D

Twin Cities Mobile Market:groceries on wheels

Forum staff

The Twin Cities Mobile Market, agrocery store on wheels, is nowrolling through Dayton's Bluff andbeyond. Its aim is to bring healthyfoods to St. Paul neighborhoods at be-low-market prices and on a regularschedule. It's a program of the WilderFoundation that will keep on rollinginto the future if it receives communi-ty support. Anyone can shop there; itaccepts SNAP/EBT, cash, credit anddebit.

The schedule for Dayton's Bluff is

listed below, but it's a good idea tocall 651-280-2000 or check the Website (wilder.org/Programs-Services/tcmm) to make sure that it hasn'tchanged.

Wednesdays: Parkway School1363 Bush Avenue, 1:00-3:00 pm

Thursdays: First Lutheran Church 463 Maria Avenue, 5:00-7:00 pm

Fridays: Parkway Gardens1145 Hudson Road, 1:00-3:00 pm

Dayton’s BluffCommunity Council804 Margaret StreetSt. Paul, MN 55106

ECRWSSPostal Customer

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 3996

February is BlackHistory Month

Special FeatureThe Forum works hard all year to

bring you information and news that re-flects the diversity of our neighborhood.In recognition of Black History Month,the Forum is featuring several articleson issues and history of significance toour African-American community.

Page 1 (below): “Hands Up, Don't Shoot” film and discussion

Page 5: “East Side Freedom Library”

Page 6: “Teachable moments at Freedom School”

Page 7: History article: Crispus Attucks Home

“Hands Up, Don't Shoot;Our Youth Movement”Film and discussion

Forum staff

6:30-9:00 pm, Wednesday, February 11Dayton's Bluff Community Council

Community Headquarters804 Margaret Street

Filmmaker Ralph L. Crowder III willbe present to introduce the film and leada discussion afterwards. This event isfree and open to the public.

Ralph L. Crowder III, a Minneapolisradio and television producer, was inFerguson, Missouri on August 26, 2014,the day the funeral was held for MikeBrown, victim of a police shooting. Itcreated a unique opportunity for him toengage a Black perspective on theevents and to delve deeper into thebackground of what happened, and itsrepercussions across the country. Thisthought-provoking documentary is theresult of those discussions.

Join other community members onWednesday, February 11, 6:30 pm toview and discuss the film. The event issponsored by the Dayton's Bluff Com-munity Council and the East Side Free-dom Library.

Winter reignsWinter reigns

Greg Cosimini collection

Pictured is the 1938 Winter Carnival Ice Palace/Court built in Dayton's Bluff. Unlike the palaces that came before and after, it had a rather simple Art Deco design. The largest semicircle was 60 feet tall. There was a 100 by 300-foot skating rink in front of it. At night, the palace was illuminated with brightly colored lights. It was located in or very near the old Bluff Playground, most of which was consumed by I-94. The palace was in the vicinity of Plum Street., Mounds Boulevard, and the freeway entrance near the west end of Mounds Park. Depending on the palace's precise location, the actual area may still exist today.

Winter reigns

Ralph L. Crowder III

St. Paul NeighborhoodHonor Roll 2015

Nicole Pressley, DBCC

Each year, the city of St. Paul asksits 17 district councils to select groupsor individuals for the St. Paul Neigh-borhood Honor Roll. The Dayton'sBluff Community Council has chosenthree organizations to honor this year:180 Degrees, Dayton's Bluff SeniorsBlock Nurse Program, and UrbanRoots. This year's city-wide ceremonywill be held Friday, January 30 at St.Thomas University.

180 Degrees180 Degrees is a multicultural orga-

nization whose mission is to “providecomprehensive, culturally specificservices that empower our clients toimprove their lives by making posi-tive choices resulting in healthier in-dividuals, stronger families and safercommunities.” 180 Degrees’ enrich-ment and education programs have of-fered youth guidance and opportu-nities to be more engaged communitymembers. The staff and youth are al-ways eager to participate and volun-teer at local events and with com-munity organizations. Their work inthe Dayton’s Bluff community has de-monstrated how youth engagementcan impact the lives of whole familiesand remind the community that youthare one of its most valuable assets.

Dayton’s Bluff SeniorsBlock Nurse Program

The Dayton's Bluff Seniors BlockNurse Program is a model organiza-tion that helps keep seniors in theirhomes by providing numerous sup-port services and programs. Theirunique grassroots approach to draw-ing upon the professional services oflocal residences and organizationsgives its programs a wide and impactreach while operating with modestfunds. From programs that connect

(see “Neighborhood Honor Roll,”continued on page 4.) Ralph L. Crowder, III

Volume 28, No. 1

February 2015

daytonsbluffdistrictforum.org

Vea la página 5 para unartículo en español.

“The Voice of the Community”

Page 2 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum February 2015

New Friends of SwedeHollow are welcome

Do you enjoy Swede Hollow Parkand care about its history and future?The next Friends of Swede Hollowmonthly meeting is Wednesday, Febru-ary 11, 6:30 pm. Email karin@swede-hollow.org or call 651-776-0550 formore information and the meeting's lo-cation.

Get rid of your junk car;help Dayton's BluffCommunity Council

Budget Towing of Minnesota, Minne-sota’s largest towing company, is ownedby Roy Carlson, a former Dayton’sBluff Community Council board mem-ber. Budget Towing will remove anyjunk car or truck – located anywhere inSt. Paul – and dispose of it at no chargeto the vehicle owner or the propertyowner where it is located. The vehicleowner will receive paperwork for a taxdonation, and Roy will make a small do-nation to the Community Council. Call651-772-2075 to have a junk car re-moved – and help clean up Dayton’sBluff.

