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What I Know 5-16-12

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:05:15 +0100

This is the last blog I will post for a few weeks, I'm taking some time off - 3 weeks to be exact - to recharge the engines. My next blog will be on June 13th. Until then, and even after, you can go to where I go to get info: D12, the Bugle and listserv (got to the D12 website and sign up.)

The projects I am currently working on include putting together a website for the Creative Enterprise Zone with Plaudit, a web-design company located in the Triangle building right on University Avenue just east of 280. The goal is to create a one-stop online shop that drives community in the CEZ by providing news, neighbor profiles, event notices and links to area businesses and related websites. Plaudit has been very helpful and I look forward to seeing the results up and running soon.

We're also deep into the planning of this year's Park B4 Dark events. Terri Banaszewski from Park Midway Bank and Mary Hamel from MetroIBA have been helping to organize this now-annual series of neighborhood get-togethers. Look for music on the Bistro patio, some unique vendors - like Simply Steve's food truck in June and July, and The Ice Cream Man in August - and the usual specials from our wonderful Como Avenue business community. There will be more information to come but for now put June 21, July 19 and August 16 on your calendars, 5-8pm. It will be fun!

The future of 3rd Place is still up in the air. Owner Steve Townley has graciously offered to keep it open, as is, for the next couple months until we can figure out a plan or another renter surfaces. I personally think it's a great community space and love the energy my innovative office mates bring to the neighborhood. More on this after I get back to blogging.

Monkey Island is moving toward its next iteration. A great group of neighbors have rallied around fundraising and visioning for what comes next on the lovely knoll on Hendon and Branston. There have been offers of help from a variety of sources, including the BNSF Railroad Foundation, so hopefully, there will be adequate money to replicate the former atmosphere which was very special. Thanks especially to neighbor Deanna Seppanen who volunteered to pull it all together for interested parties.

And then there's the StAP Photo book. We've got the site up and running to upload your favorite personal pictures portraying why you love this place, and a way to pledge an order. If we can get enough donors to pledge the publishing costs ($25,000) in 2 months, we should have the book by this winter. Just go to the Foundation website and click on Photobook in the top right menu to check it out. The neighbors I have talked to are very excited and the money goes to a good cause.

You may have noticed that our very own longest running premier dining experience, the Muffuletta, is celebrating 35 years right here in historic St. Anthony Park. Manager Chris Boyd asked me to share an invitation to join founding partners Phil Roberts and Pete Mihajloz on Thursday, June 7 between 4-6pm to celebrate. Chris says there will also be some returning staff so show your appreciation and enjoy the party. We are very lucky to have had this high quality and neighborhood-friendly institution in our midst for all these years.

Now, rather than break everything up into categories, I'm just going to jump to what's going on in the Park over the next few weeks:

You should definitely pop over to the Starling's first Pop-up shop on University Avenue, Art Du Nord. It's a gallery for local creatives only around through the weekend and it would be great if we had a gallery like that for all our creative enterprises all the time. Starling is a young org that is renting empty store fronts along the avenue for short term occupancy through the summer.

Art Festival coming up June 2. It's going to be fantastic, so don't go to the lake, come and see all the great arts and crafts and eat the good food. Don't forget to stop by the seminary lawn on Friday night June 1 for the annual Ice Cream Social. You'll get the great pies and ice cream our local 4H club dishes out - get a variety and then wait around for the end when they sell the remaining pies for very affordable rates!

Check out Joy of the People's summer soccer schedule. I keep hearing great things about how much fun they have over there - from the kids.

StAPnotes
Saturday, May 19 - Como Park Senior High School Senior All Night Party Committee is hosting a Pancake Breakfast and Garage Sale Fundraiser. Stop by for a pancake breakfast & grab your coffee - you can map out all your stops for the All Como Park Neighborhood Garage Sale that day. Breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 AM, Adults $5.00, Kids under 12 $3.00 Where: Como High School Cafeteria - 740 Rose Ave. Garage Sale from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM All proceeds go to supporting the All Night Senior Party...National Night Out is June 6...May 22 5-7pm the local Scouts are hosting a winetasting fundraiser at Colossal Cafe. $25 buys you some lovely wines and the chance to support a wonderful program this neighborhood has benefitted from for many years...District police crime statistics here...D12 has a new transportation committee so if you would like to weigh in on that issue, come to the 1st meeting Monday May 21 at the SSA rec center...Ramsey County collects unwanted, expired and unused medicines year round at two sites. For more info, go to http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/rt/medicine_collection_program.htm...finally, the U is going to teat their emergency warning siren tomorrow and Friday so don't be alarmed.

That's all for now, take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 5-11-12

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:09:28 +0100

Sorry for the delay, this is the STAR grant interview week, so we spend a couple mornings listening to presentations by applicants. Lots of good requests coming in and not many funding sources. Biggest ask is from the city for the new downtown baseball stadium, $1.5M, pretty good chunk of change. Looks like the city got some help from the state legislature's bonding bill so the possibility of being able to take light rail down to a Saints game or high school state championship or senior league blow-out (knees and shoulders) is more likely. I also hope there's enough money to help smaller St. Paul businesses and non-profits make the facility upgrades they need to stay viable. You need to support both big and small dreams to sustain our capitol city. We make our recommendations to the city council in mid-June and they make the final decision shortly after that.

