Volume 27, No. 9 D October 2014 www.daytonsbluff.org

“The Voice of the Community”

The luck of the Bluff Annual meeting and community dinner Monday, October 20, 5:00-8:00 pm ¡SU VOZ! KOJ LUB SUAB! YOUR VOICE! Dayton's Bluff Community Council Board of Directors elections Each year at our annual meeting, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council (DBCC) elects our community Board of Directors. All Dayton’s Bluff residents are welcome to come to celebrate the collective accomplishments of the Coun- cil and the community, and plan for the next year. If you've been reading the Dayton's Bluff District Forum, you know that the DBCC has been engaged in some exciting new activities, including the forth- coming move to beautiful refurbished offices, the creation of the new East Side Enterprise Center, the “Make it Happen on East 7th Street” initiative and much more! If you have ideas on how the neighborhood can contin- ue moving forward, you are the ideal candidate for board membership! Greg Cosimini When and where can Good fortune must be smiling on Dayton's Bluff, producing these four- and five-leaf clovers in I vote? a vacant lot on Euclid Street. Voting will happen Monday, October 20 at the annual meeting and free community dinner, held at the Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center (800 Conway Street) from 5:00-8:00 pm. If you have a per- Twin Cities Academy named sonal conflict with the schedule, please call the DBCC office to make other ar- rangements to cast your ballot. one of best US schools What happens at the Annual Meeting? Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. Watch our slide show recapping the year, Forum staff To get those high numbers, TCA mingle with friends, and enjoy music. Immediately following dinner, City strongly emphasizes academic rigor Twin Cities Academy High School, Council President Kathy Lantry will give a short “State of the District” address and community service. High school located at 835 East 5th Street, was re- followed by the presentation of the annual Roger Tetu award for kindness and students are required to complete 20 cently ranked as the 42nd best high community service (see inset for more information). In addition, the Equity hours of volunteer work each year. school in the country by US News and Committee of the DBCC will present, for community approval, an “Equity Class sizes are small, averaging 24 World Report. The charter school was Covenant” outlining our expectations for “the just and fair inclusion of all students. TCA emphasizes that no stu- also ranked the #1 high school in the members of the Dayton's Bluff community.” Candidates will each give a brief dent who tries, will fail. Teachers state last year, based on the MN De- speech and voting for board elections will commence. After ballots are collect- make every effort to help students suc- partment of Education's Multiple Mea- ed and counted, we will announce the results and welcome our newly elected ceed, making themselves available be- suring Rating, and was designated a board members. fore and after school, and sometimes Reward School for the third year in a Who can be a board member? via email. row. The board of directors has 18 members who serve alternating two-year terms, In addition to working hard, TCA Six years ago, TCA (which includes with nine members elected each year. Each of the four sub-districts has four celebrates success. Students who are a middle school and high school) representatives and there are also two at-large positions. You must live in the on track academically and behavioral- moved into their current 5th Street lo- sub-district that you seek to represent; candidates for this year's at-large seat ly attend a fun outing every quarter. cation, the former parish school build- must represent a business TCA offers music, art, drama, and a ing at Sacred Heart, hoping to attract a in Dayton's Bluff. Board variety of sports, as well as Home- diverse student body. With this ethnic, members are expected to Nominations for Roger Tetu coming and Prom. socioeconomic, and academic diversi- attend monthly board “It’s a great school,” said Jennifer Award due Oct. 13! ty, student success remains high. Last meetings, and serve on at Herman, Dayton’s Bluff resident and The Roger Tetu Unsung Hero Award will year’s attendance rate was 96%, with a least one committee, which TCA parent. For more information on be presented on October 20 and we want 94% graduation rate. is a commitment of ap- TCA, visit twincitiesacademy.org. proximately 10 hours per your nominations. month to board activities. We're looking for community members How can I run? and organizations who offer kindness with- To make sure you are on out hesitation on a daily basis, who do the the printed ballot, fill out little things to make Dayton’s Bluff a better Dayton’s Bluff NONPROFIT ORG. the online application at place. www.daytonsbluff.org or DBCC is interested in recognizing these Community Council U.S. POSTAGE stop by the DBCC office to acts of kindness and highlighting the role of 798 East 7th Street PAID pick up a paper applica- unsung neighborhood heroes. TWIN CITIES MN tion. Applications for the Visit www.daytonsbluff.org to learn St. Paul, MN 55106 pre-printed ballot must be more about the Roger Tetu award and to PERMIT NO. 3996 returned by 5:00 pm on submit your nominations today! The dead- Monday, October 13. All line for nomination is October 13. candidates must be present ECRWSS at the annual meeting and dinner. If you miss the filing deadline, you and your supporters can still write in Postal Customer your name as a candidate. Write-in candidates will be accepted until 6:00 pm on October 20, the day of the election. All write-in candidates must be present at the annual meeting and must accept the nomination to be elected. All candi- dates will be asked to make a short public statement at the annual meeting, stat- ing why they want to be on the DBCC Board and how they can contribute to the neighborhood. Page 2 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum October 2014