Take-a-Hike February 7Take-a-Hike occurs on the first Satur-

day of most months. The next hike willbe Saturday, February 7. Hikers meetat 10:30 am in Indian Mounds Park atEarl Street and Mounds Boulevard, andhike down to Bruce Vento Nature Sanc-tuary, then through Swede Hollow Parkand winding up at the East Side Her-

itage Park. The hike is about two hours(four miles) with some moderatelyrough terrain. Share experiences andhear stories about life in Dayton's Bluff.New hikers are always welcome. Returntransportation is available, if required.For more information, call 651-776-0550.

Meet with the policeThe Eastern District Police hosts their

monthly meetings for community mem-bers at 722 Payne Avenue, at the cornerof Payne and Minnehaha Avenues.

The next meetings are Wednesday,February 18, at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm.This is a change; both meetings are nowon the third Wednesday of each month.

The meetings, open to all, are intend-ed to learn about, listen to, and addressconcerns about crime and other issueson the East Side. The St. Paul EasternDistrict is committed to maintainingand growing the quality of life for allof our residents. Bring your neighbors;this is a great opportunity to discussneighborhood nuisance issues.

Forum monthly meetingThis Forum newspaper is always

looking for help in several volunteer ca-pacities. Help is always needed withwriting, editing, online content, ideageneration, and ad sales; or perhaps youhave another idea for our publication. Ifyou'd like to contribute to the Forum,please join us at our next meeting at12:30 pm on Monday, February 2 at804 Margaret Street (call 651-776-0550to confirm date and time).

Business classesThe next Dayton’s Bluff Neighbor-

hood Microentrepreneur Class is start-ing in the spring of 2015. This programhelps startup and young businesses onthe East Side. All East Side en-trepreneurs are welcome. Class traininglasts eight weeks and includes topicssuch as operations management, mar-keting, financial management, one-on-one assistance with creating a successfulbusiness, and preparing a business plan,plus eight hours of one-on-one timewith the instructor.

Those who successfully complete thecourse and locate their businesses in tar-get neighborhoods are eligible for ongo-ing business support services. Someexamples of businesses started by peo-ple who have previously taken thiscourse include graphics, landscaping,photography, food service, restoration ofwood furniture, art, custom floral de-sign, and exterior and interior painting.The course is a partnership between theDayton’s Bluff Community Council andthe Neighborhood Development Center.There is a small registration fee basedon a sliding fee scale. The next sessionwill be starting in the spring and classsize is limited, so get enrolled now.Please call Emma Spillman at 651-379-8432 for an application.

DBCC board meetingThe Dayton's Bluff Community

Council's February board meeting willbe held Monday, February 23, 6:30-8:30 pm at the East Side EnterpriseCenter, 804 Margaret Street. Anyone iswelcome to attend.

Dayton's Bluff Book ClubThe East Side community is invited

to the Dayton’s Bluff Book Club. Theclub meets on the second Thursday ofthe month at Metropolitan State Univer-sity’s Library to discuss multiculturaland/or local authors' books. The Insti-tute for Community Engagement andScholarship at Metro State provides freecopies of the book to attendees prior tothe monthly meeting, and a light dinneris served at no charge – call 651-793-1285 or email community.engagement@metrostate.edu to register.

The February book selection is ToSmile in Autumn by St. Paul author Gor-don Parks. The discussion will be heldThursday, February 12, 6:00-8:30 pmin Metro State Library room 310. Theevent is co-sponsored by the MetroState Library and the St. Paul Public Li-brary.

FOR LEASE 651-230-4070 $1200/mo

Luxury Office Space: 700 squarefeet, 3 private offices, hardwoodfloors, full kitchen/break area, down-town skyline views, one block fromMetro State University, high-speedComcast internet, Electrowatchmanalarm system, all utility, taxes and in-surance, snow service and windowcleaning.

The Dayton's Bluff Rec Centeris located at 800 Conway Street.

651-793-3885

Facebook: Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center

Stop by and check us out!

February 2015 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Page 3

CABARET!Forum staff

The third annual CABARET! will beon Friday, February 20, 8:00 pm-11:00 pm at the Historic Mounds The-atre at 1029 Hudson Road. There willbe a wonderful mix of dancing, sing-ing, music, comedy and poetry. It is acelebration of talent with East Sideroots.

The house band is the BARRA “thelocal Irish music experts,” as written inthe Pioneer Press. Band member PaulGarding is a Dayton’s Bluff resident,the other band members are DaveCammack, John McCormick, and AmyShaw. Other entertainers include singerGigi Yau; Katherine Banbury and DaveBlessing comedy act; John Knowlesand his Cave Music; Christine Baeum-ler and her Eco Oracle; Diane May do-ing a portrait of someone in the

audience; and much more.The evening will include a silent

auction of original art and other items.CABARET! tickets are $20 in advanceand $25 at the door. Get your ticketsnow and write the Cabaret on your cal-endar! To buy your tickets, please con-tact Karin DuPaul at 651-776-0550 orkarin@swedehollow.org. Don’t missthis!

CABARET! is a fundraiser for thisyear’s sixth annual Art in the Hollow,the art festival in Swede Hollow Parkto be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015.The Cabaret and Art in the Hollow areprograms by the Friends of Swede Hol-low, a nonprofit organization thatworks on restoring and protecting thepark, celebrating Swede Hollow histo-ry, and hosting events honoring SwedeHollow Park and the neighborhood.

Homes, volunteers wanted for Home Tour

Forum staff

The annual Minneapolis and St. PaulHome Tour will be held on Saturday,April 25, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, andSunday, April 26, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm.