The loss of the aging playground equipment on Monkey Island has caused a little bit of a ruckus up on Seminary Hill. Safety concerns prompted a surprise removal by the city which the community is still trying to digest. Lots of sentimental attachment to that cozy little corner of our world. Though the jungle gym, swings and slide were small and old, kids of all ages enjoyed the low key ambiance. While safe playing conditions are, of course, an important priority, Parks & Rec chief, Mike Hahm, apologized for the lack of warning and vowed to help the neighbors find a way to replicate that playground experience. It will be difficult in this day and age. Placing any new manufactured equipment on public land requires safety and accessibility considerations that push the cost up dramatically. Just to replace those three small structures with currently approved equipment would run in the $100,000 range. Add to that the 2-3 year wait to move up in line for public money (there are other playgrounds in the city that could use enhanced equipment or, in some cases, any equipment at all) and it might be better to think smaller and privately-funded.

So, that's what the group of neighbors who met with Hahm last Tuesday night are pursuing. They are trying to figure out a fundraising plan and build consensus around replacement pieces. Natural boulders and secured logs seems to be the simplest, fastest alternative to the manufactured route. It would not require the same accessibility or investment and could potentially be up by fall. For now, all options are being considered. Sad that it came to this, but that equipment was apparently the oldest in the city system and well beyond its expiration date. Seems like it wouldn't have taken much to include the neighbors before the deed which would have allowed ownership in the process that might have made the transition a little easier for the affected families. Hahm admitted as much and has committed to make it as right as he can. Neighbors are also committed to making that come true so that 40 years from now there will be a cozy little place today's kids can bring their little ones.

I've been working with Steve Townley to try to keep the 3rd Place going after the group that brought it to life decided they had to move on. I've heard from some current and potential users who would like to see it stay, but so far, not enough to make a go of it. Let me know if you have any interest or ideas.

D12 - Kasota Pond clean-up went well with the usual variety of junk removed from the environment. Amazing how much trash makes its way to those wetlands, some of it thrown from passing vehicles, some from the train traffic and some left by hobos stopping by on their way somewhere else. I remember a couple years a go finding a shredded tent, backpack and sleeping bag tucked under some temporary shelter. I wondered if the owner was coming back or long gone, but never stopped back to get the answer.

Schools - The kindergartners over at StAP Elementary recently completed their artist-in-residency with singer-songwriter, Charlie McGuire. Charlie accompanied them on guitar while they sang songs they had composed together. Those would have been interesting to hear and I'll bet it wouldn't take too much searching to find a parent who has a video - probably already up on Youtube. The Foundation is proud to have some financial skin in that great program.

listserv - Here's a nice opportunity to support a great program at a great place. Our local scout troops are hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser at the Colossal Cafe Tuesday May 22nd from 5-7pm. 100% of the ticket price - only $25 a glass - goes to our guys. The little wine shoppe is helping out with the wine and, of course, the Park Midway Bank has a hand supporting the whole thing as well...some chatter about neighborhood on-line networks that might be useful as community builders. We have one currently, SapConnect, but it hasn't found much use...

StAPnotes - looks like the Vikings and the U have reached an agreement on using the TCF stadium for a season or two while the new pro football palace gets built. No word on whether the Vikings have been enticed to put mitigation money into the neighborhood fund. Those games will certainly have an impact on the surrounding communities and it won't all be good...if the Saints go downtown, the plan is for the city to trade Midway Stadium to the Port Authority for the proposed site by the Farmer's Market. The PA would develop it in keeping with its surrounding industrial neighbors. No more fireworks or summer concerts - I'll kinda miss 'em...but I won't miss the hole in the ground across from KSTP on University, and I know Wellington won't either. Looks like they are moving ahead with housing for the site. Don't know much more, but that's good news.

That's all for now. Take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 5-2-12

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:11:49 +0100

I had the privilege of grabbing coffee at the Bistro with Julie Himmelstrup and the Escher String Quartet on Monday morning. The Quartet was in town to play the finale in what has been another successful Music in the Park Series season and they had just finished a mini-concert at the StAP Elementary school. Julie has always been committed to sharing these great musicians with the schools and Senior Home to maximize their impact on young and old lives. They also performed two shows with classical guitarist Jason Vieaux as part of MiP's Family Concert series.

The Quartet has a special connection to the neighborhood as its cello player, Dane Johansen, is the nephew of neighbors Ann Juergens and Jay Weiner. If you had problems finding tickets for this impressive group, it might have to do with the Juergens family reunion that accompanied the concert. (By the way, you can avoid these kinds of conflicts by getting season tickets or buying well in advance.) Anyway, back to the school concert, the kids had a good time, the Quartet had a good time and they also seemed to greatly enjoy the breakfast at the Bistro. I saw them there again today and they said they had eaten there on Tuesday as well before heading off to St. Olaf for a concert and master class. They are very talented and receiving national and international acclaim for their performances. They are also the kind of rising stars that Julie and MiP are so good and bringing to our attention. Obviously, the recent partnership with the Schubert Club is paying off in many wonderful ways for MiP, its audiences and our very fortunate neighborhood.

