July 2010 Volume 7 Number 7
IN THIS ISSUE... • • • •
2010 Kaposia Days
Celebrate Community Pride
People.......................................... page 2 Sports.......................................... page 3 Community Columns.. ............... page 10 Back in Time.. ............................ page 12
Fostering a love for reading Page 2
Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
“I love our little community and Kaposia Days,” said Tim Simplot, 2010 Kaposia Days president. “I’m in charge of the parade and when I drive the route at 7 a.m. in the morning, lawn chairs are already out saving a spot on the parade route. I just love that.” The popular, “small town feel” festival, is in its 35 th year and will be celebrated the weekend of June 25-27. A volunteer 18-member board of community members plans and oversees the family friendly event, which includes the customary Queen coronation and Grande Parade. It is loaded with three days of family activities and kiddie carnival games, evening street dances with live music, athletic tournaments, Pro Wrestling demonstration, bingo, a craft fair and more. This year the board decided to get the community involved in designing the Kaposia Days button. The winner is Emily Dahlstrom, a sixthgrader at Holy Trinity Catholic School. Buttons cam be purchased for $3, with proceeds used for the operating costs of the festival. Button events include: Queen’s Gala, Button Swim, Miss South St. Paul Coronation, Fury’s Pancake Breakfast and the Hot Dog Picnic. The 2010 Grand Mar-
Disc golfers must pay to play Page 3
shal in the parade is Rich Rakness, well-known in the community for his involvement in local sports. After 24 years, he recently retired as rink manager at Wakota Arena. Since 1980 he has been director of the South St. Paul Adult Softball League and the 90 teams that play in the summer and the 48 that play in the fall. He has been on the board of directors of the Minnesota Sports Federation for 20 years. His connections help when Rakness organizes the Kaposia Days softball tournament, something he has been doing for 20
years. With 104 teams in the tournament, it is the second largest in the state. “It’s all done word of mouth,” said Rakness. “No advertising.” The softball tournament was originally designed to keep people in town, so they would participate in all the other Kaposia Day activities. More than 100 teams adds up to over 1,000 players. The Kaposia Days Board wants to recognize and thank Rakness for his service to the community. In 1976, when the first festival was being orga-
nized, “Kaposia” was selected as the name of the community celebration as a nod to the beginnings of South St. Paul. A tribe of the DakotahSioux Indians established a village on a site near Concord Street and Butler Avenue. The tribe was called Kaposia, and was a peaceful, friendly tribe open to the customs of the new settlers. Se e p a g e 6 f o r a complete schedule of events. Please note that all outdoor e v e n t s a re s u b j e c t t o weather conditions.
Kaposia Days / Page 6
South St. Paul’s Dream House Page 12
P eople Fostering a love of reading Commers named new children’s librarian at the SSP Library Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
T
he lazy days of summer are finally here, and for many South St. Paul kids, time away from school work is time spent cracking open their favorite books and being transported to different times, locations and situations through the magic of the written word and their imaginations. To help them on their
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way is the new children’s librarian, Amy Commers, who succeeded Susan Lippolt, who recently retired after 21 years of managing the children’s department at the library. Commers had been one of six librarians at the public library in Ames, Iowa. It was her first job after graduating with a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With two years of professional experience behind her, she is excited to manage an entire department. On the personal
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side, she is happy to be closer to her family, who lives in Maple Grove. Commers would like to expand the library’s outreach to daycare centers, bringing the library to youngsters who might not otherwise get there. “In Ames there was a program called ‘Project Smyles,’ where providers could contact the library, and staff would bring along books and puppets and read to the kids and then leave the materials at the daycare center for a month. We worked with over 80 sites,” said Commers. She also wants to reach out to Spanish-speaking children in the community by offering a Latino children’s storytime. Finding a Spanish-speaking reader is on her “to do” list. “Libraries are changing,” she acknowledged. “When they were first created they were a place
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‘Librarians are now guides that point information-seekers in the right direction. ‘These are your different options: print, audio or digital.’ ‘ that stored books. Librarians were the gatekeeper to this information. Now it’s evolving into a place for shared information, which includes books and computers. It has become a shared community space. Librarians are now guides that point information-seekers in the right direction. ‘These are your different options: print, audio or digital.’” Although she was a big book reader when growing up, and loved to hang out at libraries, it never occurred to Commers to become a librarian. It wasn’t until college — when friends noticed
New children’s librarian Amy Commers she always had a book in hand and was always ready with good suggestions for books to read — that the light bulb went on and she decided to turn her love of reading into a career.
Commers invites the community to come in and say hello and visit the library this summer. She is ready with suggestions on good reads for these lazy relaxing summer days.
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Have a Safe & Fun Fourth of July!
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Todd Podgorski for City Council Paid and prepared by the Todd Podgorski for City Council Committee 651 15th Ave. No., SSP, MN 55075
The South St. Paul Voice is published monthly and distributed to 8,500 homes and high traffic businesses in South St. Paul. Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Reporter: Mary Diedrick Hansen Contributors: Bill Knight, Lois Glewwe Masthead design by Nick Germano Advertising: Mario Polanco, Henry Torres Home Delivery: Independent Delivery Service Bulk Delivery: SC Distribution 651-285-1119
St. Paul Publishing Co.
1643 So. Robert St., West St. Paul, MN 55118 Phone: (651) 457-1177 sppc@stpaulpublishing.com www.stpaulpublishing.com The South St. Paul Voice assumes no responsibility for the opinions expressed by contributors and for the validity of claims or items reported. Copyright South St. Paul Voice 2010. All rights reserved in compliance of Federal Copyright Act of 1978.