New Friends of Swede Meet with the police charge. To register, contact Metropolitan per products, coffee grounds, dryer lint, State’s Institute for Community Engage- and other items, so less waste goes into Hollow are welcome The Eastern District Police hosts their ment at 651-793-1285 or community.en- the trash. The St. Paul yard waste site The next Friends of Swede Hollow monthly meetings for community mem- [email protected]. closest to Dayton's Bluff is at Frank and monthly meeting is on Wednesday, Oc- bers at 722 Payne Avenue, at the corner The book club is co-sponsored by the Sims, just north of Phalen Boulevard. tober 8, at 6:30 pm. Email kar- of Payne and Minnehaha Avenues. Dayton's Bluff Branch of the St. Paul To further promote organics recycling, [email protected] or call 651-776- The next meetings are Wednesday, Public Library, and Metropolitan State Environmental Health is offering free 0550 for more information and the October 15, at 6:30 pm, and Friday, University. plastic kitchen caddies to collect food meeting's location. October 17, at 9:30 am. The meetings, scraps. The caddies, along with free lin- open to all, are intended to learn about, er bags, are available at all county yard listen to, and address concerns about 4th annual All East Side waste sites that accept organics. A total Get rid of your junk car; crime and other issues on the East Side. reunion of 600 caddies will be distributed on a The St. Paul Eastern District is commit- first come, first served basis, while sup- help Dayton's Bluff ted to maintaining and growing the The annual party to renew old friend- plies last. More information on organics Community Council quality of life for all of our residents. ships and to get in touch with others, in- recycling at http://www.co.ramsey.m- Bring your neighbors; this is a great op- cluding classmates, teammates, and old Budget Towing of Minnesota, Minne- n.us/ph/rt/organics_recycling.htm. portunity to discuss neighborhood nui- friends from Cretin, Harding, Johnson, sota’s largest towing company, is owned sance issues. Hill-Murray, or North St. Paul, will be by Roy Carlson, a former Dayton’s held on October 11 at American Legion th Bluff Community Council board mem- Library celebrates 10 Post 577, 1135 Arcade Street (Arcade ber. Budget Towing will remove any anniversary Forum monthly meeting Street and Maryland Avenue). junk car or truck – located anywhere in The party will start at 6:00 pm; Joe Dayton's Bluff Public Library and St. Paul – and dispose of it at no charge This Forum newspaper is always Wagner's band “The Arcades,” with Metropolitan State University Academic to the vehicle owner or the property looking for help in several volunteer ca- dance music from the '50s, '60s, and Library are celebrating their 10-year owner where it is located. The vehicle pacities. Help is always needed with '70s, will play from 8:00 pm-12:00 mid- partnership. The public is invited to fun owner will receive paperwork for a tax writing, editing, online content, idea night. Admission is $5.00 per person activities on Sunday, October 26, from donation, and Roy will make a small do- generation, and ad sales; or perhaps you and there is a cash bar. 2:00-4:00 pm. Planned activities in- nation to the Community Council. Call have an idea for our publication. If Please help get the word out; invite clude: celebrity storytime; origami and 651-772-2075 to have a junk car re- you'd like to contribute to the Forum, others! For information, call Claudia haiku; labyrinth walk; building tours; moved – and help clean up Dayton’s please join us at our next meeting, Steiner, 651-735-4784 or Janice Ziemer, science; student readings; and a media Bluff. Thursday, October 2, at 1:00 pm at 651-777-8896. screening room. Guest speakers from 798 East 7th Street. Snacks encouraged. the community are scheduled. The public is also invited to a cele- Take-a-Hike October 4 Free organics recycling bratory reception on Tuesday, October Dayton’s Bluff Book Club 28, in the Ecolab Room, LIB 302. Take-a-Hike occurs on the first Satur- through Ramsey County The MSU and Dayton’s Bluff Public day of most months. The next hike will Love to read? Join the Dayton’s Bluff Ramsey County's new organics recy- Library story will be shown through a be Saturday, October 4. Hikers meet at Book Club to read and discuss multicul- cling program has dramatically in- slideshow using archival photos, patron 10:30 am in Indian Mounds Park at Earl tural and local author’s books, begin- creased the number of visits to yard recollections and sentiments and a re- Street and Mounds Boulevard, and walk ning with Spirit Car by Diane Wilson. waste sites by county residents. view of what the two libraries have ac- to the East Side Heritage Park. The hike The first meeting is Thursday, October All Ramsey County yard waste col- complished in the past 10 years. If you is about two hours (four miles) with 9, 2014, 6:00-8:30 pm in the Metropoli- lection sites (except for Arden Hills) be- have some thoughts or remembrances to some moderately rough terrain. Share tan State Library & Learning Center, gan accepting organics for the first time share, please contact Katherine Arndt at experiences and hear stories about life (co-located with Dayton’s Bluff Branch when they opened this spring. The new [email protected] or 651- in Dayton's Bluff. New hikers are al- public library), Room 302. Space is lim- ited and registration is required. Books program enables county residents to 793-1634. ways welcome. For more information, drop off food scraps, non-recyclable pa- call 651-776-0550. and a light dinner will be provided at no

Upcoming opportunities at Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center

 Rec Check! Free program for 1st-5th graders; registration required.

 Open gym 6:00-7:45 pm. Monday- Thursday; all ages.

 Basketball practice starts October 20.

 Cheerleading and Karate: Sign up the week of October 20.

 Fall Blast! October 16 & 17, 1:00-4:00 pm, ages 6-12. Sign up online.

