Program brings localproduce to schoollunch tables.

Page 24

Farm 2 School

Travel tales

Wander over to theBugle’s transitory

travel section.

Pages 18-19

Another darnhistory story

Trotters ruled in theMidway in the late-19th century.

Page 7

BugleSt. Anthony Park / Falcon Heights Lauderdale / Como Park

www.parkbugle.orgDecember 2017

Your award-winning,

nonprofitcommunityresource

Como Avenue in 1928, seven years after it was first paved. To the left is what is now Milton Square. Youcan see the streetcar tracks running down the street. Photo courtesy of the city of St. Paul

Double disruption

Como Ave. construction, Zvago housing co-opon to-do list for St. Anthony Park next summerBy Kristal Leebrick

Two major construction projectsmay test the patience of north St.Anthony Park residents and visitorsnext spring.

The city of St. Paul willcontinue its multi-year ComoAvenue repaving project with workfrom Brompton Street toCommonwealth Avenue, and Zvago,a three-story 49-unit housingcooperative, will be in the throes ofbuilding at Como and Luther Place.

Tim Nichols, part of the Zvagodevelopment team, sees the twosimultaneous projects as positive. “Allthe disruption will be happening atonce,” he said.

Plans for new housing at thesoutheast edge of the LutherSeminary campus have been in theworks for two years, after Ecumen, aLutheran-affiliated nonprofitdeveloper, signed a land purchaseagreement with the seminary.

Nearly all of the units in thehousing project have been sold,Nichols said, and the developmenthas completed a lengthy historicalreview process. The MinnesotaHistoric Preservation Office and theU.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development “have agreed tosign our long-awaited memorandumof agreement,” he said. Thegroundbreaking date for the projectwill be announced in late November.

The Como Avenue repaving

project will be divided into severalstages to avoid construction in thearea east of Buford Avenue duringthe St. Anthony Park Arts FestivalJune 2 and the Fourth in the Parkparade July 4. The project stagingwill also ensure that Doswell andCarter avenues are not closed at thesame time.

Pending St. Paul City Councilapproval in February, the projectshould begin by the end of Maybetween Brompton Street andHendon Avenue, project engineerBarb Mundahl said.

That short section is expected totake less than a month, and thenwork will move to the section

between Hendon and Bufordavenues, she said. Work betweenBuford and just past Doswell Avenuewill begin after July 5, and then thework to Commonwealth Avenuewill begin after Sept. 5.

The project includes addingnew concrete curbs and gutters, newpavement, concrete driveway aprons,utility upgrades, new sidewalks,Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pedestrian ramps and newlantern-style street lighting withLED lights; re-sodding boulevards;removing all ash trees, dead trees andstumps; planting new trees on theboulevards; and removing the oldstreet-car tracks under the surface of

the road.The repaving project began last

summer on Como betweenRaymond Avenue andCommonwealth. The street was firstpaved in 1921 and was last paved in1960. The sidewalks along the streetwere installed in 1969.

Phase 2 of the project isscheduled to be finished by Oct. 31,2018. Phase 3 will be from EustisStreet to Emerald Street and the citylimits in 2020.

You can find out moreat www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/road-construction/como-avenue-paving-project.

December Fun Guide

The Bugle’s annual holidayshopping and

event guide starts onpage 11.

After 40 years as a landmark in St. AnthonyPark and a reputation as a cozy restaurant

for fine dining for people from all over theTwin Cities, Muffuletta closed on Nov. 11.

The fledgling idea of majorrestaurateurs-to-be Pete Mihajlov and PhilRoberts, Muffuletta continued to thrive inMilton Square on Como Avenue long after the“idea men” had become the face of ParasoleRestaurant Holdings, opening other fine-dining establishments around the TwinCities.

Some St. Anthony Park residents hadconcerns after Muffuletta opened in 1977because it offered wine (!) and beer (!), a first in thearea. Over four decades, all was forgiven and areadiners came to enjoy Muffuletta’s food and ambience.

Death came quietly, really—a Halloween Day announcement anda quiet final day of service less than two weeks later.—Mary Mergenthal,Bugle obituaries editor

R.I.P., Muffuletta

Introduced in 1977, the beercheese soup was on theMuffuletta menu up to the end.Photo by Kristal Leebrick

2 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

C I T Y F I L E Sexpansion plans, renovation of theSchiffman Fountain in Como Parkor replacement trees onneighborhood boulevards, itprobably means you haven’t beenreading District 10’s weeklynewsletter. Get on the mailing list atwww.district10comopark.org. Clickthe “sign up” link on the right side ofDistrict 10 home page.

Upcoming District 10 meetingsAll District 10 committee andcouncil meetings begin at 7 p.m. atthe Historic Streetcar Station, whichis at the northeast corner ofLexington Parkway and HortonAvenue. Community members arealways welcome to attend andparticipate. Whenever possible,agendas are posted in advance in the“Board News” section of District 10’swebsite. Here are the upcomingmeetings:

• Environment Committee:Wednesday, Nov. 29• Neighborhood Relations and SafetyCommittee:Tuesday, Dec. 5• Land Use Committee:Wednesday,Dec. 6• Como Community Councilmonthly meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 19

Falcon HeightsThe Falcon Heights City Council meetsthe second and fourth Wednesdays of eachmonth at 7 p.m. in Falcon Heights CityHall, 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave. Contactinformation: 651-792-7600 or visit thewebsite at falconheights.org.

Leehy, Miazga win council electionFalcon Heights will see two new faceson the Falcon Heights City Councilin January. Melanie Leehy and MarkMiazga were the top vote-getters inthe Nov. 7 election.

Seven candidates, includingincumbent Tony Fischer, ran for twoopen seats on the council.

The two studies were performedby the consulting firm Perkins + Will.The firm’s Jay Demma will talk aboutthe studies during the District 10Como Community Councilmeeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21. Themeeting will begin at 7 p.m. at theHistoric Streetcar Station, which is atthe northeast corner of Lexingtonand Horton Avenue.

The studies are part of an effortby the Como Community Councilto build a foundation for additionalbusiness investment and amenities inthe neighborhood.

More on Como, Front and DaleThe St. Paul Public Works andPlanning and EconomicDevelopment departments will holda community meeting Thursday,Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m., to discussproposed improvements to theComo, Front and Dale intersection.The infrastructure and landscapingimprovements are part of the city’sCommercial Vitality Zoneinvestment, first announced in 2016.

In addition, Jay Demma fromthe consulting firm of Perkins + Willwill outline the market analysis hisfirm did of the Dale Street corridorand how that ties to potentialdevelopment near the intersection.

The meeting will be held at thecity Public Works, 891 Dale St.

Tired of saying ‘nobody told me’?If you haven’t heard the latest aboutGerman Immersion School

Como ParkThe District 10 Como CommunityCouncil meets at 7 p.m. on the thirdTuesday of each month at the HistoricStreetcar Station, 1224 N. LexingtonParkway. Here’s how to connect: 651-644-3889, district10comopark.org orDistrict 10 Community Council onFacebook.

More businesses are needed in Dale area, two studies sayDale Street needs a destination oranchor business to improve its retailenvironment, according to a marketanalysis performed for the District 10Como Community Council and theDistrict 6 Planning Council. Thegood news for Como residents is thatthe kinds of businesses that thestudies say could work line up withthe kinds of businesses Comoresidents say they want on Dale orelsewhere in the neighborhood.These include a moderately sized,full-service grocery; small restaurantsand coffee shops with a local focus;and a taproom.

The two studies examine the“retail trade area” for Dale betweenMaryland Avenue and ToppingStreet and the demographic, income,traffic, employment and populationtrends for all of Como. These includechallenges such as the “leakage” ofretail dollars out of St. Paul into theshopping areas near Lexington andLarpenteur avenues and elsewhere inRoseville.

Leehy won 27.88 percent of thevote with 723 votes, and Miazga won27.19 percent with 705 votes. PaulaMielke received 23.4 percent with607 votes. Here is the votebreakdown with the othercandidates: Fischer, 229 votes; TomBrace, 136 votes; Mike Wade, 125votes; Ronald Dixon 58 votes; andwrite-ins, 10 votes.

City commissions need volunteersThe city of Falcon Heights hasopenings on its four citycommissions that serve the FalconHeights City Council in an advisorycapacity. The commissions arePlanning, Parks and Recreation,Environment and CommunityEngagement. Each commission ismade up of up to sevencommissioners, a council liaison anda staff liaison.

Commissioners are volunteerresidents, local business owners andbusiness designees appointed by themayor and approved by the CityCouncil. Commissioners serve athree-year term and are eligible fortwo terms.

Interested? You can apply onlineor submit an application to FalconHeights City Hall. For moreinformation, go to the city website,www.falconheights.org. Click on“City Government” and then “CityCommissions.” Or call 651-792-7600 or emailmail@falconheights.org.

Shovel your sidewalkDid you know that sidewalks inFalcon Heights must be cleared ofsnow within 24 hours after the endof a snowstorm? Snow must becleared and passable. Under CityCode Section 22-47 snow and icenot removed from a public sidewalk24 hours after a storm has ended willbe cited as a public nuisance.

LauderdaleThe Lauderdale City Council meets thesecond and fourth Tuesday of the monthat 7:30 p.m. at Lauderdale City Hall,1891 Walnut St. Contact information:651-792-7650 or visit the website atlauderdalemn.org.

Help build communityIf community-building events inLauderdale are important to you,

consider joining the CommunityInvolvement Committee. ContactJim Bownik at City Hall 651-792-7656 for more information.

St. Anthony Park The District 12 Community Council(SAPCC) meets on the second Thursdayof each month at 7 p.m. at JenningsCommunity Learning Center, 2455University Ave. The council offices are lo-cated at 2395 University Ave., Suite 300E. Contact information: 651-649-5992or www.sapcc.org.

New board members at SAPCCSAPCC welcomes new and renewedboard members. North delegatesinclude Michael Russelle, PatThompson and John Mark Lucas.Lucas is filling a vacant seat. Southdelegates are John Connell andKaren Nelson. Organizationdelegates include Sherm Eagles, ScottSimmons and Ray Bryan. They joinsitting board members CharlieChristopherson and MelissaWilliams.

Thank you to outgoing boardmembers Max Herzberg, BettsyHjelseth and Ian Luby, who haveprovided wonderful leadership toSAPCC. Please reach out to SAPCCif you are interested in serving on ourboard or a committee.

Business survey is online nowSAPCC’s business survey is nowopen for all organizations in St.Anthony Park to help guide changesover the next 10 years. Whether youare a small retailer or restaurant;home business or entrepreneur;industrial site, service provider ornonprofit organization; SAPCCwants your perspective on building astrong community together. Take thesurvey at tinyurl.com/SAPBiz.

Honor your neighborNominations are open for the 2017Neighborhood Honor Roll. Eachyear St. Paul’s 17 District Councilsrecognize outstanding neighbors andvolunteers at the annualNeighborhood Honor Roll event inJanuary. You can recommend yourneighbors and community partnersfor this recognitionat www.sapcc.org/2017-honor-roll.

Mark Miazga Melanie Leehy

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SSaalloonn iinn tthhee PPaarrkk22331111 CCoommoo AAvvee..,, SStt.. AAnntthhoonnyy PPaarrkk

convenient . cozy . experiencedfor an appointment call

651-645-2666

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 3

The Singing SinatraThis one-man show finds he can brighten a few people’s lives with a song.

By Rob Passons

Bill Rasmussen never planned to bea Frank Sinatra cover artist. The 72-year-old native New Yorker didn’teven know he possessed the talentuntil he was nearly 50 years old.

“I wasn’t a singer,” Rasmussensaid. “I mean, doo wop on theplayground when I was a kid, butthat was about it.”

Rasmussen was born inBrooklyn, N.Y., in 1945 and spenthis formative years with Sinatra (andothers of his ilk) supplying thesoundtrack for his childhood. “Mysister was seven years older than me,and she loved Sinatra,” Rasmussensaid. “She was playing those albumsall the time.”

In 1963 Rasmussen joined theNavy after he dropped out of highschool. “I joined the Navy becausethe Navy gave me a home,”Rasmussen said. “I was one of thosekids just running the streets andhanging out in pool halls andbowling alleys.”

Rasmussen met his wife, Jenny,in 1967 while the two were servingon the same aircraft carrier. “TheNavy gave us a great weddingpresent,” Rasmussen said. “Theyposted us in England for three years.”

The pair traveled the worldtogether for the next 18 years andvisited Como Park to see Jenny’smother when they got shore leave.“Jenny grew up in Minnesota,”Rasmussen said. “I’m living in thehouse where she lived as a little girl.”

The Rasmussens both retired in1985 and made Como Park theirhome.

In 1988 the Rasmussens wereon a double date at Old Mexicorestaurant on Lexington Avenue inRoseville with some old friends whena man got up and sang “New York,New York” to karaoke. “I’d nevereven heard of karaoke,” Rasmussenrecalled.

Jenny and their friendsattempted to get Rasmussen to go upand show the audience what a realNew Yorker could do with the tune,but he declined.

Three years later, he returned toOld Mexico for karaoke night, andhe finally got up the nerve to take the

stage. “I’d had a few beers,” he said.“I sang ‘New York, New York’ and Ibrought the house down. It feltgreat.”

After the performance, Jennysaid it sounded like he’d been singingSinatra for years, and for his nextbirthday, she purchased karaokelessons for him. Rasmussen sang“New York, New York” for hisinstructor, who suggested he add “Allthe Way” and “My Way” to hislineup. From 1988 to 1999, thosethree songs represented the extent ofhis karaoke repertoire. Jenny wasBill’s biggest fan until she died in1996.

