The St. Paul May 2010 Volume 44 Number 5
MH woman overcomes adversity to educate her child Page 4
Cinco de Mayo
Sample St. Paul Event Guide Page 10
Photo by Marina Castillo
A guide to Minnesota’s Spiciest Celebration Discover the many festive sights, sounds and attractions of St. Paul’s Cinco de Mayo celebration Susan Klemond Contributor
C
inco de Mayo Fiesta may draw 100,000 people as one of the 10 largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States, but in some ways it’s still about the neighborhood. Bringing together all the best of St. Paul’s West Side, the 28th annual fiesta on May 7-8 will offer residents and visitors alike, food, music, entertainment, activities, a parade,
car show and fun for the whole family. “It started as a neighborhood festival,” said Brian Gioielli, marketing manager for the Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA), which organizes the two-day fiesta. “We try hard to keep aspects of that. As Cinco has grown, we’ve broadened the appeal to it.” Here is a preview of “Minnesota’s Spiciest Celebration.” All information was accurate as of press time.
Time and location
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will run 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri,, May 7, and 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sat., May 8, in District del Sol on St. Paul’s West Side, on six blocks
along Cesar Chavez and Wabasha streets, between Highway 52 and Plato Boulevard. Parking will be available for $6 in lots near the festival. Local youth will staff the parking lots and part of the proceeds will go to youth organizations. Fiesta organizers encourage visitors to take public transit if possible because parking will be in short supply. For transit information, visit www.metrotransit.org or call 612-373-3333 for bus times and stops near the fiesta.
Special events Fri., May 7
• 4-9 p.m.: Lowrider Car Show on Wabasha Street. Sleek, stylish and amazingly decked out
cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes of the Midwest and beyond will be on display. • 5:30 p.m.: Opening ceremony at the Boca Chica Stage (11 Cesar Chavez St.). This colorful event includes music, dance and appearances by politicians and celebrities. • 6:30 p.m.: Hydraulic Showcase at the Ken Yackel West Side Arena parking lot, 44 E. Isabel. The only show of its kind in the five-state area. Sat., May 8
• 10 a.m.: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta parade along Cesar Chavez. Bands, floats, cars and costumed dancers — don’t miss it! Cinco de Mayo Guide / Page 15
Improvements planned for Great River Park Page 14
C ity Government
Your community news and information source
WSP partnerships to improve summer recreation Bill Knight Contributor
F
or the past 10 years, the Thompson Oaks golf course in West St. Paul has earned a reputation as a hidden gem. Changes underway this season — better promotion and cost-reductions — may add an even greater sparkle to the course. Sherri Le, West St. Paul assistant city manager, who calls herself a “hacker” on the golf course, volunteered to take on that duty. Improvements are also in the works for the cityowned-and-operated swimming pool. Dave Schletty, parks and recreation superintendent, said that for the next two seasons it will be managed by the South Family (West St. Paul)YMCA.
New manager
Since she came to her position with the city
last September, Le has conferred with various groups about the golf course, learning that, while very picturesque, it could benefit from better marketing and promotion. Le and the new clubhouse manger, Dana Lessard, will take on that chore. They plan to use leagues and tournaments to increase the number of golfers, and offer lessons for golfers of all skill levels. Through her contacts at the city of Mendota Heights, Le learned that its city golf course maintenance is handled by Jerry Murphy, who was a consultant to Thompson Oaks when it was built in the late 1990s. Le offered him a job and now he’s also in charge of course maintenance at Thompson Oaks. The city will pay Murphy $16,000 for the golfing season, which started in early April and
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runs to late October, depending on the weather. “Staffing expenses for the course maintenance last year were just over $109,000. This year, using Jerry Murphy and his staff, (the cost) is projected to be less than $50,000,” she said.
Leading by example
“I’ve been here on the course all day,” Murphy said one morning by cell phone as he shifted focus from directing an employee on how to sharpen the blade on a lawn mower to talking about his new job at Thompson Oaks. At age 72, he is a part-time police officer for Mendota Heights in addition to working at its par 3 golf course. “When I get up in the morning there is always a lot to do,” he said, with hint of understatement in his voice. Murphy and his 195 S. Robert St. St. Paul
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Thompson Oaks crew of five full- and part-time workers know their role is to maintain the “hidden gem” quality, from the tee to the green, but they are also contributing to better customer service. “It’s the attitude we are insisting on from each of the employees,” he said of his staffers. “This is a
golf course that we have invited people to come to and play on. This is a golf course where we want everyone to be welcomed and to see a smiling face as they come in the door to play.” If someone is ready to tee off and there is a mower running back and forth so the golfer can’t see the green, “well, that’s
a distraction,” he said. Thompson Oaks does not offer a membership, as a country club would, and Murphy thinks that is an advantage. “Those golfers need a place to play,” he said, noting that it doesn’t take as long to play a round on a par 3 as it does on an 18-hole course. continued on next page
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Call today for information! 651-451-1498
The St. Paul Voice assumes no responsibility for the opinions expressed by contributors and for the validity of claims or items reported. Copyright St. Paul Voice 2010. All rights reserved in compliance of Federal Copyright Act of 1978.
(easy access from Hwys. 52, 110, 35E, 494)
Page 2 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
375 Marie Ave. E. West St. Paul
C ity Government continued from page 2
Why the Y?
“The pool has been financially draining every year,” Schletty said, adding that it has lost an average of just over $37,000 a year for the past three years. That is why the city approached the West St. Paul YMCA about a possible interest in managing the pool. “Aquatics have always been such a huge part of the Y, and we do it all year around so we think there are some (financial) efficiencies we could implement,” said Patty McGrath, executive director of the South Family YMCA in West St. Paul. “The Y always wants to be a partner, to collaborate with agencies. So this seems like a definite opportunity to do that and make the best of a community resource.” The agreement says the Y will be in charge of day-to-day operations, such as hiring and paying the staff, while the city will pay for pool
maintenance including chemicals, utilities and any major repairs. Last year those costs came to about $30,000. The city will prepare the pool for opening day, June 12, then turn it over to the Y. Using income and expense figures from last year as a guide, the agreement says the Y gets the first $40,900 in revenue this summer, and any income above that figure will be split evenly between the two groups. Schletty said the city and the Y will review the agreement in the fall of 2011 and decide if they want to extend it. “This agreement gives the pool two more years of life,” he said. “And if it’s successful, I’m sure they will come back and say ‘let’s do two more years.’” The move is attractive to the Y for several reasons, McGrath said. While the Y has a 50-meter outdoor pool, it does not have a zero-depth entry pool or a big wa-
Your community news and information source
‘The Y always wants to be a partner, to collaborate with agencies. So this seems like a definite opportunity to do that and make the best of a community resource,’ said McGrath.
will offer a day-long session. In the morning, the pool will be rented to a local school district that will offer swim lessons. The Y will offer the same pricing structure the city had last year. Kids up to age 15 will have to pass a swim test administered by Y lifeguards to swim in the deep end. Something most swimmers wouldn’t notice is that, “the Y has some
ter slide, both of which the city pool has. The Y has year-round staffers at its indoor pool but now, with the summer outdoor pool and the city pool, it will have more jobs to offer.
“We’d like to expand the hours of operation,” she said. In the past, the pool was open from noon to 5 p.m and from 6 to 8 p.m. Now the Y
pretty rigid ratios (of lifeguards to swimmers) and we would always be within those numbers,” said McGrath, explaining that the city followed Red Cross guidelines, while Y guidelines call for more lifeguards.