Now I have to clear up a little mystery engendered by an ad in this month's Bugle that simply suggested the idea of a StAP photo book with no contact info. The Foundation is responsible, more specifically, Josh Becerra of our marketing committee, who came up with the idea for a coffee table book of favorite StAP photos. There are a couple of unique twists to the project. First, we are asking the community to send in their favorite fotos over the years. Obviously, there will need to be some editing process, so a panel of local experts will make the final determination of what gets in the 100 pages or so of the final product. Secondly, we'll pay for it using a "crowd funding" platform.

If you haven't heard of these, they basically allow you to pledge an amount on-line to the project payable upon completion of the funding goal. If that goal isn't reached, it all goes away and no money is spent. If it is, you pay and get your benefits, in our case everything from a listing of your name in the book ($10 donation) to multiple copies of the book and listings ($50-$5,000.) Our board was very excited about the idea and friends I've run it by are enthused as well. Look for more info in the June Bugle and in email blasts, posters, etc.

D12 - I attended a presentation by the city zoning committee on proposed changes to the industrial zoning code. There is a lot of work done by city planners that goes into maintaining the delicate balance of our residential, retail and industrial communities. These different segments contribute to our quality of life in many ways and tax revenue is just one of the important impacts. D12 has a high percentage of the available industrial land in St. Paul and so any changes to the zoning code will certainly affect our corner of the world. I couldn't stay for the whole meeting but I think the basic thrust of the changes presented by City Planner, Alan Torstenson (a StAP neighbor) have to do with preserving as much industrial land as possible by excluding non-industrial uses within those areas. For example, any new schools or churches - which can locate in many different zones - would be prevented from locating in heavily industrialized zones to keep the land dedicated to industrial use and therefor higher tax revenue. I'll have to ask around a bit more but it seems to make sense on the surface. The mixed use nature of our new urban environments gives me some pause as the notion of strictly industrial zone where no one would ever want to live seems to be diminishing with industry becomes cleaner and less noisy. Obviously, more investigation is needed on my part...The D12 council is looking for renters interested in short term leases in "Pop-up" sites along University Avenue. They are working with Starling, a group promoting viability along the corridor to fill vacant storefronts. Spaces are available from June through August, contact D12.

Schools - There's a plant sale tomorrow and Friday at the StAP Elementary School. Thursday is also the annual BBQ lunch for students and families and then Friday night is the annual School Carnival and book fair which everyone is invited to. Great fun for kids and adults and an important fundraiser for the school...Murray is having conferences this week, so I'm sure everyone is on their best behavior...Como HS is presenting I Hate Shakespeare this Thursday and Friday night at 7 pm. I'm sure it will be fun and feature some of our neighborhood thespians.

listserv - lots going on in the area, including ERG (Energy Resilience Group) Green on the Screen's May 8 offering of neighbor, Dina Kountoupus' film, Permaculture Gardening in the Desert and City. Dina will be there to talk about the film and answer questions. That's 7 pm at the United Methodist Church on Como & Hillside. The ERG will also be at the annual Mayday Parade May 6 at 1 pm in Powderhorn Park across the river...the Raptor Center is inviting everyone to their spring raptor release this Sat. May 5 at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 10145 Bush Lake Rd in Bloomington...JOTP is looking for summer volunteers from high school and college who love soccer, kids and giving something back to the community. Check out this link to find out all about what's up at JOTP.

StAPnotes - last week, someone tried to visit a neighbor's house uninvited. The old knock on the door and then see if it's unlocked approach. It's getting warmer, so pay attention to people floating around the neighborhood and what they are up to. Keep your garage doors locked and don't underestimate the boldness of criminals, they'll walk right in your front while you're out back working on the garden and take whatever valuables they can grab.

Sorry to end on that happy note, but that's all for now. Take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 4-25-12

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:22:13 +0100

I spent this lovely morning touring St. Paul looking at project sites seeking STAR funding. As those who read this blog regularly may remember, I am a member of the STAR board which grants money - garnered from a city tax - for capital improvements in St. Paul. The board consists of appointed representatives from all the wards who meet a half dozen times a year to decide on annual and year-long grants. The final decision is always made by the City Council but we rate the requests based on how closely they fit into the original purpose of the fund.

We have around $7M in requests which is probably 3-4 times more money than what's available. The fund was intended to be used primarily for loans which would help grow the fund, but I would say 80% or more of the requests are for outright gifts. Some are big asks ($1.5M for a regional ballpark in Lowertown) some are small ($10,000 to repair windows and weatherize a montessori school.) Some are interesting (urban fish farm at Hamm's brewery) and some are desperate (if a business can't get a new HVAC system they will be forced to move out of a neighborhood that really needs them,) and some are unique dreams (simulated gold medals from the 1980's Olympics set into sidewalks on Payne Avenue for local members of the Miracle on Ice hockey team.) I'll let you know how it all turns out in a month or so.

There are no requests from our neighborhood after having 3 of 4 turned down last year (the Colossal Cafe got some help.) There isn't really much in the way of marketing to the public, most applicants are steered STAR way by their city council members or the local district council. I'm going to recommend that they circulate more info to give more people the opportunity, but also get the word out on my own. If you're curious or know someone, send them my way.