Rasmussen may have continuedhis three-song karaoke hobby if notfor a chance meeting at church. “Hername was Jeanne Rogers, and sheintroduced me to summer theater atthe Como Park pavilion,” he said.

Rasmussen landed a part in themusical that was performed in thesummer of 1999, and returned thefollowing year for another go.

“I remember somebody tellingme that I just kept getting better andbetter, and that’s all I needed to hear,”Rasmussen said. “I went out and gota tux and a sound system withSinatra background music, and theBill Rasmussen Singing SinatraFavorites show was born.”

The creation of Rasmussen’sshow corresponded with the theatergroup’s disbanding, and he took overthe vacant slot. Rasmussenintroduced Como Park Productions

in 2001, and for the next 14 years, heproduced summer shows at theComo Lakeside Pavilion with casts ofmore than a dozen performers. Someof the shows were essentially a song-and-dance variety hour, while othersdrew upon themes like “The LoveBoat,” a USO show and a Hawaiianbeach party. “I planned the last showI did in 2015 for 10 years,”Rasmussen said. “It was the 100thbirthday show for Frank Sinatra.”

When the curtain came downon his final show, Rasmussen tookthe entire cast (and spouses) out toOld Mexico. “I bought them alldinner,” he said. “It was like theSinatra era, when they would finisha show and they’d all go out.”

Through it all, Rasmussencontinued his Singing Sinatra show.He and his cocker spaniel, Garth,traveled to 32 states, Canada andMexico and put 52,000 miles on hismotor home. His three-song lineupquickly grew. “Sinatra recorded1,088 songs,” Rasmussen said. “Ilearned 70 of them.”

In 2015, he retired Como ParkProductions. “It was taking up all mytime,” he said. “I had to pass on toomany things I wanted to do.”

With the demise of Como ParkProductions, Rasmussen found hehad a little more time on his handsthan he desired, and he cast about fora way to fill the hours whilecontributing to the community.

Bill Rasmussen

Singing Sinatra to 21

Barbara Swadburg651-271-8919barb@lyndenrealty.com

Wishing you a blessed and happy holiday season

2016.qxp_Layout 1 10/12/16 8:36 PM Page 1

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1668 Selby Avenue, St. Paul 651-447-3729 / Augustinesmn.com

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December 1, 2 & 3

E D I T O R I A L

4 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

It is easy to take community assets for granted. This is the time of year whenmany of those assets—our local nonprofit organizations, the Bugleincluded—are asking for your support.

But there are many community assets we often overlook as we head intothis season of giving and spending. Imagine what our community would bewithout the local businesses that make our lives easier and richer because theyare here.

Yes, the Bugle does need your financial help to continue our mission of

being one of those community assets that make our lives here just a littlemore pleasant, but we ask that you take some time with this issue of the paperand look at every advertisement on these 24 pages. Now go out and supportthose businesses and services—our neighbors—that offer the things you need.

Support the Bugle’s advertisers, and thank them for supporting theBugle, because without those community-spirited businesses, organizationsand individuals, this 44-year-old nonprofit newspaper would not exist.

We thank our community-spiritedbusinesses and organizations

Menthol restrictions a good move As a mom and someone who workswith cancer survivors, I am gratefulto our St. Paul City Councilmembers for restricting the sale ofmenthol tobacco products to adult-only tobacco shops and liquorstores.

Preference for menthol among

Minnesota students has more thandoubled since 2000, according to theMinnesota Department of Health.The council’s vote will stop manyyoung people from ever starting touse tobacco and prevent manypeople from developing cancer andother life-threatening diseases caused

by tobacco use. The council voted with courage

to be among the first in the nationto restrict the sale of mentholtobacco, a product that is thetobacco industry’s cash cow and besttool for addicting young people. Iapplaud their leadership to protectyoung people from this deadlyproduct.

Cathy SkinnerSt. Anthony Park

Free text program aims to helpparents boost school readinessI am emeritus on the board ofThink Small, and I’m excited toshare with my neighbors a new freeprogram for parents and providers ofyoung children.

Studies show that up to 90percent of brain development occursbefore age 5. As an advocate of high-quality early care and education, Iknow the importance of these crucialearly years to success in school andlife. I also understand that parent-and-child interactions are a keyingredient to early learning. Becauseof this, I wanted to let my neighborsknow about a free text-messagingprogram for Minnesota parents thataims to boost a child’s learning, aswell as increase parent engagement.

Think Small ParentPoweredTexts provides families with fun factsand easy tips to help build a child’sschool-readiness skills. The textmessages are designed for parents ofnewborns through age 5 and arebased on a child’s birthdate, ensuringall messages are developmentallyappropriate. Parents who participatewill receive text messages offeringsuggestions on ways to promote theirchild’s social-emotional learning,literacy, health and math skills.

Research shows that whenparents use this program, theirchildren are better prepared forkindergarten. Built on studies out ofStanford University, researchersfound the ParentPowered textapproach increased familyinvolvement at home and school,ultimately leading to child-learning

gains (York and Loeb, 2014). Think Small ParentPowered

Texts are available in English,Spanish and Somali. Parents can signup for the text messages byvisiting ThinkSmall.org/Texts. Iencourage all Minnesota parentswith young children to give this atry.

MinnPost’s recent article cangive you more information:www.minnpost.com/education/2017/10/texted-tips-help-parents-turn-routine-tasks-pre-k-learning-opportunities.

Mary Ann Barrows WarkFalcon Heights

Nationwide disclosure law neededfor homes with flood risksThis fall, as we watched thedevastation of Hurricanes Harvey,Irma and Maria, we are againreminded of the havoc that floodingcan wreak on our own communitiesand the cost to taxpayers around thecountry.

Unfortunately, while somestates require flood-risk disclosure fornew homebuyers and renters, manyfamilies in our state are left in thedark. That means that they don’tknow if they live in a floodplain, ifthey should buy flood insurance, orif their homes have previously beendamaged by floods.

The fact that some of ourneighbors are unaware of their floodrisk and could unknowingly be inharm’s way during the next flood isimmoral and needs to be addressedby Congress.

Bipartisan solutions exist onCapitol Hill. We just need Congressto enact them. In December, as theNational Flood Insurance Programis reauthorized, I hope our electedleaders can work together to create anationwide disclosure law soeveryone buying or renting a newhouse is given the flood-riskinformation they need to make safedecisions.

Matt SteinureckMinneapolis

The Park Bugle is a monthly nonprofitcommunity newspaper serving St.Anthony Park, Lauderdale, FalconHeights and Como Park. The Buglereports and analyzes community newsand promotes the exchange of ideas andopinions in these communities. TheBugle strives to promote freedom ofexpression, enhance the quality of life inthe readership communities andencourage community participation.

Opinions expressed in the Bugle bythe editor, writers and contributors donot necessarily represent the opinions ofthe board of directors, Park Press, Inc.Copyright 2017, Park Press, Inc. Allrights reserved.

The Park Bugle is published byPark Press, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofitorganization guided by an elected boardof directors.

Currently serving on the board areTed Blank, Betsy Currie, ElizabethDanielson, Michael Griffin, GabrielleLawrence, Beth Maddock Magistad,Joey McGarvey, Beth Mercer-Taylor,Bob Milligan, Merry Rendahl, StevePlagens, Matt Vierlingand Kathy Wellington.

P.O. Box 8126St. Paul, MN 55108www.parkbugle.org651-646-5369

Managing EditorKristal Leebrick651-646-5369

editor@parkbugle.org

Production Manager Stephen D. Parker612-839-8397

Obituaries EditorMary Mergenthal651-644-1650

mary.mergenthal@gmail.com

Delivery problems?editor@parkbugle.org

651-646-5369

Subscriptions & billingFariba Sanikhatam 651-239-0321

fariba@parkbugle.orgSubscriptions are $30 for one year.Send payment to P.O. Box 8126,

St. Paul, MN 55108

Event submissionscalendar@parkbugle.org

CopyeditorRuth Weleczki

ProofreadersChristine ElsingMary Mergenthal

Display advertisingMary Hamel, New BusinessDevelopment Director

651-387-0738hamsnapp@yahoo.com

Bradley Max Wolfe952-393-6814

bradley.wolfe@parkbugle.org

Classified advertising 651-239-0321

classifieds@parkbugle.org

Next deadline: Dec. 6.Publication date: Dec. 19.

Deadlines, publishing dates and where to find a BugleWant to submit something to the Bugle?Here are the deadlines and publication dates for the next three months:

January issue: The deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 6, and it will hit thestreets Tuesday, Dec. 19.February issue: The deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 17, and it will bepublished Tuesday, Jan. 30.March issue: The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 14, and it will bepublished Tuesday, Feb. 27

Got a story idea? Give us a holler: editor@parkbugle.org or 651-646-5369. We taketraditional mail, too: Park Bugle, P.O. Box 8126, St. Paul, MN 55108.

Missing your Bugle?If your house was missed during our delivery week, we apologize. Hereare some spots where you can pick up a Bugle:

• District 10 Como Community Council office, 1224 N. Lexington Parkway

• Dogwood Coffee Bar, 825 Carleton St.• Finnish Bistro, 2264 Como Ave. • Hampden Park Co-op, 928 Raymond Ave. • Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave.• Lauderdale City Hall, 1891 Walnut St. • Little Wine Shoppe, 2236 Carter Ave. • Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Ave. • Schneider Drug, 3400 University Ave., Minneapolis • Speedy Market, 2310 Como Ave.• St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave.• Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St.• Workhorse Coffee Bar, 2399 University Ave.

Or go to www.parkbugle.org/delivery/ for a more complete list ofplaces that carry the Bugle. You can also read the Bugle online atwww.parkbugle.org.

L E T T E R SWelcome to the Bugle editorial pages, the place where we exchange ideas and opinions. The views reflected in the letters and commentaries

printed on these pages are the opinions of the individual writers, not the Bugle staff or board of directors. We encourage communityparticipation here, but we do retain the right to edit letters and commentaries for clarity and brevity. Letters should be kept to 400 words or

fewer and commentaries should be 800 words or fewer. Send your commentaries or letters to editor@parkbugle.org.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 5

C O M M E N T A R Y

By Christopher R. Tyndall

Mass shootings, like the Nov. 5church shooting in Texas or theconcert shooting in Las Vegas onOct. 1, seem to occur with an almostabsurd level of regularity. Prior tothese events, in February 2017,members of the Minnesota House ofRepresentatives proposedlegislation—HF 1669—that wouldrequire criminal background checksfor all firearm transfers. Althoughbackground checks are required forany firearms purchase from a licenseddealer, a great many transactionsoccur outside of the scope of the law.

Could such legislation, which isintended to fill this gap, help preventtragedies like those mentioned above?Or does it represent anothermisguided effort at inhibiting therights of gun owners? For anyonefrustrated and troubled by gun

violence, confused by the nature ofthe gun-control debate andultimately powerless to do anythingto improve the situation, Irecommend consulting two valuablebooks.

The first is public healthresearcher David Hemenway’s 2004book, “Private Guns, Public Health”(University of Michigan Press).Hemenway attempts to take thedebate surrounding guns and gunviolence out of the emotional andsensationalistic realm of partisanpolitics and move it into the relativelycalmer and more objective realm ofpublic-health research. He shows usthat guns represent a public-healthchallenge not unlike that ofautomobiles when they were takingroot as the principal form of masstransportation in this country.Automobile manufacturers, public

officials and even the general publicoperated under the belief thatautomobile deaths and injuries werecaused exclusively by driver error. Inother words, “automobiles don’t killpeople; people kill people.”

The medical and public-healthcommunity began to see the limits ofthis thinking. Human error couldnever be entirely eliminated, butdesigns could be improved so thatoccasional error was not always fatal.Seatbelts and other safety featureseventually became the norm, andtraffic deaths and injuries greatlydeclined. Hemenway expressesconfidence in his book that this samepublic-health approach can also helpreduce gun deaths and injuries.

“Private Guns, Public Health”examines a variety of topics related tofirearms as a consumer product:

Two books suggest modest ideasfor improved regulation of firearms

’Tis a gift to successfully giveBy Adam Granger

Journalistic fiat dictates that I open apiece like this by saying, “It’s thattime of year again,” but when itcomes to gifting, any time and everytime is that time of year. As temptingas it is to blame this column on theholiday season, it could be publishedany other month and the narrativewould be the same.

Although the verb “gifting”sounds like fresh coinage, I found iton page 1,141 of my CompactOxford English Dictionary in aphrase from The Wife Lapped inMorel’s Skin, a misogynistic early17th-century “Taming-of-the-Shrew”-themed poem whose authorwisely remained anonymous. Theword was then shelved for 387 yearsbefore being revived by the writers of“Seinfeld” (in an episode in whichthey also talk about “regifting”).

Four centuries is a long time fora word to lay fallow so, not wantingto jeopardize my estimable credibilitywith Bugle readers, I treated “gifting”as a new word and subjected it to mytwo-part Neologism Smell Test. First,is the word necessary (or does itsimply duplicate an extant word)and, second, is the word too, well,silly to be usable? “Gifting” passes thetest, if barely: It has a more nuancedmeaning than “giving,” and it’s notso goofy that an adult wouldn’t wantto use it.

OK, let’s talk gifting. We all givepresents to—excuse me, gift—alltypes of people on all types ofoccasions. Within families, covenantscan be struck. My better half, Renee,and I are at the age where we haveeverything we want, short of privateMediterranean islands, world peaceand the like, so our demographic is

hard to buy for. We don’t want morestuff. If we’ve lived this long withoutsomething, we don’t need it. We’retrying to downsize, and, at the riskof appearing ungrateful, that whalingharpoon and the Dr. Who phonebooth seriously impede that effort.