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St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 3
V
E ducation Living with Autism
Your community news and information source
MH woman overcomes adversity to educate her child Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
W
hen 13-yearold Alexander Holscher grows up he wants to be a roller coaster designer. No one is cheering him on more toward his dream than his mother, Lisa. For the past four years, Holscher has been under contract with Independent School District (ISD) 197 to home school Alexander, her only child, who has special needs. In kindergarten wasPM Ads:Layout 1 4/1/10 he 2:22 diagnosed with autism
Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. “In other words,” said Holscher, “he is a highly complex kid who has his teachers and therapists intrigued.” At age three, Alexander began speech and occupational therapy, and was enrolled in special education pre-school. He attended public schools for first, second and third grade. It wasn’t until the charter school Alexander was enrolled in as a thirdgrader started having financial problems that Page 1 Holscher began consider-
Holscher, who is a single mom, stepped in. “I tried six different public and private schools in St. Paul and Mendota Heights, but they didn’t work out. It was heartbreaking,” she said. “His sensory system is always on overload. He was having meltdowns. You can’t rationalize with him then. It was hard to bring him down.” Finally, she talked to Tom Schoepf, director of special education for ISD 197, and contracted with the district to run a private home-based school
‘Parents need to make sacrifices for their children. It’s part of being a parent. But for children with special needs, it becomes even more demanding,’ she said. after displaying a variety of cognitive delays and over-stimulation of the senses. Colors, crowds and social situations led to tantrums during which he was unable to calm down. Over the years Alexander has had a more formal diagnosis called Pervasive Developmental
ing home schooling him. Alexander was getting along well with other students, but falling behind in his educational goals. Holscher discovered that the school was not able to provide the speech and occupational services that Alexander needed. When the school finally closed,
for her son. It has become her full-time job. Alexander’s progress is monitored through a case manager and supervisor who is a licensed teacher. The case manager works with Holscher to devise an appropriate Individualized Educational Program for Alexander, a
Photo by Marina Castillo
Lisa Holscher has been under contract with Independent School District 197 for four years to home school her autistic son, Alexander. road map of objectives to be achieved throughout the year. “When I took on the role of teacher, my life as I knew it came to a screeching halt,” said Holscher. She had to quit her marketing job and immerse herself in her son’s world and what he needed in his life to progress academically and socially. “Parents need to make sacrifices for their children. It’s part of being a parent. But for children with special needs, it becomes even more demanding,” she said. “Is home schooling a special
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needs child something every parent can do? It depends on the child. There are a lot of really good teachers out there. I should have been one. “There are other schools outside the district that might work, but at least with me home schooling him, I don’t have to worry about what the teachers are doing or not doing,” she added. “‘Is he being challenged?’ was a big concern of mine. You have to have the ‘teaching tenacity’ knack within you. It’s not for everybody.” With his mother’s help, Alexander is at grade level in reading and math, but struggles with writing, finding it difficult to write a sentence, let alone a paragraph. In addition to the usual school subjects, she also teaches him coping skills, since over-stimulation can happen anywhere – in the car, at the mall, in social situations. They work on breathing techniques and expressing feelings. She teaches him to use expressions such as, “Mom, I’m really getting frustrated;” “Mom I need a break.” She learned these techniques from other parents and teachers, by reading books on the subject, and simply knowing her child. Her hope is that he will master many skills and become more independent. A good day is when he doesn’t have as many meltdowns, and is able to comprehend and behave
as a typical child of his age. The Holschers belong to the Autism Society of Minnesota, where Alexander gets help on developing his social skills. Another social outlet is the Highland Friendship Club, which was organized in 2002 to give teens and young adults with disabilities the chance to connect with friends. It meets at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center in Highland Park. “He is at the age where he needs to be around typical kids in the community,” said Holscher, who has begun to contemplate how much longer she will be able to home school her son. “His math skills are beyond what I can teach. Will I have to hire a math tutor? Will I only have him part-time?” The future for her son is unknown. She dreams of Alexander going to college. But first he has to make it through high school. Doing it without the assistance of a paraprofessional or aide would be a major accomplishment. “To obtain a four-year college degree would be a miracle,” said Holscher. “For Alexander to become independent without an aide is a dream for me. I hope that when he becomes an adult he can utilize what he has learned and be able to accept the world for how it is.”
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E ducation Area students win Athena award
Humboldt High School senior Shiny Vang and Michelle Fischer, a Mendota Heights resident who attends CretinDerham Hall, recently received a St. Paul Area Athena Award, an award that honors female athletes for excellence in sports and academics. Vang earned four letters in soccer and badminton, and one in basketball at Humboldt. She also earned all-conference and honorable mention honors in soccer and badminton. Her other school and civic involvement included junior and senior class council, Genesys works, drama club, educational talent search, Trio, Spanish club, National Honor Society, MEP and ETS. She has volunteered with the Neighborhood House, Friendship Club, the Twin Cities Marathon and Toys for Tots. She plans to attend Concordia College-Moorhead or
Your community news and information source St. Olaf this fall and major in veterinary science or sports management. Fischer earned four letters in hockey and three in soccer and lacrosse. She was named all conference in hockey and lacrosse, honorable mention in soccer, and allstate in lacrosse. Fischer was named to the National Honor Society, was on her school’s leadership council and has volunteered with Dakota Communities and the Minnesota Special Olympics. She plans to attend the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth next fall to play hockey and pursue a degree in business marketing.
Student notes
Reuben Biel of Mendota Heights, a senior at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Membership in the society is one of the highest academic honors an undergraduate student can achieve.
Daniel Schwarze of West St. Paul was named to the dean’s list at Cornell College.
Sibley event raises $15,000 for charities
Henry Sibley High School raised $15,000 during its 35 th Annual Give Once For All (GOFA) Week. “It is a great way for kids to experience the benefit of giving,” said Allison Footh, this year’s GOFA advisor. The funds will be divided evenly among Dakota Woodlands (the only shelter for homeless families in Dakota County), Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (an organization that provides specially trained dogs to the disabled), and Insulin Independence (an organization that helps people with diabetes, founded by Henry Sibley graduates). “As a high school student, it is important to step back and realize that
people need help,” said GOFA chair senior Alyssa Garr. “GOFA is a really good opportunity to participate in charity in high school while we’re in a tight-knit community with so many activities to participate in.” Highlights of GOFA week included a taco night, student talent show and school carnival. A student favorite is the GOFA Friday “buy out,” when students can bid to get out of class for a period to attend a special event.
Sibley teacher wins national award
Henry Sibley High School Advanced Placement biology teacher Jennifer Nippert has won the 2009 Siemens Award for AP teachers, the only teacher in Minnesota to receive the honor. Nippert has taught AP Biology to tenth graders at Henry Sibley for the past eight years.
Joe Quehl
Juni Dasgupta
Oratorical contest champs
Juni Dasgupta, a 7th-grader at Friendly Hills Middle School, and Joe Quehl, a 6th-grader at Heritage Middle School, won the Optimist Club of West St. Paul’s oratorical contest for their presentation on the theme “Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?” Each received a gold medallion and earned the chance to compete for a $2,500 scholarship at the district level. The contest was open to students under age 16 who attend an ISD 197 school or a private or charter school in West St. Paul or Mendota Heights. The top girl and the top boy at the district level, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, each will receive a scholarship. The contest, first held in 1928, allows youth to practice public speaking and compete for scholarships. This is the first year that the West St. Paul club, active in the community since 1971, has sponsored this program for local students. The club also coordinates the ISD 197 and West St. Paul Spelling Bee and Skates for Kids programs.
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E ducation Henry Sibley students named national merit finalists
Henry Sibley High School seniors and Mendota Heights residents Daniel Kennedy and Adiv Paradise have been named finalists in the 2010 Competition for National Merit Scholarships. These academically talented students represent a narrowing number of national candidates as they advance in the selection process. Finalists in the 55th annual National Merit Scholarship Program will continue in the competition for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be determined in the coming months. Finalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
St. Joseph’s wins award
St. Joseph School in West St. Paul received
Your community news and information source $7,500 for being named winner of the “General Mills January Back to School Sweepstakes.” The school will use the funds to purchase an additional Promethean Board — a large interactive display that combines the simplicity of a whiteboard, power of a computer and front projection — for the school and to help provide financial assistance for other projects.
Sibley business students return to nationals
BPA program provides an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and experience the competitive nature of the business world through competition events.
Romano receives Bush Fellowship
Chris Romano, executive director of Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA), has been selected as a 2010-2011 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow, a highly competi-
Members of Henry Sibley High School’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) team are heading to nationals, at the BPA convention in California in early May. The following students earned honors at the state spring competition and qualified for the national convention: William Zien, Jake Evans, Jared Poetter, Jim Nichols, Josh Wies and Danny Bernick. Henry Sibley’s
tive and distinguished award. During his fellowship, Chris will pursue a master of business administration degree at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, where he has also been named a Sundquist Global Scholar and has been selected as a National Society of Hispanic MBAs Fellow. The focus of his fellowship plan is leadership and direction in microentrepreneurship in Minnesota.
“During the past nine years, Chris has helped build REDA into a vibrant and visionary leader for the West Side community,” said Jim Gilbert, president of REDA’s board of directors. “While we are extremely excited for Chris and his family, we regret that in August he will be leaving REDA. In the upcoming months REDA will be engaging in a strategic and thoughtful search process to identify a new executive director.”
CBL Floors relocates to WSP
CBL Floors, has moved to 1061 So. Robert St., West St. Paul. The company, owned by Diane and Frank Hanzal, was located at 458 South Robert St. on the West Side for 31 years. CBL Floors offers a full line of flooring products, including carpet, wood, vinyl and laminates. For more information, call 292-1011 or visit www. cblfloors.com.
Join us for a day of remembrance...
Memorial Day Service Monday, May 31 ~ 10 a.m.
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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. 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
Our beautiful cemetery is conveniently situated on the Pilot Knob plateau above the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in Mendota Heights. We are proud of our majestic scenery and natural environment that is uninhibited by upright monuments, which creates a stunning park-like setting. We have provided quality, personal service to families since 1925. We offer the following options to our families: • • • • • • •
A Veterans' Section with a free grave to the Veteran. Sections specifically designed for Casket or Cremation burial. Convenient No-Interest pre-payment plans for three years. No-obligation information and tour of the cemetery grounds. Markers, vaults, vases and urns for purchase. Serving all faiths. Se Habla Español
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N ews Briefs Volunteer for West Side Clean Up
Volunteers are needed for the West Side Clean Up, held June 12. Volunteers are allowed to dispose of one carload of trash for free. For more information, call the West Side Citizens Organization at 651-2931708.