 Parent & Tot Time: ongoing,  Fitness Room: 3-7:45 pm Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 am-12:00 noon.  Teen “Bluff Room”: 3:00-7:30 pm. The Dayton's Bluff Rec Center  Judo: Mondays, 6:00-7:00 pm. is located at 800 Conway Street.  Take Home Chef: learn how to make simple, healthy snacks to take home or 651-793-3885  Seniors “500” card playing: make at home. Tuesday, October 7, Facebook: Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center every Friday, 12:00-4:00 pm; 6:00-7:30 pm. coffee and snacks provided! Stop by and check us out! October 2014 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Page 3

Magic for this Bluff family

Watch the Glow of the Setting Sun annual event Oct. 11 Karin DuPaul “good old days” of living in the Hol- Forum staff low and working at the brewery. Some years, Joe Sanchelli and his The annual “Watch the Glow of the daughter Nancy have entertained ev- Petrie family Setting Sun on the Red Brick Brew- eryone with Italian songs and stories ery” event hosted by Friends of Mary Petrie, at right, Is pictured with her son Stryker Thompson, who had his about life in the Hollow. Historians Swede Hollow (FOSH) will start at mother's memoir published this summer. like Steve Trimble and Jim Sazevich 6:30 pm on Saturday, October 11. Ev- have been known to attend “Watch eryone is welcome to attend. Meet at the Glow.” Last year's event, pictured Son gives gift of a dream fulfilled the Henge in Swede Hollow Park, above, was attended by about 20 near the Drewry Lane and Beaumont neighbors and friends. entrance. Witness the sunset firsthand, Forum staff the publication process and settled on FOSH is a nonprofit organization and see the bright glow of the brew- one that would allow the book to be that works on Swede Hollow issues, There’s no danger that Mounds Park ery building. available in both print and Kindle. It plantings, cleanups, education, history resident Mary Petrie will ever forget After the sun sets, the evening was time-consuming, laborious work. tours, and events. For more informa- precisely when she relocated to this cookout begins and socializing con- But that effort paid off – and more – tion, please send an email to kar- neighborhood. Her family’s move to tinues. Former Swede Hollow resi- when Thompson handed his mother a [email protected] or call 651- Mound Street coincided with two oth- dents and Hamm’s employees are gift-wrapped copy of the book’s proof 776-0550. er major life events: the birth of her invited to share memories of the on June 20. Petrie opened the paper third child, and completion of a novel, and burst into tears, immediately un- At the End of Magic. derstanding the gift and its signifi- That child is now 11 years old and cance when she saw the pretty yellow the book, after languishing for a dress on the cover. Petrie acknowl- decade, has just been published. The edges this has been the greatest gift of WEQY-FM 104.7, the magic at play here extends beyond the her lifetime. “That my son recognized title to the sweet story of how the and responded to my dreams is itself Voice of the East Side manuscript moved from a dusty shelf the most magical part about this,” she into a book. by Carla Riehle studio will be possible. WEQY Sta- says. Last spring, Petrie’s then-17-year Forum staff tion Manager Kathryn Harris can't re- That magic continues as word of the old son, Stryker Thompson, was wind- veal the address yet, but says it looks book and the son’s gift spreads. The Not long after this newspaper ing up his senior year at Como Park about 99% sure. Star Tribune featured Petrie and reaches your mailbox, WEQY-FM, High school in style: captain of the de- We are happy to report that Barry Thompson in a September 7 column the Voice of the East Side, hopes to bate team, National Honor Society, 14 Madore's radio-novela project is one by Gail Rosenblum. The story made it be “riding the signal,” which is what Advanced Placement courses, fourth of the finalists for several Knight to the Today Show Web site and en- radio veterans call the test phase of in his class academically. But those Foundation grants to be awarded in joyed a few minutes of fame on Twit- the new station. Although a major ob- demands on his time didn’t stop October. Kathryn Harris is also in dis- ter and Facebook. But Petrie reports stacle arose at the last minute that Thompson from giving his mother the cussion with two cultural umbrella that publicity isn’t the only reason the seemed like it might delay the start gift of a lifetime. Near the end of his groups about an innovative idea for book is selling. “It’s good! Readers are for a few months, that cloud turned senior year, he decided to self-publish combining station underwriting with recommending it to their friends. I out to have a silver lining. Despite the his mother’s novel as a “thank you for radio programming and fundraising think of it as 'the little book that best efforts of Sonia Ortega, owner of raising me” gift. Enlisting the help of for the member organizations. could,' finally getting the readers it de- Plaza del Sol on Payne Avenue, con- his girlfriend, fellow Como student Volunteer positions are still open at serves.” struction delays were not able to be Tessa Portuese, the two painstakingly the station, ranging from answering The book is available at Red Bal- overcome in building the radio space formatted and designed the book. the phone and staffing the front desk loon, Common Good Books, SubText, that she had generously offered to the Thompson toiled over format, paper to acting as a “traffic” engineer. If Amazon and Kindle. Petrie will be station at no cost. However, the offer weight, texture, and editing; Portuese you want to contribute to the commu- reading from the book at Dayton of new space in a historic building created the art, using a picture of a nity in an innovative way, contact Bluff’s new coffee house, The Danc- came along at just the right moment, dress that Petrie had long envisioned Station Manager Kathryn Harris at ing Goat, at 4:00 pm on Sunday, Oc- with the added bonus that a storefront on the cover. Thompson researched [email protected]. tober 12. Page 4 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum October 2014

October at Mounds Park United Methodist Church Rub-a-dub-dub 1049 Euclid Street (corner of Earl and Euclid); 651-774-8736

Sunday Morning Schedule: 9:15 am: Adult small group study; adult Sunday school class; pastor's class: “Having Faith During Turbulent Times.” 10:30 am: Worship celebration in sanctuary; 10:40: Kids' time 10:45 am: Children's Sunday school (preschool ages 3-5; elementary 6-11); nursery available; 11:30 Fellowship; 11:45 Youth gathering in Youth Room (ages 11-18)

Halloween Party Are you looking for a safe and dry place to have some wholesome October 31 fun for you and your children? Join the fun at Mounds Park Church, 1049 Euclid, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Come dressed in your best costume! There will be a free dinner for all who attend, games to play that will earn candy prizes, and a warm place to catch up with neighbors and have a hot dog. There will also be the opportunity to get your child’s picture taken in their Halloween Costume We can't wait to see you there!