As far as our boys, 26 and 40,are concerned, I have no idea whatthey want or need. Gift cards, thosesupposed paragons of flexibility, arechancy: “A $500 Sizzling Steakhousegift card? Dad, I’m vegan!” So, forbig gifting, we ask our sonspointblank what they want and getit for them or just give them moneyand let them buy it themselves.Problem solved and everyone’shappy.

Other situations are trickier.Renee likes to bring a hostess gift

The new year brings new things at the BugleWe are saying both goodbye andhello this month at the Bugle.

Clare Caffrey, who has workedas the advertising sales representativefor the Bugle’s south of ComoAvenue territory, is moving on tonew projects. Clare joined the Buglein January 2014. We thank her forher hard work and wish her well inher new endeavors. (We will missyou, Clare!)

And we welcome Mary Hamel,who will take over Clare’s advertisingaccounts and help the Bugle establishnew advertising relationships in hernew role as director of New BusinessDevelopment.

Hamel has deep ties to the TwinCities business community and tothe St. Anthony Park neighborhood.She served as executive director of the

MetroIBA (Independent BusinessAlliance) for eight years; served onthe Saint Anthony Park CommunityFoundation, where she helpeddevelop Park B4 Dark, thesummertime business andcommunity festivity in the Comoand Carter avenue business districtthat takes place the third Thursday ofJune, July and August; volunteeredwith the St. Anthony ParkCommunity Council, where shehelped produce a neighborhooddirectory; and was fundraising chairand newsletter co-editor for the St.Anthony Park School Association(SAPSA) for several years.

Want to spark a new businessrelationship with us? Talk to Mary:hamsnapp@yahoo.com or 651-387-0738.

Welcome, Mary Hamel, theBugle’s New BusinessDevelopment Director.

Firearms to 8

Adam Granger to 8

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

To add your business to this listing, contact Bradley Wolfe at 952-393-6814 or bradley.wolfe@parkbugle.org.

St. Anthony Park Dental Care, 2278 Como AvenueNate Cogswell, DDS 651-644-3685

Email: sheila@tagdds.comPaul Kirkegaard, DDS 651-644-9216

Email: sapdentalcare@comcast.netwww.pkdds.com

Todd Grossmann, DDS

Page 1

Thank you Muffuletta!It has been a great 40 years.You have been a tremendous

part of Milton Square and St. Anthony Park.

Pete Mihajlov, Mary Ann Milton,Phil Roberts

6 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Ferial AbrahamLynn AbrahamsenClay Ahrens & Jana JohnsonGordon Alexander & Arlene SpiegelCharles & Adair AndersonDamon Anderson & Julia LoupeGreg & Meredith AndersonJoel & Teresa AndersonKristin AndersonRobert ArndorferDonald & Claire AronsonCharles & Marjorie AvolesJeannette BachJudith BaileyWilliam & Mary BakerLee Barry & Margaret HallRichard & Judith BartzPaul & LaVonne BataldenLinda BaudryMarvin BauerRobert Beck & Mary Carpenter BeckRoger Bergerson & Val CunninghamPatricia BerglundHoward & Jane BergstromKay BlairMichael BlandfordTed BlankJeff & Emily BlodgettJohn & Frieda BoekeAlex & Kerry BollmanWally & Jan BornerRachel BowersWillard & Susan BoydBarry & Melissa BridgesMichael Burbach & Mary ThomasDonna Burch-BrowGary & Sally CagleShirley CampbellMarjorie CarlsonGary & Robin CarlsonJohn & Marjory ChristensenMike & Lis ChristensonMarilynn CierzanPhilip & Lynette ClausenRichard Conner & Mary MillerTom Countryman & Susan MurphySeth & Megan CrosbyKevin DahmLiz DanielsonVirginia DaviniWilliam DavisDavid & Page DeLongArundhati DeoTim DickinsonWilbur & Jean DonaldsonMarian DonohueJustine DuBruilBetsy DueholmJohn & Patricia DuncanAgnes DynesJohn Eaton & Audrey EsteboKeith, Diana & Violet EicherEdward Elliott & Marla BolligLeslie EverettJodi EversonJoe & Sue EversonTom & Juli FarnsworthPaul & Ann FateGeorge & Carla FeldhamerAnn FendorfCheri FiolaThomas Fisher & Claudia WielgoreckiMark & Lori Fligge

Richard & Nancy FossJeanne FrerichsDerek Fried & Elisabeth CurrieNancy FruenFred & Barb GaiserBob & Sue GehrzKi Ki GoreGranger FamilyAdam Granger & Renee BergeronYvonne GriersonDavid GriffinRobert Guenter & Deborah KramerJeff GustafsonSandra HallMary HamelDave HammerShaul & Niza HananyPeter & Terri HansonTim & Kathleen HardingErik HaugoDan & Mary HealyDavid & Nancy HealyDon HedgesRobert & Carolyn HermanRussell HeuckendorfBill HicksGordon & Louella HirschMollie HobenPeter HolbrookEsther HopeMark Hove & Leslie MackichanKeith & Karen HovlandCynthia HowardGloria HutchinsonSusan HuttererMark & Paula JelinekWayne Jennings & Joan SorensonPaul & Heidi JensenVernon & Khin Khin JensenCarl & Marjorie JessenHarlan JohnsonJay Johnson & Diane LandisJoDean JohnsonKimberly JohnsonLavone JohnsonVerna JohnsonNick Jordan & Debbie SmithDennis JoyceDavid & Joanne KarvonenKyoko KatayamaJoanne KendallHelen KnoxDarryn Kozak & Kim Chase-KozakGretchen KreuterAlvin KvaalJeffrey & Gretchen LangDavid LarsonJean LarsonLorelei LarsonNoel LarsonGeorge & Nancy LaskarisPeter Leach & Nan SkeltonRolfe & Barbara LearyElizabeth LebakkenDavid & Elizabeth LeeDonald LeeDoris LehnerDavid LeitzkeTerence LemayBill & Mary LermanDiane Dovenberg LewisVandora & Troy LinckMarilyn Lopez

Matthew LothNathan Lueck & Christina WardMark & Kate MabelRick & Susie MacPhersonRichard & Finette MagnusonScott MagnusonBernadette MahonKathy MalchowBryn ManionRobert & Susan MantellAnn McCormickPatricia W. McDonaldAnne McInerneyStewart & Kathleen McIntoshDavid McKennaMike & Bunny MennieDelaine MeyerSusan MeyersRobert & Greta MichaelsBruce & Paula MielkeGregory MillerBob Milligan & Sharon DanesGreg MittonFrederick & Lynda MorlockStarke & Breanna MuellerLouise MullanCarol MulroyDavid & Lynne MurphyGordon & Christy MyersLorretta NitschPaul NyquistThomas O’Brien & Stephanie SummersMike & Marcie O’ConnorPaul OfstedalElaine OgrenLinda OlsonDennis & Turid OrmsethJoseph & Colleen OsterbauerThomas & Frances OstertagConnie PangbornPat & Annette PatelBeverly PearsonMickey Tesch PedersonJoe & Ruth PetersenGarry & Mary Anne PetersonTerry PfaffCatherine PointekLesley & Michael PowersJonathan & Mary PreusHugh Pruitt & Fariba SanikhatamWilbur & Mary Jane PurcellPaul & Betty QuieSiegfried RabieJohn Reay & Karen HansonShirley ReiderGary & Terry ReinecciusJoAnne RohrichtJohn Rotenberry & Marlene ZukWilliam RottschaeferKaren Ryan & Tracy LavereKent Sall & Jacalin Wyant SallSharon SandgrenMichael Schaal & Linda KadrmaKen & Meg SchaeferAmy SchochAnthony & Judy SchumacherGwen SchwebelGilmore & Virginia SemBob & Nancy SerfassWilliam & Carol SeyfriedSteve & Susan ShakmanHarold & Virginia SheffWilliam & Barbara Sippel

Tom Slaughter & Ann MerrellCharles & Myrna SmithDeborah SmithJames & Ellen SnoxellPamela SpencerJack & Judy SperbeckJim & Ann StoutRon Sundberg & Joan DukeWesley & Marcia SundquistStephen Sutten & Anna CherryEdward Swain & Mary KeirsteadJohn & Gloria SweetSteven Taff & Susan HoytThomas & Jill TangneySylvia TaulbeeTheresa Joan TeelDavid ThomasGlennys ThormodsgaardBlaine & Cindy ThrasherGeorgia ToddChuck Tracy & Anna Sokolofski-TracyChristopher TyndallThomas & Karen UelandMark & Alexa UmbreitJoel Van ValinJohn & Betsy VanheckeDiane VenerCynthia VerheyPhilip & Julie VogelPaul Von DrasekLarry Wackett & Deborah AllanTimothy & Gretchen WalkerDorothy WallevandRobert & Susan WardeHuber WarnerDavid WatkinsEllen WattersBruce & Alisa WeberPaul & Katharine WeiblenMeg WhistonJohn Whitehead & Suzanne GarfieldJoe & Mary Wild CreaTom Will & Kristen NelsonRobert & Crystal WisenVirginia WojtPaul & Judith WoodwardDona WoolfreyBarbara WoshinskyTim Wulling & Marilyn BensonSteve & Ann YetterCarleen YocumNevin & Diane YoungRobert Zalaznik & Margaret BolerCarol ZapfelNico Zbacnick & Lucie TurcotteRichard Zeyen & Carol Van WhyBenjamin Zibble & Katherine KellyEd & Marge ZimmerBen ZimmermanHans & Kristine ZimmermannMary Zorn

BusinessesBargain UpholsteryBen Quie & SonsComo Park Language & ArtsComo Rose TravelLerner FoundationSandy’s Barber ShopSkon Chiropractic, Inc. St. Anthony Park HomeTerra Firma Building & Remodeling

Thanks to the following Park Bugle readers who have helped the Bugle raise $18,827toward our goal of $42,000 in the 2017-18 fund drive. This list reflects those who gavethrough Nov. 10. We will publish more donors in the next issue.

The Bugle relies on tax-deductible donations to help defray the newspaper’s annual

operating costs. You can donate online at www.parkbugle.org. Click the green DONATENOW button on the right side of the page. Or send a check to:

Park Bugle, P.O. Box 8126, St. Paul, MN 55108

Thank you for supporting the Park Bugle

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 7

History: One darn thing after anotherRoger Bergerson chronicles our remarkable past

Once upon a time in Midway, trotters ruled at KittsondaleBack when harness racing was one ofAmerica’s top spectator sports, thegoings-on at a horse-breeding farmand racetrack in the Midway was thestuff of front-page news.

This was Kittsondale in the1880s, a sprawling operation thatstretched between University Avenueand today’s I-94, and from PascalStreet almost to Lexington Parkway,

the western city limits of St. Paul atthe time.

Millionaire Norman Kittsonhad gradually withdrawn from hisbusiness activities and plunged intohorse raising, purchasing the formerSt. Paul Driving Park (a term used inthe day for race track) in 1881. (Healso acquired Erdenheim, a similarbut more substantial facility, nearPhiladelphia.)

By the time Kittson took over,the St. Paul track was neglected andrun down, but it had been a busyplace in the 1870s and not just forhorse racing. In seven of those years,it was the site of the Minnesota StateFair before the annual festival founda permanent home. Horace Greeleyand President Rutherford B. Hayeswere among the luminaries whoappeared there.

Recalled one old-timer of that1878 appearance, “President Hayesspoke to the greatest crowd I ever sawpacked together on the hottest day inmy memory.”

Kittson renamed the trackMidway Park, but Kittsondale wasthe name associated with property heowned in the area and that was thename that stuck. It was an elegantfacility, its stables built of wood andbrick, with almost 100 stalls andsleeping quarters for trainers. Theclubroom with a fireplace was well-suited for deal-making and wageringby horse owners.

In a short time, Kittson acquireda stable-full of fine trotters, amongthem, a horse named Johnston,“King of the Turf,” for whom he paid$20,000, and Little Brown Jug, whoran the fastest heat in history to thatpoint. There was also So-So, the damof Oh-So, who won first place at theChicago World’s Fair.

But Kittsondale’s glory daysdidn’t last long.

“If Commodore Kittson hadbeen 20 years younger when he

began to develop his grand idea of abreeding farm, we would have heretoday probably the finest one of thekind in the world,” a veteranhorseman lamented.

Instead, after only seven years ofownership, Kittson succumbed to anapparent heart attack while on a trainreturning to St. Paul.

His heirs did not share his

enthusiasm for horse breeding, and amonth after Kittson’s death, histrotting stock of 42 horses wasauctioned off. The same thinghappened in Pennsylvania.

The terms of his will precludedthe immediate sale of the Kittsondaleland and a lessee staged weekly trotterraces there in the 1890s. Kittsondalewas also the site of bicycling events,trap shooting, track and field, andcricket and baseball games, until atleast 1910.

In 1898, the 14th MinnesotaVolunteer Infantry camped thereafter returning home, having nevergotten any farther than Georgiaduring the Spanish-American War.

The property began to beconverted to industrial use around1900. A refrigerator manufactureracquired the track property in 1903.

The Twin City Motordome, amotorcycle-racing venue, opened atthe west end of the former track in1914. That same year, constructionbegan on the Brown & Bigelowheadquarters on University Avenuejust east of Hamline Avenue.

The stables had been built sosolidly that they were repurposed anumber of times over the years beforefinally being torn down in 1942 tomake way for a Pepsi-Cola bottlingplant.

