s modern riverfront park. It has native plantings, a walking path, benches from which to enjoy the river and its surroundings, and riprap, natural materials used along its shoreline to help prevent erosion. On May 13, the St. Paul Riverfront Corporation will host its annual Great River Gathering at
Raspberry Island, located within Harriet Island Regional Park, is a shining example of today’s modern riverfront park. the St. Paul RiverCentre to celebrate the progress that has been made along the riverfront and to garner support for new projects to help residents and visitors become more connected to our national treasure, the Mississip-
pi River. For more information on this event, call 651-293-6860 or visit www.riverfrontcorporation.com. As spring melts into summer, more and more people find their way outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, the budding trees and flowers, and Stevens Tax and Accounting, Inc. all that nature has to ofDBA EQUI-TAXPublication: 651-773-5000St. Paul Voicefer. And many, of course, La Voz Latinaare drawn to area parks. Federal and all states Downtown Parks are expensive endeavors — the renovation South St. Paul Individual and small business Deadline: of Raspberry Island used IRS problems $5 million in state fundCost: ing — but offer intangi Certified Quickbooks advisor ble benefits that few deny Published: Estates, trusts, planning or want to live without. Free e-filing with return prep Minnesota voters have John Stevens, EA Ok as is (please X ) their commitment shown to parks by accepting new Licensed to practice before the IRS Change and send taxes. In 2008, the state revised proof approved the Legacy Act 1870 East 50th Street, Inver Grove Heights Clientand Signature (Corner of Babcock Trail 50th St. E.) Tax, a three-eighths of one percent sales tax en(for approval) acted until the year 2034 Phone: 651-457-1177 for the environment and Fax: 651-457-1077 the arts. to research This material is developed by and is propertyAccording of the St. Paul Publishing Company and may not befrom reproduced, the Trust for Pubcopied, published, exhibited or otherwise used without Land,© city parks and written consent of the St. Paul Publishing lic Company. St. Paul Publishing Co. 2007. open spaces improve our physical Terms: Prepayment by credit card required for first- and psychologitime advertisers. When billed, payment iscal duehealth, in full strengthen our in ten days of run date on invoice. Invoices over 30 communities, and make days past due will be assessed a $3 rebilling charge. If payment is not received in 30 days St. Paul Publishing our cities and neighborCompany will put the charge on the credit card on file. hoods safer and more atCredit Card Information: tractive places to live and work. This research is Name as it appears on card: available at www.tpl.org.
Client Approval
Now Open Under New Management!
__________________________________________
1Mississippi campaign
Discover one of the Hidden Gems of West St Paul!
2010 Golf Rates Adress:
• Par 29 executive course - Great for golfers of all skill levels. • Under new management - Friendly staff, expert course maintenance, improved concessions • Open for walk-ons, leagues and tournament play, including putting tournaments and family & friends tournaments. • Professional golf instruction
Zip Code: __________________________________ Regular Greens Fee ...........................................$13.00 Mississippi River NetSenior & Junior Fee ............................................$9.00 work, a coalition of orga2nd 9 Holes .........................................................$8.00 Visa or Master Card (circle one) nizations among the ten Gas Cart (full cart) ..............................................$9.00 states along the river that
Page 6 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010
__________________________________________ Clubhouse is located at 1555 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul The Riverfront CorpoCall up to 7 days in advance for a tee time: 651-457-6064 ration is a member of the
#: works to protect the land, Patron Account Cards: water and resources with__________________________________________ Receive $2 off/round of golf
in the river corridor. The Network has launched Expiration date: _____________________________ Father's Day Specials a nationwide campaign
Resident patron card $25, non-resident $40
Mother's and
Signature: _________________________________ The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising material submitted for publication. No deviation from the
entitled 1Mississippi to help people better experience the river and understand the need to protect it for future generations. The campaign highlights ways people depend on the river, such as drinking water, transportation and recreation, and promotes ways to reduce pollution, protect habitat and improve public access.