I also attended an event last night at the Wilder Foundation for leadership training graduates, which was incredibly inspirational. I am proud to say my daughter was among the grads and the sense of camaraderie among the incredibly diverse group was a joy to witness. New leaders of all ages, cultures and races excited to take their knowledge and passion back to their communities to lead St. Paul forward into the future. There was an Aztec dance troupe, singing, a keynote speech from State Representative Rena Moran, a former grad of the program, who told of her journey from homeless mother of seven 10 years ago to the State Capitol (that will make most of us rethink our minor complaints about our lot in life.) Then there were the testimonials of the students who were given a new appreciation or their power to change communities and lives. Wow. I can't wait to see what they will do. I am confident they will make their communities better. Thanks to Wilder and our new leaders for a memorable evening. By the way, neighbor and Energy Reliance Group leader, Tim Wulling, was a graduate as well, so we should be benefitting even more from his leadership abilities.

D12 - There have been ongoing conversations about prospective tenants for the Vandalia Mattress Factory (Water Tower Place?) building. Final remodeling plans and site prep will no doubt take the better part of this year, but there is a buzz and some interesting ideas are being floated, like the vertical farm idea I mentioned before. The Corridor, in general, is beginning to take shape with parking, walking & bike options, and bus routes all being considered...it's finally here, the Kasota Pond clean-up this Saturday from 9-noon. Meet just over the RR tracks by the pond, you will see a tent and people munching donuts and/or bagels. They will be friendly, interesting and good company as you scour the wilderness looking for trash...Next Monday you can find out how places get zoned industrially and what that means for our community from 6:30 - 8pm at the Carpenter's Union office, 710 Olive Street...

Schools - Had a nice conversation with Ann Johnson, principal at the StAP Elementary School and SAPSA (parent/teacher group) reps Jill Driscoll and Amy Swenson. We talked about the support the Foundation gives to the school and the ongoing challenges of supplementing the school's budget to ensure continued vibrance and viability. And, that school is definitely vibrant, with flourishing arts, music, science and academic programs that are unique and popular with students and parents. The relationship between a community and its school is critical, with transparency key to a healthy partnership. We are lucky to have a strong principal and thoughtful, energetic parents committed to making it work, first and foremost, for the benefit of the kids. That's why they are sending both the 5th and 6th graders to Wolfridge Environmental Camp next year (usually, it's just the 6th grade.) Because of the transition from K-6 to K-5, they didn't want the 5th graders to miss out on that special opportunity, so they are raising funds to make sure both classes can go. You can send donations to the Foundation if you like, it's a great program and deserves community support...this Friday, the Como High Booster Club is having its annual spring spaghetti dinner from 5-7:30pm at the Como Park Lutheran Church. Tickets are only $7 and it goes to support arts, athletics and clubs. There will be drawings for prizes as well.

listserv - Mystery box identified, Ellen Longfellow asked a man who was using it - turns out it's for communication by workers fixing the storm sewer from Langford to Eustis. Ask and ye shall be informed, but there are still those who are holding out for the alien surveillance device explanation...June 5th, 6:30 - 7:30 pm is the date for the annual 4th of July mailing "stuffing party" at Langford Rec Center. The more the merrier and the less the time. Just put it on the calendar and bring your friends. You will feel fulfilled...The Como-Scudder intersection is being cited as a concern for pedestrians, especially the kids. It's really part of a length between Raymond and Carter that regularly sees speeds over the limit and makes everyone nervous. The city is looking into the whole stretch and will no doubt do something with signage at the very least. Please watch your speed in everyone's neighborhood.

StAPnotes - Music in the Park Series final concert of the season is one you don't want to miss, the Escher String Quartet and Jason Vieaux, guitarist, will be playing Friday, April 27, 6:15 and 7:30 performances at Family Concerts with a main concert at SAPUCC on Sunday, 4:00 p.m. (pre-concert discussion 3 P.M.) They are also visiting the StAP elementary school to play for the students (Ad from your sponsor: the Foundation helps to support that.) It's been a great season for MiP, they bring so much wonderful music to our corner of the world. We are very fortunate to have them here and look forward to working with them and the Schubert Club on some exciting musical adventures in the coming years...Avalon School needs 7 copies of The Stranger by Albert Camus. If you have one or two, let Kevin know before 5/7...got a favorite pothole? Report it to the City...last week when I was mentioning the City Pages "Best of" for our neighborhood, I forgot to list Chocolat Celeste as best metro chocolatier. Delicious and just over on Cleveland near the train depot. Go there, it's good for your heart.

That's all for now. Take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 4-18-12

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:46:45 +0100

Finally some rain and seasonable weather. These weird weather patterns are a little hard to get used to, but in a couple years we'll probably have fewer expectations of "seasonable" and may not even be using that term anymore. That is another long and somewhat disturbing conversation that I will leave to other formats and forums.

I stopped by Something New last night, the most recent manifestation of daughter of the Park, Sue Rohricht's, energy for the eclectic, in the Healy building lower level. Sue hosted a little get-together to introduce the concept to the neighboring retail community. She has over 80 artists contributing works that include everything from paintings to clothing to jewelry to hand-carved wooden figures to pottery to...well, just about anything you can think of. It is truly eclectic and a lot of fun, so get over there and check it out. There are definitely items you will not find anywhere else in the area.

I've attended a few meetings recently between the Vikings and the neighboring communities hosted by the U. We've been talking about the challenges of hosting at least 10 NFL games (during the construction of their proposed new stadium) and trying to help them understand the impact that will have on our neighborhoods. There is also negotiation on financial support to mitigate those impacts. The Vikings have been receptive but non-commital. They obviously have the immediate task of convincing the legislators that there should be a stadium at all and so are understandably otherwise occupied. Right now it doesn't look good, but one never knows in an election year. Much appreciation to the U for insisting that an important part of making them happy with the deal is making the surrounding communities happy.