Legend has it that the TurfClub, the venerable music bar just upUniversity, was named in memory ofKittsondale. If so, that’s the only traceleft.

‘Commodore’ led oneaction-packed lifeNorman Kittson was a Canadianwho ultimately became a leadingcitizen of St. Paul, serving a term asmayor and building a mansion on itshighest hill.

His second wife was SophiaPerry, sister of Charles, a pioneer inthese parts. (Park Bugle, “First Como

settler didn’t stay long,” June 2013)Kittson made a lot of money in

fur trading at Pembina, now inNorth Dakota. In the 1850s it was ahamlet in the northern reaches of theMinnesota Territory. And he alsoprofited at the other end of the RedRiver ox-cart trail in St. Paul, wherehe invested heavily in real estate andsettled permanently in 1855.

In the 1860s, Kittson developeda line of steamboats and barges onthe Red River as a freight link to FortGarry, modern day Winnipeg, hencehis title of “Commdore.”

And Kittson reached millionairestatus by joining James J. Hill inbuilding the St. Paul, Minneapolisand Manitoba Railroad to serve FortGarry. As his health declined, Kittsonretired from business and devoted histime to raising racehorses.

Shortly after his death in 1888,the dismantling of his equestrianenterprises began.

Kittson’s mansion was also soldand by 1904 had become a seedyboarding house when it was acquiredand torn down to make room forArchbishop John Ireland’s newCathedral.

A view of Kittsondale, probably looking westward, toward Snelling Avenue. Images courtesy of theMinnesota Historical Society

King of all the harness racers was Minnesota’s own Dan Patch. In 1905, he set a record for the mile—1minute, 55 ¼ seconds, that stood for 30 years.

A newspaper artist’s depiction of Kittsondale in 1895.

HISTORY:ONE DARN THING AFTER ANOTHER

Get your copy at Micawber’s,the Como AvenueBibelot Shop,the Minnesota History Center bookstore orHermes Floral.

Tales of Como, Falcon Heights,

Lauderdale, and

St. Anthony Park

HISTORY:ONE DARN THING

AFTER ANOTHER

From the pages of the Park Bugle

ROGER BERGERSON

10/24/17 6:12 AM Page 1

8 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

death and injury from guns, gun usefor self-defense and to deter crime,gun manufacturing and salespractices. But the varieties ofstatistical data examined usually leadback to the same inevitableconclusion: The presence of guns isstrongly associated with an increasedrisk of injury or death.

Some of the most startlingstatistics that Hemenway examinesrelate to injury and death due to gunaccidents and suicide attempts witha gun. Hemenway reports thestaggering figure that from 1965 to2000, more than 60,000 Americansdied in gun accidents. This is morethan all of the Americans killed in allof our wars from the same period.And during this same period, morethan 550,000 Americans committedsuicide using firearms. Thesenumbers suggest a monumental

when we visit someone, say, fordinner. OK. What to bring? Wine?Surely our hosts have planned theevening’s imbibing. So, flowers? Onewould assume the hosts have thefloral agenda determined. Dessert,then? Can it really be that our hostshaven’t already thought of dessert?See how complicated it is? In notime, we’re reduced to things like golfgags and rosette irons. Risky territory.Stuff that we’re likely to run into—unopened—when we visit thriftstores in their neighborhood. Isuppose we could bring cash: “Hi,thanks for having us. What abeautiful house! Oh, and here’s $20to help defray the cost of dinner.”

I’m not making fun of mythoughtful bride here; hostess giftsjust never were part of my (well-documented) flawed upbringing.Pre-Renee, I had never even heard ofa hostess gift. I always figured—andstill do, I guess—that leaving our

Firearms from 5

Adam Granger from 5

problem, and yet the polarizingnature of the gun debate makes usreluctant to take action to improvethe situation.

Consider this: In the early 1990sthere were about six fatalities per yearin the U.S. to children due to thefaulty design of bunk beds. TheConsumer Product ProtectionCommission recalled 630,000 bedsand created new guidelines for a saferdesign, which manufacturerswillingly embraced. In contrast,during the same period, there was anaverage of about 700 children per

year between the ages of 0 and 14killed by guns, yet this caused nopublic outcry whatsoever, and nolaws concerning guns or gun safetychanged.

But don’t guns also havebenefits? Haven’t some gun advocatesshown that an increased number ofguns in society actually leads toreductions in crime? Hemenwayexamines the methodologies behindsuch claims, and more often thannot, discovers flaws that greatlydistort the results. For example, hediscovers sample sizes that are toosmall for drawing statisticallysignificant general conclusions, or hediscovers specious interpretations ofgeneral data. Rural areas do indeedhave higher rates of gun ownershipand lower rates of crime than urbanareas. But the difference in crimerates has far more to do with varyinglevels of opportunity for crime thanit does with gun ownership.

At the end of his book,

Hemenway suggests some regulatorymeasures that could be implemented.None is particularly radical. Gunsshould have tamper-proof serialnumbers. They should have safetylocks so they can’t be fired by childrenor other unauthorized users. All gundealers should be licensed, and allgun sales should be made by licenseddealers. There is no proof that theabove measures will solve theproblem of accidental gun deathsand injuries, Hemenway admits. Butneither does anyone have proof thatthey won’t work. And that is why

Hemenway believes that what weneed most of all is more research. Thefact of the matter is we don’t haveenough information to makedefinitive claims on either side aboutthe possible effects of new gunlegislation. The evidence we do have,though, is fairly straightforward andconsistent: More guns means higherlevels of death and injury.

The second book that I wouldrefer readers to addresses morespecifically the potential effect andvalue of legislation like HF 1669.“Reducing Gun Violence inAmerica” (Johns Hopkins UniversityPress) is a collection of essays bymultiple authors resulting from aconference that was put together atJohns Hopkins University in thewake of the Sandy Hook ElementarySchool shooting in December 2012.The conference itself was puttogether quickly, but the essaysincluded are the result of years ofresearch.

While Hemenway’s book mapsout the nature of the problem, thisbook attempts to evaluate possiblelegislative solutions. Theimperfections of these solutions arefreely acknowledged: Included in thevolume is an essay that critically

examines the Brady HandgunViolence Prevention Act (with itsbackground checks and requiredwaiting period for certain gunpurchases) and shows that while ithas blocked gun sales in certaininstances, it hasn’t reduced gunviolence. The authors speculate thatits effectiveness is undermined by thefact that it only affects gun purchasesmade through a licensed dealer.Unfortunately, those gun purchasesonly account for a limited percentageof overall sales. The disturbing reality,as the authors tell us, is that “most

crime guns are obtained from peoplewho are not licensed … throughtransactions that are unregulatedunder existing federal law.”

This is what Minnesotalegislators were attempting to addresswith their proposed legislation. Thebook shares specific ideas andproposals that go beyond the genericdesire for “gun control.” Most of themeasures are not radical, and nosolution comes close to proposing afull-scale ban on firearms. The writersand researchers acknowledge thatmost licensed gun dealers and mostgun owners behave responsiblywithin the limits of the law. Theproposals—like reinstating the banon “assault weapons” or expandingthe categories of high-risk individualswho would be denied the right toown a gun—all attempt to limit therisks presented by guns withoutputting unfair burdens onresponsible gun owners.

And in regard to these burdens,it is well-known that in recent years,gun advocates have effectively usedthe Second Amendment—despite itsambiguous wording—as a protectionagainst any legislative efforts atfirearm regulation. That issue is takenup in this book. In an essay on the

potential constitutionality of anyproposed gun legislation, the authorsdiscuss the implications of the 2008Supreme Court decision, District ofColumbia v. Heller, which establishesa precedent for the right to have agun in the home for “personalprotection.”

Despite that decision, theauthors show that in our nation,“there is a well-established historicaltradition of gun regulation, whichhas been a prominent feature of thelaw since the birth of America.”Although it is largely ignored by thegeneral public—really on both sidesof the question—in discussing gunrights, the Supreme Court in theHeller decision did indeed commenton the Second Amendment’sambiguous preamble related to a“well-regulated militia.” The courtinterpreted this to mean that theamendment imposes “properdiscipline” on gun owners. Theauthors of the essay conclude that,“the Second Amendment thereforecontemplates a body of citizens thatis subject to whatever regulations arewarranted to impose properdiscipline on those qualified to keepand bear arms.” Therefore, legislationmotivated by the needs of publicsafety that imposes some burdens,disciplines and limitations on gunownership cannot be viewedintrinsically as unconstitutional.

None of the solutions proposedin either of these books is a panaceathat will resolve the problem of gunviolence instantly and universally.There will be loopholes. A fewdetermined sociopaths will still findtheir way to weapons. But what ifone of these proposals—likeuniversal criminal backgroundchecks for all gun sales, somethingalong the lines of HF 1669—wasable to decrease violence by a fewsignificant percentage points, withonly a modest burden on gunowners? Wouldn’t the lives saved beworth the effort?

Christopher R. Tyndall lives in ComoPark and works in health care.

warm, comfortable home andtrekking to theirs was gift enough.She says, “I don’t want to comeempty-handed,” and I say, “Let’scome holding hands. That way, wewon’t be empty-handed, and ourhosts will know that we’re gettingalong and that the evening won’t bespent arbitrating marriage-threatening disputes.”

The Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/Christmas-gifting season is a timewhen things can easily get out ofhand. The trick is to keep a lid onthings without zipping yourself intoa Grinch suit. In counterbalance toour large gift policy described above,members of my family take greatpleasure in trying to think of modestChristmas and birthday gifts that areinexpensive, unexpected and that willbe appreciated and used. A roll ofquarters for our pinball-playing olderson, garage sale retro electronics forour tech-geek younger son, a

Shutterfly book of pictures of mydear departed cat for me. And ourolder son’s girlfriend gave a donationto a bluegrass music promotional andeducational foundation in my name.

Great gift ideas all, personalized,and none of them adding appreciablyto the remorse of possessions we allalready own (“remorse” is thecollective noun for possessions).

All right, with a “Happyholidays!” to you all, I’ll close withmy recipe for successful gifting(replete with new mintage): If youapply common sense and maintainperspective, good gifting will resultand, conversely, if you’re not in a stateof happy anticipation while watchingsomeone open one of your presents,you have probably misgifted.

Adam Granger lives in St. AnthonyPark and is a regular contributor to thePark Bugle.

“. . . [W]e don’t have enough information to make definitive claims on either side about the possible effects of new gun legislation. The evidence we do have, though, is fairly straightforward and consistent:

More guns means higher levels of death and injury.”

The Sparrs www.mnhouses.comPeggy: 651-639-6383 peggysparr@edinarealty.com Gary: 651-639-6304 garysparr@edinarealty.com Peter: 651-639-6368 petersparr@edinarealty.com Lindsey: 651-639-6432 lindseyesnaola@edinarealty.com

Recent Sparr Groups Sales in Saint Anthony Park

Over 40 Sales in the past 5 YearsOver 70 Years ExperienceCall Us To List Your House

COMOBY THE LAKESENIOR APARTMENTS

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Two elevatorsSmall pets welcome

651-489-3392

ExceptionalSenior Living

901 East Como Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55103

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 9

Business News

Como Dockside, the nearly three-year-old Louisiana-themedrestaurant in Como LakesidePavilion, announced Nov. 10 that itwould serve its last dinner onWednesday, Nov. 22, but willcontinue with limited servicethrough the end of the year.

The city of St. Paul is seeking anew food-service at the pavilion.

“The Como Lakeside Pavilionhas so much potential,” said JonOulman of Como Dockside in a citypress release. “We had hoped a year-

round staffing model and upscalefull-service restaurant concept wouldbe successful at the facility, butunfortunately, due to seasonality ofthe facility and competitive labormarket . . . we felt a different vendorwould be a better fit for this space.”

Como Dockside was selected asa city vendor at the pavilion in 2015,after the city chose to end a contractwith Black Bear Crossings on theLake, which had been operating inthe space since 2000.

Ward 5 City Councilmember

Amy Brendmoen announced on theComo Neighbors Fun StuffFacebook page Nov. 10 that “the cityis preparing a plan for transition aswe speak, so there will be more newsto share in the coming days andweeks.

“. . . [T]he team at the Docksidehas literally transformed the Pavilioninto a gorgeous community hub overthese past three years,” Brendmoenwrote. “The facility has a newkitchen, a new dock, a newconcession at the lake level, atransformed stage area not tomention the updated decor,restaurant, infrastructure and more.”

The city’s press release said thatit planned to have a new vendor inplace for operations in early 2018.

Como Dockside closing afterthree years at Lakeside Pavilion

Opa! Greek restaurant will openDec. 5 at University & Raymond

Como/Carter Avenue businesseslaunch Discover St. Anthony Park

The Naughty Greek will hold thegrand opening of its UniversityAvenue restaurant Tuesday, Dec. 5,from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Once MayorChris Coleman cuts the ribbon,Angelo Giovanis’ second Greekrestaurant will be open for business.

Located at 2400 UniversityAve., in the C&E Flats & Lofts

building, the restaurant will seat upto 74 people and serve a variety ofGreek foods, beer and wine.

Giovanis, a native of Greece,opened his first restaurant at Snellingand Selby avenues a year ago. It wasso successful that he needed a newspace with a larger kitchen and morestorage to house the olive oil, feta

cheese, honey and olives thatGiovanis will import from Greece,he said. The University Avenuerestaurant will have a similar menuto the Snelling Avenue location,including the store’s signature dish:pork gyro made from scratch withlayers of locally sourced meat, herbs,garlic, olive oil and citrus.