18th Annual FURY PANCAKE BREAKFAST SUNDAY JUNE 27 9 a.m. - Noon
FREE with a 2010 KAPOSIA DAYS BUTTON (BUTTONS SOLD AT BREAKFAST)
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S ports & Recreation
Pay City now charges for popular disc golf course but will use the funds to improve grounds Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
A
lthough it’s been official since January 1 that Kaposia Park Disc Golf would become a “pay to play” course, the reality has swooped in, landing in early June with the arrival of Fairway Flyerz Discs. It will be staffed seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. by Mike Snelson of Fairway Flyerz, a St. Paul disc golf business. “Being that the course, which was installed in 1990 and has been free to play since its inception, and the fact that the course is world-renowned for its undulating hills, valleys, open and tight shots, and its natural beauty, it has become so worn down that the city needed to take some sort of action to simply maintain the course, let alone to restore it to its pristine condition of years past,” said Snelson. With shrinking city
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budgets, departments citywide were asked to look for opportunities to generate revenue. Chris Esser, director of South St. Paul Parks and Recreation, said he received feedback from disc golfers that if the course was maintained or improved, they would pay. Coincidentally, Inver Grove Heights was considering a “pay to play” model for its North Valley Disc Golf Course. The cities united to create a $30 annual pass that can be used at either course. Already, 200 passes have been sold. Once word got out that South St. Paul was going “pay to play,” Esser was approached by three companies wanting to handle admissions and concessions at the site. After proposals were submitted, the city selected Fairway Flyerz Discs. Now, a daily fee of $5 gets players a wristband for as many rounds as they want to play. After 10 a.m., players with a yearly pass must show their pass to Snelson for a daily tag. Only yearly pass owners can be on the course before the Fairway
officially opens at 10. “I tell players that we charge for any other adult sport in the city,” said Esser. “It legitimizes the sport. The funding will be funneled back into the course. We will step up maintenance. With all the foot traffic, it will be needed.”
How many play the course each year?
“Ask me in October after we have a few months’ statistics and I will be able to give you more accurate numbers,” said Snelson. South St. Paul estimates 30,000 rounds per year. The course is used year-round, except during the spring thaw. Kaposia Park has been one of the top courses in the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) tournaments since 1995. The Minnesota Majestic tournament is held at Kaposia Park every year, as an ‘A’ tier, and has drawn players from around the world. Other tournaments draw players mostly from the metro area, but some travel from Chicago, South and North Dakota, and Iowa. “Pay to play disc golf
ONE OF TOP 5 IN U.S.
America Farmland Trust
A new fee at the Kaposia Disc Golf Course didn’t deter these golfers. The course is known as one of the finest in the metro area. courses are not uncommon,” said Snelson. “Of the 147 courses in the state, there are 15 listed as requiring a fee. What you typically find at the fee-based course is better amenities, grooming, and less trash, vandalism, and a better overall golfing experience. Kaposia is working to get to that level.” One of the great fea-
tures disc golf shares with traditional golf is that they are both played in beautiful settings. Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a disc or Frisbee. The sport was formalized in the 1970s in Rochester, N.Y. It is easy to learn and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
One of the best aspects of the sport is that it is inexpensive. A professional-quality disc costs less than $15, and it only takes one for basic play. The PDGA, with a membership of over 40,000, is the governing body for the sport and sanctions competitive events for men and women of every skill level.
Ad for SSP Voice Kaposia Days_Ad for SSP Voice Kaposia Days 6/4/10 1:09 PM Page 1
BABY RACES SATURDAY, JUNE 26 Children’s Parade • 10:15 KidGames • 10:30 am-1:30 pm Baby Races • 11:00 • 12:00 • 1:00 CENTRAL SQUARE • 6th & Marie
Prizes! FREE entry
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100% Fresh Locally Grown 7th Place South Saint Paul 7th Place Inver Grove Heights Signal Hills Shopping Center Downtown Downtown
7th Place and Wabasha, St. Paul Tuesdays, 10am - 1:30pm NOW OPEN 7th Ave & Marie Ave Wednesdays, 3 – 6:30pm Opens June 23 7th Place and Wabasha, St. Paul Thursdays, 10am - 1:30pm NOW OPEN Veterans Memorial Community Center Thursdays, 3 - 6:30pm Opens June 24 Butler & Robert St Fridays, 8am – 12pm Opens June 18 5th Ave Wall St Saturdays, 6am – 1pm NOW OPEN 5th Ave Wall St Sundays, 8am – 1pm NOW OPEN
The Downtown Market has more FREE parking than ever. For a complete list of all 21 Saint Paul Farmers’ Market locations and schedule, visit us at www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Our community is important to us! That’s why we have been involved in this wonderful festival for many years. WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
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South St. Paul Voice - July 2010 - Page 3
N ews Briefs Highground Memorial fundraiser
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 639 of South St. Paul is seeking cash and merchandise donations for its fundraiser, which will be held 25:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 16, at Bugg’s Place, 925 N. Concord Exchange. The event will feature food, a silent auction, pull tabs and more. Proceeds will benefit the Highground Memorial, which honors veterans of all wars. For more information, contact John Lynch at 651459-1310 or lynch0319@ gmail.com.
Outdoor concerts at Central Square
The following concerts are featured at Central Square Community Center’s Amphitheatre, 100 – 7th Ave. N.: • June 30 - Miguel Sevillano Group • July 7 - Inver Hills Community Band • July 14 - Cyril Paul
Your community news and information source and the Calypso Monarchs • July 21 - Biljan Tamuritzan Orkestar • Aug. 4 - Los Alegres Baliadores Dancers • Aug. 11 - Steven Matier of Different Drums of Ireland
rates are offered for kids, seniors and military personnel. The fairgrounds are located at 4008 220th St. W., Farmington. For more information, visit www.dakotacountryfair. org or call 651-4638818.
Swimming Under the Stars
Farmers’ Market
Swimming Under the Stars is featured at Northview Pool, 19th and Thompson Avenues, 8-0 p.m., July 7, 14, 21, 28. Entrance fee is $2. (Pool swimming pass is not valid for these parties).
Dakota County Fair
Highlights of the Dakota County Fair, held Aug. 9-15, include motocross, a demolition derby, carnival rides, tractor pulls, a 4-H livestock auction, rodeo and live entertainment. Tickets are available starting July 19 at the Dakota County Fair box office in Ahlberg Hall on the fairgrounds. Special days and
The bounty at the Farmers’ Market is delicious, nutritious and locally grown. The market is open 3-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, through Sept. 1, at Central Park at 7th and Marie.