Arbor Day event
The 2010 West St Paul Arbor Day event will be held 10 a.m.-noon, Sat., May 1, at Marthaler Park in West St. Paul, adjacent to City Hall. The free event features a ceremonial tree planting, face
Your community news and information source painting, a tree raffle/ giveaway for residents of West St. Paul, information on recycling, and refreshments. The event is sponsored by the West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club.
Community calendar
• Optimist Club - The Optimist Club of West St. Paul meets 4:30-5:30 p.m., the first and third Thursday of the month, at the West St. Paul Armory, 1346 South Robert St. The meeting is open to the public. The Optimist Club sponsors youth activities in West St.
Paul. For more information, call 651-457-0917. • Veterans’ meetings - The RiverviewWest St. Paul VFW Post 4462 hosts monthly meetings at 7 p.m., the first Wednesday of each month, at the West St. Paul Armory. For more information, call 651437-4481. American Legion Post 521 also hosts monthly meetings at the Armory. Meeting times are 7 p.m., the fourth Tuesday of each month. • Rotary Club - The West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club hosts a weekly meeting at 7:30 a.m., Wednesdays,
at Southview Country Club, 239 E. Mendota Road, West St. Paul. Each meeting features breakfast and a guest speaker. For more information, visit www.rotarywspmh. org. • Kiwanis Club - The Kiwanis Club of West St. Paul hosts a weekly meeting at noon, Tuesdays, at Southview Country Club, 239 E. Mendota Road, West St. Paul. Each meeting features lunch and a guest speaker. • Chamber of Commerce - The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which serves West St. Paul,
Once Upon A Time in West St. Paul Celebrate West St. Paul Days May 13-16
Schedule of Events: Spaghetti Luncheon/Silent Auction
Softball Tournament
Municipal Center Open House
Kiddie Parade
Noon-3 p.m., Sun., May 2, Salem Lutheran Church, 11 Bernard St. W., $6. 1616 Humboldt Ave., 5-7 p.m., Wed., May 12
Coloring contest
For kids in grades K-4. Coloring sheets are available at www.wsproyalty.com and are due by 7 p.m., Wed., May 12 at the West St. Paul Municipal Center, 1616 Humboldt Ave.
West St. Paul Days Carnival
Signal Hills Center parking lot, May 13-16 Hours are Thursday and Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
4th Annual Citywide Garage Sale
Thurs., May 13-Sat., May 15. Get a free map at Langula Hardware, 919 S. Robert St., 651-457-8899
9 a.m., Sat., May 15. For more information, call Tim Nowak at 612-269-9471. 10:30 a.m., Sat., May 15, at Haskell and South Robert Street. The Teddy Bear Band will perform in the parking lot of Plaza TV and Appliance, 946 S. Robert St. For more information, call Lambert at 612-245-5558.
BBQ Rib and Chicken Feast
Commercial Club, 938 S. Robert St., at 11 a.m., Sat., May 15. For more information, call 651-451-4070.
West St. Paul Days Parade
1 p.m., Robert Street, traveling north from Emerson Avenue to Haskell Street. For more information, call 612-245-5558. Jason DeRusha of WCCO is the celebrity grand marshal.
Celebrate West St. Paul Days Dance
Fri., May 14, 3-5 p.m. at Thompson Oaks Golf Course. For more information, call David or Mick, 651-457-1196.
Featuring BLT Band. Heritage Middle School, 121 Butler St. W. A $5 West St. Paul Days button is required for admission, available at the door. Tacos will be served.
Featuring the West Side Band. West St. Paul Commercial Club, 7-11 p.m., Fri., May 14. Cost is $5 and a West St. Paul Days button. For more information, call 651-451-4070.
7 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun., May 16, at the South Family YMCA, 150 E. Thompson Ave. For more information, contact Shelly or Jamie, 651-457-6348.
Golf Tournament
Gala Street Dance
5K WOG and 1-mile Kids’ Run
YMCA, 150 E. Thompson Ave. WOG begins at 8 a.m. and the Kid’s Run at 9:15 a.m. For more information, call 651-457-0048.
Page 8 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
West St. Paul Kiwanis pancake breakfast and silent auction
Queen Coronation
1 p.m., Sun., May 16 at St Croix Lutheran High School, 1200 Oakdale Ave. A $5 West St. Paul Days button is required for admission. Buttons are available at the door.
Mendota Heights, Eagan, Rosemount and Farmington, hosts a monthly meeting called “The Buzz,” at 7:30 a.m., the first Thursday of each month, at the Northern Dakota County Service Center in West St. Paul. Each meeting features networking, a guest speaker and refreshments. For more information, call 651-452-9872 or visit www.dcrchamber.com.
Volunteer opportunities
• DARTS, a nonprofit organization in West St. Paul that serves families and individuals through transportation and inhome services, has several volunteer opportunities available. For more information, contact 651455-1560 or www.dart1. org. • Ramsey County Community Human Services has volunteer opportunities for people age 18 and older. For more information, contact 651-266-4090 or volunteerservices@ co.ramsey.mn.us. • Minnesota Literacy Council - Volunteers are needed to tutor adult learners, assist in an adult classroom and teach basic English and GED classes. For more information, contact Allison at 651645-2277, ext 219, or volunteer@themlc.org. • St. Paul Public Schools - Volunteers are needed to tutor elementary students in the St. Paul Public schools in reading and math. Under the guidance of a classroom teacher, volunteers assist students one-onone or in small groups. For more information, contact Connie at 612617-7807 or e-mail cerickson@voamn.org. Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota.
Con Brio recital
Con Brio School of Music, located at Signal Hills Shopping Center in
West St. Paul, is hosting a recital at 1 p.m., Sun., May 23, at River Heights High School, 60 E. Marie Ave. Suite 220, West St. Paul. For more information, call 651-497-0160.
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. Information will also be available on a new low-interest exterior loan program that has been recently expanded to the West Side.
Garlough School’s Spring Plant Sale
Garlough Environmental Magnet School, 1740 Charlton St., West St. Paul, is hosting a plant sale 9-5 p.m., Sat., May 8. The sale will feature bedding annuals, hanging baskets, geranium tubs, vegetables, herbs, native perennials and more. Participants will also learn about organic gardening methods, composting, non-toxic pest control, reducing chemical use on lawns, proper yard waste disposal, rain barrel making, and compost bin making. Professionals will also be available to answer questions on lawn care, landscape design and tree care. For more information, visit www.garlough.isd197. org.
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
N ews Briefs 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 651-
Your community news and information source 633-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 Ordway 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.
Tiny Tots Summer Adventure Camp
Tiny Tots and Little Tykes Preschool and Child Care Center is enrolling for Summer Adventure Camps for preschool (age 3-5 years) and school-age (K-6) campers. For more informa-
tion, call 651-457-0042. The school is located inside of St. Croix Lutheran School, 1200 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul.
St. Matthew’s Preschool celebrates Cinco de Mayo
St. Matthew’s Preschool, located on the West Side at 15 W. Winifred St., is hosting an open house to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Free children’s activities and snow cones are just some of the highlights of the event, held 4-7:30 p.m., Fri., May 7, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat., May 8. “The name might be new to some, but St. Matthew’s Preschool is
still offering the same engaging curriculum and wonderful childcare services,” said Shar Lavelle, director. “To share what we have to offer during a community celebration like Cinco de Mayo is only more exciting.” Information about the preschool will also be available at the event. For more information about St. Matthew’s Preschool, call 651-224-1450 or visit www.st-matts.org/ preschool.
American flag disposal
American Legion Challenger Post 521 has a collection box in the vestibule at the West St. Paul Municipal Center,
1616 Humboldt Ave., for American flags that are torn, frayed or discolored. For more information on flag disposal or on the Challenger Post, call John Ertel at 651457-5597.
Free workplace English classes
South Suburban Adult Basic Education (ABE) offers Workplace English classes to adults ages 18 and older who want to enter the workforce and wish to improve their English language and job search skills. The classes are free and open to residents of ISD 197 school district. To enroll or receive more information, call 651-457-9441.