Community Friendship Gathering October 28 at 12:00 noon at Mound Park United Methodist Church. Every- one is invited. Hot lunch, plus entertainment! Come for food, fun and fellow- ship. Menu: beef stew in homemade bread bowl. Salad and dessert. Karin DuPaul Entertainment: Winter Carnival Court East Siders Mary Brownlow, left, and Sage Holben enjoy a relaxing soak in a pool of gelatin. While the Community Friendship Gathering focuses on persons 55 and older, Several neighborhood women took turns in the vat of crimson goo, earning some strange all are invited to participate. Reservations are appreciated by calling 651-734- looks from passersby. Non-edible but non-toxic, “wrestling gelatin” is used for its unique, 8736. $8.00 requested for the meal. relaxing sensation.

History walk

Real Haunted Tours at the Historic Mounds Theatre Raeann Ruth era so you can attempt to gather your Executive Director, Mounds Theatre own evidence like tour guests have Brad Griffith done on previous years' tours. This Halloween, why settle for a Crowds look at homes along the 700 block of Margaret Street during the History Walk of the Tours this year will be led by para- fake haunted house when you can Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhood, held on September 6. This area has many beautiful normal investigator Lisa Lea. (Sal and take a Real Haunted Tour? homes, some dating back to the 1880s. Mia will not be leading tours for the For one hour, you and up to 10 oth- 2014 season due to scheduling con- er people will have two experienced flicts.) paranormal investigators walk you Tours will be held October 3 through the Historic Mounds Theatre through November 1, every Friday, in near-darkness. For that hour, you'll Saturday, and Sunday from 5:00- learn the history of the building and 11:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and tours hear the stories of the resident spirits. must be booked in advance. Your guides will also answer ques- Visit www.moundstheatre.org to tions and help you ghost-hunt on your purchase tickets and for information own. The tour includes several pauses about other upcoming events. The for evidence-gathering and invitations Historic Mounds Theatre is located at for activity. Don't forget to bring a 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul, MN camera, voice recorder or video cam- 55106; 651-772-2253.

Treat yourself today! 565 Earl Street 10 Dilly Bars for $7.89 All-beef hot dogs $1.39 Buy one Blizzard, get the second (same size) for HALF PRICE ------Bring in this ad and buy one shake, get one free!

Expires 10/31/14 October 2014 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Page 5

Building equity in Dayton’s Bluff and beyond Letter to the editor Community skating rink

