Outside

Photo by Joe Ennesser

n last month’s issue of The Postal The Mall of America is in Blooming- IRecord, we looked at some ways ton, a short drive from downtown delegates to this summer’s national Minneapolis. Public transit buses and convention could enjoy downtown Min- the Hiawatha Light Rail Line also con- neapolis. This month we’re exploring nect Minneapolis with the mall. Some sightseeing options on the outskirts of hotels offer shuttle buses. the city, accessible by car, bus or train. St. Paul Mall of America While St. Paul is the capital of Min- Sure, your town has an indoor shop- nesota, the city also bills itself as the ping mall too—but does it have an arts and culture capital of the Midwest. entire amusement park and a 1.2 million It backs up this claim with a dozen Top: A waterfall in Duluth, MN gallon aquarium with sharks and sea museums and 52,000 theater seats. Below: The Mall of America turtles inside? Just across the Mississippi River, down- If that isn’t enough for you, the Mall town St. Paul is a short drive or bus ride of America has more than 520 stores from Minneapolis. To plan a visit, see and 50 restaurants to choose from—and visitsaintpaul.com. no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Each year, 40 million visitors come to shop, Lakes and beaches eat, have fun or just see the spectacle. You can’t go far in without Plan to take a full day exploring, shop- running into a lake. There are dozens of ping and enjoying rides and attractions. nearby lakes with beaches, boating,

Photo by Cliffords’ Photography fishing and other water activities. Some of the closest and most popular lakes open to the public courtesy of the city’s recreation department are Lake Cal- houn, Lake Harriet, Lake Hiawatha and Photo by Benjamin Kabak Lake Nokomos. Some, but not all of these lakes, have lifeguards on duty. Hit the beaches on a weekday to avoid crowds. Live musical performances and outdoor movies are a regular feature at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. For more information, go to minneapolisparks.org. Beyond the city, there are more lakes with parks, beaches, boating and beauty in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” For infor- mation, see minnesotalakes.com.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS Convention deadline for appeals

rticle 11 in the NALC Constitution “Any determination of the Committee the appeal should be granted; if the deci- Aauthorizes any aggrieved member, on Appeals can be appealed by any sion of the Committee on Appeals is not branch or state association to appeal any aggrieved member, Branch, or State rendered until sixty-five (65) days or less ruling of the National Committee on Association to the National Convention. prior to the National Convention, the Appeals to the National Convention. Such To perfect such appeal, the aggrieved notice of appeal and statement of reasons appeals must be filed with the Committee member, Branch, or State Association must be filed as soon after receipt of the on Appeals no later than 60 days before must, no later than sixty (60) days prior decision as is reasonably possible.” the convention. For the 2012 Convention, to the National Convention, file with the Mail all relevant information to: the deadline for application is May 24. Committee on Appeals, by registered NALC Committee on Appeals The NALC Constitution explains what mail, a notice of appeal, together with a 100 Indiana Ave. NW is necessary (emphasis added): full written statement of the reasons why Washington, DC 20001-2144

Duluth, MN and authentic Venetian gondolas, two Photo by Sharon Somero There are lakes and then there are wineries and dining on the St. Croix Great Lakes. A short hop to Duluth, MN, River. Visit discoverstillwater.com for is a great way to enjoy Lake Superior more information. and this friendly lakefront town. Fish on Casinos a charter boat, go sailing or canoeing, You can choose from 18 American Left: An histori- play the slots at Fond-du-Luth Casino or Indian-owned casinos in Minnesota. cal reenactor at see the world as a fish does at the Great One of the largest, Mystic Lake Casino Lakes Aquarium. Consider a stay at Hotel, is less than an hour’s drive from Below: The Fitger’s, an old brewery converted to a welcoming downtown Minneapolis. Mystic Lake hotel (and that brews its own beer). A party at The drive along the lake’s North Shore area has slots and table games, along with Museum restaurants, music, shows and other provides stunning views of cliffs and Bottom: Experi- waterfalls. Go to visitduluth.com for recreation. Go to mysticlake.com for ence the power more information. more information. of at Museum The Bakken Fort Snelling Museum For a time after it was built in the Check out this unique, kid-friendly 1820s, Fort Snelling was the western- museum all about the wonders of elec- most U.S. military outpost. Located at tricity and magneticism. Set in a beauti- the junction of the Minnesota and Mis- ful historic building on the shores of sissippi Rivers, the fort played a key role Lake Calhoun, the Bakken Museum has in controlling the fur trade, protecting plenty of fun, hands-on learning oppor- the growing nation from the British and tunities for scientists young and old. other foreign powers and handling rela- Learn more at thebakken.org. tions—sometimes peaceful, sometimes The hostile—with the Indians who inhabited You don’t have to like SPAM, that the region. salty, vaguely ham-like potted meat Enjoy “living history” demonstrations product, to like the SPAM Museum. with costumed actors, walking tours and But it helps. Located 100 miles south kid-friendly exhibits covering the fort’s of Minneapolis in the town of Austin, role in history from the early 1800s to the museum pays homage to all things World War II. For more information, Photo by Ian Langworth visit historicfortsnelling.org. SPAM—perhaps that explains its alter- native name: “The Guggenham.” Photo by Matt Olson Stillwater, MN Explore the history of ’s popular Travel back in time with a visit to product (including ads for SPAM historic Stillwater, MN, a small historic through the years), learn all 12 varieties lumber town 30 minutes’ drive from of SPAM and pick up a few SPAM Minneapolis. Declared “one of the recipes in this surprisingly modern prettiest small towns in America” by museum. See spam.com/spam-101/ Forbes magazine, Stillwater has the-spam-museum for details. history, shopping, historic Victorian- And can you buy cans of SPAM, and style inns, an old-fashioned trolley, golf apparel labeled “SPAM,” in the gift courses, balloon rides, paddle boats shop? Of course you can. ✉

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS MAY 2012 I POSTAL RECORD 17