6th Annual Ceremonia Chalchiutlicue & Environmental Justice Summit Danza Mexica Cuauhtémoc of Minnesota and the Chalchiutlicue Environmental Project are hosting a three-day event to promote good stewardship of the environment. The Chalchiutlicue Environmental Project is dedicated to helping Latinos better understand issues that affect the environment, including how to recycle, dispose of hazardous waste, conserve electricity and water, shop environmentally smart, and how to report illegal dumping. The Chalchiutlicue summit serves as an annual gathering for the Latino community to celebrate the environment through a cultural celebration. The event begins with an Environmental Summit, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri., May 21, at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul, and includes informational booths, artisan vendors, food and more. Construction of flower offerings takes place 7-10 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. Building of Ofrendas at Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis, begins at 8 a.m., Sat., May 22, followed by a March for Water at 11 a.m. The march begins
at the American Indian Center, 1530 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis. An offering of flowers is held at noon at Powderhorn Lake. Ceremony Chalchiutlicue begins at 1 p.m. in Powderhorn Park, followed by a dinner at 4 p.m. The Offering of the Flowers ceremony begins at 9 a.m., Sun., May 23, at Fort Snelling State Park, Highway 5 and Post Road, St. Paul. The event culminates with a fiesta and BBQ at noon at Fort Snelling Beach. More than 40 workshops will be presented by area youth from 25 middle schools and high schools. Over 350 youth and 100 community members attended the event last year. “This event offers a space for Twin Cites urban youth, youth of color and immigrant youth who have historically not been at the table of environmental issues to not only share what they have learned in the classroom, but to also become the voice and leaders of this effort while networking with other youth leaders,” said spokesperson Jerry Lopez. Tiffany Rodriquez with Eco Education is assist-
ing with the event. “Our partnership in the Chalchuitlicue Environmental Justice Summit stems from our deep belief that students are powerful change-makers and need space to share their successes and learn from their peers, people of all ages who are involved in the environmental movement. Last year’s conference was a great success and we are excited to partner again this year,” she said.
Offering of the Flowers ceremony at the 2009 environmental summit.
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Mother's and Father's Day Specials St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 9
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
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June 5 & 6 Downtown Saint Paul FREE OUTDOOR CREATIVE PLAY ordway.org/festival 651.224.4222 The Ordway is a nonprofit charitable organization. INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & DANCE WORLD FOOD
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651-266-7000
•
www.sppl.org
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. 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.
Your community news and information source “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 imagination 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.
Science Museum “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,
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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, 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.
Minnesota History Center “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. “MN 150”- Meet 150 people, places, events and things that have sparked significant change within Minnesota and beyond. 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 information, call 651-2593000 or visit www.mnhs. org.
Artists’ Quarter
The Artists’ Quarter, located in the Historic Hamm Building at 7th Place and St. Peter in downtown St. Paul, offers live entertainment throughout the month, including jazz bands, poetry nights and the popular B-3 organ night, held at 9 p.m. every Tuesday. For a complete schedule of events, call 651-2921359 or visit www.artistsquarter.com .
Get an education as individual as you are! Metropolitan State University offers you the opportunity to actually custom design a bachelor’s degree program that will fit right into your personal, educational and career goals. This individualized degree program: • Builds on what you have already accomplished. • Gives you credit for some of your previous college education—you don’t have to start over. You can finish what you started. • Provides credit for some of your career and life experience including work, military, volunteer service. • Lets you choose courses that fit into your life and career plans. • Schedules most classes evenings, weekends and online to fit your work and family life. Choose your own path! Enhance your life and career by completing your individualized B.A. degree through First College at Metropolitan State University. For more information or to schedule an informational meeting e-mail fc.info@metrostate.edu or call 651-793-1782.
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C ommunity Celebrations The show will go on
Your community news and information source
WSP business groups save annual community celebration from brink of cancellation West St. Paul Days offers four days of family fun May 13-16 Tim Spitzack Editor
L
ate last year, the outlook was grim for the annual West St. Paul Days celebration. It appeared the event was going to be another victim of the bleak economic climate. But organizer Lambert Motz and a host of other community boosters kept clawing and scratching to come up with the $30,000 needed to fund the event. As of early April, they had raised a significant amount of that figure, donated primarily by the West St. Paul Commercial Club and the South Robert Street Business Associa-
The rest of the festivities kick off at the West St. Paul Municipal Center (aka City Hall), 1616 Humboldt Ave., 5-7 p.m., Wed., May 12. Here’s your chance to mingle with your elected officials while enjoying hotdogs, root beer floats and an inflatable slide and jump house. The event will feature demonstrations by the police and fire departments, and a special visit by McGruff the Crime Dog.
tion, and are happy to announce that the show will go on. This year’s celebration takes place May 13-16 at locales throughout West St. Paul. The marquee event — The West St. Paul Days Parade — takes place Sat., May 15, on Robert Street, following the traditional route from Emerson to Haskell St. Circle the dates on your calendar and spread the word to family and friends that West St. Paul Days is alive and well. Here’s the line-up. Dates, times and events were accurate as of press time but are subject to change. The first event is the West St. Paul Royalty’s Spaghetti Luncheon/Silent Auction, held noon3 p.m., Sun., May 2, at Salem Lutheran Church, 11 Bernard St. W. Cost is $6.
Carnival
Thrill seekers will want to make their way to the Signal Hills Center parking lot Thurs., May 13 through Sun., May 16, because it is being converted to a Midway for the West St. Paul Days Carnival. The carnival will feature several thrill rides, carnival games
Summer Worship Schedule Sunday Worship - 10 am
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Oakdale Community Church 1066 Carrie St., West St. Paul
just north of Butler between S. Robert & Hwy 52
For more information, call 651-457-3866 or visit www.oakdalecc.org
New royalty will be crowned May 16, at St. Croix Lutheran High School. and carnival fare such as popcorn, cotton candy and corndogs. Hours of operation are 3-9 p.m., Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday; noon-6 p.m., Sunday.
Garage Sale
Treasure hunters and thrifty shoppers will be happy to know that the citywide garage sale is back on the schedule of events, offered May 1315. Last year there were over 25 sales throughout the city, and this year promises similar numbers. Get a free map at Langula Hardware, 919 S. Robert St., 651-4578899, and let the hunt begin.
Athletic events
Golfers, softball players, runners and walkers take note: events are scheduled specifically for you. The West St. Paul Days’ annual Golf Tournament is held 3-5 p.m., Fri., May 14, at Thompson Oaks Golf Course. For more information, call David or Mick, 651457-1196. Tournament play begins with a shotgun start and is limited to 45 players with five players to a team. The registration fee is $45 per golfer and includes prizes and dinner at Gallaghers. St. Matthew’s Men’s Club will organize the 8th Annual West St. Paul Days Softball Tournament, held at 9 a.m., Sat.,
May 15. The tourney guarantees three games to each team and cash prizes to first, second and third place winners. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call Tim Nowak at 612269-9471. Saturday also features the popular 5K WOG (walk/jog) and One Mile Kids’ Run at the YMCA, 150 E. Thompson Ave. The WOG begins at 8 a.m. and the Kid’s Run at 9:15 a.m. For more information call, 651-457-0048.
For the kids
The Teddy Bear Band will provide a musical backdrop during the Kiddie Parade, held at 10:30
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www.msmarket.coop Page 12 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
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Knowledge, Leadership, Discipline, Character
C ommunity Celebrations
Dancing
Food
With 20 years of basting and turning meat, the folks at the Commercial Club know how to serve up a great plate of BBQ. Head on down to the Commercial Club, 938 S. Robert St., at 11 a.m., Sat., May 15, for a BBQ Rib and Chicken Feast. For more information call 651-451-4070. The West St. Paul Kiwanis will host a pancake breakfast and silent auction, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun., May 16, at the South Family YMCA, 150 E. Thompson Ave. On the menu are pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee. Cost is $5 for adults, and $2 for children under age 12. Silent auction items include gift cards for restaurants, hotels and oil changes, golf and golf apparel, along with signed sports and rock star memorabilia. Proceeds from the breakfast help fund the Kiwanis Club’s scholarship program, which awards five $1,000 scholarships to students attending Henry Sibley and other area
high schools. For more information, contact Shelly or Jamie at 651457-6348.
Parade
Enjoy some good oldfashioned fun by viewing fancy floats, marching bands and other colorful entries in the 100unit parade. Starting at 1 p.m., Grand Marshal Lambert Motz will lead the parade along Robert Street, traveling north from Emerson Avenue to Haskell Street. For more information call 612245-5558. Jason DeRusha of WCCO is the celebrity grand marshal.
Queen Coronation
The reigning 2009 West St. Paul Queen, Krista Kizlik, along with her Princesses, Hannah Peine and Kelli Seyberg, will entrust their crowns and titles to their successors, wrapping up a year of excitement serving as City ambassadors in parades, royalty functions and events throughout the area. The royal family will grew last year with the addition of Junior and Little Miss West St. Paul titles. Celia Dickey was Little Miss and Victoria Schmidt was the Junior Miss. The coronation ceremony will be
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held at 1 p.m., Sun., May 16, at St Croix Lutheran High School, 1200 Oakdale Ave. A $5 West St. Paul Days button is required for admission. Buttons are available at the door.