Avi Viswanathan that has a majority of people of col- ties of color. would be a boon on the Bluff special to the Forum or. Many of the issues that face our In Minneapolis there has been a Dear residents, friends and neighbors, region as a whole are magnified in small group of residents – all white – Until recently, many Twin Cities I have a simple question to ask and I would our neighborhood. We have an op- who are completely against the light residents were oblivious to the fact love to hear from anyone who has an opinion portunity to learn and share with rail development. They have made that our metro region ranks among on this matter. other communities, so we can all comments that this is not an equity the worst in the country when it How can we, the residents of Dayton’s benefit from their knowledge and train, and that communities of color comes to racial disparities in em- Bluff on St. Paul’s East Side in the state of expertise. are being used by government agen- ployment, education, housing and Minnesota, not have a skating rink? Let’s One of the biggest issues being cies so the rail will be developed. incarceration. These disparities are think about this for a moment and ask our- debated in the Twin Cities is the de- This is an old way of thinking. These particularly bad between whites and selves; what would be the pros and cons of velopment of the Southwest Light individuals would rather kill the African Americans, and whites and said rink? Rail system, which would be an ex- project in the name of equity rather Native Americans. But disparities Pro: A place for families and neighbors to tension of the Green Line. Transit than listen to communities of color have become a common theme in get together. cannot, by itself, create racial equity, and use the project to move toward politics in the Twin Cities. Politi- Con: ? I got nothing. but it does represent a significant op- equity. cians are constantly talking about Now let’s get to the real issue: cost. Loca- portunity to help people of color ac- On the East Side, with strong eliminating disparities and closing tion, location, location. We have the perfect cess better employment or housing communities of color, we have an gaps. one at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary and Recre- or education. Communities of color opportunity to move towards equity. This represents a major shift. Just ation Center. The field lights are on all night in Minneapolis and its suburbs have With transit development coming five years ago, politicians and gov- already! So no cost there. Water? No more come together to take advantage of our way, we have an opportunity to ernment officials were hesitant to charge than the city would charge the city. this opportunity. Thirty organiza- learn from the great work of com- talk about race. Many would change And finally, there’s the care and maintenance. tions have formed the Equity Com- munities in our region and to quash the topic or point the finger in anoth- I find it hard to believe that this community mitments Coalition and developed a that old way of thinking. All the er direction – or even deny there was wouldn’t volunteer ourselves for our children set of requests around the light rail tools are in place. East Side Transit a problem. This has changed dramat- and neighborhood. You may ask, “should and that will help move towards equity. Equity (ESTE) organizers are on the ically, as we see government offi- will supervision be needed?” I think our com- These requests are related to in- ground in our communities and have cials looking at race issues head-on munity is respectful and responsible enough creased access to all forms of transit been connected to the Equity Com- through strong statements. But talk to follow posted rules. including buses, land-use planning mitments Coalition work. We have is not enough. Communities of color So as I see it: Total cost = FUN. and development, and access to em- strong allies in government, such as have been developing solutions for P.S. The Market on the Bluff, held at 463 ployment and training opportunities. Ramsey County Commissioner Jim the issues their communities face for Maria Avenue, will continue on Thursday These requests have been presented McDonough, who are ready to rep- a long time. Because of the current evenings through the end of October. The last to several government agencies in- resent our communities and our val- climate around inequities, these so- day of the Market is tentatively planned for cluding the Met Council, Hennepin ues as transit is developed. It is time lutions are finally being heard and October 30, with a harvest event with more County and the City of Minneapolis. for our community to take action are rising to the top. vendors, entertainment and activities. Each is developing a response to and take advantage of this opportu- Dayton’s Bluff is a community A neighbor have a real dialogue with communi- nity. Dayton's Bluff Page 6 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum October 2014 East Side Enterprise Center houses huge walk-in cooler Jennifer Herman, Forum staff HAFA has arranged a long term lease for the urban farmers bring produce to be tional space in the cooler will be avail- this land with the option to purchase it. sorted and stored, and how would it get able for lease by local grocery stores. Access to a huge walk-in cooler is not Another challenge for Hmong and delivered to buyers? Many of the farm- The East Side Local Food Incubator is what I had in mind when I heard about Latino farmers is access to markets. One ers of HAFA live on the East Side of St. truly a place to nurture growing busi- the resources the East Side Enterprise immigrant farm grew $40,000 of pro- Paul and they longed for a distribution nesses. The terms of the financing loan Center (ESEC) is offering to en- duce but was only able to sell $19,000 of facility nearby. LEDC realized that the allow the Incubator to charge be- trepreneurs and businesses, but it turns it. At the same time, the Anglo farmers at warehouse and garage at ESEC were the low-market lease rates to farmers until out that the cooler and warehouse space Stone’s Throw Urban Farm were finding perfect solution! they can afford market rates. And, yes, are just what some local entrepreneurs they couldn’t grow enough produce to A Healthy Food Financing loan was the Mobile Market, an MTC bus-turned- need. In fact, when John Flory from meet the demands of the urban market. used to install the large walk-in cooler grocery store, will have a parking space Latino Economic Development Center So Stone’s Throw Urban Farm in Minne- for storing produce. The warehouse in the garage and will load up with local (LEDC) saw the 4,000 square feet of apolis, Whetstone Farm in Windom, space is perfect for sorting, boxing, and produce from the cooler before heading warehouse and garage space with 2 load- Agua Gorda Co-op in Long Prairie, Cala additional storage. The garage is the out around the East Side and North Min- ing docks and 5 overhead garage doors, Farm in Turtle Lake, Wisc., and La Fa- ideal home for the refrigerated delivery neapolis. he knew he had found the perfect site for milia Co-op in New Richmond, Wisc., van and truck purchased with federal and Mexican immigrant farm laborers the East Side Local Food Incubator. joined together to create Stone’s Throw state grants. LEDC (an ESEC partner) dream of owning their own farms. At LEDC, John had been working Agricultural Co-operative. This market- holds the master lease for the warehouse Hmong farmers long to have sustainable with local immigrant farmers, realizing ing co-op acts as an intermediary so that and garage space and the offices above. farms capable of financially supporting that there are several barriers to success. buyers have one consistent contact per- They are leasing office space to three or- the entire family. Urban grocery stores, A lack of access to prime farmland was son who connects them to all of the var- ganizations connected to local food: Ur- co-ops, and chefs long for fresh, local the first challenge for Hmong farmers. ied farm products from the member ban Oasis, Twin Cities Mobile Market, produce. Connecting the farmers and the They formed the Hmong American farms and HAFA. The co-op currently and Stone’s Throw Agricultural Co-oper- buyers strengthens everybody’s business Farmer’s Association (HAFA) and with provides produce to a 200-member CSA ative. The marketing cooperative is leas- which is exactly what ESEC is all about the support of LEDC they were able to and about 20 restaurants ing the van and truck as well as space in – and that is why it is the perfect home find an angel investor to buy 155 acres However, this access to urban markets the cooler to provide services to its for the East Side Local Food Incubator of farmland 15 minutes south of St. Paul. created a new challenge. Where would members and other farm groups. Addi- and their really huge cooler.