For the tour, residents in Minneapo-lis and St. Paul open their homes to thepublic to showcase city living. Day-ton’s Bluff has so many wonderfulhomes that each year we have a num-ber of them on the tour. The tour showsoff many of Dayton’s Bluff's great fea-tures: Metropolitan State University;the parks; our growing business com-munity; our views of the city and theMississippi River; our outstandinghousing options; and of course thewonderful neighbors in Dayton’s Bluff.Some visitors like it so well that theyhave made Dayton's Bluff their new

home.We are still looking for a couple

more homes to be on the tour, and 30-plus volunteers (“neighborhood ambas-sadors”) are needed. The volunteerswill help the home owners with signingvisitors in, telling the visitors aboutDayton’s Bluff, and anything else thehomeowners need help with. On Sun-day evening after the tour is over, anAfter the Home Tour Supper Party willbe held for the families whose homesare on the tour and all neighborhoodambassador volunteers.

For more information on the Minne-apolis/St. Paul Home Tour, visitmsphometour.com or daytonsbluff.org.To nominate a home to be on the tour,or to volunteer, email karin@swede-hollow.org or call 651-776-0550.

Dayton’s Bluff Seniors update

A night with the WolvesDayton’s Bluff Seniors Living at Home Block Nurse Program (DBS)

staff members and volunteers had a blast at the Timberwolves vs. Lakersgame on December 14, 2014. To celebrate the season of giving, Minne-sota Timberwolves sponsor SPIRE Credit Union nominated DBS to behonored in an on-court presentation as part of the Timberwolves Fast-Break Foundation Heroes in the Making. The foundation recognizes thatwe work hard to support Minnesotans in need during the holidays (andbeyond)! Many thanks to Dan Stoltz, Spire’s CEO for his kindness andongoing support of DBS.

Looking for seniorsDayton’s Bluff Seniors (DBS) draws a circle of care around neighbor-

hood elders to ensure that they stay safe and independent in their homesfor as long as possible. We are looking for seniors to serve! Our servicecoordinators are in the area and looking forward to helping to connect youwith resources such as rides to the doctor or grocer, chore services, nurs-ing/wellness visits, fall prevention, food delivery, respite care and more.Many helpful resources can be found online: daytonsbluffseniors.org.How can we help you today? If you or someone you know in Dayton'sBluff is 65 years or better and could benefit from our services, or for moreinformation, please contact us by phone at 651-776-7210 ext. 303, or byemail: volunteer@daytonsbluffseniors.org.

Annual meetingThe annual meeting of Dayton’s Bluff Seniors Living at Home Block

Nurse Program (DBS) will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, February 13 atFirst Lutheran Church (Education Building) Library, 463 Maria Avenue.Light refreshments will be served.. Friends/supporters of DBS and com-munity members are welcome to attend.

Dayton's Bluff Seniors were recognized by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation in a December 14 on-court presentation. Pictured (from left) are Chris Wright (Timberwolves Team President), Allison Vandenack, RN (DBS Nurse/Service Coordinator), Rhonda Battisto (DBS Executive Director) and Dan Stoltz (CEO of Spire Federal Credit Union).

Volunteers helping out on the Home Tour in 2014. If you would like to volunteer to help during the 2015 Home Tour, email karin@swedehollow.org or call Karin at 651-776-0550.

Community Correction:A recent article in the Pioneer Press, “St. Paul readies East Side

home for controversial demolition,” (Dec. 26, 2014), states “…the Day-ton's Bluff Community Council recently contributed $16,000 toward re-pairs” of Ronald Arjo Adams’ house at 676 Wells Street. However,Adams actually received assistance from Dayton’s Bluff NeighborhoodHousing Services, a nonprofit organization that works to improve thehousing and quality of life of residents in our community.

Page 4 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum February 2015

Mounds Park United Methodist Church1049 Euclid Street (corner of Earl and Euclid); 651-774-8736

Mounds Park United Methodist Church is a community cross-culturalcongregation located at 1049 Euclid Street at the corner of Earl and Euclid. Allare welcome to the following community events:

Sunday morning service every week starts at 10:30 am with fellowshiptime following. Come join your neighbors in worship.

Community Multi-Cultural Feast Before The Fast: Sunday, February15, 11:30 am in the Church Fellowship Hall. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday,February 18. On Sunday, February 15, after the 10:30 am morning worship ser-vice (about 11:30 am), there will be a Community Multi-Cultural Feast BeforeThe Fast, a multicultural potluck dinner. The whole community is invited! Weask that you bring to church a dish to pass that represents your culture. We wantto gather all kinds of foods, and sit down to share a meal together. So think of afood that would represent part of your culture, prepare some to share with oth-ers, and bring it along to church. We’ve already heard of people planning tobring Hmong egg rolls, German potato salad, Swedish meatballs, Italianspaghetti, Mexican tacos, BBQ pork ribs and lots more. It’s an opportunity tosit down, eat some good food and meet new neighbors! If you can’t bring a dishto pass, please bring yourself; there will be plenty of food for all.

If you can, please email or call the church office and let Kaite know whatyou are bringing. We’re going to try to have a name tag for your potluck, sofolks can know who brought what. Email secretarympumc@yahoo.com or call651-774-8736.

Community Friendship Gathering: Wednesday, February 25, 12:00noon: hot lunch followed by live entertainment. All are welcome to come; thefocus of this event is on persons age 55 and over.

All the above events are open to the entire community. All are welcome atMounds Park United Methodist Church!

Hazel Park United Church of Christ 1831 East Minnehaha Avenue; 651-735-2555

hazelparkcongregationalucc.org – Hazel Park UCC on Facebook.