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St. Paul’s German Restaurant
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651-292-9421
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Open Daily 11 AM
Those who like to shake it will have two opportunities this year. The West Side Band will perform at the Gala Street Dance, 7-11 p.m., Fri., May 14, at the West St. Paul Commercial Club. Cost is $5 and a West St. Paul Days button. For more information, call 651-451-4070. The BLT Band will perform 3:30-8 p.m., Sat., May 15, during the Celebrate West St. Paul Days Dance. This community dance is held at Heritage Middle School, 121 Butler St. W. A $5
West St. Paul Days button is required for admission. Buttons are available at the door. Open to the public. Tacos will be served.
Real German Food!
a.m., Sat., May 15, at Haskell and South Robert Street. Children are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons and strollers and join the fun. The band will perform in the parking lot of Plaza TV and Appliance, 946 S. Robert St. For more information, call Lambert at 612-245-5558. The West St. Paul Commercial Club is sponsoring a coloring contest for kids in grades K-4. Coloring sheets are available at www.wsproyalty.com and are due by 7 p.m., Wed., May 12, at the West St. Paul Municipal Center, 1616 Humboldt Ave.
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St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 13
R iver Connections St. Paul’s Great River Park
Your community news and information source
More Natural, More Urban, More Connected
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 progress 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 plant-
ings, 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 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 Mississippi 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 all that nature has to of-
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fer. And many, of course, are drawn to area parks. Parks are expensive endeavors — the renovation of Raspberry Island used $5 million in state funding — but offer intangible benefits that few deny or want to live without. Minnesota voters have shown their commitment to parks by accepting new taxes. In 2008, the state approved the Legacy Act Tax, a three-eighths of one percent sales tax enacted until the year 2034 for the environment and the arts. According to research from the Trust for Public Land, city parks and open spaces improve our physical and psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighborhoods safer and more attractive places to live and work. This research is available at www.tpl.org.
1Mississippi campaign
The Riverfront Corporation is a member of the Mississippi River Network, a coalition of organizations among the ten states along the river that works to protect the land, water and resources within the river corridor. The Network has launched a nationwide campaign 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.
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Page 14 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
C inco de Mayo Event Guide Cinco de Mayo Guide from page 1
Music and entertainment
It takes five stages to provide enough venues for all the entertainment lined up for Cinco. Musicians and other entertainers from Central, South and North America, including Mexico, will give fans a taste of many cultures. This year, Cinco will feature a popular new band from Mexico called Los Kapsi, which will headline on Saturday. The band, which has produced several CDs, has a good following and is on its first tour in the Midwest, according to Angel Muldonado, founder and CEO of Noche de Gala Productions, which works with REDA to set up the event’s entertainment. Los Kapsi plays the tierra caliente style
of music, a mix of durangueños and norteños, which should appeal to several generations, he said. “People will pay a cover charge to see this band and you can see them at Cinco de Mayo for free,” Muldonado said. A popular Minnesota hip hop artist who will headline on Friday is Maria Isa, who in the past year has recorded a CD of original music. Many other groups from Minnesota and elsewhere will offer a range of music, including salsa and Latin, mariachi and pop music. Fiesta favorites, including Mariachi Canto y Flor and Alegres Bailadores, will be back this year. Three stages will feature a variety of sounds and entertainment on Friday: the El Rio Stage at Robert and Cesar Chavez; the Viva Mexico! Stage at the Ken Yackel
Your community news and information source West Side Arena and the Boca Chica Stage. On Saturday at the Boca Chica Stage, fiestagoers can relax with entertainment, a variety of beverages and the “People’s Choice” Salsa Tasting Contest. The Viva Mexico! and El Rio stages also will open again on Saturday, along with the Parque Castillo and Cozy
Cantina stages. For a schedule of Cinco de Mayo Fiesta music and entertainment at each of the stages, visit www.districtdelsol.com.
Food and beverages
Bring your appetite. Food vendors will offer some new surprises this year, as well as tradition-
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C inco de Mayo Event Guide Cinco de Mayo Guide From page 15
soft drinks, Mexican and American beers and margaritas. Beverages will be available for purchase at each of the fiesta’s stages. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, on Saturday the “People’s Choice” Salsa Tasting Contest will give salsa lovers another tasty snack option. For a small charge, event-goers receive a basket of chips and can sample from a range of salsas, before casting their ballot for their favorite. Back by popular demand is the secondannual jalapeno tasting contest. On Saturday at the Boca Chica Stage, “heats” of 10 contestants will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The winner of each “heat” will win an award.
Fun for all ages
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, come on Fri-
day for the 11th annual Lowrider Car Show. For those who love cars and those who appreciate style, creativity and the unusual, this show’s cars, trucks and other vehicles promise to be exciting. As many as 150 vehicles custom painted, with chrome trim, spokes and many amenities will line up along Wabasha Street. Also on Friday in the Ken Yackel West Side Arena parking lot, check out the Hydraulics Showcase where owners of adrenaline-pumped cars and trucks will compete. Moving east from the car show at Cinco de Mayo, fiesta-goers of all ages will find many more activities. An area for children will be marked off by a white picket fence on Saturday. Kids and their parents can get involved in storytelling, face painting, a petting zoo, as well as making traditional Mexican crafts. They also can play on huge inflatables inside and outside the Chil-
Your community news and information source
Photo by Marina Castillo
The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta parade begins at 10 a.m., Sat., May 8 along Cesar Chavez. dren’s Area. At the nearby Parque Castillo Stage, fiestagoers can watch a magician and entertainment by and for young people, including a youth-led
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mariachi band and folk dancers. At the Sports Zone on Saturday, athletes and sports fans can participate in sports activities, including some led by major area sports teams. Soccer, baseball, American football, martial arts and climbing activities will be available, along with a skateboard ramp
In District 197, we are committed to providing students with a challenging educational experience focused on meeting the individual needs of each learner. Come learn more about what our close-knit community of schools has to offer.
show. The Sports Zone is designed for teens but is open to everyone. Amateur and professional sports teams and organizations including the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Vikings, St. Paul Saints, Bally Total Fitness and more will be represented. Fiesta-goers can see
views of the West Side from different time periods this year at the History Area. Organizers are collecting photos of the West Side and will present them in a special exhibit that also will feature stories about the photos. The History Area will present an exhibit on the history of Cinco de Mayo, both the 1862
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Las familias que habla español están bienvenidas Page 16 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
C inco de Mayo Event Guide Mexican Battle of Puebla that the holiday commemorates and the 28 years of the West Side’s celebration. Visitors can see highlights of West Side history and traditions, and Minnesota’s Latino population. The Community Wellness Village on Saturday will provide information on health, education and social services. They can take advantage of blood pressure screening and massages. Representatives of many educational, nonprofit, social service, health, community and church organizations will offer information and answer questions.
Photo contest
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta offers many great “photo opps,” and photographers of any age and will have a chance to submit their best shots. The 8th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta photo contest will feature prizes for first
and second place winners in three categories. Again this year, there will be a category for youth ages 16 and younger called “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Memories.” Cost to enter is $10. There is no charge to enter the youth category. For more information, contact REDA at www.districtdelsol.com or call 651-222-6347.
Menudo run/walk
The 5th annual event will take place Saturday morning starting at Joseph’s Grill near Plato and Wabasha and following the Mississippi river. The 5K timed run will start at 8 a.m. and the one-mile family walk will take place at 8:30 a.m. The run/walk is sponsored by the Minnesota Chapter of the Latino Peace Officers Association and REDA. Register on the day of the race by 7:45 a.m. Water and snacks will be provided, and runners
Your community news and information source will receive a T-shirt. Winners in their age categories will receive prizes. Event proceeds go toward college scholarships for students studying law enforcement.
Volunteers needed
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta wouldn’t be possible without volunteers who help in every area of the event. REDA needs 300 people to offer their time and skills. Each volunteer receives a T-shirt. To make a difference, visit www.districtdelsol.com/ docroot/cincodemayo/ CincodeMayoFiestaVolunteer.html or call 651222-6347.
Before you arrive
For the latest information, along with detailed directions and parking information, visit www. districtdelsol.com The 2,500 Cinco followers on Facebook receive updates and a chance for VIP passes and other items
Photo by Marina Castillo
Bands, floats, custom cars and costumed dancers make the Cinco de Mayo parade one of the most colorful parades of the year. — so become a Facebook fan today. You also can follow the fiesta on Twitter.
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C inco de Mayo Event Guide What’s New This Year • New “Green Zone” Aims at Cleaner Fiesta • Music, food offerings give visitors more choices Susan Klemond Contributor
C
inco de Mayo Fiesta organizers are introducing something new at this year’s May 7-8 event on St. Paul’s West Side:
the “zero waste” Green Zone. The zone will consist of a one-block area around Wabasha and Cesar Chavez that fiesta attendees will be encouraged to keep free of food and other types of waste in order to raise awareness of recycling and environmental issues, said Brian Gioielli, marketing manager for the Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA), which organizes the two-
Your community news and information source
day event. Whether in the Green Zone or not, fiesta-goers can help continue the environmental and recycling success of recent years, Gioielli said. “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has been a leader in the past few years (in its environmental efforts) for a festival of its size and capacity,” he said. “We hope this can continue with the Green Zone this year.” Also, new this year,
fiesta-goers will have a chance to hear a popular Mexican band, see a collection of photos of the West Side contributed by area residents, sample new snacks and more.