Kaposia Park Disc Golf Course
The Kaposia Park Disc Golf Course is located within Kaposia Park (entrance off of Butler and Wilde avenues in South St. Paul). The course is one of the busiest in the metro area, featuring 18 holes amidst picturesque and wooded areas of the park. The course now operates on a “pay to play” format. Users must purchase an annual pass
(bag tag) for $30. Passes can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Department, 100 - 7th Ave. N. In addition, the City will soon be enhancing disc golf services, including annual and daily pass sales and retail at Kaposia Park. Visit www.southstpaul.org for updated information.
park. Each member will receive an identification tag that they will need to keep with them to identify them as members. Membership forms are available at www.southstpaul.org and at the Parks and Recreation office, 100 - 7th Ave. N. For more information, call 651-306-3690.
Kaposia Landing Off-leash Dog Park Pass
Summer Playhouse performances
Sign up now for membership to the Kaposia Landing Off-Leash Dog Park, located near Concord Street North and Bryant Avenue in South St. Paul. The dog park is a 6.3 acre parcel that features a fully fenced perimeter, bull pen entry and exit area, two shelters with picnic tables, Mutt Mitt waste disposable stations, trash containers and an information/bulletin board kiosk. Dog Park users must purchase a yearly membership for $20. Funds support ongoing development of the
South St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting free entertainment this summer, performed by the Summer Playhouse troupe. Locations, dates and times are: Tuesdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27: • 11 a.m., Miracle Center (former Jefferson School, 125-21st Ave. S.) • 1:30 p.m., Veterans Field (3rd Street and 13th Avenue North.) Wednesdays, June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 • 10:30 a.m., South St. Paul Library (Marie and 3rd avenues) • 1 p.m., Lorraine Park
(3rd Avenue and 7th Street South) • 2:30 p.m., Kaposia Center (1st Avenue South and Dale Street) Thursdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 9:30 a.m., Lincoln Center (4th Street parking lot) • 11 a.m., Summit Park (15th Avenue Norht and Pleasant Avenue) • 1:30 p.m., Northview Park (19th Avenue North and Thompson Avenue)
City Garage Sale
The 2010 South St. Paul All City Garage Sale takes place June 2426. A map of all participating garage sales will be available at Central Square and City Hall on June 23. This information is also available at www.southstpaul.org. Proceeds from registration fees will support community programming. For more information, contact Deb at 651-554-3230 or deb. griffith@southstpaul. org.
We join you in celebrating Kaposia Days Linking South St. Paul history to the future
Dakota Premium Foods A proud member of the South St. Paul Business Community
425 S. Concord, South St. Paul • 651-455-6611
Let us
SWEEP you off your feet with our street and parking lot sweeping services. Call 651-451-4030 Mike McPhillips, Inc. 825 Concord St. N., SSP
Page 4 - South St. Paul Voice - July 2010
N ews Briefs Golf for education
The South St. Paul Public Schools custodialmaintenance-technology departments will host the 14 th Annual “CMT” Golf Tournament Mon., Aug. 2 at the Cannon Falls Country Club. The tournament is a shotgun start, best ball format. Registration begins at 11 a.m., golfing starts at noon. Cost is $70 per golfer and includes a round of golf, cart, food and beverages. There will also be a putting contest, silent auction, raffle drawing and door prizes. Proceeds support $3,000 in scholarships awarded annually to two South St. Paul High School gradu-
Your community news and information source ating seniors. For more information about participating in the tournament, sponsoring a hole or making a donation, call Linda at 651-4579409.
Fare for All Express
Fare For All Express will be held 4-6 p.m., July 6, Aug. 3 and Aug. 31 at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N. Fare for All Express is a program of the Emergency Foodshelf Network that partners with organizations around the Twin Cities metro area, including South St. Paul Central Square Community Center. It
is a cooperative food buying program that buys food in bulk directly from wholesalers and passes the savings on to participants. The program can result in a 50 percent savings on monthly groceries by purchasing “express packages.” No advance payment or pre-registration is needed to purchase packages and there is no limit to the number of packages that can be purchased each month. Fare For All is open to everyone! There are no income-based requirements for participation. Participation does not affect eligibility to receive assistance
Celebrate Kaposia Days with our famous
Take It Back Blizzard A cool way to support SSP youth! This special Blizzard was designed by the South St. Paul Mayor's Youth Task Force and features a delicious blend of ice cream, cookie dough and brownies. The best part is that 50¢ of the sale of each Take It Back Blizzard sold in July will be donated to the task force.
602 Southview Blvd, South St. Paul 651-451-8639
from the foodshelf. For more information call the community center at 651-306-3690.
Community Garden Tour
Twelve to 14 private gardens are featured on this year’s South St. Paul Garden Club Community Garden Tour, held Sun., June 27. Gardens are located in South
St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake and St. Paul’s West Side. From large spaces on Sunfish Lake to quaint residential lots, to pet chickens on a huge vegetable garden by Cherokee Park, each space is unique and showcases the gardeners’ creativity. Advance tickets are $5 and are available by calling
651-457-3403, or emailing info@sspgardenclub. org. Ticket order forms may be downloaded from www.sspgardenclub.com. Tickets are $8 per person the day of the tour and are available beginning at 9:30 a.m. at 2101 Wentworth Ave., South St. Paul. For more information, contact Lois at 651457-3403.
See you at Kaposia Days
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Mayor Beth Baumann Paid for by the Baumann Volunteer Committee 440 9th Ave. N., South St Paul, MN 55075
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SSP Family Funday on Sunday
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Sun., June 27
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3:30 to 6:00 pm
Central Square Community Center 100 – 7th Avenue North
Human Disco BINGO
Saturday, August 14 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Featuring WWII aircraft fly-overs, WWII re-enactors,temporary tattoos from Malerich Arts, National Guard climbing wall, displays from several charities and nonprofits from around the Twin Cities. Free with a non-perishable food item donation or a donation to your favorite charity.
Hops & Props Saturday, August 14 7:00 - 10:00 pm Featuring beer-tasting from Summit Brewing Co. and other local brewers, food from local caterers, our WWII Vintage aircraft, museum tours, music and more! $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit the MN Wing CAF. For tickets, email: wingleader@cafmn.org
A Must Play!
Great Prizes
Supporting Local Businesses
SSP’s One Minute to Win It Booths! Can you be SSP’s Champion?
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Community Booths See what SSP has to offer!