“Our faith is 2,000 years old, but our thinking is not,” says Rev. Sara Morseof Hazel Park UCC, a neighborhood church on the East Side of St. Paul. “Weare a forward-looking congregation, and we seek to embrace and carry out themission of the church in our community and in the wider world. No matter whoyou are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”

Save grocery money with Fare For All ExpressHazel Park United Church of Christ is a distribution partner for Fare For All

Express, which offers fresh produce and quality meats at up to 40% off retailprices. The cooperative buying program is open to everyone, with no qualifyingrequirements or pre-registration. The next drop-in purchase opportunity isWednesday, February 4, 4:00-6:00 pm at the church. Items available includeproduce, meat, and combination packs ranging in price from $10-30. Cash,credit cards, EBT cards or debit cards accepted; checks not accepted. Visit fare-forall.org for other Twin Cities locations, or contact the church.

The Bauman Fine Arts Series' next performance is at 4:00 pm on Sunday,February 15 by Thursday Musical. Admission is $8 for adults/seniors and $5for youth age 12-17; 11 and under are admitted free.

All are welcome to attend any of the above events; events and schedules aresubject to change. For more information, contact HPUCC at 651-735-2555,email hazelparkchurch@q.com, visit hazelparkcongregationalucc.org or visitthe Hazel Park UCC Facebook page.

Dayton’s Bluff District Forum804 Margaret Street, St. Paul, MN 55106

Phone: 651-776-0550 E-mail: editor@daytonsbluff.org

Monthly circulation: 7,000; also available online at daytonsbluffdistrictforum.org. This pub-lication of Hopewell Communications, Inc. is intended to provide a forum for the ideas andopinions of its readers and to be an instrument for developing community awareness andpride. No material contained in this paper may be reprinted without consent of the editor.Articles and letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to editor@daytons-bluff.org. The Dayton's Bluff District Forum is delivered to every home and business in theDayton's Bluff neighborhood. Outside this area, subscriptions cost $15 per year and may bearranged by calling 651-776-0550.

Board of Directors:Greg Cosimini, Karin DuPaul, Jennifer Herman, Carla Riehle, Steve Trimble

Editor/Layout: Meg Gronau Editorial Assistant: Mark Gallagher

Next issue: March 2015. Deadline for material: February 15, 2015.

Urban Oasis report from CubaUrban Oasis staff

In December, after more than 50years, President Obama reestablisheddiplomatic relations with Cuba. Dueto the loss of access to a regular sup-ply of petroleum products and otherimports, Cuba systematically devel-oped an agro-ecological food systemthat relies on natural biological inputsand decentralized food production.

Hear Tracy Sides, the founder andexecutive director of Urban Oasis,

and Robin Major from SharedGround Farmers' Cooperative sharestories and answer questions abouttheir experiences as part of a January2015 Twin Cities delegation that tooka food sovereignty tour of Cuba’sworld-renowned urban agriculturesystem.

The event will be held Friday,March 20, 7:00-9:00 pm at the EastSide Enterprise Center, 804 MargaretStreet. The public is welcome.

Continued from page 1:

Neighborhood Honor Roll: Three organizations chosen in 2015seniors to health services totheir neighborhood watchprograms, this organizationhas done an amazing job sup-porting and enriching thelives of the Dayton's Bluffsenior community.

Urban Roots Since 1969, Urban Roots

(formerly Community DesignCenter of Minnesota) has

worked to develop a vibrantEast Side community throughcooking, conservation andgardening programs. Engag-ing youth and collaboratingwith residences and organiza-tions, Urban Roots has creat-ed an incredible CommunitySupported Agriculture pro-gram and worked with Day-ton's Bluff CommunityCouncil to plant flowers

along East 7th Street. Lastyear, we were excited toaward them with STAR fundsto continue their importantwork here in Dayton's Bluffand the greater East Side.

Please check back inMarch for photos of thisyear's event, and a compre-hensive listing of all the Day-ton's Bluff honor roll recip-ients since the 1980s.

Sustainable St. Paul seeks award nomineesSt. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and

the St. Paul City Council are encour-aging individuals, businesses and or-ganizations to submit nominationsfor the 2015 Sustainable St. PaulAwards, which honor the work beingdone to protect and restore the envi-

ronment in St. Paul. Awards will begiven in many categories, includingone for youth. Nominations are dueFriday, February 20. For full detailson the 2015 Sustainable St. PaulAwards, visit stpaul.gov/sustain-ableawards.

Dayton's Bluff Rec Center in February• Cheerleading (fee-based)

begins February 23• Karate (fee-based) begins

February 18• 8U basketball tournament

February 28

• Parent & tot time in the gym,every Wednesday and Fri-day, 10:00 am-12:00 noon

• Judo every Monday, 6:00-7:45 pm

February 2015 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Page 5

St. Paul Community Education:The history of immigration

Immigration & the Making of St. Paul: EastSide Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier Street;Monday, January 26, through Monday,March 2, 6:00-8:00 pm, $50.

How We Got Here? The History of Immigra-tion to the East Side: Wheelock Early Educa-tion Center, 1521 Edgerton Street; Tuesday,February 17, 1:00-2:00 pm, $10.

Both classes are taught by Peter Rachleff.These opportunities are sponsored by the St.Paul Public Schools Adult & Community Edu-cation and the East Side Freedom Library. Toregister: stpaul.ce.feepay.com or 651-767-8179.

One state, one license – Un estado, un licenciaHenry Garnica

DBCC Board of Directors

[Editor's note: The One State,One License Coalition is leading acampaign for passage of a newlaw authorizing Minnesotans toobtain drivers licenses regardlessof their immigration status. TheDayton's Bluff Community Councilis a supporter of this campaign.]

I am an immigrant too. I am a firm believer that the One

State, One License campaignshould be supported by other indi-viduals and organizations involvedwith immigrants as neighbors, em-ployers or private entities. Presi-dent Obama is advancing apowerful initiative to grant legalstatus to millions of immigrants,and protect millions of familiesfrom separation.