Top entertainment
On its first tour of the Midwest, the band Los Kapsi will headline Saturday’s music offerings. Playing tierra caliente, a mix of durangueño and norteño music, the band appeals to several generations. Music lovers also can take in salsa, hip-
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hop, reggae and traditional dance groups. “A lot of people come to Cinco de Mayo Fiesta to hear the music,” Gioielli said. “They won’t be disappointed.” The El Rio Stage at Robert and Cesar Chavez streets will provide additional entertainment.
New food, hot food
Vendors will offer more authentic Hispanic/Latino food this year, as well as other ethnic dishes. El Burrito Mercado and Boca Chica Restaurante will introduce new foods. Those inclined toward the spicy will have an additional opportunity to enter the jalapeño eating contest at the Boca Chica Stage on Saturday. Because of popular demand, an extra “heat” has been added to the contest.
Photo exhibit
Visitors to the History Area will have a chance to see more of the West Side in photos taken by the people who live there. An exhibit of photos submitted by local residents, some including the stories behind them, will be displayed during the fiesta. To submit photos for the exhibit, contact REDA at 651-222-6347 or intern@districtdelsol. com.
Hydraulics show in a new location
Fiesta-goers interested in a powerful car and truck show on Friday evening will find the Hydraulics Showcase in a new place this year: the parking lot of the Ken
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Page 18 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
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New button offers style, value
Not only does this year’s button qualify its bearer for fiesta prizes and discounts at District del Sol and other local businesses during the month of May, it also has a new, unique design. The colorful rectangular button with “serape” blanket stripes is available for $2. Youth groups and nonprofits also can sell the buttons as a fundraiser. For details and to learn about button discounts, visit www.districtdelsol. com/cinco.html.
A win-win situation
Besides enjoying all that Cinco de Mayo has to offer and helping the environment, those attending the event have a chance to support local businesses, including those in the District del Sol, Gioielli said. Proceeds from Cinco de Mayo Fiesta help local businesses in the form of loans and grants that support community development, he said. “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has the chance to highlight all the West Side has to offer and can continue to drive new customers and new business here to keep them going,” Gioielli said. “This celebration of culture and community is important even to the neighbors. We want to continue that celebration any way we can.”
C inco de Mayo Event Guide
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Parade Grand Marshal recalls WWII veterans’ welcome at 1948 Cinco de Mayo Aguirre promotes recognition of all veterans Susan Klemond Contributor
A
s he was preparing to be grand marshal in the upcoming Cinco de Mayo Fiesta parade, Manuel Aguirre remembered another parade commemorating the Mexican holiday more than 60 years ago. Not long out of the Navy after World War II, Aquirre and his friend marched in uniform with about 30 other veterans on the lower West Side near the Mississippi River. Parade attendees cheered them on, but “there was hardly anybody there then and now it’s big.” Aguirre said he is looking forward to the honor of serving at the May 8 Cinco parade, which falls on the 65 th anniversary of the war’s end in Europe. He will represent WWII veterans and friends, many of whom have passed away. “I want to represent all the veterans who were killed in WWII, all the veterans who were missing in action and all the veterans that were wounded in action and represent all the veterans that fought in Europe in WWII,” Aguirre said. A long-time West Side resident, Aguirre helped start the Mexican American Veterans Post 5,
which represents veterans from all American wars ,and is based in the neighborhood. For the past 10 years, he has been active in promoting veterans’ issues and in serving the West Side community in a variety of ways. Since it was founded, members of Post 5 have marched annually in the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta parade. Because of his eyesight, Aguirre has gone by car rather than marching in the parade for the past few years. This year, he’s happy to participate and will again wear his original Navy uniform decorated with medals as he rides in the parade with his 12-year-old granddaughter.
Aguirre’s background
Aguirre moved to St. Paul from Mason City, Iowa, with his family in 1939. He did migrant work and then worked as a meat packer in South St. Paul until joining the Navy in 1943. While serving as a Seaman First Class in the Pacific during WWII on the U.S.S. Ozark, he was involved in the last four invasions and landings of the war and witnessed the signing of Japan’s surrender on Sept. 2, 1945. As a coxswain, he steered amphibious boats that car-
ried thousands of troops to the shore and brought wounded back to the Ozark, which was a hospital ship, he said. At 5 feet 5 inches tall, he was the right height to steer the ship without getting shot, he said. When he returned from the war, Aguirre settled on the West Side, where he and his wife raised three sons. Aguirre didn’t wear his uniform much after that 1948 parade until he and some fellow veterans decided to organize Post 5. “I didn’t have a reason to talk about it,” he said. In 1999, they realized that some of the veterans were dying without much attention. “They were all dying and nobody seemed to say too much about World War II,” he said. “It was all the other wars they talked about all the time.” About 100 veterans of all backgrounds attend monthly Post 5 meetings at the Wellstone Center, he said. The Post makes school visits to discuss their military experiences, sponsors Junior ROTC in high schools, helps with blood drives and community food shelf donations, and takes part in city parades, and other patriotic events. It also sells tacos
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Cinco de Mayo Fiesta parade grand marshal Manuel Aguirre. every Wednesday evening at Winners Bar and Restaurant to support its community work. The Post has also been working with the city of St. Paul to have an American Veterans’ Memorial built on Harriet Island. Construction is scheduled for this year.
Those serving in more recent wars face challenges that Aguirre said he never had to deal with. “It’s more dangerous now,” he said. “They’ve got all these roadside bombs and everything. We didn’t have that during World War II. They had mine fields and all
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C inco de Mayo Event Guide Sampling salsa: from mild to hot! Susan Klemond Contributor
T
he first decision is easy: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’s “People’s Choice” salsa tasting contest offers one of the best snack values at the fiesta, especially when paired with a frosty beverage. The second decision is a little tougher: figuring out which of the
15 locally produced salsas you like best. Even if it’s tough to choose your favorites, it’s a lot of fun to try. Fiestagoers can sample mild, hot and other varieties from Twin Cities-area restaurants and retailers, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., May 8, near the Boca Chica stage. The contest offers an
entertaining taste treat for the whole family, said Brian Gioielli, marketing manager for the Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA), which organizes the fiesta. “It’s a blast. It’s unique and it’s one of the only places you can compare salsas in this sort of environment,” he said.
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This year, fiesta-goers can sample salsas from at least 10 producers, including some salsas made just for this year’s contest. “The participating restaurants are from all over the Twin Cities and, of course, some hometown favorites right here in District del Sol,” said Gioielli. Samplers will have the chance to vote on their favorites in three categories: Best Mild/Salsa Suave, Best Hot/Salsa del Sol and Most Unique/ Salsa Sabrosa. Producers continue to offer a variety of unusual salsas. Past varieties have included mango pineapple salsa, green salsa and salsa with shrimp. “Baja Sol is the returning champ (most unique category) a number of years running, but I think El Burrito Mercado may be throwing their hat in the ring on this one,” Gioielli said.
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To try the salsas, fiestagoers receive for a small charge a basket of tortilla chips, a half ounce sample of each kind of salsa they choose and a ballot. “The price is four tickets and you get to try all these salsas and chips,” Gioielli said. “And of course that price includes getting your vote in.” Salsa lovers can make their voting decisions while relaxing at the Boca Chica Stage, which will offer a variety of music and entertainment acts. Icy margaritas, beer and soft drinks will be available nearby.
The salsas will not be available for purchase at the fiesta. However, vendors will provide coupons and other information. Contest winners will receive a plaque, their company names will be included in post-event publicity, and they will earn what Gioielli calls “a lifetime of bragging rights.” Last year, fiesta-goers tasted and voted on 12 salsas offered by eight vendors. The winners were: Best Mild/Salsa Suave: La Cocinita, Best Hot/Salsa del Sol: Curt’s Salsa; and Most Unique: Baja Sol.