Discover St. Anthony Park, a newlyformed business association in St.Anthony Park, has created aFacebook page to keep area residentsand shoppers informed about whatis happening with businesses in theComo-and-Carter-Avenue district.

“Our goal is to be a hub ofinformation on behalf of all thebusinesses,” said Kat Menaged,

owner at Scarborough Fair in MiltonSquare.

The group is busy working onthe Saturday, Dec. 2, Shop Homefor the Holidays event (read moreabout it on page 11). You can alsofind updates on that event at ShopHome for the Holidays on Facebookand keep track of the other DiscoverSt. Anthony Park events at

@DiscoverSAP.Discover St. Anthony Park’s

mission is “to maintain the vibrancyand growth of the St. Anthony Parkbusiness community by offeringunified advocacy, commitment toestablishing awareness andstrengthening the voice of thebusiness district.”

MidModMen+friends, 2401Univer-sity Ave., St. Paul, is featuring newworks by St. Anthony Park artistLinda Ricklefs Baudry as part of its“Future Heirloom” series.

The collection of four originalsin pastel and charcoal are inspired bythe artist’s ongoing relationship withnature, as well as her heightenedinterest in mid-century moderndesign and architecture.

“I make my mark, using color asemotion, creating a space that invitescontemplation,” Baudry wrote in hermission statement. “Exploring therichness of color and playing with thevibrancy of life, I search beyond whatthe eye sees to find the innercelebration.

“The lens focus tightens and

blurs along the way, imagesoverlapping—the old patterns shiftto the unforeseen.”

Baudry recently was juried as anassociate member of the PastelSociety of America and is a memberof Women’s Art Resources ofMinnesota (WARM). Her workshave been featured in a numerouslocal and regional galleries and artsevents, including the Dow ArtGallery in St. Paul, Kah-Nee-TahGallery in Lutsen, Minn., LanesboroArts Center in Lanesboro, Minn.,and Art-A-Whirl in Minneapolis.

The pieces are available to viewand purchase through Sunday, Dec.31, at MidModMen+friends. Storehours are Thursday through Sundayfrom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local artist’s work ondisplay at MidModMen

Nancy MeedenColdwell Banker BurnetMobile: 612-790-5053nmeeden@cbburnet.com

Come home to St. Anthony Park and beyond...

Stotlz Cleaners, 1580 Grand Avenue South#1901 @ 1181 Edgecumbe Road#414 @ 1181 Edgecumbe Road2159 Folwell Avenue2148 Folwell Avenue2175 Hendon Avenue150 12th Avenue Northwest, New Brighten1359 Spencer Road1438 Charles Avenue1572 Fulham1572 Silver Lane Northeast, St. Anthony Village1704 Pleasant Street, Unit B, LauderdaleDairy Queen, 143 Snelling Avenue

Thank you for a wonderful year of realestate sales. How can I help you in 2018?

6:43 PM Page 1

11/8/17 5:05 PM Page 1

10 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Onehundredflowersto mark100years

Mosaic artist Lisa Arnold has beenconducting workshops at St.Anthony Park Library this fall as partof a community effort to create amosaic commemorating the library’scentennial. Neighbors have beenworking to create 100 mosaic flowersfor the piece, which will be installedthis winter, on a wall near thestairway of the library. A Nov. 2

gathering was a last-ditch effort to getthe flowers done. Above left, Arnoldworks with Dina Kountoupes andKountoupes’ daughters Kiki andGeorgia Ruddy. At left, AliceDuggan shows off one of her flowers.Above, a box of glass shards ready tobe used in the mosaic project, andbelow, some of the finished flowers.Photos by Kristal Leebrick

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facebook.com/vibrantdecorandsty le / 651.493.7571 / 1168 Selby Ave

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LIZ PIERCE ATTORNEY AT LAWDivorce & Custody, Wills, Trusts & Probate, Real Estate

House calls by appointmentpierce@prlawoffice.net www.lizpierce.com

In Milton Square, 2230 Carter Ave., St. Paul, 651-645-1055

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 11

KICK OFF DECEMBER IN ST. ANTHONY PARK: Discover St. Anthony Park, north St. Anthony Park’snewly formed business association, will host Shop Home for the Holidays Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thebusinesses in the Como Avenue district are celebrating December with special offers and fun for the wholefamily.

Sunrise Banks will host a visit from Santa and reindeer sleigh rides from 9 a.m. to noon, a 20-plus-yeartradition that started with the bank’s earlier incarnations as St. Anthony Park Bank and then Park MidwayBank. Children can look forward to sleigh rides, treat bags and photos with Santa.

Other neighborhood businesses are offeringshopping specials, free gift-wrap, carolers and more.

Tim and Tom’s Speedy Market, 2310 Como Ave., willoffer cookie-decorating for kids from 10 a.m. to 1 pm.,along with live music and free popcorn for everyone.

The Little Wine Shoppe, 2236 Carter Ave., will hosta wine-tasting from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Bibelot Shop, 2276 Como Ave., will have a 20-percent-off ornament sale and samplings of tasty treatsthroughout the day.

Scarborough Fair, 2238 Carter Ave., will giveshoppers a free scarf with any purchase over $100.

Healing Elements, 2290 Como Ave., will have acreate-your-own-bath-salt-blend table set up (with gift-packing options available). Spend $50 on holidayshopping there that day and receive a free gift.

Frattallone’s Ace Hardware, 2286 Como Ave., willhave doughnuts for shoppers all day.

If you buy one entrée you can get the next one halfoff at Finnish Bistro, 2264 Como Ave., all day long.

Complexions on Carter Skincare Boutique in MiltonSquare will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.with demonstrations, product samples and holidaytreats.

If you wear an ugly sweater to the new MiltonSquare shop Soleil Coffee Co. you’ll receive a 10 percent

Your December fun guide

December fun guide to 13

The Bibelot ShopCarter Avenue Frame Shop

Como Raymond BPComo Rose Travel

Emil Gustafson JewelersFrattallone's HardwareHealing Elements

Milton Square Shops:Artisan's Fair

Complexions on CarterMicawber's

Scarborough Fair BoutiqueCreative Gathering Boutique

Bruegger's BagelsColossal CafeFinnish BistroKarta Thai

Knoke's Chocolates & NutsLady Elegant's Tea Roomthe little wine shoppe

Mim's Cafe & Lori's CoffeehousePho '79

Tim & Tom's Speedy Market

Agharta RecordsBarely Bros. RecordsClassic Retro at Pete'sMidModMen+friends

Noll HardwareShag

Succotash RetroTwin Cities Reptiles

Bang BrewingCaffe Biaggio

Chocolat CelesteDogwood Coffee

The Dubliner Pub & CafeDunn Bros Coffee

Egg & IFoxy FalafelKeys Cafe

Lake Monster BrewingSharrett's LiquorsThe Naughty Greek

Urban Growler BrewingWorkhorse Coffee Bar

Santa and Reindeer sleigh rides, 9:00 a.m.-Noon

Courtyard Tree Lighting with Santa and Christmas Carol-5:00 p.m.

12 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Colossal Café

Salon in the Park

U.S. Post Office

Knoke’s Chocolates & Nuts

Karta Thai restaurant

Park Service

St. Anthony Park Library

Tim & Tom’s Speedy Market

Sunrise Banks

Healing Elements

Frattallone’s Ace Hardware

Dentists

Emil Gustafson Jewelers

Bibelot Shop

Finnish Bistro Café

All Seasons Cleaners

Little Wine Shoppe

Scarborough Fair

Milton Square Courtyard Shops:

Micawber’s Books

Lady Elegant’s Tearoom

Soleil Coffee Co.

Creative Gathering Boutique

Turning Heads Salon

Complexions on Carter

Como Rose Travel

Carter Avenue Frame Shop

Serendipity Flowers

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Discover St. Anthony Park Dec. 2

EMIL GUSTAFSON JEWELERSDISTINCTIVE JEWELRY AND DESIGN SINCE 1911

2278 Como Ave. / 651-645-6774 / gustafsonjewelers.com

MOVING SALEAfter over 20 years in the same locationEmil Gustafson Jewelers is moving!

20% - 70% OFF all in-stock merchandise**Excluding Shared Treasures Estate Jewelry

Discounts increase as we approach the end of the year!

All SalesFinal

While Stock Lasts

Newly found

“Lost” inventory

Diamonds

Garnets

Amber

Rubies Newly createdjewelry

Pearls

Sapphires

Jade Citrines

WANTED:Sprinklers & frosters

2310 Como at Doswell Open daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.651-645-7360 timandtomsspeedymarket.com

Tim & Tom invite children of all ages with aweakness for Christmas cookies to stop by

the store on Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and try their hand atcookie decorating. Sprinkles and frosting

provided. Previous experience not required.

Limit one per customer. Expires 12/31/17

Jim Roehrenbach Agent, 651-644-3740www.jrrsf.com

Happy Holidays from your Good Neighbor

2190 Como Avenue, St. Paul

Christmas Crafts, Cookies and Story time with Santa!

Bring your camera!

more info: www.milton-square.com

December 1, 3 - 5 p.m.

M

2236 Carter Avenue / 651.645.5178Mon.-Th 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 12-5 p.m.

www.thelittlewineshoppe.com

Join us for our annual ShopHome for the Holidays free-in-store wine tasting from

1 to 4, Saturday December 2nd.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 13

discount. The shop will have holiday gift-wrapping available and is accepting donations to a coat drive Thursday, Nov. 30-Sunday,Dec. 3.

Creative Gathering Boutique, also in Milton Square, has a whole weekend of activities planned Dec. 1-3. On Friday, Dec. 1, childrencan have their photos taken with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store will have Christmas games during that time as well as amake-and-take Christmas ornament activity. Purchases over $75 will receive a 15 percent discount. On Saturday, Dec. 2, the boutiquewill have a vendor appreciation event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Meet the makers and check out their handmade items.) An ornamentworkshop will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. And on Sunday, Welcome to Whoville: The movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” willbe playing in the store all day and customers can make their own Whoville ornaments. Wear an ugly Christmas sweater and receive10 percent off your purchase.

Thistle, Milton Square’s occasional shop, has created a commemorative Christmas ornament to mark Milton Square’s 60thanniversary in St. Anthony Park. The ornaments will be available at Thistle and participating Milton Square merchants. Thistle isalso offering free gift-wrap with a $25 purchase on Dec. 2.

Costumed carolers will roam the shops and streets that day, and at 5 p.m., Santa Claus will light the Christmas tree in the courtyardat Milton Square. Find updates at Shop Home for the Holidays on Facebook.

SHOP HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ARTISAN MARKET IS IN A NEW SPOT: Look for the annual market in the formerMuffuletta cafe space, where local artisans will be selling Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmadegoods will include up-cycled mittens and hats; paintings; photographs; greeting cards; ornaments; snow globes; art prints; woodentoys; Minnesota printed goods; crocheted hats, trees and toys; crocheted animals; jewelry; handmade aprons, hot-pad sleeves; andmore. And Santa will be on hand from 3 to 5 p.m. for storytime, crafts and the annual tree lighting in the courtyard at Milton Squareat 5 p.m.

DON’T FORGET THE BLUE HOUSE BOUTIQUE: Stroll up the street to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave.,on Saturday, Dec. 2, or Sunday, Dec. 3, to the Blue House Boutique. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Blue House, an orphanage

Ph: 651-488-8245 / 1013 Front Ave., St. Paul / Hrs: M-F 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.

December fun guide from 11

December fun guide to 14

NTED:s & frosters

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Open daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.6 timandtomsspeedymarket.com

T ildren of all ages with aw mas cookies to stop by

t urday, December 2, f m., and try their hand atc Sprinkles and frosting

p experience not required.

Sharrett's Liquors / 2389 University Ave W / 651 645 8629

Deliivery Service Available

Specializing in Local Micro & Craft

Beers

Cheers!

ach A 3740w

days f r

14 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

December fun guide from 13

in Uganda, and includes gourmet goodies, knit accessories, jewelry and African crafts will be sold. Saturday’s sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will serve a homemade lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30

p.m., along with coffee and pastries. Sunday’s sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SILENT AUCTION AND BENEFIT CONCERT: The 11th annual silent auction and benefit concert tosupport the Anaphylaxis & Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA) will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, 10a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Ave. Bid on gifts for others or items and servicesfor yourself while helping a volunteer-run nonprofit. Enjoy music provided by the Murray Middle SchoolOrchestra, free craft-making for kids, allergen-friendly refreshments, coffee and apple cider. Contactinfo@minnesotafoodallergy.org for more information.

HOLIDAY FLOWER SHOW:The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Regional Park will host its annualholiday flower show Saturday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Jan. 7. The show will be open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925.

A CUP OF HOLIDAY TEA: The annual three-course holiday tea at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory willbe held on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Guests will dine on a three-course tea service and get abehind-the-scenes tour of the conservatory. Tickets are $40 if purchased before Thanksgiving or $45 afterThanksgiving. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 651-487-8250.

SPAGHETTI WITH SANTA:Mr. and Mrs. Claus will dine with area children and families Friday, Dec. 8, atLangford Recreation Center, 30 Langford Park, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or $25 for afamily of five or more. No charge for children 2 and under. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner, decorate a cookie andhave your face painted. Walk-ins are welcome. Call Langford for more information: 651-298-5765.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Kids under 14 can join a wonderland of winter activities at Northdale Rec Center,1414 N. St. Albans St., St. Paul, Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event is free and there will be aspecial visit from Santa. Call 651-558-2329 for more information.