If more immigrants could obtainofficial identification, the UnitedStates will be more secure, becausethe state government would haveneighbors' and residents' names,addresses and other information.This will improve security on thestreets because more drivers willhave the approval of the Depart-ment of Motor Vehicles to be on

the road. The Minnesota economywill also benefit, because morepeople will buy cars and have acci-dent insurance as well as otherbenefits.

For this initiative to become areality, concerned residents and or-ganizations must work together sothat our voice reaches the govern-ment in a way that makes it clearthat both residents and the statewill benefit from drivers licensesfor immigrants.

[Nota del editor: La Coaliciónpara un Estado, una Licencia estáliderando una campaña para laaprobación de una nueva ley queautoriza los residentes de Min-nesota para obtener licencias deconducir sin importar estatus mig-ratorio. El Consejo Comunitariodel Dayton's Bluff es un partidariode esta campaña.]

Yo soy inmigrante también. Creo que esta iniciativa debe ser

apoyada por otras organizaciones ypor personas involucradas con in-migrantes. Vecinos, empleadores yentidades privadas pueden partici-par. El Señor Presidente Obamaesta adelantando un fuerte trabajo

para otorgar a millones de inmi-grantes un estatus legal y protegera millones de familias de la sepa-ración de sus miembros.

Si más inmigrantes puedenobtener una identificación oficial;Estados Unidos será más protegi-do. El gobierno de MN tendrá elnombre, la dirección y más infor-mación sobre los vecinos/resi-dentes. Otros beneficiossecundarios serán para la eco-nomía en MN también. Podemostener más seguridad en las calles;porque más conductores son legal-mente autorizados con laaprobación del DMV. Más per-sonas pueden comprar coches y surespectivo seguro contra acci-dentes, más personas pueden hacernegocios en MN sin mencionarotros beneficios.

Para que esta iniciativa se hagauna realidad necesitamos trabajarmancomunadamente los residentesy las organizaciones involucradasen este proyecto para que la vozllegue al Gobierno y sea escuchadacomo la vía para que tanto los resi-dentes como el Gobierno se bene-ficien de una aprobación eventuala las Licencias de Conducir parainmigrantes.

East Side Radio updateCarla Riehle

A newly-created WEQY-FMvolunteer team has begun meetingevery two weeks to work out acomprehensive plan for the newEast Side low-power FM commu-nity radio station that was granted aconstruction permit by the FederalCommunications Commission lastMarch.

After a few bumps in the road,the team believes it now has amore realistic view of what it takesto get a radio station on the air.Deanna Abbott-Foster, Dayton'sBluff Community Council Execu-tive Director, believes the Councilgot the cart before the horse by hir-ing a station manager and seekingunderwriters before considering thecomplexities of program creation.Team members are now workingon a business plan and following

up with individuals who have pro-gramming ideas.

The team has connected with theTwin Cities Community Radiogroup, consisting of Frogtown andPhillips neighborhood activistswho recently obtained their ownconstruction permits from the FCC.It's become clear that the threestart-ups have much in common interms of the demographics of theirneighborhoods and common goalsof reflecting and strengthening cul-tural diversity. All believe thatshared programming can strength-en all three stations, while allowingplenty of freedom to create hyper-local content specific to eachneighborhood.

Thanks to a City of St. PaulNeighborhood STAR grant, mostof the equipment for the station hasbeen ordered and is awaiting the

arrival of specialized technicians toinstall it. The station will temporar-ily be working out of a space at798 East 7th Street where it has setup an editing and recording studio.Broadcasting will begin when thestudio moves down the street to theRogers Printing office complex,currently under construction.

Station volunteers are still beingsought for programming in the var-ious languages that reflect the cul-tural diversity on the East Side.The team is also in need of com-puter donations. An iMac or MacMini would be ideal, but any com-puter of fairly recent vintage wouldbe welcome. Please call the Day-ton's Bluff Community Council at651-772-2075 if you can help, andwatch the East Side Radio/Radiode Lado Este Facebook page formore updates.

The East Side Freedom Library: communities in conversationNicole Pressly, DBCC

The East Side Freedom Library, aproject of Peter Rachleff and BethCleary, has created a unique space forlearning, culture, and conversation hereon the East Side. With programmingranging from lectures on labor history tomusical performances, the library hascreated a space to engage residents anddiscuss ideas through our differencesrather than despite them. The product ofthis work is a true community-buildingprocess that firms up potential to learntogether, live together, and move for-ward together.

On Wednesday, January 14, the EastSide Freedom library hosted a freescreening of At the River I Stand, a docu-mentary about the 1968 Memphis Sani-tation Workers' Strike. The film high-

lights a sometimes-forgotten history ofthe context around the assassination ofDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It underlinesthe issues of race and class in Americaand how they mutually worked to createthe conditions in which these black menworked, as well as how they informedthe strategy through which they foundsuccess. The Sanitation Workers' Strikebrought worker’s rights and civil rightstogether; building a coalition between la-bor and civil rights activists that was in-tegral to the effectiveness and success ofthis initiative.

The film, in both content and imagery,moved the diverse audience to reflect ongreater issues that loom large in the so-cial and economic realities of local resi-dents. The parallels between then andnow, between Memphis and the TwinCities metro, were immediately ex-

pressed during the discussion followingthe film. Other reactions expressed thelack of knowledge around the death ofMartin Luther King, Jr. and the MemphisSanitation Workers Strike as a whole.Citing things like socioeconomic condi-tions, media imagery, and goals of self-determination and economic indepen-dence, many found themselves asking,“How far have we come?”

Like many other America cities, theTwin Cities metro continues to sufferfrom low-performing schools, concen-trated poverty in communities of color,and an ever-resonating distrust betweenmarginalized communities and localgovernment. In this room, neighborsshared confusion and frustration aroundthe discourse of progress and the currentrealities of injustice – none calling foraction or prescribing any particular ide-

ology, but all recognizing these issuesand understanding that more work mustbe done.