At 7:30 pm, join the SSP Healthy Youth Community Coalition on the SSP High School Football Field for the SSP One Minute to Win It play-offs to crown the 2010 SSP One Minute to Win It Champion and for Grand Prize Drawings. You must be present to win!
If you are a community organization that is interested in having a booth at the Family Funday on Sunday, contact Deb Griffith at deb.griffith@southstpaul.org. or 651-554-3230.
Commemorative Air Force, MN Wing 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3 South St. Paul • www.cafmn.org • 651-455-6942
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One of South St. Paul's great community celebrations!
Join the SSP Healthy Youth Community Coalition for Family Funday on Sunday during Kaposia Days on
Wings of Hope Charity Free! Open house
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The South St. Paul Healthy Youth Community Coalition is working to prevent and reduce underage drinking in our community. South St. Paul Voice - July 2010 - Page 5
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K aposia Days
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Fri., June 25 • • • • • •
P o o l P a r t y, 1 - 3 p.m. Swimming games, refreshments and more. Northview Pool, Thompson Av e n u e a n d 1 9 t h Av e . N . A K a p o s i a Days Button is required for admission. Te n n i s To u r n a m e n t , 4 : 3 0 - 7 p . m . R o o s e v e l t F i e l d , 5 t h Av e n u e a n d 5 t h Street Food Court, 5-9 p.m. Southview Boulevard and 8th Street S o f t b a l l To u r n a m e n t , 6 - 1 0 p . m . Ve t e r a n s , M c M o r r o w a n d H a r m o n F i e l d s Grande Parade at 6:30 p.m. B e g i n n i n g a t 1 2 t h Av e n u e N o r t h a n d 3 r d Street, traveling south on 12th to Southview Boulevard, east on S o u t h v i e w t o 5 t h Av e n u e , s o u t h o n 5th to 8th Street. Royalty Reception, 9 p.m. V F W, 111 S o u t h C o n c o r d E x c h a n g e
• Street Dance and Beer Garden, 8 p.m.-midnight Presented by South St. Paul Lions Club, a t M a t t i e ’s L a n e s . M u s i c b y t h e L i d Tw i s t e r s .
Sat., June 26 • • • •
Button Swim during pool hours. Free with Kaposia Days button Northview Pool, Thompson and 19th Av e n u e N o r t h ; S p l a s h P o o l , L o r r a i n e P a r k , 7 t h S t r e e t a n d 4 t h Av e n u e S o u t h . Te n n i s To u r n a m e n t , 8 a . m . - 4 : 3 0 p . m . R o o s e v e l t F i e l d , 5 t h Av e n u e a n d 5 t h Street S o f t b a l l To u r n a m e n t , 8 a . m . - 1 0 p . m . Ve t e r a n s , M c M o r r o w a n d H a r m o n F i e l d s 5 K R u n / Wa l k t o b e n e f i t S p e c i a l Olympics, 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. registration), Kaposia Park, Butler and Wi l d e a v e n u e s
Celebrate Kaposia Days The following community supporters join you in celebrating Kaposia Days and remind you to shop locally...it helps keep our community strong! Dakota Premium Foods 425 S. Concord 455-6611 • Central Square Community Fitness Center
Midwest Fabrics 1226 S. Concord 451-6289 • ABC Rentals 460 E. Villaume 451-2264 • South St. Paul Healthy Youth Coalition
“Where South St. Paul comes together”
100 - 7th Ave. N. 306-3690 • Jodee Paape & Associates, LLC 100 BridgePoint Dr. Ste. 120 455-4621 • Ries Electric 777 N. Concord 451-2238 • Mayor Beth Baumann • James P. Leary, Jr.
Working together to prevent underage drinking in South St. Paul by linking family, school and community for healthy youth.
457-9491 • Central Bank 835 Southview Blvd. 451-2133 • Marie Ave. Service and Glass 103 5th Ave. N. 451-0911 • Southview Acupuncture Clinic 625 Southview Blvd.
Certified Public Accountant
1560 Livingston Ave., Suite 102, West St.Paul 450-9373
(7th and Southview)
455-4909
info@southviewacupuncture.com
Page 6 - South St. Paul Voice - July 2010
Sherman Insurance 120 Bridgepoint Way Ste. C 451-1758 • Deering & Sons Auto Body 1449 S. Concord 455-5089 • Bestway Inc. 1201 S. Concord St. 651-457-1455 • Thompson Trucks and Parts, Inc. 316 Malden St. 455-9300 • Interstate Truck Driving School 499 Villuame Ave. S. 651-735-9250 • South St. Paul Voice Your Community News & Information Source 457/1177
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Flea & Craft Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Square, Marie and 7th avenues Family Activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M a r i e Av e n u e C l a s s i c C a r S h o w, 1 0 a . m . - 4 p . m . South St. Paul High School Parking Lot, 6 t h Av e n u e N o r t h a n d 2 n d S t r e e t Pony Rides, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central Square C h i l d r e n ’s P a r a d e , 1 0 : 1 5 a . m . “ I t ’s A Z o o i n H e r e ” a t 5 t h Av e n u e a n d Southview to Central Square. Decorate your bikes and wagons, dress according to the zoo theme and you may be one of the lucky winners! Kaposia Kids Stuff, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m 6th and Marie avenues. Fish Pond, Dip the Duck, Slap Shot, and many other kiddie carnival games; baby races at 11 a . m . , n o o n & 1 p . m . ; c r a w l i n g b a b i e s race for prizes. S o f t b a l l To u r n a m e n t , 11 a . m . , 2 p . m . , 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. M c G u i r e F i e l d , 4 t h Av e n u e S o u t h a n d 8th Street B i n g o , 11 a . m . - 6 p . m . Presented by the Jaycees, Fifth and Marie avenues P r o Wr e s t l i n g A m e r i c a , 2 p . m . V F W # 2 9 5 , 111 S . C o n c o r d E x c h a n g e Miss South St. Paul Coronation, 7 p.m. South St. Paul High School Auditorium, 6 t h Av e n u e S o u t h a n d 3 r d S t r e e t Royalty reception, 8:30 p.m. A n g e l o ’s R e s t a u r a n t , 1 2 0 3 S o u t h v i e w Blvd. VFW Street Dance, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. V F W, 111 S o u t h C o n c o r d E x c h a n g e . Outdoors 8 p.m.-midnight; music by Jonah & the Whales. Indoors 9 p.m.1 a.m.; music by Dixie Hicks $ 5 c o v e r, $ 2 w i t h K a p o s i a D a y s b u t t o n
Sun., June 27 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Te n n i s To u r n a m e n t , 8 a . m . - 2 p . m . R o o s e v e l t F i e l d , 5 t h Av e n u e a n d 5th Street S o f t b a l l To u r n a m e n t , 8 a . m . - 6 p . m . Ve t e r a n s , M c M o r r o w a n d H a r m o n F i e l d s Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon Fury Motors, 1000 South Concord St. K i t e F l y, 1 0 a . m . - 1 p . m . R o o s e v e l t F i e l d , 5 t h Av e n u e a n d 6 t h Street. Kites and assistance available. S o f t b a l l To u r n a m e n t , 11 a . m . , 2 p . m . , 5 p.m. M c G u i r e F i e l d , 4 t h Av e n u e S o u t h a n d 8th Street F a m i l y a c t i v i t i e s , 11 a . m . - 5 p . m . M a r i e Av e n u e B i n g o , 11 a . m . - 5 p . m . Presented by the Jaycees at Fifth and M a r i e Av e n u e s Pet adoption, Noon-3 p.m. Central Square. Adopt a family pet from the Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue Group or BARK MN. Petting zoo, Noon-4 p.m. M a r i e a n d 7 t h Av e n u e Pony rides, Noon-6 p.m. Central Square Music by Inver Hills Community Band Hot Dog Picnic, 5:15-6:15 p.m. Hosted by South St. Paul City Council at Central Square Family Fun Night, 6:15-10:15 p.m. South St. Paul High School Football Field Community Game Night, 6-8 p.m. Presented by South St. Paul Healthy Yo u t h C o a l i t i o n Music by the Mid-Life Cryslers, 8:15 p.m. 10:01 p.m. Fireworks