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Lowriders and hydraulics to jump-start Cinco again Susan Klemond Contributor
W
hat better place for some of the sleekest, most polished cruising vehicles in the region to show off than at one of the biggest parties of the season? Cinco de Mayo Fiesta visitors can see amazing custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes up close at the 11 th Annual Lowrider Car Show and the Hydraulics Showcase, while enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Minnesota’s Spiciest Celebration. “It’s an exciting event because it’s connected to the festival,” said Sandy Alcocer, car show coordinator. “It’s not just your regular car show. We have the vendors, the music and it’s just a good Latin feel.” Owners will display as many as 150 vehicles with creativity and style at the show, which will take place 4-9 p.m., Fri., May 7, along and near Wabasha Street, between Plato Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta gives vehicle owners their first chance of the season in the Midwest to display their cars at
an outdoor show. At past shows, participants have brought vehicles from other states, including Illinois. There is no charge to see the show, which is expected to attract 20,000 to 30,000 visitors. For those visiting for the first time, lowriders are cars or trucks that have had their suspension systems modified (sometimes with hydraulic suspension) so they ride as low to the ground as possible. Lowriders often have user-controlled height adjustable suspension. The aim of the lowriders is to cruise as slowly as possible, with “Low and Slow” (“Bajito y Suavecito”) being their motto. In addition to lowrider drivers, owners of motorcycles, trucks, four-wheelers and lowrider bicycles will also have a chance to compete. Young people can fix up their bikes as elaborately as adults transform their vehicles. These vehicles stand out with custom murals and graphics, light and sound systems, hydraulics, chrome or gold spokes and more. “The technology in
Nearly 150 vehicles are expected to be featured in the Lowrider Car show, 4-9 p.m., Fri., May 7. general is unbelievable, Alcocer said. Competitors will vie for trophies in a number of categories, including Original, Street/Hot Rod, Lowrider, FullSize Truck, Classic Car, Biggest, Cleanest and Most Unique Rims. Judges from across the United States will score the vehicles and award first and second place trophies in many of the categories. The first place vehicles will participate in Saturday’s Fiesta parade. The Hydraulics Showcase will take place 6:308 p.m. in the Ken Yackel West Side Arena parking lot, 44 E. Isabel St. This
is a new location, closer to the rest of the Fiesta, Alcocer said. Attendees will find more food and beverage choices, as well as additional entertainment during the showcase, she added. Owners whose vehicles have custom hydraulic suspension can lift them off the ground, or tilt or dip them. The crowd’s response will determine the winner, who will receive a trophy. There is no charge to enter the Hydraulics Showcase. The cost to enter a motorized vehicle in the Lowrider show is $20; $5 to en-
ter a bike. The Lowrider show is open to anyone who wants to participate, including own-
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St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 21
C inco de Mayo Event Guide REDA turns down $9K in tobacco money for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Leslie Martin and Susan Klemond Contributors
C
iting the health of the community, The Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA) has announced that it will not accept tobacco industry funding for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. REDA was supported in its decision by the Jóvenes de Salud students from H.E.A.T. (Hispanic Energy All the Time) at Harding High School in Ramsey County, A.L.M.A.S. (Anglos Latinos Motivados A Superarse/Anglos Latinos Motivated to Succeed) at Henry Sibley High School in Dakota County, and UCare. When ClearWay Minnesota, a nonprofit that works to reduce tobacco use, did not renew its
$5,000 sponsorship for the festival this year, organizations representing the tobacco industry offered REDA almost twice as much. Jóvenes de Salud students swung into action when they learned that the tobacco industry proposed a sponsorship to REDA that included distributing tobacco promotional coupons at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. They led a petition drive gathering over 1,000 signatures in only two days. Thirteen students met with Brian Gioielli, REDA’s marketing manager to present the petition, explain the importance of keeping the festival positive and family-friendly, and pledging their support to find alternate funding. “The tobacco industry makes donations to, or
participates with, small local organizations so they can appear responsible to elected officials, community leaders, educators and our parents,” said Esmeralda Gonzalez, a Harding High School Jóvenes de Salud participant. “But in reality, the donation or sponsorship is made to silence the community and sell their deadly product to us.” Jóvenes de Salud students work to promote healthy lifestyles and create awareness in the Latino community about the harms of tobacco use. In partnership with CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio), Jóvenes de Salud are 2009-2010 General Mills Healthy Champions. During the meeting with Gioielli, the students pledged to help REDA raise revenue for Cinco
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de Mayo Fiesta by selling Cinco de Mayo buttons for $2 each and seeking new sponsors. UCare, the fourth-largest health plan in Minnesota, serving 195,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, quickly stepped up with a $5,500 sponsorship pledge. “We have been a longtime supporter of the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota and the Jóvenes de Salud youth who participate in the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta,” said Ghita Worcester, UCare’s senior vice president for marketing and public affairs. “We’re pleased to step forward with additional support for this initiative. It’s a good fit with UCare’s philosophy of promoting healthy lifestyles and smoke-free environments.”
‘It’s reassuring to youth when their voices are heard. It is fantastic when they see a ‘hero’ like UCare come to their aid,’ said Robles. The successful result of this youth-driven stand has great significance for the students. “It’s reassuring to youth when their voices are heard. It is fantastic when they see a ‘hero’ like UCare come to their aid,” said Carmen Robles, director of Latino outreach, Jóvenes de Salud After School Enrichment Program, a program of the Association for Nonsmokers-MN. “Many community organizations claim to be grassroots, but it takes great community commitment to
see beyond the almighty dollar. We are proud to facilitate this exciting partnership in keeping the tobacco industry out of our neighborhood,” said Robles. After the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Jóvenes de Salud students will work with REDA to adopt a written tobacco-free funding policy. If the tobacco industry approaches REDA again, the decision to turn down the money will be an easy one because it will be a written organizational
Funding / page 23
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Thank you for supporting youth at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! The Ramsey Tobacco Coalition and Jovenes de Salud wish to thank the Riverview Economic Development Association, promoter of the Cinco de Mayo celebration, for saying no to tobacco industry sponsorship, and thank you UCare for financial support of this family friendly celebration. For more information on a tobacco-free funding policy, call the Ramsey Tobacco Coalition at 651-646-3005 Page 22 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
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Community marshals help increase fiesta safety
Funding from page 22
policy. Twenty-five organizations that serve Ramsey and Dakota counties already have such policies, including Aguilar Productions, which organizes La Familia Expo. “Riverview Economic Development Association is committed to keeping Cinco de Mayo Fiesta familyfriendly and community-oriented,” said Gioielli. “We are proud of our partnership with Jóvenes de Salud, and in keeping Cinco de Mayo Fiesta a positive experience for all who attend.” REDA was formed in 1983 by a group of small business owners that were experiencing the negative impact of a declining economy. REDA supports revitalization of the community through marketing, beautification, public safety, local art and community events, such as Music and Movies in District del Sol and Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. For more information on REDA or how you can participate in Cinco de Mayo Fiesta visit www.districtdelsol.com or call Brian Gioielli at 651-222-6347. For more information about adopting a tobacco-free funding policy, contact Bernadette Chlebeck, Ramsey Tobacco Coalition, at 651-646-3005.
Susan Klemond Contributors
Recognizable by their black shirts, the community marshals are volunteers who are “extra eyes and ears for safety” at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, said Ruby Diaz, a school resource police officer and community marshal program coordinator. The volunteers, who in the past have consisted of many West Side residents, move around the fiesta in small groups car-
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rying radios to communicate with police if they see anything suspicious, she said. They’re not expected to engage in any dangerous situations. The marshals have assisted police in identifying gang members and have helped recover weapons, Diaz said. Marshals must be 18 years old, willing to volunteer a four-hour block of time and attend training at Humboldt High School on either April
St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 23
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Cinco de Mayo is here! It’s our chance to put the West Side in its best light. TV crews, newspaper reporters and thousands of visitors will sample the pleasures of the neighborhood and celebrate its great history. I can’t wait. Neighborhood House will be marching in the parade, and many of our employees have been active in planning for the weekend. Of equal importance is the effort of Neighborhood House and our partners to ensure that the West Side remains one of St. Paul’s safest neighborhoods, both during Cinco de Mayo and all
year long. One of those efforts is a program we call GRIP, the Gang Reduction and Intervention Program. Led by native West Siders and long-time youth workers Gilbert Zamora (a former Cinco de Mayo parade Grand Marshal) and Cha-Cho Estrada, GRIP is working to reduce gang activity on the West Side. This effort is made possible through the support of the Ramsey County Sheriff ’s Department and works in coordination with law enforcement, the courts, schools, county social services, community leaders and parents. GRIP participants are boys, primarily Latino, between 11 and 19 years old. Some have been failing at school or have been suspended or expelled. Others have been involved in a gang and already been involved with the legal system. Many live in poverty and come from single-parent homes. The program includes both group activities and one-on-one mentoring to help youth avoid or escape life in a gang. Tattoo removal is offered every week so that kids will no longer carry the symbols of the gang of which they were once a member, or aspired to be.