LIVING NATIVITY: Bethel Lutheran Church, 670 W. Wheelock Parkway, will host its fifth annual re-enactment of the Christmas story on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event will include actors portraying the biblicalaccount of Jesus’ birth, a first-century Bethlehem marketplace (with vendors selling craft goods), live animals,warm beverages and treats. Doors will open for the Bethlehem marketplace at 5:30 p.m., with 10-minute liveshows from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public (no tickets required). Free-will donations willbe accepted. You can find out more at the event webpage: bethelstpaul.com/bethels-living-nativity-2017.

Unique vintage gifts for the holidays.Classic modern home furnishings all year long.

Best of the Twin Cities right here in Saint Anthony Park.

MidModMen+friends | 2401 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55114 | MidModMen.com

H

www.hansentreefarm.com Mark Hansen 651-214-2305 / Dave Hansen 651-247-1952Only 30 minutes to: 7440 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303

• Horse drawn hayrides, noon - 4:30 p.m.November 24, 25, 26, December 2 & 3

• Sample our grandpa’s SwedishChristmas sausage (buy at Speedy).

• Cut your own Christmas tree, weprovide saws & twine to tie it on.

• Shop for fun & creative gifts in our gift shop.

• Enjoy the trees we donate to localchurches and the library.

Opening Saturday, November 18Closing: Sunday, December 17

Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

We planted pine, spruce and fir seedlings near Anoka in 1952, beginning the first commercial Christmas tree farm in Minnesota. The memories, like our trees and family, have been growing ever since.

H

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 15

AREA YOUTH PERFORM “NARNIA”: Prospect Park’s Youth Performance Co. (YPC) will present the play“Narnia” this holiday season. The play—a story about young people facing challenges and learning aboutcourage, love and giving—is based on the C.S. Lewis book “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Theshow will be performed at the Howard Conn Performing Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, fromDec. 1 to 17. Tickets are $7-$15. To find out show times, call the box office at 612-623-9080 or go toyouthperformanceco.org.

NIGHT TRAINS: The Twin City Model Railroad Museum’s annual display, Night Trains, is open everySaturday 6-9 p.m. through Feb. 4. The museum moved out of its longtime home in Bandana Square two yearsago and is now located at 668 Transfer Road, Suite 8. Night Trains displays dozens of model railroad layouts ina magical way: The lights are turned down, the buildings and street lights glow, and the make-believe town ofMatlin is buried in a blizzard. The layouts are adorned with miniature Christmas lights and decorations. Santawill visit the museum on Saturday, Dec. 23.

Admission is $15 per person and free for children four and younger. Discounted group rates are availablefor groups of four or more (cost for four guests is $45, six guests is $60, 10 guests is $90). Learn more atwww.tcmrm.org.

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME: SteppingStone Theatre for Youth will open its holiday show, Disney’s “Beautyand the Beast Jr.,” Friday, Dec. 1, at SteppingStone Theatre, 55 N.Victoria St., St. Paul. Based on the Academy-Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the songs from the animated film plus a fewnew songs written especially for the Broadway musical. The opening night performance will be followed by areception at the theater where patrons can meet the cast and crew and enjoy refreshments. Performances willrun through Friday, Dec. 22. Ticket prices begin at $12. You can find out performance dates and times andpurchase tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/293969. SteppingStone Theatre is celebrating its 30thanniversary in the 2017-2018 production season.

2287 Hillside Ave. $535,000Enjoy leisure & privacy in this well crafted, modern interpreta-

tion of a classic 1900's four square with fully landscaped yard &in-ground pool. Call for pre-list showings.

Karen Rue 612-916-1110

Purchase $100 Gift Card,Receive $20 Free!Offer valid November 24 - December 27

Shop local wellness services & goods this season

2290 Como Avewww.healingelementswellness.com

Give the Gift of Health

H

Milton Square is celebrating 60wonderful years inSt. Anthony Park!To commemorate this milestone wehave created this Holiday ornament.They will be available during "ShopHome”at Thistle and participating Milton Square merchants.

For those who demand the very best ofveterinary care for their dogs, cats and exotic pets1227 Larpenteur Avenue West, Roseville / 651-645-2808

www.stfrancisanimalandbird.comHrs: M-F 8-6:30, Sat 8-12:30

Integrative Services By Appointment Only

S 9/15/16 6:07 PM Page 1

Gift Certificates Availa

ble!

16 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

EventsDECEMBER

Tour,” presented by Abby Marier, St.Matthew’s Episcopal ChurchFellowship Hall. Social time, 7 p.m.Program, 7:30 p.m. Contact SandeeKelsey, kelse005@umn.edu or 651-645-9053 with questions.

6 WEDNESDAYEnglish Conversation Circles, everyWednesday, St. Anthony Park Library,4-5:30 p.m.

7 THURSDAYCaregiver Support Group, firstThursday of each month, St. AnthonyPark United Church of Christ, 10-11:30 a.m.

Bereavement Support Group, firstThursday of each month, St. AnthonyPark United Church of Christ, 10-11:30 a.m.

Preschool storytime in MandarinChinese, St. Anthony Park Library,10:30 a.m.

Dialoggers Toastmasters meets everyThursday, U of M St. Paul Campus,Northern Research Station, 1992Folwell Ave., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

8 FRIDAYSAPAS Game Day, Centennial UnitedMethodist Church, 10 a.m.-noon. Nocharge or registration required.

Dinner with Santa, Langford RecCenter, 5:30-7 p.m., $5 per person,or $25 for family of 5 or more.

14 THURSDAYSt. Anthony Park Area Seniors cinemaseries, “All Is Lost,” St. Anthony ParkLibrary, 2 p.m. All welcome. Free.

Winter Wonderland with Santa,Northdale Rec Center, 5:30-7 p.m.

15 FRIDAYSAPAS Game Day, Centennial UnitedMethodist Church, 10 a.m.-noon. Nocharge or registration required.

Tablet/Smartphone Drop-in Clinic, St.Anthony Park Library, noon-2 p.m.Clinic is for all tablets &smartphones.

18 MONDAYCommunity Sing, Olson CampusCenter, Luther Seminary, 6:30 p.m.gathering, 7-8:30 p.m. sing. Theevent is free, but a hat will be passedfor our music leaders and to make thesings possible. Children welcome. Co-sponsored by the District 12Community Council.

19 TUESDAYHand-drum for Beginners, Women’sDrum Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $10.Drums provided. Registerat www.womensdrumcenter.org.

21 THURSDAYPreschool Storytime in MandarinChinese, Fireroom at CommonwealthTerrace Community Center, 1250Fifield Ave., Falcon Heights, 10:30a.m.

22 FRIDAYSAPAS Game Day, Centennial UnitedMethodist Church, 10 a.m.-noon. Nocharge or registration required.

Penguins at the Library: Visit with alive penguin from Como Zoo, St.Anthony Park Library, 10:30 a.m.No registration required, but programis limited to 50 on a first-come/first-served basis.

24 SUNDAY-26 TUESDAYSt. Anthony Park Library is closed.

SENIOR EXERCISENo exercise class Dec. 18-29 forwinter break.

St. Anthony Park Area Seniors

Mondays and Thursdays,Lauderdale City Hall, 2-3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Fridays, St. AnthonyPark Library, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Chairyoga is in place of exercise class onDec. 1 & 15.

Wednesdays, Centennial UnitedMethodist Church, 10:30-11:30a.m.

FREE SENIOR BLOODPRESSURE CLINICSComo Park/Falcon HeightsBlock Nurse Program:

Fourth Monday, Falcon HeightsCity Hall, 12:45-1:30 p.m.

Third Thursdays, Arbor PointeSenior Apartments, 10-11 a.m.

Fourth Thursdays, Falcon HeightsTown Square Senior Apartments, 11a.m.-noon

Saint Anthony Park Area Seniors(SAPAS)

Wednesdays, Centennial UnitedMethodist Church, 11:30 a.m.-noon.

Friday, Dec. 1, St. Anthony ParkLibrary, 2-2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 12, Seal Hi-Rise, 3-3:30 p.m.

VENUE INFORMATIONArbor Pointe Senior Apartments,635 W. Maryland Ave.

Centennial United Methodist ChurchSAP campus, 2200 Hillside Ave.,651-603-8946

Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 W.Larpenteur Ave.

Falcon Heights Town Square SeniorApartments, 1530 W. LarpenteurAve.

Langford Recreation Center, 30Langford Park, 651-298-5765

Lauderdale City Hall, 1891 WalnutSt., 651-631-0300

Micawber’s, Carter & Como, lowerlevel Milton Square, 651-646-5506

Northdale Rec Center, 1414 N. St.Albans St., St Paul, 651-558-2329

Olson Campus Center, LutherSeminary, 1490 Fulham St., 651-641-3456

Seal Hi-Rise, 825 Seal St., 651-298-4673

St. Anthony Park Library, 2245Como Ave., 651-642-0411

St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church,2323 Como Ave., 651-645-0371

St. Anthony Park United Church ofChrist, 2129 Commonwealth Ave.,651-646-7173

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church,2136 Carter Ave., 651-645-3058

Women’s Drum Center, 2242 W.University Ave.,womensdrumcenter.org

in Milton Square, 3-5 p.m.

Santa lights the Christmas tree inMilton Square’s courtyard, 5 p.m.

Anaphylaxis & Food AllergyAssociation of MN benefit, 10a.m.-1 p.m., St. Anthony ParkLutheran Church.

3 SUNDAYBlue House Boutique, St. Matthew’sEpiscopal Church, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Artisan Holiday Market, in the formerMuffuletta space in Milton Square, 11a.m.-4 p.m.

4 MONDAYMiddle School Book Club, forstudents in grades 6 to 8, St.Anthony Park Library, 6:30-7:30p.m. Space is limited. Sign up and pickup a copy of the book at the libraryinformation desk.

5 TUESDAYBaby/toddler storytime, Tuesdays inDecember, St. Anthony Park Library,9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Nostorytime Dec. 19 or 26.

St. Anthony Park Garden Club:“Arizona Desert in Bloom: A Photo

Venue information is listed at the endof the calendar. Send your events tocalendar@parkbugle.org byWednesday, Dec. 6, to be included inthe January issue.

1 FRIDAYPreschool NatureSmart storytime,Fridays in December, St. AnthonyPark Library, 10:30 a.m. There willbe no storytime on Friday, Dec. 22 orDec. 29.

Walking in the Langford Park gymfrom 1-2 p.m. every Friday. Free andopen to adults.

2 SATURDAYShop Home for the Holidays in St.Anthony Park. Merchant specials,Santa and more (see pages 11-15 formore information), 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Blue House Boutique, St. Matthew’sEpiscopal Church, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Saturday luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:30p.m. Handcrafted gifts and treats.

Artisan Holiday Market, in the formerMuffuletta space in Milton Square, 9a.m.-5 p.m.

Christmas crafts, cookies andstorytime with Santa, Muffuletta space

2233 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul 55108651.647.9000 theresashair.com

Diana Koren

Ruthann Ives

Treat Yourselfby gracing our oasis

D D

t

DAN BANE CPA, LLC

Certified PublicAccountant

Providing Individual & Business Tax Service.

Call for an appointment 651-999-0123or visit my website at: www.danbanecpa.com

Conveniently located in the Baker Ct Bldg (1 Blk East of 280 at corner of Territorial & Raymond)

at 821 Raymond Ave – Ste 310, St Paul 55114.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 17

Neighbors

Learn about Somali history A presentation and discussion withAdan Dirie, program director of theSomali Museum of Minnesota, willbe held at Sunrise Banks CorporateHeadquarters, 2525 Wabash Ave., St.Paul, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m.

Dirie will give a presentation,the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial Somali history that hasforced thousands of Somalis to seekrefuge and resettlement in the UnitedStates and other parts of the world.Guests will get a chance to viewartifacts from the museumshowcasing Somali nomadic life,traditional homemaking, fashion andmore.

Attendees will also receive abasic Somali language lesson, leavewith several useful phrases to use withneighbors, and learn why Somalia isknown as “the land of the bards.”The presentation will be followed bytime for questions.

This is a free event, but pleaseregister. Contact Kelly at 651-251-9074 or krynda@mnliteracy.org.This is a free event, but we ask thatyou please register in advance.

Calmus Ensemble sing ‘Carols ofthe World’ at Music in the ParkThe Calmus Ensemble will present“Christmas Carols of the World”Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., at St.Anthony Park United Church ofChrist, 2129 Commonwealth Ave.,as part of the Schubert Club’s Musicin the Park Series. A pre-concert talkwith the artists will begin at 3 p.m.

One of Germany’s mostsuccessful vocal groups, Calmus hasbeen awarded prizes in numerousinternational competitions, includingthe prestigious Concert Artists GuildCompetition. Music in the ParkSeries brings the a cappella quintet toSt. Paul with a program of carolsfrom around the world, from 16th-century Italian madrigals totraditional carols of France,Germany, Sweden and England, topopular American holiday songs.

Calmus ensemble will also visitboth St. Anthony Park ElementarySchool and St. Anthony Park Home,Dec. 4 as part of their Music in thePark residency.

Here is what’s happening at yourSt. Paul Park and Rec centerRegistration for winter and spring2018 classes and activities at St. PaulPark and Recreation Centers beginsMonday, Dec. 4. Here is a list ofsome of the upcoming activities atthe Bugle-area rec centers. To registeror for more information, call the reccenters or go to the center’s website.