K aposia Days
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Meet the candidates vying for queen title Carin Busse
Carin is a graduate of South St. Paul High School. She plans to attend Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., and major in secondary education. Carin would like to be an economics or area studies teacher. She has been an active volunteer with her church and food drives.
Kalen Graf
Kalen, a graduate of South St. Paul High School, plans to attend St. Cloud State University in the fall. Her career goal is to become a meteorologist. During high school she participated in the dance team, junior and senior council, and volunteered with the Minnesota Children’s Museum and the Kindness Retreat.
Briar-Rose Jacobson
Briar-Rose attends Concordia University-St. Paul where she is majoring in Communications, with an emphasis on politics. She has volunteered with Somali Adult Literacy Training, Hoffman Institute and Way to Grow. In her free time she enjoys singing, acting, reading, writing poetry, photography, going to fashion shows and sewing.
Nicole Pelzl
Nicole is a graduate of South St. Paul High School and aspires to be a physical therapist. In high school she was involved in volleyball, gymnastics, softball and the National Honor Society. She has volunteered at her church, and in her
spare time enjoys drawing, painting and being with friends and family.
Ericka Running
Ericka, a graduate of South St. Paul High School, plans to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology and become a clinical psychologist for people in the military. During high school she participated in soccer, hockey, softball and track. She spent one year as a track captain. She has also participated in multiple volunteer activities throughout the community.
Amber Thorson
Amber, a 2009 graduate of South St. Paul High School, attends Inver Hills Community College, but plans to transfer to North Dakota State University to major
Photo courtesy of Dan Grevas Photography Inc.
Seven candidates are competing for the title of Queen of Kaposia Days. The candidates are (front row, left to right) Carin Busse, Ericka Running, Kalen Graf, Laura Wiedrich, Nicole Pelzl, (back row) Amber Thorson and Briar-Rose Jacobson. in apparel design, with a minor in business. Her career aspiration is to open a children’s clothing boutique. During high school she participated in speech, band, theater and Key Club. She was also a “Volunteen” at the South
St. Paul Library from 2004 to 2009.
Laura Wiederich
Laura, a graduate of South St. Paul High School, plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this
fall to pursue a degree in elementary education. She played volleyball and softball in high school and enjoys outdoor activities. She also volunteers at her church and with neighborhood cleanups.
Twenty-five years ago we started with one thing in mind:
For more than two decades, making quality health care accessible to everyone has been our goal. Bridging the language gap, developing culturally respectful approaches to care, and fostering innovative services and partnerships across communities are just a few of the ways we’re working to achieve that goal. When it comes to your health, we always start with you.
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N ews Briefs
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Library happenings
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For more information on the following library events, call 651-5543240 or visit www.south stpaul.org/library. • Book Discussions – “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is the title discussed in July. As a child, Daniel’s father takes him to The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, where he must choose a book to keep it alive. Set in Spain, Daniel becomes obsessed with the author of his chosen book, delving into his past, and meeting up with the devil. The afternoon group meets at 1 p.m., Wed., July 21, and the Thursday group meets at 7 p.m., July 15. Both discussions are held in the library’s meeting room. Author information packets are
available at the library’s front desk and at www. southstpaul.org/library under Adult Book Discussions. • Drop-in computer help - Staff will be available in the library meeting room 1-3 p.m., Wed., July 14, to answer basic questions about Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, the web, email, etc. • Teen Book Club (ages 12-18) - “Whale Talk” by Chris Crutcher will be discussed at 4 p.m., Fri., July 9. Refreshments will be provided. • Teen Summer Reading Club (ages 12-18) Participating teens will receive weekly prizes and enter drawings for bigger prizes for reading great books. They may also sign up for fun events like Duck, Duck, Duct Tape, T-wrecks, or just show up
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for Wii Drop-in Day on July 29 and Beach Blanket Bingo on July 19. • The Summer Playhouse will present “Nate the Great” at 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday through July 28. Performances last approximately 30 minutes and are designed for families with young children. • “Treasure Beyond Measure,” an engaging pirate adventure that treats youngsters to an interactive journey in search of the world’s most valuable treasure, is offered at 10:30 a.m., June 24. Through physical comedy and audience participation, children will learn teamwork and build self-esteem. This program is presented by A Touch of Magic. • Members of the Guthrie Theatre will provide a presentation on acting tips at 1 p.m., June 24. This program is for ages 7 and up. Regis-
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Mayor to host annual Kaposia Days Parade Food Drive
South St. Paul Mayor Beth Baumann will host her annual Food Drive for Neighbors, Inc., during the Kaposia Days Parade on Fri., June 25, with the help of the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force and Knowlan’s grocery store. Members of the task force will be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations along the parade route. It is requested that participants do not bring items in glass containers due to the possibility of breakage. Pick up your official Kaposia Days donation bag at City Hall, Central Square or the South St. Paul Library. This will contain information about the food drive as well as upcoming community events sponsored by the Youth Task Force. For more information, contact Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison, at deb.griffith@ southstpaul.org or 651-554-3230. tration is required. • Youth ages 9-11 are invited to build crazy robot clock sculptures at 1 p.m., June 25. This program is presented by Leonardo’s Basement. Registration is required.. Early childhood music specialists from the MacPhail Center for Music will help children ages five and under explore the magic of music and play at 10:30 a.m., June 29.