New developments in Great River Park
One of the newest proposed developments in the Great River Park is the creation of a park on the site of Xcel Energy’s former coal power plant, located near the Smith Avenue High Bridge. Before Xcel opened its new natural gas plant in May 2008, it began developing plans to restore the riverfront site of the former plant to make approximately 35 acres available for public use for the next 20 years while it explores its long-term needs for the property. It has been working with the St. Paul Riverfront Corporation, Great River Greening and others to develop a reuse plan. The plan is expected to be completed this summer. Another new development in the Great River Park affects Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul. In January, the Metropolitan Council approved a new master plan for the park, which paves the way for improvements. The project has received $1.4 million from Legacy Act funds for environmental cleanup.
N ews Briefs VFW members will be selling poppies 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Fri., May 14, in the skyway at Town Square/Alliance Bank Center. Sales are on a free-will donation basis. Proceeds support programs for disabled veterans. For more information, call Terry Davern at 651-247-6214.
HHW collection
Ramsey County’s household hazardous waste collection site at Bay West, located near the State Capitol at 5 Empire Drive in St. Paul, is open year-round. Dropoff is free for residents of Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Hennepin, Anoka and Carver counties. Please bring a photo I.D. If you drop off an old mercury thermometer, you can receive a new digital thermometer for free. You can also receive a free, reusable 2.5-gallon container to hold used motor oil. Items accepted include, but are not limited to, aerosol cans (no empty cans), paint (no empty or dry cans), antifreeze, paint stripper and thinner, batteries, fluorescent lights, used motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, kerosene, weed killer, weed and feed, products with mercury, such as thermometers, and wood preservatives. Appliances and electronics are not accepted. For more information on times, call the Ramsey County Recycling & Disposal Hotline at 651633-EASY (3279) or visit www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ ph (click on Home & Yard and then HHW Information & Collection Sites).
Rice Park tours
Become a tourist in your own city and enjoy a Rice Park tour, featuring an exclusive look inside each building surrounding the park. Rice Park stands as a pillar of downtown St. Paul, flanked by the beautiful architecture of Landmark Center, The St. Paul Hotel, the St. Paul Central Public Library, the James Jill Hill Reference Library, 317 on Rice and The Ord-
way Center for Performing Arts. Tours meet at Landmark Center’s visitor information center, 75 W. 5 th St., at 10 a.m., Wednesdays, May 5 and 19, June 9 and 23, July 7 and 21, Aug. 4 and 18, and Sept. 1 and 15. The tours are free but space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your free space, call 651292-3276 or email jhernandez@landmarkcenter. org.
Senior Chore Service
The St. Paul Senior Chore Service has youth and volunteer groups available to assist seniors and people with disabilities with household chores, such as leaf raking, painting, mowing, gardening and minor home repairs. Homes must be in the following
St. Paul neighborhoods: West Side, St. Anthony Park, North End, Hamline-Midway, Merriam Park, South Como, LexHam, Frogtown, West 7 th and downtown. For more information, call 651649-5984.
Historic Saint Paul offers free design session
Historic Saint Paul is hosting a “Free Design” session 5-7 p.m., Thurs., May 20, at Jerabek’s New Bohemian, 63 W. Winifred, St. Paul. This event will allow residents of historic homes to consult with professional architects to discuss their house style and potential exterior projects that will enhance the appeal of their homes. Space is limited. For more information, call Becca Hine at 651-222-3049. Infor-
mation will also be available on a new low interest exterior loan program that has been recently expanded to the West Side.
Prada's Cafe $5 Breakfast Specials served all day
óSandwiches (tortas) óSoups & Salads óCoffee & more 111 Kellogg Blvd., #140 DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL 651-224-6878
BID SOLICITATION PCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.
Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Civil East Construction Sub Bid Date: May 11, 2010 at 2:00 PM CST Bid Amount: $200,000,000.00 Owner – Metropolitan Council Design – AECOM Design Team PCL encourages all MAC/MNDOT DBE subcontractors and suppliers to submit bids for this project. Plans are available for download for $10 at www.questcdn.com, eBidDoc #: 1098832. Plans are available for viewing at: Minneapolis Builders Exchange, St. Paul Builders Exchange, Reed Construction Data, NAMC-UM Plan Room, FW Dodge Division McGraw Hill, Meda Minority Contractors/AGC of MN Plan Room and PCL’s Burnsville Office.
Bumper to Bumper Auto Care from Certified Computer Technicians
Family owned & operated
Special Mother's Day Champagne Brunch
All Brands of Tires
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex
1247 S. Robert St. • West St. Paul 651-455-9048
Sun., May 9, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Featuring Carved Roast Beef, Baked Ham, BBQ Ribs, Baked Chicken, Eggs Benedict, Scrambled Eggs, Keilbasa, Waffle Sticks, Au Gratin Potatoes, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Salads, Desserts & more Adults $16.95 • Children 4-10 $7.95 • Kids 3 & under are FREE
PCL Construction Services, Inc. Attn: Mike Weinmann 12200 Nicollet Avenue South Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 952-882-9600 FAX: 952-882-9900 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H
FLINT HILLS 2010
Special Mother's Day Dinner Menu - 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Featuring: Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, BBQ Ribs & all your favorites
651-457-2729
886 South Smith Ave. West Saint Paul
www.cherokeetavern.com The bustling neighborhood gathering place.
10 yea r of fun s
A New Convenient Mail, Parcel and Office Supply Center in Downtown St. Paul
$
5
PHOTO: PAMELA KEY
Poppy Day
Your community news and information source
Western Union Money Transfers
Ink Cartridge Refills
30%
OFF retail prices
Copy & Print Services • Packaging/Shipping Stamps and Mailbox Services • Office Supplies $12 Same Day Courier Service 348 Wabasha St., downtown St. Paul 651.222-3269 • www.dropboxstore.com
June 5 & 6 WORLD FOOD Downtown Saint Paul FREE OUTDOOR CREATIVE PLAY ordway.org/festival 651.224.4222 The Ordway is a nonprofit charitable organization. INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & DANCE
spvoice 5x7 fest.indd 1
Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 7 4/14/10 4:24 PM
B ack in Time
Your community news and information source
May 1922
Entertainment options and some problems that won’t go away Don Morgan Contributor
O
ur need for entertainment doesn’t change much, but the form it takes can be fickle. Any significant change usually brings a lively debate. In May 1922, people were of two minds over that newfangled entertainment, “moving pictures,” and made a couple of attempts to straddle the new and old. That same month, a contentious city election captured the citizenry’s attention. (Some things never change.) In those pre-electronic communication days, folks would gather at the newspaper offices, where the returns were telegraphed and posted. It was a big enough deal that The Pioneer Press invited all citizens to a “big free show” outdoors in the intersection of Fourth and
Minnesota downtown. Streetcars were rerouted for the evening and the crowd cheered favorite candidates while listening to a concert by Albrecht’s Celebrated Concert Band playing a “snappy selection of the latest hits.” An unexpected interlude occurred right in the middle of one of the band’s numbers when the gas tank on a popcorn wagon exploded. Despite some rain, a large crowd danced, drank and watched a Republican sweep of most city offices. The GOP’s platform addressed school funding but the goals were more modest and fundamental than today’s. The first item was “a desk for every pupil.” It was the first city election in which women had been allowed to cast ballots but no one could say yet how much difference that had made.