Langford Rec Centerwww.stpaul.gov/LangfordRec651-298-5765

Adult Zumba, Mondays, Jan. 22-March 19, 7:45-8:45 p.m., $60

Badminton, Saturdays, Jan. 6-Feb.3, 2-4 p.m., ages 10-adult, free

Open gym, Saturdays, Jan. 6-Feb.4, 4-6 p.m., all ages, free

Pickle Ball, Sundays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4,2-4 p.m., ages 10-adult, free

Chess Club, Wednesdays, Jan. 10-March 28, 6-7:30 p.m., ages 7-12, $65

Ice skating lessons, varies, Jan. 6-Feb. 3, ages 3-5 & 6-9, $35

Parent/Child Tot Time, Thurs-days, Jan. 4-March 29, 9-10:30a.m., free

Adult walking, Fridays, Jan. 5-March 30, 1-2 p.m., free

Adult gym: bowling, Fridays, on-going, 9:30-11 a.m., free

Pilates for adults, Thursdays, Jan.4-March 8, time varies, $73

Tot time, Thursdays, 9-10:30a.m.

Soo Bahk Do, Thursdays, ongo-ing, ages 6-adult,$45/month

St. Paul Winter Classic, Jan. 25-28

Northwest Como Rec Centerwww.stpaul.gov/northwestcomoRec 651-298-5813

Adult indoor soccer, Sundays, Jan.7-March 25, 5-6:30 p.m.,$5/week

Senior Gamers, Tuesdays, ongo-ing, 1-3 p.m., free

Women’s 35+ Basketball, Sun-days, Jan. 7–March 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $4/week

Family open gym, Sundays, Jan.7-March 25, 3-5 p.m., free

Jazz/Ballet, Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 9, 4-5 p.m., $100

My Buddy & Me Dance Class,Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 9, 6-6:30 p.m., ages 3-17, $80

Artist Workshop, ages 5-8,Wednesdays, Jan. 10-Feb. 14,3:15-5:15 p.m., $60

Artist Workshop, ages 8-17, Tues-days, Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 3:15-5:15p.m., $60

Ballet/Creative Movement,Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 9,3:15-4 p.m., ages 3-5, $90

Hip Hop, Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 9, ages 12-17 & 7-11,$80

Ice skating lessons, Saturdays, Jan.6-27, times vary, ages 3-5 & 6-9, $35

Taekwondo, Tuesdays and Thurs-days, ongoing, ages 4-17,$50/monthly

Teen open gym, Wednesdays, Jan.10-Feb. 28, 7-8:30 p.m., ages12-17, free

Wacky Craft, Thursdays, Jan. 11-March 1, 3:15-4 p.m., ages 6-12, free

North Dale Red Centerwww.stpaul.gov/northdaleRec 651-558-2329

Parent/Child Tot Time, Mondays,Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9a.m.-noon, free

Music Together, infant-6 years,Mondays, Jan. 8-March 26,6:15-7 p.m.

Ice skating lessons, Saturdays, Jan.6-Feb. 3, 10-11 a.m., ages 5-7,$40

Awesome Preschool Drawing,Wednesdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 28,6-6:45 p.m., ages 3.5-5, $60

Zumba, Wednesdays, Jan. 24-March 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m.,$60

Senior Days, Thursdays & Fridays(ongoing), free

Taekwondo, Monday, Wednesdayand Friday, ongoing, ages 4-17,$50/monthly

Earth Moon Yoga for adults, Tues-days at 7:40 p.m. and Satur-days at 11 a.m., ongoing

Challenge Square Dancing forAdults, Mondays, 6:30 p.m.

Senior Fitness for Adults, Tuesdaysand Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.

Laughter Yoga for Adults, firstThursday at noon and secondMonday at 6:15 p.m.

Pilates-Core/Strength/Flexibilityfor adults, Mondays andWednesdays, 7:15 p.m.

A team from the University of Minnesota’s Farmhouse Fraternity onCleveland Avenue joined members of the St. Anthony Park GardenClub in filling the St. Anthony Park Library window boxes with wintergreens. Evergreens were donated by the Hansen Family Tree Farmand garden club members harvested dried blooms and stems fromtheir gardens and the library gardens to add further textural interest.Here, fraternity members Harrison Roessler installs hydrangeastems in a window box while Loren Dauer supports a box full ofblooms. Photo by Pat Thompson

A gift of greenery

Schneider Drug

Serving theneighborhoodsince 1911

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3400 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, 612-379-7232

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Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

1/4 mile west of Hwy. 280 across from KSTP

Fast, friendly service with prescription

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6 days a week

Monday throughSaturday

Locally owned and operated

Where people come first

651-645-0386www.sourcecandg.com

2057 Snelling Ave. N., RosevilleOpen 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Sat &

Noon - 6 p.m. Sunday

SOURCE COMICS & GAMES

10,000 squarefeet of pure awesome!Minnesota’s largest, mostcomprehensive selectionof comic books, bothnew and back issues, aswell as trade paperbacks,collecting supplies, statues, toys, posters,and everything else thathas to do with the wonderful world ofcomics!

Personal Care for Quality SmilesDr. Brent Fredrickson, DDS1651 Dale St. N(651)488.5888www.chaletdental.com

Chalet Dental Care

C SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH Monday-Sunday 7am-3pm

2315 Como Ave. St. Paul 651-797-4027 www.colossalcafe.com"Like" us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter!

18 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Our summer adventure working in a national parkBy Janet Wight

Have you ever thought about doingsomething different from yournormal routine? Perhaps immersingyourself in an out-of-the-ordinarydestination? That is exactly what mydaughters and I did this pastsummer.

It all started over a year agowhen I came up with the idea ofspending the summer living andworking in a national park with mydaughters, Margot and Mallory.Since our family is passionate aboutnational parks it seemed like it wouldbe the perfect fit for us. I discussed itwith my husband, Jeremy (whowould be staying home and workingwhile we were gone), and he agreedthat it was a promising idea. Wedecided that either the GrandCanyon in Arizona or Yosemite inCalifornia would be the best placesto apply. Both of these parks havelarge villages, so they would have agreat need for seasonal employees.

We applied at Xanterra first(which operates most of the GrandCanyon South Rim properties) andby early December we had eachreceived a job offer. We gladlyaccepted and immediately began toprepare for our summer adventure.We wanted to room together, so Irequested one of the historicemployee cabins. Since Margot andMallory are college students, werealized that we would have tightturnarounds on both ends of thesummer. We were determined tofulfill the three-month minimum jobrequirement, so we plannedaccordingly.

On May 11, we packed ourHonda Civic with clothes, beddingand other necessities. We took fourdays to reach our destination, stayingin Overland Park and Liberal,Kansas, then Albuquerque, N.M.,and finally Flagstaff, Ariz., on our lastnight before arriving at the canyon.

When we finally arrived, ourpassports were reviewed and wecompleted drug screenings andhousing forms. Then we moved intoour cozy private cabin, unloaded our

suitcases and flopped down on ourbeds. We were relieved to discoverthat the cell-phone coverage in ourcabin was adequate.

The next few days were spentsprucing up our cabin, purchasingprovisions, and participating in foodand beverage orientation. Our fellow

employees—mostly college studentsor recent graduates—came frommany countries, including Thailand,the Philippines, Columbia,Romania, Bulgaria and Poland. Theywere thrilled to earn minimum wagesince it was a much higher rate of paythan they could expect back home.Most of the middle-aged and retiredemployees were from the U.S. There

were also quite a few employees fromthe nearby Navajo Nation. Someemployees worked at the canyonyear-round and raised their familiesthere. It was their home.

We all worked in restaurants. Iwas a host at the Bright AngelRestaurant, Margot was an attendant

in the employee cafeteria, andMallory was a line server at theMaswik food court. The first fewweeks were draining, as we adjustedslowly to our new roles and shoes.We ate lunch together in theemployee cafeteria every day. We allwalked to work, but I usually rodethe shuttle bus home after myevening shift ended at 10 p.m.

Since my daughters and I enjoymeeting new people and learningabout different cultures we weredelighted to be part of this uniquemulticultural environment. Eachweek brought a new crop of

interesting employees and moreopportunities to make friends.Between the three of us, we knewjust about everyone in the food-and-beverage department. Each personwho works at the canyon lives in thevillage, so we would see people weknew everywhere we went, just as

would happen in any small town.The tourists we encountered weremostly from the U.S. and WesternEurope.

The canyon itself is glorious.Although I was familiar with thepark since I had been there severaltimes (and hiked to Phantom Ranchtwice), I never tired of it. I oftenwalked over to the rim during mybreaks and regularly saw elk andmule deer along with their adorableyoung. And the Milky Way wasclearly visible in the incredibly darknight sky.

Most visitors arrived on tour

buses and had only a few hours tospend at the canyon. Mornings andevenings were quiet, but eachafternoon the village teemed withthousands of visitors from all over theworld speaking a wide variety oflanguages.

On our days off we usuallyalternated between staying at thecanyon and spending time inFlagstaff, the closest city to thecanyon. Since we were living in aremote area we developed anappreciation for urban amenities(taken for granted in St. Paul) suchas movies, haircuts, outings toWalgreens or Target, and high-speedInternet. We thoroughly enjoyed aweekend in Page (hiking toHorseshoe Bend and cruising onLake Powell) and another one inhistoric Williams. We also visitedSedona and the meteor crater nearWinslow. We took full advantage ofemployee perks, including freeguided bus tours and travel on theGrand Canyon Railway. We alsoattended ranger programs, walkedalong the rim trail, and hung out atthe library and rec center.

In mid-August it was time tohead back to Minnesota. Afterpacking the car, returning ouruniforms, completing the necessarypaperwork and many emotionalgoodbyes, we drove all the way toPhoenix. It was a long andexhausting day. Margot and Malloryflew home the following morning(since they needed to be back toschool), and I embarked on the solodrive home. After being at thecanyon all summer Minnesotaseemed so green and lush. We wereall happy to be home.

We certainly accomplished ourprimary goals of spending qualitytime together and gaining valuablework experience, especially forMargot and Mallory. And we alldeveloped a deeper and moreintimate connection to the canyon.Most important, however, weestablished relationships with like-minded individuals from all over theworld, and from many cultures, whoshare our spirit of adventure andfriendship.

Janet Wight is a resident of Como Park,where she lives with her husband anddaughters.

Mallory, Janet and Margot Wight at Hermits Rest in Grand Canyon National Park.

Two local writers share their 2017 travel stories: one, a working vacation, the other an exotic train ride through Eastern Europe.

2310 Como at DoswellOpen daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.651-645-7360 timandtomsspeedymarket.com rrs TM

Our Famous Christmas Sausage is back for the holidays!

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10/31/17 4:39 PM Page 1

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 19

Take a trip on the Trans-Siberian Expresseach got separated from the group fora short time—scary!), and finally goton the train.

Our car had ninecompartments, each for two people,plus two bathrooms, a shower roomand space for our two conductors,who cleaned, set up the beds andgenerally offered support for us,while speaking no English. The

compartments were small butefficient, and after we adjusted to thetrain’s rocking and jerking, we wereable to sleep, shower, brush our teethand traverse the four cars to thedining car. There just had to be a bitof wide-stance bracing and, to behonest, caroming off the walls anddoors.

Much of Siberia looks a lot likeMinnesota. The steppes are like ourflat prairies, and the birch and pineforests reminded us of home. On theother hand, I was somewhat shockedat the dilapidated and abandonedbuildings left to fall down in both thecountryside and in some of the cities.

But we saw beautiful churches,mosques, opera halls and widesquares. Each city seemed to have itsclaim to fame—the largest, oldest,best. Each day we left the train andtoured a new place, usually with anew guide (three of them Olgas!).

The tour company arranged forus to see several concerts, to havedinner in a dacha and in a yurt, to tryfoods from various areas and to learnsome Russian language from Valeri,our “red group” tour guide. We sawarchitecture that went from the

By Michelle Christianson

What is more exciting than gettingready to board a train? The crowds,the high ceilings of the train station,the nostalgia for a former era and, ofcourse, the brass band in their brightred uniforms playing a welcomemarch as we search for our train car.

That was our experience as weprepared to leave Moscow on theTrans-SiberianExpress inSeptember.Our adventureincluded stopsin Kazan,Ekaterinburg,Novosibirsk,Krasnoyarsk,Irkutsk, LakeBaikal andUlan-Ude inRussia, Ulan-Baatar inMongolia, andErlian andBeijing inChina. (Ifmany of thosenames don’tmean much toyou, you areright where Iwas beforeembarking on this trip. Luckily, I hada guidebook that I read each nightbefore bed.)

We began our trip with two veryrainy days in Copenhagen. Becauseof the rain, we had to forgo our plansto bike the city and spend time atTivoli Garden, but we saw threewonderful museums and took theHop-on-Hop-off bus to see (briefly)some of the other sights of the city.

Adding two more time zones tothe seven we had crossed, we flew toMoscow, where we joined my sisterand her husband. After a welcomedinner, when we met the other 22members of our “red” group (a subsetof the 178 total passengers on thetrain), we took a bus tour of Moscowat night, including stops at two of thebeautiful subway stations and at RedSquare.

The next morning, we touredthe GUM department store and theKremlin, and after a typical Russianlunch—always cabbage and oftenborscht, pelmeni (dumplings), blini(pancakes), meatballs, coleslaw,bread, potatoes, pickles and, ofcourse, vodka—we visited a hugechurch (where my husband and I

stately to very rustic (in a recreatedSiberian village), crossed Lake Baikalon a boat and, for a short time, rodeoutside on the train’s engine. Thehours in each day were jam-packedwith experiences.

As we crossed Siberia, the terrainbecame more mountainous and theweather (though beautiful) wascolder. The churches and mosqueswere joined by Buddhist temples,and we noticed more and morepeople in the cities with Asianfeatures.