Family Funday on Sunday
The South St. Paul Healthy Youth Community Coalition is hosting Family Funday on Sunday 3:30-6 p.m., June 27, at Central Square Community Center, 100 – 7 th Ave. N. Activities include Human Disco BINGO, South St. Paul’s own “One Minute to Win It,” community information booths and the chance to win prizes. The “One Minute to Win It” playoffs begin at 7:30 p.m. at the South St. Paul High School football field. Grand prize drawings take place at the South
St. Paul High School football field. Participants must be present to win. For more information, contact Deb Griffith at deb.griffith@ southstpaul.org or 651554-3230. The South St. Paul Healthy Youth Community Coalition is working to prevent and reduce underage drinking in South St. Paul. For more information about the coalition, contact Ellie Church, coalition coordinator, at 651-457-9491.
Dippel announces candidacy for South St. Paul School Board
Long-time South St. Paul resident Rich Dippel is running for the city-wide/at large seat on the South St. Paul School Board in the upcoming fall election. Dippel started his career in South St. Paul in 1988 as a high school business teacher and coach. From 1999 to 2004, he served as South St. Paul Parks and Recreation director, and from 2004 to 2008 as the activities director
for South St. Paul High School. He currently is the activities director for St. Croix Preparatory School in Stillwater. Dippel has volunteered with the South St. Paul Open Board, the South St. Paul Lions, multiple youth athletic boards, school district levy committees and his church. He has a bachelor of science degree from Winona State University in business education and a master of science degree in athletic administration from Minnesota State-Mankato. He and his wife Karen have three daughters: Elizabeth, a 2009 graduate of South St. Paul High School, Allison and Rebecca, both students in the South St. Paul school district.
Sharing SSPs heritage through song and dance
Toes will be tapping as artists share their heritage through song and dance. Join the Sounds of South St. Paul committee as for a musical melting pot of free summer
N ews Briefs performances, held at 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday June 30-Aug. 11 at Central Square Community Center, 100 – 7 th Ave. N. These performances will showcase the ethnic cultures of South St. Paul. Seating is available for the following programs on the amphitheater benches or participants may bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. • June 30 – Miguel Sevillano Group • July 7 - Inver Hills Community Band • July 14 – Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs • July 21 – Los Alegres Bailadores Dancers • July 28 – Wendinger Brothers Band • August 4 - Biljan Tamburitzan Orkestar • August 11 – Stephen Matier of Different Drums of Ireland with Mooncoin Ceili Dancers These performances are supported by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural
Your community news and information source Heritage Fund, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force, South St. Paul Healthy Youth Community Coalition and the South St. Paul School Diversity Program. In case of rain, the performances will be held indoors at the South St. Paul High School. For more information, contact Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison at 651-5543230 or deb.griffith@ southstpaul.org.
St. John Vianney hosts open house
St. John Vianney K-6 School and Preschool is hosting an open house 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., Wed., Aug. 18. The school is located at 1815 Bromley Ave., South St. Paul. For more information, call 651-451-8395.
Pool passes
Summer season passes are on sale for South St. Paul’s two outdoor pools (Splash Pool at Lor-
raine Park, Fourth Avenue South and Seventh Street.; and Northview Pool, 635 – 18 th Ave. N.). The pools will be open through August 22. Season passes for South St. Paul residents are $32 for the first pass in a household, and $21 for each
additional pass; nonresidents may purchase a season pass for $42, and additional passes within the household are $31 each. Daily admission for the pools is $3.50. Daily admission coupon books
Faith
are also available for purchase. Season passes and coupon books are sold at the Parks and Recreation Department at the Central Square Community Center, 100 – 7 th Ave. N.