The program works on restorative justice, in which victims, offenders and community members meet to repair the harm done by crime. Of 40 boys involved in GRIP in 2009, 75 percent were gang members actively taking steps to leave gang life. Out of 22 boys with prior records, only two reoffended, with none of the offensives serious enough to warrant entering the criminal justice system. Another exciting thing about the program is that it brings Gil Zamora back to the West Side after being away for three years. He joined the effort just a few months ago and with his help, even more progress can be expected. “I am enjoying reconnecting with West Side youth and coming up with a game plan for keeping them out of trouble and in school,” he said. “To help make the place where I grew up and worked most of my life better is a real privilege.” You can reach Gil at 651-789-2512 or gzamora@ neighb.org. Cha-Cho can be reached at 651-7892574 or eestrada@neighb.org. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
DARTS awarded contract for Transit Link service in Dakota County
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he Metropolitan Council has awarded DARTS a five-year contract for Transit Link service in Dakota County. The new service begins May 3 and is part of a restructuring of dial-aride services region-wide. Located in West St. Paul,
DARTS is a nonprofit organization that serves families and individuals through transportation and in-home services. “This contract is the final important piece of the effort to restructure dial-a-ride services and bring greater consistency
to the service regionwide,” said Arlene McCarthy, director of the council’s Metropolitan Transportation Services. “This vendor has provided service to parts of Dakota County for many years, which will help to make a smooth transition
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area, as well as anywhere throughout the region. A transfer may be required, depending on the destination. Transit Link service is being phased in incounties throughout the metro area. Once implemented, Transit Link service will be available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rides may be scheduled up to five days in advance by calling 651-602LINK (5465) between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Fares are based on the distance traveled. For trips less than 10 miles, passengers will pay $2.25 each way. For trips between 10 and 20 miles, the fare will be $4.50 each way. For trips greater than 20 miles, riders will pay $6.75 each way. Transfers are free and discounts are available for group trips. ADA-certified riders pay a maximum of $4.50 per direction, regardless of
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for riders in this area.” Transit Link (dial-aride) service is minibus or van service for members of the general public. It is different from the ADAcertified (Americans with Disabilities Act) services provided by Metro Mobility, which serves riders who need additional assistance due to physical, cognitive or psychological limitations. These changes do not affect ADA transit service. Previously, dial-a-ride transit service was delivered by multiple providers in small service areas throughout the region. The restructured service will be delivered to five service areas, and operating guidelines, such as hours of operation and fares, will be consistent region-wide. In addition, riders will call one number for reservations. Riders will be able to travel within each service
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Free CarFit event at River Bluffs Village
CarFit, a safety educational program for drivers age 50 and older, is being offered 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri., May 7, at DARTS’ River Bluffs Village, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights. CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. At the event, professionals will lead drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle and recommend vehicle adjustments and adaptations. The CarFit evaluation takes 15 minutes for each participant and is available by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 651234-2287. For more information, contact Colleen Fritsch at DARTS at 651-234-2222.
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Spring is finally here and WSCO’s ECO-Action committee has organized several exciting events and workshops around the West Side to help residents learn about different ways to develop a sustainable and healthy environment. These are part of the committee’s long-term plans to support a healthy West Side. On Thurs., May 13, WSCO will host a Eureka Recycling Backyard Composting workshop. Come learn how you can easily reduce waste in your own backyard or worm bin. The friendly staff at Eureka Recycling will explain why composting is so important to a beautiful and healthy future for our planet and offer tips on how you can start a backyard composting pile that fits your lifestyle. You’ll learn what type of bin to use, what type of materials can be composted, how much time it takes to compost, and different uses for compost. There is no one right way to compost; it’s about finding what works for you. Eureka will also provide tips for maintaining a healthy pile, no matter what type of composter you are. Please come and learn how to prepare for the gardening season. On Sat., May 15, the ECO-Action committee is hosting the 6th Annual West Side Plant & Seed Exchange. In addition to flowers, this year will have
even more vegetable starts and seeds. Information will at the WSCO office. The meetings are open to the be provided on raising chickens in the city and on the community. Please stop by to listen, learn and particinew community garden being developed at Dunedin pate in this important work. Terrace Apartments, located behind Neighborhood WSCO is in the planning process of developing House. Please bring your plants, seeds, friends and a 2010 West Side Clean Up for Sat., June 12. This your enthusiasm for gardening. If you don’t have any project requires a variety of resources to happen, and plants or seeds to offer, come anyway. There is always WSCO needs volunteers to help us bring back this plenty for everyone. important community event. To volunteer or learn On Sun., May 16, WSCO, in partnership with the more about WSCO work, please stop by our office at residents of Dunedin Terrace Apartments, will break 127 W. Winifred St., call us at 651-293-1708, or visit ground on a new Community Garden, which is sup- www.wsco.org. ported by the Public Housing Agency and Gardening Matters. The soil will be turned and plots will be marked by Dodge Center Farm Director Don Oberdorfer, also a WSCO volunteer and board member. We invite the West Side community to come and help us celebrate this THE Catholic School on the West Side groundbreaking event. The Dunedin Commu• Small, Catholic, Pre-K - 8 nity Garden is the first • Affordable - Tuition of hopefully many more gardens to be cultivated Assistance Available on the West Side. • Preschool and school-age WSCO’s ECO-Action committee is always seekcare with flexible ing volunteers to assist scheduling options. with the many environmental projects on the 497 Humboldt Ave. Call 651-224-6912 today to West Side. The comSt. Paul schedule your personal tour mittee meets the second or for more information. www.st-matts.org Thursday of each month
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Your community news and information source ed States annually, which amounts to roughly 2,200 children missing each day. Thankfully the majority are located quickly. The Department of Justice study also notes that an estimated 58,200 children are abducted by non-family members each year, with 115 children being the victims of the more serious, longterm abductions.
Take action today
Take 25 minutes on May 25 to talk to your children about ways they can stay safe. Take this time to develop an ongoing dialogue between children, families and communities about child safety. Dinner time, play time, class time or bedtime are perfect times to talk to kids about safety and teach them lessons that will affect them for a lifetime. Below are a few simple conversation starters to help initiate an engaging 25-minute discussion.
National Missing Children’s Day
May 25 is National Missing Children’s Day, a commemoration day that was declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. This day serves as a reminder of the importance to continue efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing, and make child safety a top priority. “Take 25” is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, created in commemoration of Missing Children’s Day. This national child safety campaign encourages parents and guardians to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety. “Take 25” promotes an ongoing discussion between children, families and communities about child safety issues and ways for children to stay safe. It is also a national grassroots initiative that continues to raise awareness of the issues surrounding missing and exploited children. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about 800,000 children are reported missing in the Unit-
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Take your children on a walk in the neighborhood and point out which homes they may visit without you. Teach them the importance of asking your permission before they leave home, and to stay with a friend when playing outside or walking anywhere. Teach them to never approach a vehicle, whether occupied or not, unless they know the owner or they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or trusted adult. Caution children on accepting rides from anyone, unless you have given them permission to do so. Have a discussion about what children should do if they got lost at a park, sporting event, store, etc., and instruct them on how to locate help if this should happen to them. During family outings, establish a central, easy to locate “meeting spot” to meet if they should get lost. Teach children that it is okay to say “no” to anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused, and to tell you immediately if anything happens. Teach them that if anyone tries to grab them, they should make a scene, yell “NO!” at the top of their voices and make every effort to get away. Help your children learn to recognize and avoid potential risks so they are prepared to deal with them if they find themselves in an unsafe situation. Become part of a national movement dedicated to protecting children by taking time to talk to your children about safety. For more safety tips or information about on-line safety, visit www.take25.org or www.missingkids.org, or contact the West Side Safe Neighborhood Council at westsidesafe@gmail.com.
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A rts & Culture
Your community news and information source
How do you spell fun? ‘Friends’ event opens normally reserved library doors for mixer Steven Pease Contributor
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 ca-
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
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 worker, helping patrons
‘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.’
tering, 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.”
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 involvement. “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
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 introduction, 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,” quipped Cosgrove. 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 even 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.
Joseph Pettini, right, correctly answers a spelling bee question at the mixer. The popular summer movie series, held in the Central Library courtyard 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.”
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St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 27
B ack in Time
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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-
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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.
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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. Other notable events that month included a shooting rampage that left three dead — a lovetriangle murder/suicide that we still see all too often. A rash of drunk driving incidents included the deaths of two pedestrians struck at the corner of Sixth and Wabasha by a driver “crazed with moonshine,” according to a newspaper report. Automobile traffic was nothing like today’s, and Prohibition was still in effect, but it was already becoming clear that driving and alcohol were a deadly combination.
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Page 28 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
George Beban was a well-known 1920s actor who had begun as a child performer in California. Noted for dramatic parts, he had written and produced a play, The Sign of the Rose, which had become popular around the country. He had 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 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
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F uller Files 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 Garten, 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
Your community news and information source
by Roger Fuller
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 Theater 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 and opera. The short pieces include productions from the Ordway, Guthrie and local artistic 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.
that lease at $992, one- Book Club will discuss from many countries will St. Paul to build apartment complex bedroom units at $1,308 “Nothing Like it in the perform multi-cultural 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 11-story, 990,000-square-foot building will have studios
and two-bedroom units at $1,782. A Lunds grocery store will be located on the first floor.
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
World: The Men who built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-69,” by Steven Ambrose, at 2 p.m., Thurs., May 27.
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 who 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
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.
St. Paul Voice - May 2010 - Page 29
Page 30 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010
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Page 32 - St. Paul Voice - May 2010