There's a food blog that has sprung up covering places on the Central Corridor. It's called the greenlinegems and the blogger actually goes into the authentic small eateries that may be overlooked by the general media. A very good way to find some amazing food near by. And a goodbye to the Cafe Caribe on Raymond which finally succumbed to a variety of challenges. In spite of a fair amount of financial support from the light rail mitigation fund, they couldn't find the right combination of menu, service and marketing to make that small space work. Hopefully, someone will move in with a more successful formula.

D12 - there is good info on the D12 website about light bulb comparisons, creating walking paths to light rail, compost bin opportunities, volunteering for the Kasota Pond clean-up and leaf pick-up on Saturday, April 28 and much, much more. You can sign-up for their newsletter as well, which lists all the upcoming events connected with D12 and community activism. Also, a chance to buy some trees and shrubs at good prices offered by the Friends of the Parks. Orders need to be made by April 20 for pick-up on May 5. You can also donate trees to your favorite park.

Schools - Two Destination ImagiNation teams from StAP Elementary won the right to go to the Global Finals in Knoxville, TN in May. When you think of the heavy competition from the entire state, that is pretty impressive, but not unusual for our school kids. We sent one team last year and multiple teams in past years. The Foundation will be helping out as it has in the past with transportation costs, as you can imagine, it can be a bit pricey to get 14 kids down there and housed for the several days of the competition. But what an experience. If you want to donate to the cause, just go to our web page and designate a contribution for StAP DI Trip. Way to go, DI-ers, and good luck down south!...Murray has MCA testing this week and next, which is a major measurement tool for math and reading achievement. So, if you hear a noticeable buzz on your daily walk near the school, that's brainpower at work. There's a website kids and parents can visit to practice for the test. There's a lot going on at Murray as checking out their newsletter will tell you. They even have a debate club now...As does Como High School and it won 1st place in a competition sponsored by the Urban Debate League. Their MJCROTC also won a first place and a Como student took 2nd place in the Three Sixty journalism contest, among other honors and programs that are really making a difference for students there.

listserv - transitioning from school activities to after hours issues, Murray's parking lot got cleaned recently but at 11 pm on a school night. Principal Tim Williams got to the bottom of it immediately and the private contractor hired by the district to do the job has been reminded of the original directive to do it on weekends between 8am-6pm...the StAP Arts Festival is more than a month away but a look at the line-up of artists attending is truly impressive. You can check out representations of their work at the Festival website. There has been a concerted effort by the event organizers to bring back local artists and increase the quality of the work. Should be a great event. June 2, put it on your calendar...Metro Transit is seeking input on new bus routes in anticipation of light rail. Take their survey and weigh in...there's a mystery box near the sound wall at the intersection of Eustis and Carter. No one has reported on what it might be but it has an have an antenna so seems to be monitoring something. Anyone?...

StAPnotes - local favorites, Light of the Moon will be playing at a free concert at the Mill City Museum in Mpls tomorrow (April 19) night from 7-9pm. Here's a website with info...the little wine shoppe's new owners, Pam and Austen Johnson are continuing the Thursday wine-tastings and there is one tomorrow form 4:30-7:30pm. Stop in and sample some fine wines from around the globe...Congrats to the Colossal Cafe was named to the City Pages Best Of Awards. They join a pretty inclusive group as most of our local retailers have been on that list in the past. Lucky us. Also in there, best sledding hill: College Park...and don't forget the CEZ "In the Zone" Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30pm tomorrow evening (April 19) at the old Urban Blueprint building on the SW corner of Raymond & University. Meet the neighbors!

That's all for now. I won't be in the office next Wednesday until the afternoon as we have our annual tour of STAR grant applicant sites. I have now ascended to the vice-chair position - that will teach me not to be out of town for the election meeting. Take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 4-11-12

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:09:53 +0100

Last Friday the deal to purchase the Vandalia Mattress building finally closed with 1st & 1st Development company taking over from the banks that had taken it in foreclosure several months ago. It's been a long process, but there is a lot of hope that this building will become a centerpiece for the emerging Creative Enterprise Zone. The proposed plan by Peter Remes and his 1st & 1st team is to keep most of the current tenants (a radiator company working with lead and a snake/reptile breeder are being helped to find other locations,) tear down the 60's vinyl additions and rehab the main building and brick structures on the campus (there are 9 buildings.) Other rearranging will take place no doubt (there are several small woodworking companies who might be consolidated into their own new space with a showroom and better ventilation) but the recording arts high school is still in the mix if they want to stay.

Peter and his team, along with the CEZ group, met yesterday with Mayor Coleman, Councilman Stark and City Arts Czar, Joe Spencer, to get a better understanding of the 1st & 1st vision for the site and to see if there were any incentives that could be offered for this development and to attract others to bring more investment/jobs into the Zone. The Mayor was very receptive and excited about the project's potential. My understanding is that there is some money for clean-up and low-income housing, but housing is not part of this proposal, so we'll have to wait and see on what the city can bring to the table. I also think infrastructure is something cities can offer to support development and a long-term solution to the parking in the Zone would be incredibly helpful. As for other incentives, the CEZ is working to put together a support network for creative entrepreneurs and working on a marketing plan (website, etc.) for the area. This project is definitely creating a buzz already and will certainly heighten interest in the area.