The Educated Palate: serving the Metropolitan State University community, and so much more Mark Gallagher ucated Palate once a week to oversee Wabasha Deli and Cafe. “There is large task, and be rewarded for completing Forum Editorial Assistant the operation,” Benjamin says. “We Muslim population at Metro State,” that task. Stephen is a great cook, and also have monthly meetings with the Benjamin says. “We have some halal he does an excellent job working with The Educated Palate, located on the manager.” products that fit into their religious and the kids.” 7th Street level of the New Main Build- The Educated Palate at Metro State dietary restrictions.” The Educated Palate caters a lot of ing on the southwest corner of 7th Street has a full kitchen. Its hours are Monday “We are excited to be a part of the events. “We cater conferences and and Maria, is Metropolitan State Uni- through Thursday, from 8:30 am-8:30 East Side and West Side of St. Paul,” [events in the rented] space at Metro versity’s East Side campus cafeteria. pm, and Friday and Saturday from 8:30 Benjamin says. “We are participating in State, either in a conference room, in Stephen Mike, owner of the Wabasha am to 1:00 pm. It has a walk–up a program, through the St. Paul public the New Main building, or in the li- Deli and Cafe and two kiosks in down- counter that serves students and the schools, called STEPS (Specialized brary’s Ecolab Room,” Stephen says. town St. Paul, was awarded the Metro general public. Transition Em- “We cater a lot of ethnic meals. We do State contract in 2010. The informal ployment Plan- quite a bit of catering for the Muslim Stephen and his staff do all the cook- menu is perfect ning Services), community because they have a large ing at the Wabasha Deli and Cafe, and for the quick which helps presence here, and we do many evening all that cooking is from scratch, but he breakfast, lunch, students with events at Metro State like birthday par- also does many other things. “I order or supper that special educa- ties, showers, and anniversary parties.” the food, run the dishwasher, sweep the students or facul- tional needs “If I had it to do all over again, I floor,” he says. “I do it all. As I tell my ty sometimes prepare for em- would,” Stephen says. “It’s hard to run staff, 'I wouldn’t ask you to do any- need. ployment and a small business – dealing with food is thing I wouldn’t do.'” The breakfast independence even more difficult – but that’s the He learned how to cook from his menu includes after gradua- business I’m in,” Stephen says. grandmother. “My grandmother was pancakes, French tion.” “Over the years, The Wabasha Deli one of the few people who could con- toast, breakfast The students and Café has sponsored or hosted many trol me,” Stephen says. “So I always sandwiches, à la are in the pro- pancake breakfasts and spaghetti din- hung out with her and did all of her carte selections, gram for many ners to raise money for certain events,” menial work. I learned to cook from the Mark Gallagher and beverages. different rea- Benjamin says. “We are proud and hon- ground up.” Above: Stephen Mike, left, prepares a dish at Deli sandwiches, sons: some ored to host these events. The support Stephen took the loving instruction Metropolitan State University's campus cafeteria, paninis, soups, have a disabili- shown to us by the community is im- taught by his grandmother and used his the Educated Palate, while his son Benjamin, wraps, salads, right, gives the camera a smile. Stephen is the ty, some have a portant to the Mike family, as well as cooking skill at St. Matthew’s Church and beverages owner and operator of the Wabasha Deli and Cafe. problem at our support returned back to the com- on the West Side of St. Paul, where he make up the home where munity.” volunteered to cook for the Fun Fest, lunch/dinner menu. The Educated they need extra attention, or some just the Men’s Club fish fry, and many oth- Palate has about five employees, and need more basic interaction with peo- Mark Gallagher is a professional er events. that number varies according to the ple. writer and editor and a graduate of Benjamin Mike, Stephen’s son, season. They typically slow down in “I think the St. Paul Public Schools Metropolitan State University. Mark works with his dad as cashier, catering the summer when there are fewer stu- are trying to give these kids a life les- can be reached at refineEditorial@g- manager, customer service, guest ser- dents on campus. son,” Benjamin says. “What it means to mail.com. vice, and he also prepares most of the The culinary opportunities at the Ed- show up for a job, work hard, take in- catering bids. “Dad and I go to the Ed- ucated Palate differ from those at the struction from someone, complete a

Dayton’s Bluff District Forum 798 East 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55106 Phone: 651-772-2075 Fax: 651-774-3510 E-mail: [email protected] Monthly circulation: 7,500; also available online at www.daytonsbluff.org. This publication of Hopewell Communications, Inc. is intended to provide a forum for the ideas and opinions of its readers and to be an instrument for developing community awareness and pride. 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 [email protected] or faxed to 651-774-3510. The Dayton's Bluff District Forum is delivered to every home and business in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood. Outside this area, subscriptions cost $15 per year and may be arranged by calling 651-776-0550. Board of Directors: Greg Cosimini, Karin DuPaul, Jennifer Herman, Carrie Obry, Carla Riehle, Steve Trimble Editor/Layout: Meg Gronau Editorial Assistant: Mark Gallagher

Next issue: November 2014. Deadline for material: October 10, 2014. October 2014 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum Page 7