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C ommunity Columns
Kaposia Days — memories in the making
For over 30 years, Kaposia Days has been celebrated in South St. Paul. Its mission is to provide a community celebration provided by the community for the community. It is a celebration enjoyed by young and old alike. What is your favorite Kaposia Days memory? Is it the parade, the pancake breakfast, the Royalty, or the fireworks? We asked members of the task force and received a variety of responses. Here is a sampling:
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Your community news and information source Ryan: My favorite memory would have to be the parade; sitting with my family and friends and seeing all the great people and groups from around the town. The candy is always a plus! I always enjoyed myself. Kelly: My favorite memory is dressing up as Poppy the Popcorn Box and being in the parade. It happened to rain during the parade and the costume became really soaked. I was wet down to my kernels! Hannah: My favorite memory is the balloon launcher. My family would meet up with our rival family (from Inver Grove Heights) and we would launch balloons at each other; even the adults got pretty wet. Everyone from both families had to be included and we always targeted out one family member to get the wettest. We tossed balloons for 20-30 minutes no matter what the temp or how wet we got. Melissa: I really enjoy the old cars, candy and the fire trucks. Taja: My favorite Kaposia Days memories are the petting zoo and being able to be with friends. I also really like the fireworks. Hunter: My favorite memories are the pool parties at Northview Pool and the Kaposia Days Parade. Chris: My favorite memory was from when I was in high school and a member of the marching band. Moments before the parade started, we were lined up and ready to start, and the skies opened up and poured rain. In friendly South St. Paul fashion, some neighbors on Southview Boulevard opened up their homes for us to take refuge after the tornado sirens went off. Some of my friends and I ended up dripping in our
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(wool) band uniforms in a basement with the Powder Puff Clown Club. The parade was cancelled and we were wet and miserable, but I will never forget the neighbors of South St. Paul that opened their doors to us to offer shelter. Allison: One of my favorite memories was when I was in the parade representing our Girl Scout troop. We rode in a limo, handed out Mr. Freezies and I got to wear the Samoa Cookies costume. Patrick: My favorite Kaposia Days memory is adopting my puppy in 2007. Her name is Bailey and I still have her. Austin: Playing Bingo under the Big Bingo tent! Paxton: My favorite memory is the swimming pool Parties. I still enjoy going to the pool parties. Mark: Watching a parade in our new hometown with my young son…watching a parade in our hometown with my growing son…watching a parade in our hometown that my son is now marching in. Brandonn: Without a doubt, the fireworks at the end. It just shows how great South St. Paul really is! It‘s just so spectacular. In addition, I really like the PWA Wrestling. I have been a lifelong wrestling fan and it is just awesome that I really get to see it up close and personal. Cole: My favorite part of Kaposia Days is the fireworks. Nicolas: I like all of the swimming pool parties and fireworks. Babette: My favorite memory was from 1993 and watching the Kaposia Days parade for the first time. Emma: I like the fireworks and the parade. Anna: My favorite memory was when I was little and I would sit on the curb at the parade and dodge St. Paul out onto the street and get the most candy that Voice I Publication: La Voz Latina could grab. Marilyn: When Darrell Bussler startedDowntown Kaposia South St. Paul Days over 30 years ago, and it still is going strong. Deadline: Deb: My favorite memory happens every year – driving to work on 5 th Avenue atCost: 8 a.m. and seeing the chairs lined up for the parade that does not start Published: for 10 hours.
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Will memories be made this year? We believe so. Ok as is (please X ) One memory for next year could be donating to the South St. Paul Mayor’s Food Drive at Change the Kaposia and send Days Parade. The Task Force will be collecting food revised proof for Neighbors, Inc., so bring food or donation Clientyour Signature along and make memories for next year. (for approval)
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C ommunity Columns
Neighbors, Inc. By John Kemp Executive Director of Neighbors, Inc.
I attended a conference at the University of Minnesota recently where the keynote speaker was a woman from San Francisco who has worked in the nonprofit sector for about 35 years. She was quite experienced and knowledgeable; she currently publishes an online magazine with about 60,000 subscribers, which focuses on issues related to non-profits. In her presentation she said something that made me sit up and pay attention. She said that leaders in the nonprofit sector have to begin to figure out how to do less with less. In a world in which most people, organizations and governmental entities expect the nonprofit community to do more with less, this is heretical thinking. It is also very honest. I have many colleagues who find themselves in the position of constantly trying to do more with less; asking fewer and fewer staff people and volunteers to do more and more work because their funding is going away while the number of peo-
Jennifer L. Gale, president
Wakota Bridge project near completion
There is light at the end of a very long tunnel. The eastbound I-494 Wakota Bridge over the Mississippi River will open to traffic in July, with the overall project completion planned for September. Looking back on the project over the years, we can give credit to many people. After being built in 1959 with no shoulders and only two lanes to handle traffic west of the Hardman Avenue interchange, the Wakota Bridge received its name as the result of a naming contest held in the early 1960s. The winning entry “Wakota” reflected the two Minnesota counties connected by the bridge: Washington and Dakota. Growth along this transportation corridor exploded once I-494 was completed in the mid-1980s. Heavy commuter traffic during peak travel times created mile-long backups in both directions for years, and the accident rate in this area was nearly double compared to other area suburban interstates. Safety and congestion concerns spurred the Inver Grove HeightsSouth St. Paul Chamber of Commerce to form a task force to address the problem. The first Wakota Bridge task force meeting in 1990 consisted of four or five chamber members huddled around a table at the old Drovers Inn in South St. Paul. During the same year that the coalition was formed, a similar task force was created to address the bottleneck at Highway 61 and I-494. Eventually, the two groups joined forces, with support from local businesses and surrounding local governments. Three
Your community news and information source ple asking for help is going up. It doesn’t matter if their organizations are in the health care arena, the educational arena, the arts or basic needs; everyone is getting slammed and the world seems to expect them to do more with less. Think for a minute about how you would deal with this if it was your own situation. You’ve just had your income cut by 15 percent. At the same time your living costs are going up. How do you do all of this with less money? The answer is, you don’t. You figure out what you have to have and what you can do without and you make adjustments. That’s what we should be doing in the nonprofit sector as well; figuring out which core programs we must maintain and which we can let go of and still remain true to our missions. In other words, figure out how we can do less with less. I wrote an article for a magazine in the Southwest about 30 years ago on the energy situation in America. In it I suggested that we must stop thinking about the energy situation as a crisis and start thinking about it as a chronic. I argued then, as I do today, that as long as we continue to think of something as a crisis, we tend to think in terms of short-term, stop-gap relief measures. “Whew! That problem is over. Now we can go back to business as usual.” However, it’s now 30 years later and we’re still talking about the energy crisis. I think the same can be said for the economic straits we find ourselves in today. There is no “reset” button; we’re not going to be able to go back to business as
we always knew it. The economic realities of today are likely to be the economic realities we deal with for a long time. I get the sense that we keep waiting for this to be over. It won’t be. Somehow, we have to figure out how to adjust to the reality we find ourselves in — which means that we must do less with less. At Neighbors, we are very fortunate and blessed to be part of a community that cares about its neighbors, who are willing to dig into their own pockets, and their organizational pockets, to make sure the resources needed to serve people are available. This doesn’t just mean money, it means people’s time (volunteers) and it means goods (food, clothing, household items, etc.). Each month, Neighbors is visited by more and more first-time visitors who have reached the point where they must ask for help. With your support and generosity we have not yet had to do less with less. At the same time, as prudent leaders of this nonprofit, and prudent stewards of all that this community makes available through us, we have to think about the future in a new way. We need to understand that the economic reality of today is likely to be the economic reality of the future, and plan accordingly. Our mission is, through the help of volunteers, to strive to reduce poverty, promote self sufficiency and build community. With your help we’ll continue to do that as long as there is need. Thank you for your support.