D12 - The Midway Local Food Hub is having its first seed and seedling distribution this Saturday from 9-noon at Leonardo's Basement/Griggs Park (1188 Hubbard Ave., St. Paul.) You can register to be a part of the Hub at this event and get in on seeds, gardening info, etc. Here's the website for more info...not that we've had much, but when we do get rain, make sure you are directing your downspouts onto your lawn, garden or into a rain barrel for watering use later. This run-off into the storm system is not filtered before hitting our waterways and so any pollution it picks up on the way can really screw the environment up...just a couple days left to get in your submission for St. Paul's sidewalk poetry contest. Check it out before April 13...there's alot more on the D12 website, so check it out regularly to see all of the programming and events going on in our area.

Schools - Science fairs, History Day, Destination ImagiNation and more are the spring happenings at our local Area E schools, which is our community's new designation under the SPPS Plan. Just a reminder, that means the following K-5 schools - Chelsea Heights, Como Park, Galtier, Hancock-Hamline and StAP - will all feed into Murray for 6-8 and then to Como High for 9-12 (Students can apply to other St. Paul public schools on a space available, you provide the transportation basis.) A performance by Como High's Chamber Orchestra was broadcast on MPR recently and the annual D.C. student trip found lovely weather and met with members of the MN congressional delegation including, Sen. Amy Klobuchar...Murray sent 49 students to the regional science fair with five qualifying for the state competition. Four students qualified for the State History Day finals and the baseball team is having another unbeaten season...StAP Elementary had 96 students participating in the Destination ImagiNation competition this year with 7 teams placing in the top five of their categories and 6 teams moving on to the state tourney. 240 kids presented projects for the annual science fair. 240? Wow.

listserv - Bob and Nancy Thayer are selling tomato plants as part of their annual Humane Society fundraiser. They have quite a selection of varieties and are known for their plant quality - contact them here...Adam Granger is hosting the Contra Dance this Saturday above the Hampden Park Co-op. Instruction starts at 7:30 pm, then dance the night away from 8-11 pm...Susan Henry has listed all the branch library April activities on the library website...don't forget about the "In the Zone" Happy Hour a week from tomorrow (thursday, April 19) from 5-7pm in the old Urban Blueprint space on the SW corner of Raymond & University. Refreshments and connection promised.

StAPnotes - I just about got rear-ended this morning waiting to turn left from Como onto Hendon. A young women texting looked up in time to screech to within a foot or so of my back bumper, then promptly went back to texting. Hope it was important, it was so close I think I'm suffering from virtual whiplash...the Colossal Cafe has gotten preliminary approval for outdoor dining and is now waiting final approval on their beer & wine license. Neighbors in the immediate vicinity were very supportive with Park Bank offering their parking lot after banking hours. I finally got a chance to try their chicken pot pie and it was fantastic. If you need a dinner idea some night, order one of those for pick up before 3pm and you will be more than good to go...you can enjoy a refreshing beverage right now on the Bistro, Muffuletta, Cafe Caribe or Mim/Lori's patios and with this nice weather, it's the best way to take a moment and spend time with friends...I finally got in to meet the new owners of the little wine shop, Pam and Austen Johnson. They seem like very nice people and will be a great addition to our business community...there will be a celebration honoring the life of Sheila Richter, a long-time director and teacher at the St. Anthony Park Co-op Preschool on Saturday, May 19 at 3pm at the UCC Church. Sheila, who died several months ago, was a very bright light for kids and families for a number of years. Many children and parents were incredibly fortunate to have her as their teacher.

That's all for now. Take good care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 4-4-12

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:33:59 +0100

Nice to be back in town after 11 days in the west where it was cooler almost every day than back here in the old tulips, daffodils, and greenhouse of the midwest. Very weird. Who would think you could be gone for that amount of time in late March and almost miss the magnolia blossoms? The coasts are fun to visit, but with this kind of warming, I would not want to live anywhere near them. That is a monumental problem, but not one I will tackle in this blog. This blog is devoted to the Foundation's granting process, which I returned to immediately with a meeting of our grants committee last night.

How does it all happen you might ask, well...here's how. We advertise our grant cycle in February and March with a mid-March deadline for applications. Then I compile them all, organize them and share them with our Grants Committee. As most of you may know, we have several endowed funds that give us money to grant every year. This year those funds amount to nearly $40,000. Some of it is dedicated to the schools or environmental ed or music, but a significant chunk of it is open to whatever non-profit initiatives or programs need it. The committee determines how much and "who to" based on the applications and information offered by me or committee members. Then we take it to the full board, send that recommendation along to the Saint Paul Foundation which performs the due diligence to ensure these orgs really are non-profits and a check is put in the mail.

It has been extremely rewarding to watch valued organizations grow over the years to meet neighborhood needs. The schools, of course, are in what seems like constant flux, but the Foundation acts as a safety net for those programs that cannot find funding but are critical to the vitality of the schools. We monitor those things on a pretty regular basis and coordinate our support to make sure nothing catastrophic happens. For the last couple years we've been supporting the Bugle as it transitions into a new age. New leaders have stepped forward to serve on the board with new ideas and new energy that has stabilized a treasure to many in St.AP. Now that's happening with the St. Anthony Park Area Seniors. The needs of their clients are changing and they are growing to meet them. The Foundation has been helping support that process for the past year and I am very confident SAPAS will be around for many years providing the kind of services that will keep our seniors healthy and connected. Wonderful.