History corner Tommy Gibbons: Puncher and politician View from my porch: Race by Steve Trimble cided to accept the match. Tom- ing won a championship. “I Forum historian my said. “I knew I could make a could have made another Sage Holben fortune with the championship,” $100,000 before retiring,” he lat- Forum contributor Last month I told the story of he said, “ and was content to er said, “but I thought of my St. Paul boxer Mike “The Phan- The following are some thoughts after attending gamble on that chance.” brother Mike blind in one eye; tom” Gibbons. This time I will “Let’s Talk: Ferguson” at Penumbra Theatre, Wednes- The town’s leaders thought Harry Greb, blind in both eyes. I relate the life of boxer Tommy day, September 10. Sarah Bellamy hosted panelists Dr. that the exposure would put decided it was time to get out.” Gibbons, the Matthew Johnson, Ricardo Levins Morales, and Dr. After retiring from younger brother. Soolin Pate. Artistic readings were given by Malik Cur- boxing at age 34, Gib- He was born in tis, Erin Washington, H. Adam Harris, and Gebreil bons was a success at St. Paul in 1891 Khadar. selling insurance before into an Irish im- “This is a time of harvest...things that have grown in he decided to enter city migrant family. our community,” Dr. Johnson wasn’t speaking of sweet politics. He was elected After graduating corn and pumpkins. He was speaking of hate, racism, to a city administrative from Washing- violence, abuse of systems and people, and overall, our position. His friends ton High School, false illusions that race relations and our justice system then convinced him to he completed are better since Freedom Summer. As a country, as a run for Sheriff of Ram- two years at St. city, we give magnificent narratives of what our pro- sey County in 1934. He Thomas Univer- grams do to address the violence of racism and the trau- won six consecutive sity. He had ma it causes; but they are illusions! He nailed it. four-year terms and was been working at The panel described racism as akin to child abuse. unopposed in one of the the Great North- We tell victims not to talk about it. How many Black elections. ern Railway rail youth don’t tell family about the police stops, frisking He was sometimes yard for $1.10 a or intimidation exercised by police? A chronically, quoted in the local day but his fa- physically abused child or woman flinches when a man newspapers. Here’s one ther agreed that raises his arm, she in readiness to be hit. An officer’s of his opinions: “The ju- his son cold hand reaches towards his holster...what will happen? venile delinquency prob- make a living Just as a child or woman becomes hyper-vigilant, not- lem could be alleviated with his fists so ing the smallest physical movement that might indicate immeasurably if more his college days a change in mood and potential abuse. So a Black youth parents would devote came to an end. watches the gait or eye movement of an officer to more attention to their Even though gauge how distrustful the officer is of the youth on the sons – and daughters.” boxing was ille- street, ready to what? Run out of fear? Stay and wonder He retired from poli- gal in Minnesota what will happen? And the trauma continues; trauma is tics at the age of 68. A at the time, about loss of power. year later, on November Tommy, like 19, 1960, Tommy Gib- Child abuse and racism have become embedded in others, partici- bons passed away at the our public and private systems and values. The sys- pated in secret cyberboxingzone.com age of 69. Tommy had tems continue because someone benefits from per- bouts, helped by Above: Tommy Gibbons, St. Paul boxer who became Sheriff of nine children with his petuating the behavior. Unfortunately, people of the fact that the Ramsey County from 1934-1958. first wife, plus the three color are punished collectively, by race, while whites ban was not children his second wife are punished by individual crime. I’m left asking my- strongly en- them on the map as they had had when she married him. Fu- self: what are my assumptions? How do I help stop forced. He entered ring full time some alleged oil lands they neral services for Tommy were the trauma? This “View” is admittedly incomplete. on September 5, 1911, with a wanted to sell. They built a huge at the Willwerscheid Mortuary We need to look at the role of policing and the meth- bout in Minneapolis, and began arena and a hotel, and laid rail- with a burial at Calvary Ceme- ods we use to police our housing, employment, correc- to compile a commendable road tracks into the town. But tery. He was elected to the Box- tional systems, and schools. We need to look within record. He started out as a mid- the fight was a financial disaster ing Hall of Fame in 1963, and ourselves. dleweight but grew into a heavy- and local backers went broke. It was inducted into the Interna- As a white person, how do I perpetuate this power weight with a respectable punch. is claimed that three banks failed tional Boxing Hall of Fame in that causes trauma and injustice? Do I condone by my Minnesota finally yielded to as a result of backing the fiasco. 1993. As Tommy Gibbons once silence? What are my inner feelings and outer reactions public sentiment and legalized Gibbons felt he made a mis- summed things up: “Boxing was on the subject of race? Am I willing to shine the light boxing on April 24, 1915. The take in being aggressive instead very good to me and it will al- on the traumas and injustices of racism? What do my sport was only allowed in the of defensive and was staggered ways will have my best wishes.” neighbors of color ask of me? state’s three largest cities. Also, in the first round. He later said to try to stop wagering on the that after that punch he saw three outcome, there were no an- Dempseys, grabbed the middle nounced decisions. The site for one and clinched until his head History note the first legal show in 23 years cleared. He recovered and lasted A few issues ago, the Forum was the St. Paul Auditorium on a full fifteen rounds before los- had a fairly short article about Free computer classes at July 12, 1915. The headline bout ing the decision to the champion. Mike Sanchelli’s reminiscences that evening pitted two of St. Dayton's Bluff Library Dempsey got paid up front, of growing up in Swede Hol- Paul's future all-time greats but because the fight drew only low. There is a much more against each other: Tommy Gib- about 7,000 spectators, Tommy Tired of feeling technologically out-of-the-loop? bons and Billy Miske. complete version that was pub- Would you like to be able to list computer skills on just received his expense money lished in the Spring 2014 issue Even though Tommy was a of $15,000 for the fight. He did your resume? The Dayton's Bluff Library offers free in- (volume 49 number 1) of Ram- gifted boxer, he fought for sever- make $5,000 from a subsequent troductory computer classes every Tuesday and sey County History. You can al years in the shadow of his leg- vaudeville tour – a 14-week en- Thursday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Topics in- endary brother Mike. He fought gagement on the Pantages cir- find the magazine in any St. clude the basics of the Internet, email, Microsoft Word, 80 fights over 11 years without cuit. Paul or Ramsey County li- and Microsoft Excel. Space is limited! To register or to an official defeat in all parts of Gene Tunney finally dropped braries. If you are interested in learn more, please call 651-793-1699 or email the country and Canada. He was Gibbons in the twelfth round of owning a copy, you can order [email protected]. in over a hundred bouts with a a 1925 fight. It was the first and one from RCHS. Call them at final record of 56-4-1 with 44 only time he was knocked out. 651-222-0701 or visit rchs. no-decisions – remember the re- Tommy then retired, never hav- com. strictions on having an an- nounced outcome – and one no- contest. His only losses were to Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Harry Greb and St. Paul’s Billy Miske. Tommy Gibbons' biggest fight came near the end of his career when he met heavyweight cham- pion Jack Dempsey on July 4, 1923 in Shelby, Montana. He was a definite underdog, but de- Page 8 Dayton’s Bluff District Forum October 2014