The street party included some moving pictures projected on a screen hung on the side of the building. That could work because, while movies had made a lot of new fans in the ten years or so that full-length features had been available, they were still silent. Live entertainment, in the form of vaudeville acts, had been popular in St. Paul and across the country since about 1890. But by the 1920s, cinema was gaining fast, and only one St. Paul theater, the Palace on West Seventh Street, still limited its bill to vaudeville-type variety shows. Full-length productions were not as severely affected. That month saw Ethel Barrymore’s very successful performance in the Zoe Atkins drama Declassee at the Metropolitan on Sixth Street, followed by the Walter Hampden pro-
Managing Your Money
duction of Hamlet. But live performances were in trouble up against the new medium of cinema. The first approach to combat or co-exist with the movies was to organize a live program that complemented the movie production. The Garrick Theater (Sixth Street between Wabasha and St. Peter) had a successful two-week run that May of the silent film School Days, starring Wesley “Freckles” Barry. Barry is mostly forgotten today but was a major child star in the early days of cinema. What helped sell a lot of extra tickets was the live prologue. A children’s “School Days Revue” billed as the Kute, Klever Kiddies (local child acts) appeared twice daily, with matinees on weekends. A different group of Kiddies was recruited in each city where the movie played. It was a good idea and drew big crowds downtown.
Just a couple of weeks later, another more creative format hit town. George Beban was a well-known 1920s actor who had begun as a child performer in California. Noted for dramatic parts, he wrote and produced a play, The Sign of the Rose, which had become popular around the country. He hoped to adapt the play for the screen but the drama was dialogue heavy and depended on the accent of Beban’s character (an Italian immigrant) to make its point. Silent film wasn’t a practical way of doing that. His solution was to present half of the play in movie form, the other half in live performance. All the dialogue was loaded into the live section. That which could be expressed silently or with title cards was left to film. The procedure worked pretty well and the movie/play had a
Financial Strategies for Personal Success
Join us for these FREE money managing seminars at the Saint Paul Public Library!
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility Providing Lifelong Personalized Attentive Care for Women
Overcoming Debt
Treating urinary incontinence and overactive bladders
Wednesday, May 5 • 6: 30 p.m. at Rice Street Library
Same day appointments available.
Presented by Geoff Bullock
1011 Rice Street, Saint Paul | 651-558-2223
Doctors Professional Building 280 Smith Avenue North, Suite 460 St. Paul, MN 55102
Developing a Stellar Credit Rating
651-224-4897
Presented by Geoff Bullock
Wednesday, May 12 • 6:30 p.m. at Rondo Outreach Library 461 Dale Street N., Saint Paul | 651-266-7400
Survival Budgeting: Living on Reduced Spending
Satellite Location 880 Blue Gentian Road, #150 Eagan, MN 55122 www.Advancedcare.com
good run in town. This was impressive considering it competed against some of the biggest movie stars of the silent cinema. Showing in St. Paul that same week were Mae Murray in Fascination, Harry Carey in Man to Man and, biggest of all, Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino in Beyond the Rocks. Beban went so far as to say in an interview with The Pioneer Press that soon, nobody would bother seeing a film unless some live performance was also included. He also noted, however, that as with any popular entertainment, people would vote with their ticket money. Of course the vaudevillians were fighting a hopeless battle. Later that year, the Palace (which still exists on what’s now Seventh Place) announced that it, too, would begin exhibiting movies along with live variety. The coming of sound in movies about five years later was merely the final blow to many vaudeville careers. George Beban retired from the movies and died in 1928 of injuries suffered in a riding accident. Like many child actors, Wesley Barry soon outgrew his cute phase and left acting. Luckily, he had other skills and enjoyed a long career as a film and television director and producer. He died in 1994 at the age of 86.
A Century-Old Landmark
Presented by Jim Davnie
Wednesday, May 19 • 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Hills Library
The Golden Rule... using 21st century solutions provided by District Energy.
1105 Greenbrier Street, Saint Paul | 651-793-3930
Home Ownership: Tips for buying/keeping a house Presented by Jim Davnie
Wednesday, May 26 • 6:30 p.m. at Hayden Heights Library
1456 White Bear Avenue, Saint Paul | 651-793-3934
651-266-7000
•
Page 8 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - May 2010
www.sppl.org
Red Hot, Cool & GreenTM Voice-GoldenRule-DEad4.indd 1
www.districtenergy.com • 651.297.8955 4/15/2010 10:23:30 AM