It's also great to see partnerships develop that help build community. We have a new school in the neighborhood, Avalon High School - thanks in large part to Wellington Management who bought and prepped the site - an alternative charter school just south of University Ave near 280. The financing was handled by Park Midway Bank. Next door to it, practically, is IFP, a non-profit that basically serves as headquarters for film, video and photography in the metro. We received a grant request from IFP to offer a documentary residency for students at Avalon. Through the program, students will make videos about the area that can be put up on community websites telling everyone our stories. Building community. Teaching skills. Potentially creating jobs. Public/private partnerships...all neighbors. Lovely.

It's fun to be a part of all that. To write checks and work together to find solutions that make a difference on behalf of you, the neighbors of St. Anthony Park. Because you are the ones who pledged a million dollars and donate every year to ensure that these essential organizations and this unique community thrive. The Forever Fund is forever, and that is an incredible asset to this neighborhood and to all who intersect with us. Thank you. It's an honor and a joy for all of us who are involved.

D12 - next April 10 is election day for the community council. We have some fine candidates running for office so make sure and get out the vote between 4-8pm at either Speedy Market or Hampden Co-op...Kasota Pond clean-up is April 28 from 9am-1pm. Wear bushwacking clothes, enjoy some rolls and juice and clean up one of our valuable wetlands...if zoning codes are your thing, plan to attend an area discussion on April 30th at the Carpenter's Union from 6:30-8pm..if this is the year to replace or start a composting bin, the City of Roseville will be selling them in May for reasonable prices. More info on all this at the CC website.

listserv - After the last wildlife report, I got an email about a coyote sighting by the Bakers who live next to College Park. Seems there was an animal that looked very much like a coyote hanging around in the evening. Those with small pets might want to keep an eye out for that possibility...the early spring has brought early plant life and some we don't want as well. Time to pull garlic mustard. You can google an image and see what it looks like. It's very invasive and chokes off other vegetation...the Raptor Center recently released three snowy owls back into the wild...you've got until April 13 to enter your poem in the sidewalk art contest hosted by Public Art St. Paul. Click on this link to find out more...It is National Poetry Month as well and Susan Henry from the library encourages you to stop in and check out their new and old poetry books. Read a poem save the world...and there's a Zone Happy Hour, Friday, April 19 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the corner of Raymond and University. Right across University from Sharrett's. Just to celebrate the Creative Enterprise Zone and meet neighbors. It's a great location and there are great people in the Zone, so you should come. There will be refreshments...

StAPnotes - another less interesting sign of spring is the tagging that comes out. Steve Townley's 3rd Place building got hit a a couple weeks back. maybe they ought to have a graffiti/tagger sidewalk art contest and let them adorn the pavement instead of people's property...the new Bugle is out so you can find everything else you need to know on its pages.

That's all for now. Take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 3-29-12

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:12:59 +0100

This version of my blog is written from San Diego - actually have not been in the neighborhood since last week. So, I can't really give you an honest up close and personal account of the goings on in StAP but I can report on what I've read and heard, so while shortened and late, tI will at least give you a condensed listserv report.

There have been some interesting conversational threads going on lately. Double AA battery disposal for example. Can you throw them away in the trash? Are they recyclable? Will anyone recycle them locally? When did they stop containing mercury? Short version: they can be thrown away just like like AAA, C, and D sizes. If they are pre-1994 or before (and if you've got some of those that are still working, please tell me 'cause those must be some batteries) you should dispose of them at a recycling center as they might contain mercury. apparently, the gym on the St. Paul campus has a recycling box...speaking of the U, the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Center is offering a "Classes Without Quizzes" event for all ages this Saturday from 8-12:30 at McNeal Hall. For info, here's the link...Street sweeping is starting next Monday, for more info click here...and the compost site has reopened...neighbors have been noticing a strong chemical smell lately, Bob Straughn suggests it might be a chemical plant on East Hennepin and a westerly wind...police were reported searching near Raymond and Gordon with flashlights a last night, no word on why...neighbor Chris Kalla has given a fairly in depth rendering of some of St. Paul's parking laws and they are detailed to say the least, even something written in about who gets a parallel parking spot if there's a dispute: the person legally waiting in front of it...JOTP is signing people up for their spring sessions, check it out.

That's all for now, I will return for a full blog next Wednesday, until then, that's all for now. Take good care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 3-21-12

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:30:26 +0100

I'll start out with some interesting news about criminal activity that, coming on the heels of recent car break-ins, serves as another signal of the official early start of summer this year. Seems there was some counterfeit money being passed in the Bibelot a few days ago which might have gone unnoticed if not for Ned Wesenberg from Park 76 paying his usual hawk-like attention to the goings on in our north St.AP business district. He noticed someone in fatigues getting out of a van who looked suspicious (if you've seen as many scams come and go around here as Ned has, you get a sense of these things) so he followed him into the Bibelot where Mr. Camo bought a small item and paid for it with a hundred. After he left, Ned took a quick look, saw it was counterfeit (see above parenthetical) and confronted him on the street asking for the return of the money. The man ran, his buddy in the getaway van tried to pick him up but when he saw he couldn't, high-tailed it the wrong way down Gove, through a red light and off on Como as Ned proceeded to chase his buddy through some backyards until he caught him and got the money back.