How do we put these recent tragediesand inequitable conditions in conversa-tion with these forgotten and ignored his-tories in productive ways? How do wetruly recognize progress when our pointsof reference are different? How far havewe come and where are we going?

These are ubiquitous questions thatdemonstrate the gaps that keep us divid-ed. The East Side Freedom Library isbridging that gap. It opens the space forcollective consciousness, informing howwe see ourselves and our communities.

All are encouraged to visit this spaceand participate its rich programming. In-formation about the library, and theevent calendar, can be found at eastside-freedomlibrary.org.

Viswanathan wins philanthropyfellowship

Dayton's Bluff resident Avi Viswanathanhas been named as a 2105 Ron McKinley Phi-lanthropy Fellow by the Minnesota Council onFoundations. The fellowship prepares high-po-tential individuals from underrepresented com-munities for careers in philanthropy.

Viswanathan has served as the campaign di-rector for HIRE Minnesota, a campaign work-ing to achieve racial equity in employment. Aviand his family are engaged in many communi-ty activities, and he has served on the Dayton'sBluff Community Council. He will join theLeadership Programs team at the Bush Founda-tion. Learn more about the Fellows at mcf.org/about/fellows-2015.

Rush Line open houseForum staff

About 100 East Siders attended the RushLine Open House on January 14, 2015 at theDuluth/ Case Recreation Center. Visitors wereasked to let the Rush Line project staff knowtheir preferred routes, station locations, andother routes to study. Some visitors drew theiridea for a better route on a large map. RushLine staff also asked participants about oppor-tunities and benefits related to their preferredroutes.

The Rush Line process and timeline will takeeight or more years. Participants asked ques-tions and made statements. Some were con-cerned that there were not many transit users orpeople of color in attendance; Rush Line per-sonnel said that is something they are workingon. Many participants feel the Bruce Vento Re-gional Trail is an important asset for the com-munity that might be put at risk by the RushLine. For more information about the RushLine, go to rushline.org.

Page 6 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum February 2015

Teachable momentsat Freedom School

American Friends Service CommitteeThe following is an excerpt from an article posted

at afsc.org/story/systemic-racism-focus-twin-cities-freedom-school. It is presented here as part of ourBlack History Month feature.

On two frigid days in December, the AmericanFriends Service Committee (AFSC) Twin Cities’Freedom School was launched at Sun Ray Library.Approximately 30 young people and adults came to-gether to gain a deeper understanding of structuraland institutional racism coupled with the importanceof making change.

The lessons of Freedom School really came aliveon the second morning.

As participants delved deeply into the ways inwhich racism has been legally sanctioned in ourcountry, there was a knock on the door. A librarian in-formed Sharon Goens-Bradley, Healing Justice pro-gram director for the Twin Cities’ office, that areporter and cameraman were outside wanting tospeak to someone.

The reporter, a perky young white woman, toldSharon that they’d heard about Freedom School froman article in a neighborhood paper and were hoping toshoot footage of the event and interview some of theyouth there. “The reporter seemed to assume that be-cause they had spontaneously shown up at FreedomSchool they’d immediately be welcomed in to thegroup” Sharon reported.

That particular station, however, has a long-stand-ing antagonistic relationship with progressive citi-zens, many of them from communities of color. Mostrecently the station was involved in “Pointergate,” anews segment that accused the Minneapolis mayor ofmaking gang signs and with a “known felon.”

When Sharon explained to the reporter that the

consensus ofthe room wasthat they not beallowed to en-ter, the reporterbecame irritat-ed and said,“Can’t we justinterview acouple of peo-ple? How aboutyou?” WhenSharon contin-ued to repeatthat therewould be no in-terviews andmentioned“Pointergate,”the reporterstated, “I was not the reporter on that story and he(pointing to the cameraman) wasn’t there either.”

Eventually the reporter and cameraman acceptedthat they would not gain access to the room and left,visibly upset.

According to Sharon, “The reporter’s insistencethat she was not responsible for her employer’s be-havior illustrates the propensity in our society for as-cribing poor behavior to only to individuals and notlooking at the larger systems that help keep racism inplace.”

After spending a few minutes processing the event,Freedom School continued as scheduled. DustinWashington, director of AFSC’s Seattle CommunityJustice program, continued to educate and challengeparticipants to explore our country’s history and the

ways in which we all participate in the perpetuationof racist systems.

When surveyed about what they learned after par-ticipating in two days of Freedom School, youthwrote: “[Racism] affects more people than I thought,”“Some of the statistics and racial demographics areastonishing and I learned the best time to takeaction,” “How I can change myself and engage moreand involve more people different from myself,” and“The definition of racism.”

A four-day Freedom School is planned for thissummer in the Twin Cities.

AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service,development, and peace programs throughout theworld. Their work is based on the belief in the worthof every person, and faith in the power of love toovercome violence and injustice.

AFSC

Two Freedom School participants discuss poverty. The group met in December at Sun Ray Library.

February 2015 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Page 7

Metro State community liaison resignsMark Gallagher

Forum Editorial Assistant

In June 2014, Jaylani Hussein washired by Metropolitan State Universityto improve relations between the uni-versity and the Day-ton’s Bluff commu-nity.

The community li-aison positionseemed tailor-madefor Hussein, whospent 50-60 percentof his time out in thecommunity on aweekly basis. “I wasalways in somemeeting in the com-munity,” he says.“For my first twoweeks at MetroState, I actually walked around thewhole neighborhood to talk to peopleand just engage with them and sharestories.”