years later, this initiative grew to 50 members and was legally organized under Minnesota law in 1993 as the Wakota Bridge Coalition. The Wakota Bridge improvement project focused on a feasibility study that identified potential environmental issues, an implementation schedule for subsequent environmental studies and design activities that identified potential funding sources. This feasibility study was funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT), Dakota and Washington counties and the cities of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Over the years, coalition members helped secure $14.5 million in federal funds. The coalition’s city, county, state, business, township and congressional leaders not only got the project underway but did so at least 10 years ahead of the MNDOT construction schedule. Persistence paid off. Twelve years later, in 2002, MNDOT announced its “bottleneck relief effort,” beginning with the reconstruction of I-494 and Highway 61 and the replacement of the aging Wakota Bridge. The Wakota project is made up of nine sub-projects that will rebuild segments of I-494 and Highway 61, along with reconstruction of local roads in the project area. The estimated cost of the eastbound bridge is nearly $56.5 million. The main span of the Wakota Bridge is 466 feet, making it the eighth longest bridge in the state. It will include five lanes each for eastand west-bound traffic, making it the widest bridge in Minnesota. The two new river spans will carry an estimated 85,000 vehicles per day by 2020, compared to current figures of 55,000 per day. Given the funding limitations for road and bridge projects these days, this is quite an accomplishment. There have been countless businessmen, like Lyle Jacoby of Pine Bend Paving, legislators, such as Senator Jim Metzen, and local elected officials, who have spent numerous hours and dedicated their time to ensure the completion of this project. On July 29 we plan to celebrate ten more lanes to access the River Heights community as a gateway to promote local
business. For more information on the Wakota Bridge Celebration event on July 29, visit www.riverheights. com or call the River Heights Chamber office at 651451-2266.
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South St. Paul Voice - July 2010 - Page 11
B ack in Time
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South St. Paul’s Dream House Lois Glewwe Contributor
L
ike many American communities following the end of World War II, South St. Paul anticipated the arrival of the 1950s with optimism and hopes for economic strength. People were
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Oak Park and lots were offered for $250 in 1947. Buyers were attracted to the area because it was still in South St. Paul but looked like no other part of town. The streets were curved and winding and had unusual names like Isalona, Dessa and Caroline (all names of the daughters of contractors and builders in the area). The lots weren’t the usual 40-foot plats
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433 E. Mendota Road West St. Paul, 651-455-6995 www.bargaincellularllc.com
TROJE'S TRASH & RECYCLING SERVICE Family owned & Operated Since 1969
We join you in celebrating Kaposia Days!
LOW - LOW - LOW PRICES & FREE WEEKLY COMPOST, from the
"Greenest" Company in Town! We partner with Eureka Recycling and 98.9% of our recyclables are reused for post-consumer goods. We convert your waste into energy to power our homes and businesses.
By choosing Troje's, 68¢ of your dollar stays in our local community. THANK YOU!
We Value Our Loyal Customers
We are the only company that picks up your recycling weekly with cart provided.
651-459-8223 • www.trojestrash.com New Customer Discount
1 MONTH FREE REFUSE SERVICE Or 6 months service for half price For new weekly residential customers. Must mention this ad. Call for details. Expires 7/31/10.
Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - July 2010
Existing Customer Referral Incentive
1 MONTH FREE REFUSE SERVICE For current customers who refer a new customer to Troje's. Expires 7/31/10.
The house in the top photo is the original Blandings Dream House from the 1948 movie “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.” The house in the bottom photo is South St. Paul’s “Dream House.” Local contractor Herb Dillon used the promotional plans from the house in the movie to build the famous house on Burma Lane in South St. Paul. Developer Mike Kassan
donated the lot. The photo of the Burma Lane house is from a 1949 print ad that Dillon ran in that year’s
Polk Directory. South St. Paul’s Blandings Dream House is one of 73 that were built nationwide.
that dominated the rest of the city’s residential neighborhoods but had wide expanses of front yards with garages opening off the street instead of being tucked behind on an alley. In the heart of this new neighborhood, at 2023 Burma Lane, South St. Paul residents watched with excitement as contractor Herb Dillon began work on the city’s very own “Blandings Dream House,” on land donated by Mike Kassan. The origin of the “Dream House” concept began when Eric Hodgins, an executive with Fortune magazine, decided that his growing family needed a home in the country rather than a crowded apartment in New York City. It was 1939 when he and his wife went looking for an old country home in Connecticut that they could remodel. Instead, they ended up building a new house that started out at a projected cost of $11,000 but ended up with a price tag of over $56,000. The trials and travails of dealing with
contractors, builders and decorators led Hodgins to write a book about the experience. His novel, “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House,” was published in 1946 and immediately became a bestseller. Within two years, 540,000 copies had been sold, and the movie rights brought in $200,000. In 1948, Cary Grant and Myrna Loy were chosen to play Mr. and Mrs. Blandings in the RKO film of the same title. Melvyn Douglas acted as the attorney and a variety of character actors played the various workers and architects involved. The film was immensely popular and received rave reviews around the country. More recent filmgoers may remember the loose remake in 1986, “The Money Pit,” starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. Director H.C. Potter promoted the film by sending actual building plans to contractors, real estate developers, builders and architects. There was no charge for the plans, which came
with detailed instructions concerning what color of paint to use in each room and how to select the best complementary towel color for the bathrooms. Among the movie lines about the house details, Myrna Loy directs the painters, “Ask one of your workmen to get a pound of the A&P’s best butter and match it exactly…in the master bath, the color should suggest apple blossoms just before they fall.” The actual “Dream House” where the movie was filmed was not in Connecticut but in the hills above Malibu, Calif., at what was then known as Fox Ranch. Among the films shot at the Ranch were “How Green Was My Valley,” “Viva Zapata” with Anthony Quinn and Marlon Brando, the Daniel Boone TV series with Fess Parker, and “Love Me Tender” with Elvis Presley. In 1974, the Ranch was sold to the state of California and Mr. Blandings’ Dream House now serves as the administration building for Malibu Creek State Park.