Are you out of breath yet? I am. I told Ned he has to be more careful, but he certainly is a lot younger and in better shape than I, so I didn't push it. Those who know Ned might also know he is passionate about the Park and makes sure all of his employees pay attention. We are fortunate to have those extra eyes and ears keeping track of our mainstreet. As I said earlier, I think anyone who has worked retail for awhile can tell the difference between a legitimate customer and someone up to something, but for newer or less assured employees, it may feel difficult to question strangers or find the right approach to follow up on a suspicion without offending. Contributors to the listserv have chewed on this topic before and I trust neighbors will continue to discuss what is an appropriate response to suspicious behavior. I won't rekindle the pros and cons of that now, suffice it to say, we are a community that has a proud reputation as being very friendly, sympathetic and philanthropic and so have been a traditional target for a variety of scams over the years. Pay attention, be inquisitive but always polite, and talk to someone in authority if you have cause for concern. Oh, and be thankful for our business neighbors like Ned, who care deeply about this community and the well-being of its citizens.

listserv - In related seasonal news, someone sprayed paint Steve Townley's building across from the Methodist Church on Como Avenue and several neighbors have reported thefts from their cars on the street. That brought up a conversation on whether you should leave your car unlocked if it's not in a garage overnight. Opinions supported both ways, but general rule of thumb no matter what, is not to leave anything in the car of value. It's a tough choice between allowing someone access to your car (one person reported the smell of smoke as if someone had spent time in their backseat) or risk a broken window. Tough call...also on the "list" was a sad story about a neighbor whose young pup ran into the street near Langford Park and was killed by a car. Gentle requests for slower driving along with a thought about creating a dog park nearby were offered by the owner. There is one in Lauderdale, but that might be something to look into for StAP. It's easy to think that even though not legal, Langford or College Park or Murray Field (almost completely fenced in,) are safe places to let your dog run off leash. This sad owner found out the hard way that pets react unpredictably, especially young ones. Lots of condolences were offered and I'll add mine...also some back and forth about parking for more than 48 hours on the street which is apparently illegal even if you have a permit to park in front of your house. Be careful, the city is trying to crack down on abandoned cars - get to know your neighbors so they don't report your car as being one.

D12 - There is a really excellent slate of candidates for the D12 board from both North and South StAP. Visit the website and read their bios, then vote on April 10 from 4-8pm at the library or the Hampden Park Co-op. Exercise an important and basic right, VOTE!...also sign up to help with the annual clean-up of Kasota Pond on Saturday, April 28...here's a good deal, drop off and recycle your cell phone, charger, batteries or printer cartridges at the D12 office in the SSA Rec Center and they will get a cash donation. I've got a boxful in my basement that's going over there next week...there's a Sustainable Communities Conference on March 24 & 25, check the D12 website for more info which includes word about fruit tree education in conjunction with Arbor Day...D12 is also looking for volunteers willing to help pack welcome kits for new neighbors. If you have a few hours, call Lauren at 649-5992.

StAPnotes - There's a sound level variance hearing set for University Ave April 24 at City Hall. It covers overnight noise levels from Emerald to Hamline much like the variance granted last fall near University & Hampden. Contact mark.kaisersatt@ci.stpaul.mn.us if you have any comments or questions...this Saturday, 2-4 at StAP library is the small plot gardening 101 workshop...the Raptor Center's Exec. Dir. Dr. Julie Ponder is back from a teaching trip to Taiwan sharing her expertise with counterparts over there.

That's all for now. Take good care of yourself and be a good neighbor.

What I Know 3-14-12

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:58:19 +0100

This will be another abbreviated blog as I'm out of town this week. I'll have a regular edition next week and then take the week off as I'm out of town for 9 days. I know you'll miss me and there will be stuff happening that won't be reported until later, but I promise if there's any headline breaking news, I will send it out no matter where I am.

For the time being, if you want to know the major things happening in the community, you can do what I do:

either pick up the Bugle or visit them online at www.parkbugle.org.
visit the D12 site at www.sapcc.org.

That should give you the major "down low" information while I'm on hiatus. Here's what I know right now:

The Colossal Cafe is applying for a license to sell wine and beer. As has been mentioned before, John and Elizabeth Tinucci would like to extend their hours to 9pm five nights a week and offer table service for dinner and refreshing beverages. They would also like to put some tables on the street in warmer weather (how about now?)

I stopped in to meet Pam Johnson, one of the new owners and main operator of the little wine shoppe last week, but she had suffered a broken kneecap (ouch!) and was understandably not able to take her shift. Previous owner, Jeff Huff, will be around for the next few months helping with the transition, but by all means stop in and welcome Pam to the neighborhood, I believe she has returned to work by now.

Susan Henry, our branch librarian has posted their new schedule, visit www.sppl.org to find out what's up there.

The Raptor Center is taking registrations for a raptor care & management workshop. Visit their website for more info at http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu

And that's the short and sweet update. I'll be back with more next Wednesday.

Take care of yourself and be a good neighbor.