When Hussein arrived at MetroState, there were a number of issuesbrewing with the Dayton’s Bluff com-munity, and the parking lot issue wasone of the thorniest. Hussein admitsthis, but adds, “In reality, most peoplehave a very favorable view of MetroState, and I saw that. I never felt un-

ease or unwelcome.”Hussein added, “I was somebody

just walking around saying ‘I’m fromMetro State and I know that we areyour neighbor. If you have any ques-

tions, here is mybusiness card—please call me.’Maybe that wassomething wehadn’t done in awhile.

“The one thing Ienjoyed most wasthe partnership be-ing developed andexpanded on be-tween Metro Stateand the East Side,”Hussein says. “Ex-citing things were

happening—not only the new build-ings going up, but the conversationswe had.”

His last day at Metro State was Jan-uary 2. Hussein has since taken the po-sition of Executive Director at theCouncil on American-Islamic Rela-tions (CAIR Minnesota).

“CAIR is an organization thatstands for people, and Metro State isan organization that builds people,”Mr. Hussein says. “The East Side iswhere people live, so I feel like one of

the elements thatdid not change ismy commitment toserving people.”

In the interim,Metro State com-munity liaison busi-ness will behandled by TomCook at 651-793-1902 or tom.cook@metrostate.edu.

History corner: a Black History Month feature

An East Side Story:The Crispus Attucks Home

Steve Trimble, Forum historian

The Crispus Attucks Home, namedafter a Black patriot who was killed byBritish troops in the Boston Massacre of1770, was an African American institu-tion in the Railroad Island neighbor-hood from the early 1920s until 1967.

Most orphanages at the time wouldnot admit Black children. The home ad-dressed the desirefor African-Amer-ican elderly, or-phans, andneglected childrento be cared for bytheir own commu-nity. Will andFannie King, twoAME (AfricanMethodist Episco-pal) missionariescame to St. Paulin the early 1900sand opened a resi-dence in a smallhouse near Oak-land Cemetery.

They called itthe Crispus Attucks Industrial Schooland Colored Old Folks’ and Orphans’Home. The purpose of the institutionwas “the improvement of industrial andsocial conditions of the colored peopleof the State of Minnesota” and “the es-tablishment of a home for the indigent,deserving colored men, women andchildren.”

In 1908, the residents were taken to arural location on Randolph Avenue inwhat is now the heart of Highland Park.Because of extra land, the new site wascalled “the farm.” With their eldershelping, up to 20 children led busy liveswith school, study time, Sunday schooland labor. The boys worked the farmand made brushes, and girls cooked,cleaned, drew water from the well, andtrained to be domestic workers.

By the early 1920s, orphanage ser-vices had ended and the institution be-came a home for about 16 elderlypeople. Crispus Attucks Home was thenrelocated to 469 Collins Street (nowTedesco) just off of Payne Avenue,where it remained for the next half cen-tury. The structure had previously beenthe site for “The Home for the Friend-less” that had a new headquarters onnearby East 7th Street. The place was notideal. Built in 1883, it was old, and farfrom the primary Black residential dis-trict. But it had previously been used forsenior care, and it was affordable. Thewomen of the Crispus Attucks boardhad wanted to build a new house, butthe meager finances of the group made

that impossible.The Attucks home was now a board-

and-care residence for elderly Black cit-izens, and continued to be run by aBlack-controlled organization and fi-nancially supported by churches, gov-ernment funds and rent from thoseresidents who were able to pay. Therewere seven men and six women who allhad private rooms on the second floor

Each room con-tained a bed, adresser, and aneasy chair.

The staff wasmade up of twomatrons, a janitor,a laundress, and acook. There weretwo meals eachday. Breakfast at8:30 am consistedof bacon, eggs,toast and fruitsauce with coffeeor milk. Some-times there werealso pancakes or

muffins. The 2:00 pm meal featuredmeat, two vegetables, bread and butter,dessert, and coffee or milk. There wasno regular evening meal, but there wasalways fruit and other supplementsavailable in their rooms.

As the years passed, the structureslowly deteriorated and city and countyagencies felt it was barely fit for occu-pation. The board resisted closing itdown, but a new situation made the de-cision for them. The state was buyingup land for possible use for 35E andwanted theirs. In mid-November 1966,the board and the Highway Departmentcame to an agreement. The state paid$58,000 for the 469 Collins house andits land. Within a month, the WilderFoundation took custody of the remain-ing nine residents. The structure wasrazed on March 29, 1967 and the landwhere it stood is now part of the currentEileen Weida Park at Burr and Tedesco.The funds from the sale are still used forphilanthropic gifts, including aid to stu-dents.

If you grew up on the East Side andremember seeing the Crispus AttucksHome, or possibly interacting withsome of its residents, please send us astory for the next issue. You can email itto editor@daytonsbluff.org. To read afull history of this former AfricanAmerican East Side landmark, typesome or all of the following into aGoogle search: Paul Nelson; “Orphansand Old Folks: St. Paul's Crispus At-tucks Home” Minnesota History 56.3(1998).

Minnesota Historical Society

The Crispus Attucks Home at 469 Collins Street(currently Weida Park) housed elderly African-Americans from the early 1920s until it was razed in 1967.

Mounds Theatre director does retirement her way

Raeann Ruth, former executivedirector of the Mounds Theatre

There's a nasty rumor running ram-pant, that I've retired. I have not. I amnever going to retire.

What is true, is that I'm retiringfrom work as I've known it – workingseven days a week, chasing thealmighty dollar in order to keep theMounds Theatre open.

My job was not just eight-to-five;running a theatre was all-consuming.In 2015 I am starting a new chapter.

It will be different, but I will carrymuch of theatre life with me. The peo-ple I've met, the experiences that Ihave shared through the ups anddowns of this 14-year journey – these Iwill remember and cherish.

To all the people responsible formaking the Mounds a destinationvenue, I thank you for your supportand understanding, and especially yourcourage to give new initiatives thegreen light.