Representing Dayton's Bluff at the Fair

Left: The Cosimini family donated this bench at the Minnesota State Fair in memory of Elsie and Joe Cosimini, two lifelong Dayton's Bluff residents who loved going to the State Fair.

Greg Cosimini

King Arthur in Swede Hollow Park David Lyons

Above: this old beer bottle dates from Right: Mixed Precipitation theatre group around the turn of the 20th century and performed in Swede Hollow Park on September reads “Drewry & Sons St. Paul.” It was 14. The show, King Arthur: A Picnic Operetta found this summer in a muddy was paired with a five-course sampling menu of earthflow in Mounds Park. locally-grown treats for the audience. Fun find: an old beer bottle

in the mud Karin DuPaul David Lyons, Mounds Park Special to the Forum Early this summer I was walking in The Forum at the woods at the bottom of a bluff near my house when I came across a Sturgis massive tree-strewn earthflow. I looked up to see a huge gash in the Left: Bikers in Sturgis, including hill where a portion of it had pulled the man with the biggest helmet, away and washed to the bottom. I enjoyed reading articles from the then looked down to see part of an old Dayton's Bluff District Forum bottle sticking out of the mud. I decid- during the 74th Sturgis Motorcycle ed to explore the debris field and Rally. came across a perfectly intact em- bossed beer bottle that read “Drewry & Sons St. Paul.” First a bit on mass movement, be- cause I teach geography. Debris flows Karin DuPaul like this are a product of three factors (in addition to gravity, which as the joke goes, always sucks): slope, char- acteristics of the sediments, and water content. The Mississippi River bluffs in the Mounds Park area of St. Paul are, in places, very steep and made up Friends of the Yes, I will become a Friend of the Forum. of porous limestone along with un- consolidated materials. And the rains My tax-deductible check is enclosed, for: during June this year were epic, total- Forum $100 $50 $25 Other______ing a record 11.36.” The conditions Dear Reader, were perfect; gravity did the rest of The Dayton's Bluff District Forum has been a volunteer-run the work. Or give online: www.razoo.com/Hopewell-Com- newspaper since the 1970s, and has always operated on a munications-Incorporated. Second, as I am a collector of minimal budget. breweriana I was excited to research Thanks to the generous contributions of nearly 50 individuals Name______the bottle. I have narrowed its date to and businesses, we raised $2,800 in 2013, enough to keep the pa- between the mid-1890s and 1917. The per running for now. Email______If you value this community source of information, please con- bottle has a crown top – it was once sider filling out the form at right. Any amount is appreciated; you Address______sealed with a bottle cap. This break- may also make memorial donations or include the Forum in your through invention of 1892 was found legacy planning. City, State, ZIP______to be so superior to the “blob-top” of If you became our Friend in 2013, please renew your member- the time that it was pretty much uni- ship for 2014. Thank you! Phone______versally adopted within a few years – Sincerely, The Dayton's Bluff District Forum and it’s still in use! I consulted Doug Make checks out to Dayton's Bluff District Forum and th Hoverson’s Land of Amber Waters: A Board: Greg Cosimini, Karin DuPaul, Jennifer Herman, Carrie mail to 798 East 7 Street, St. Paul, MN 55106. History of Brewing in Minnesota to Obry, Carla Riehle, Steve Trimble Editor: Meg Gronau Editorial Assistant: Mark Gallagher For more information, contact 651-772-2075 or research the brewery. Drewry & Sons [email protected]. operated near the corner of Payne and Minnehaha Avenues – interestingly, the old Hamm’s Brewery is also near this intersection. Drewry & Sons, one Thank you to these donors for their generous contributions: of the few late-19th century breweries in Minnesota to specialize in ales, Rev. Dennis Alexander – Marge Bleakmore – Carol Carey – Greg Cosimini – Annie Cull & Jen King went out of business in 1917, one of Karin DuPaul – Bonnie Featherstone – Mark Gallagher – Judy Gustafson – Bill & Amy Holland – David Hueffmeier the many casualties of Prohibition. Although the bottle has little collec- Bette Johnson – Gil & Wayne Lundeen – David Markegard – Lois McKinnon – Mark & Linda Murnane tor value, it is a fun conversation Mounds Park United Methodist Church – Stefan & LeeAnn Pomrenke – Carla Riehle – Gloria Russell piece. Donna Seabloom – Ramona J Shafer – Jon Sherman – Marjorie L Toensing – Ward 6 Food & Drink