As the countdown towards my exitbecame more widely known, I beganto hear another rumor. Apparently, Ihad, over three very long years, single-handedly rehabbed a decrepit old1920s silent film/vaudeville theatreinto a vibrant theatrical venue for theDayton's Bluff Community.

Flattering as it is to be seen as thehero, it is not true. I did not do it by

myself. It took a great many wonder-ful, giving folks to make all of thishappen, and I would like to acknowl-edge them all.

To the original rehab team (the“Five Over 50” group + one): BobRaddatz, Joyce Waldon, Greg Cosimi-ni, Fred Kaphingst, my husband Steveand my daughter Amber, I thank youfor your support and unending pa-tience, and for putting up with my“type A” personality. We accom-plished more than anyone ever thoughtpossible. And to the legions of volun-teers that kept everything going at theMounds Theatre throughout the years,I am deeply indebted. There's truth inthe old cliche, “nothing ventured,nothing gained” and we've proved it –together.

And I repeat, I'm not retiring. I willbe working with just as much energyas ever, but on the things I have put onhold for 47 years. There will be timefor family, travel, and fishing on theSnake River that flows in front of ournew log home in Mora (which hasbeen my dream destination for years).I call that living.

As the changing of the guard takesplace, I wish the new Executive Direc-tor Jessica Johnson and Alex Bajwamuch success in the upcoming years.I'm sure through their dedication andhard work they will take the MoundsTheatre to the next level.

Page 8 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum February 2015

Travels with the Forum

A chance encounter in New Jersey

Sage Holben

Dayton's Bluff denizen Sage Holben met Carl (left) and Sue on the train at Newark International Airport in New Jersey. Sue, a New Hampshire resident, was traveling with her husband Paul; Carl was headed to a large family reunion. Sage's request to photograph the travelers with the Forum led to a fast friendship. “I feel as if we've known each other for years!” Sage said.

Howdy, Forum readers!

LaBarre family

Dayton's Bluff residents Linda and Chris LaBarre – toting the Forum, of course– stopped by the Austin Art Wall on a recent trip to Texas.

Don't forget to take a copy of the Forum with you when you travel! Submit your photos to editor@daytonsbluff.org.

Lois (Sipf) McKinnonBorn February 28, 1915, Lois McKinnon (born Lois Sipf) is a centenarian! As a

youth, she spent all her free time at Margaret Playground, winning many first, sec-ond, and third place ribbons for field events through the playground, the city recre-ation centers, and at Harding High School. She was awarded the Harding “H” Awardand St. Paul Seal Award. Her athletic talents followed her throughout her life, as sheparticipated in bowling, long blade skating and skiing up until she was 95 years old.She was still turning cartwheels and standing on her head until her daughters put astop to it at age 90.

Lois was awarded the “Certificate of Recognition” from the City of St Paul Divi-sion of Park & Recreation as the Honored Volunteer in 2000. She was working withand enjoying many activities for over 50 years with Parks & Recreation.

She loved to travel and spent time in most every state in the lower 48, as well asHawaii, England & Scotland, Caribbean, Bermuda and Alaska.

Her favorite newspaper is the Dayton's Bluff District Forum (editor's note: she iseven one of our valued “Friends,” – see below!). She looks forward to every issue, asit brings back so many memories that she has of the place where she was born andraised. Her daughters drive her through the streets of Dayton's Bluff many times eachyear so Mom can remember all the people she grew up with and what it looked likewhen she was young. She can tell you stories about people and places all over thearea like it was yesterday.

We all wish Lois happiness and health as she celebrates 100 years.

Happy 100th birthday!

Friends of the ForumDear Reader,

The Dayton's Bluff District Forum has been a volunteer-runnewspaper since the 1970s, and has always operated on aminimal budget.

For the past two years we have been soliciting donationsthrough our Friends of the Forum program. Thanks to the do-nations of readers like you, we have been able to keep thepaper up and running.

If you value this community source of information, pleaseconsider filling out the form at right. Any amount is appreciat-ed; you may also make memorial donations, or include the Forum in your legacy planning.

If you have been our Friend in the past, please renew yourmembership with a donation in 2015.

Sincerely,The Dayton's Bluff District Forum

Board: Greg Cosimini, Karin DuPaul, Jennifer Herman,Carla Riehle, Steve Trimble; Editor: Meg Gronau; Edi-torial Assistant: Mark Gallagher

Many thanks to our 2014 donors:

Rev. Dennis Alexander – Marge Bleakmore – Carol

Carey – Greg Cosimini – Annie Cull & Jen King –

John Davidsen – Karin DuPaul – Bonnie Featherstone

– Mark Gallagher – Judy Gustafson – Bill & Amy

Holland – David Hueffmeier – Bette Johnson – Gil &

Wayne Lundeen – David Markegard – John Masiulis &

Marise Widmer – Lois McKinnon – Mark & Linda

Murnane – Mounds Park United Methodist Church –

Stefan & LeeAnn Pomrenke – Carla Riehle – Gloria

Russell – Donna Seabloom – Ramona J Shafer – Jon

Sherman – Marjorie L Toensing – Steve Trimble –

Ward 6 Food & Drink

2015 donors:

Dennis & Gail Alexander – Mary Ann Cogelow –

Kathleen M Hale – Brent Katzenmaier – Charissa &

David Osborn

Yes, I will become a Friend of the Forum.

My tax-deductible check is enclosed, for:

$100 $50 $25 Other______

Or give online: razoo.com/Hopewell-Communi-cations-Incorporated.

Name_________________________________________

Email_________________________________________

Address_______________________________________

City, State, ZIP_________________________________

Phone________________________________________

Make checks out to Dayton's Bluff District Forum and mail to 804 Margaret Street, St. Paul, MN 55106.

For more information, contact 651-772-2075 oreditor@daytonsbluff.org.