In Mongolia, nine of our groupdecided to take the option of staying

for a night in a yurt (or ger, as theyare called). The gers are in a nationalpark and are meant for tourists, butnonetheless are authentic. We werelucky enough to get a pretty big one,though the door was still low enoughfor both my husband and I to crackour heads on the jamb more thanonce as we entered. There was asmall, wood-burning stove in themiddle of the ger that someone lit forus before bed and again at 5 a.m.Later that morning, the rest of thegroup joined the nine of us for aMongolian meal and ademonstration of athletics that

included wrestling, archery andhorseback riding.

The next day, after waking earlyto see a camel herder in the GobiDesert and hearing Mongolianmusic, we crossed the border intoChina. The border city is Erenhot,one of the “ghost” cities that theChinese government has promotedto get people to move away fromBeijing. Though the center of the cityhas some people, there are blocks andblocks of empty apartments andstreets; it is eerie to see. They arebuilding a Disney-like dinosaur park

Train ride to 20

Above left, a woman sells flowers in the square at Ekaterinberg, Russia. At top, a brass band serenadestravelers in a Moscow train station, and above, author Michelle Christianson stands near the yurt, whereshe stayed while in Mongolia. Photos courtesy of Michelle Christianson

20 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

The Park Bugle prints obituaries free of charge as a service to our communities. Send information about area deaths to Mary Mergenthal at mary.mergenthal@gmail.com or call 651-644-1650.

L I V E S L I V E D

Donald KelseyDonald G. Kelsey, 78, a St. AnthonyPark resident for many years andmore recently of Como Park, diedOct. 26, 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 55years, Carol; his children, Mark(Kimberly) Kelsey, Heather (Randall)Quale and Michael Kelsey and friendKathleen McCarthy; threegrandchildren; sister, Linda (GlennStrand) Kelsey; brother, Thomas(Ingrid Schaff) Kelsey; nieces andnephews; other relatives and friends.

Don worked for the Universityof Minnesota libraries. He was a pastScout Master of Troop 17 and on thestaff of Tomahawk ScoutReservation. He was also pastpresident of Minnesota LibraryFoundation and a dedicatedvolunteer and church member.

He was preceded in death by hisparents, Clive and Mary, and sister,

Judith Kopper. His memorial servicewas held Nov. 2 at Como ParkLutheran Church.

Thomas Polta Thomas Alfred Polta, M.D., 70, ofSpring Lake Park, Minn., died Oct.25, 2017.

Dr. Polta served in the U.S. AirForce as a captain stationed in Alaskawith his first wife, Chris, and theirsons Steve and Dan. Tom worked asan anesthesiologist at Unity andMercy Hospitals in the Twin Cities.

Mass of Christian Burial washeld Nov. 18 at the Church of St.Cecilia in St. Anthony Park.

Eleanor Urbanski Eleanor S. Urbanski, 99, of ComoPark, died peacefully on Oct. 24,2017.

She was preceded in death byher husband, Andrew; sisters andbrothers. She is survived by her son,Clem (Annette); daughter, Bonnie(Jim) Davy; five grandchildren; andfive great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial wascelebrated Nov. 7 at Church of theHoly Childhood in Como Park.

Jesse Zepeda Jesse Antonio Zepeda, Jr., formerlyof St. Anthony Park, died Oct. 29,2017. He returned to St. AnthonyPark recently, when admitted to St.Anthony Park Home after a stroke.

He is survived by his mother,Agnes H.; two sons, Chris and Jesse;two daughters, Maria and Stephanie;and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His funeral was held Nov. 8 atSt. Anthony Park Lutheran Church,with interment at Fort Snelling.

Train ride from 19

outside the city to lure tourists, but itwas mostly empty. Maybe in a fewyears the tourists will be there.

Beijing, of course, is also full ofbuildings, but those buildings are allfull of residents, and many more arebeing built. We quickly shed ourwarm clothes, as it was in the upper80s on our first day there. OurChinese guide was wonderful, but nograss was going to grow under herfeet. We saw the Temple of Heaventhe first afternoon, the Great Wall,the Ming tombs and the SpiritualWalk the next day, brightly lit Beijingthat evening and Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City and the OlympicGames venue the next day. It wastiring, but so interesting.

That last night in Beijing, wehad a dinner with all the people fromthe train. Our host recognized thecountries we came from: Germany,France, Portugal, Brazil, Australia,Switzerland, Great Britain, theNetherlands and the U.S. (Sadly, ourfriends, the Thai-American doctors,had already left the group. They weresuch fun.)

In many ways, spending timewith the group was the best part ofthe journey; it was a sort of travelingslumber party. We got to know eachother pretty well, and it was anadventurous and well-traveled (andfun) bunch of people. Being in suchclose quarters and sharing suchinteresting sites and activities madeus quickly form good friendships. Ihope to keep in contact with themand find out about their nextadventures. Some are already myFacebook friends.

So, there is a short version of mytrip on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Ifyou want to know more, just ask meand I’d be happy to share moreexperiences (and photos) with you.

Michelle Christianson is a longtimecontributor to the Bugle. She can bereached at mlkchris@comcast.net.

Park BugleLike us on Facebook

� LYDIA PLACE COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITIES— ELCARev. Scott Simmons, pastor, 612-859-1134, lydiaplace.comHymntap beer and hymns, fourth Monday of each month

7 p.m. Dubliner Pub, 2162 W. University Ave., St. Paul 55114Sunday worship: 5 p.m., Dow Art Gallery,

2242 W. University Ave., St. Paul

� MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH —WELSA Caring Family of Christ-Centered Believerswww.mount-olive-lutheran-church.orgFind us on Facebook1460 Almond Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108651-645-2575

Sunday worship: 9 a.m.Bible study and Sunday school, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Al Schleusener

� PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH—ELCA1744 Walnut St. (at Ione), Lauderdale, 651-644-5440www.peacelauderdale.com

Sunday worship: 10 a.m.Reconciling in Christ CongregationAll are welcome. Come as you are.

� ST. CECILIA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH2357 Bayless Place, 651-644-4502www.stceciliaspm.orgHandicap-accessible

Saturday Mass: 4:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8:15 a.m. and 10 a.m.

� HOLY CHILDHOOD CATHOLIC CHURCH 1435 Midway Parkway, St. Paul, 55108Pastor, Fr. Timothy CloutierWeekend Masses: Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 9:15 a.m.Weekday Masses (Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat.): 7:45 a.m.Confession: Sat. 7 - 7:30 a.m. & 4 - 4:30 p.m.Parish office: 651-644-7495, mcmadigan@holychildhoodparish.org

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Eve) Sunday, December 24, 2017, 10 p.m.MISSA SOLEMNIS IN C, K.337 by W.A. Mozartplus traditional carols: “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,” and Gesu Bambino Choir with Orchestra & Organ

Feast of the Holy FamilySunday, December 31, 2017, 9:15 a.m.MESSE PASTORALE by Samuel RousseauChoir with Strings, Harp & OrganThe Epiphany of the LordSunday, January 7, 2018, 9:15 a.m.MESSE SUR DE AIRS DE NOELS by Henri Nibelle Choir with Strings, Harp & Organ

Community Worship Directory� CATALYST COVENANT CHURCHYou are more than welcome to join us at Catalyst Covenant Church.We meet Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at 1490 Fulham St.For additional information on other activities and events,visit us at www.catalystcovenant.org or email us at info@catalystcovenant.org

� ST. ANTHONY PARK UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST2129 Commonwealth Ave. (corner of Commonwealth and Chelmsford)651-646-7173, www.sapucc.org

9:15 a.m. Faith Formation for all ages: Sunday school and Adult Forum10:30 a.m. Worship

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. Intergenerational Service10 p.m. Candlelight ServiceChristian Tradition � Progressive Faith � All Are Welcome

� ST. ANTHONY PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH2323 Como Avenue W. 651-645-0371Staffed nursery available / Handicap-accessible Pastor Glenn Berg Moberg and Pastor Jill RodeWeb, Facebook and Twitter: SAPLCSunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Education for all 9:45 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 2410 a.m. Advent Lessons and Carols3:30, 5 & 10 p.m. Christmas Eve WorshipMonday, Dec. 2510 a.m. Christmas Day Worship

Sunday, Dec. 31 One service only, 10 a.m.

� ST. MATTHEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCHThe Rev. Blair A. Pogue, Rector | 2136 Carter at Chelmsford651-645-3058 | www.stmatthewsmn.orgHours: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tuesday - FridaySundays: 10:30 a.m. (Liturgical with Communion) | 5:30 p.m. (Contemplative)

6:30 p.m. DinnerEducation for all ages on Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday Eucharist & Lunch at 12 p.m.Sunday, December 3 | Dinner Church at 5:30 p.m.

Begin Advent around one tableChristmas Eve | Family Service 4 p.m., Choral Service 10 p.m.

� CENTENNIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCHST. ANTHONY PARK CAMPUS

2200 Hillside Ave, 651-633-764410 a.m. Sunday contemporary worship

Authentic • Thinking • ActiveGreat for those seeking to love Church again (plus the coffee is REALLY good)

To add your place of worship to the directory, contact Bradley Wolfe at 952-393-6814 or

bradley.wolfe@parkbugle.org

11/14/17 3:26 PM Page 1

9:53 AM Page 1

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 21

School News

We welcome news about area schools andstudents in our coverage area. Send yournews about local schools and students toeditor@parkbugle.org. The next deadlineis Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Chelsea Heights Elementary1557 Huron St., 651-293-8790www.chelsea.spps.org

Easy fundraisersHead to these participatingestablishments in December, tellthem you are participating in theChelsea Heights fundraiser, and aportion of the money you spend willbe donated to the school:

• Thursday, Dec. 14: St. PaulBagelry, 1702 N. Lexington Ave., 7a.m.-3 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 21: Davanni’s,1905 Perimeter Road, Roseville, allday.

Como Park Senior High740 Rose Ave., 651-293-8800www.comosr.spps.org

Students learn about financeWells Fargo volunteers and mentorsvisited Como and guided all 330Academy of Finance (AOF) studentsin grades 9-12 in small groupdiscussions, mock interviews and increating resumes, writing cover lettersand filling out cover letters.

BEASTBot is a Halloweentreat at Mall of America Como’s BEASTBot Robotics Clubwent to the Mall of America (MOA)on Halloween for the Anaphylaxisand Food Allergy Association ofMinnesota’s annual Allergy-Free

Zone. Young superheroes andgoblins were able to drive the robotand collect food-free treats thanks tothese Cougar role models.

Grocery bagging at Cub helpsstudents raise funds for D.C. tripFundraising is in full swing for theannual Close Up trip to Washington,D.C., in March. Students from APGovernment classes will bag groceriesat the Roseville Cub Foods onLarpenteur Avenue from 4 to 8 p.m.Tuesday, Nov. 21, for donations fromCub customers. More grocerybagging is scheduled during winterbreak in December. Interested infinancially supporting the students?Contact trip coordinator EricErickson, eric.erickson@spps.org.

Learn about Como’s AP programComo Park High School’s AdvancedPlacement (AP) Night is Monday,Nov. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in theschool library. AP Night is anopportunity for prospective studentsand families to learn more aboutComo’s AP program from staff,parents and a student panel.

Students and families interestedin learning about Como’s award-winning AP curriculum will be ableto visit with current AP students andteachers and ask questions about theAP experience. College in theSchools (CIS) classes are also offeredat Como and also will be presentedat the meeting. Questions? Call APcoordinator Molly McCurdy Yates,651-744-5354.

Volunteer at ComoComo students and staff are lookingfor community members who would

like to volunteer in the classrooms.Interested individuals can contactMolly McCurdy Yates at 651-744-5354 to learn more.

Construction updateConstruction on the Como’s newaddition continues to progress. Steelbeams are now two-stories high inthe space south of the buildingtoward the railroad tracks. Workcrews are busy all day and managethe project so that the loudest, mostintensive structural assembly adjacentto the existing walls is completedafter the official school day ends at 2p.m. Teachers with classrooms nearthe construction have been makingaccommodations to provide after-school help to students and do theirgrading and preparation inalternative locations away from thenoise.

Murray Middle School2200 Buford Ave., 651-293-8740www.murray.spps.org

Annual book fair is Dec. 7Murray’s annual Barnes & Noblebook fair will be held all dayThursday, Dec. 7, at the Barnes &Noble at HarMar Mall, 2100 N.Snelling Ave., Roseville. A percentageof books sold will go to Murray’sParent Teacher Association.

The day will include a showcaseof student work, musicalperformances and gift wrapping bythe National Junior Honor Society.

Can’t attend? You can supportMurray by ordering online Dec. 7-12. Enter the book fair ID 12060364at checkout.

When he heard about the ComoPark/Falcon Heights Block NurseProgram, he promptly volunteeredfor a driver position.

The block nurse program offersa variety of in-home services forelderly residents in the area, andRasmussen enjoys his new job as achauffeur.

Rasmussen never imagined hisSinging Sinatra days would comeinto play in his new gig, until apassenger asked him what he did fora living before he began shuttlingpeople to their medicalappointments. He told her he wasretired from the Navy, and he sangSinatra.

“She asked me to sing her asong, so I did,” he said. “I sang ‘YouMake Me Feel So Young.’ ”

And with that, Rasmussendiscovered a new stage for his brandof Sinatra. Word of the Sinatra-singing chauffeur spread, and calls forhis services quickly increased. Fox 9News and the Star Tribune sentreporters to cover the story.

Rasmussen realized that, insome cases, his singing was morethan just entertaining for his elderlypassengers. “I remember this onewoman was really nervous andapprehensive about going to the

doctor, so I sang to her,” he said.“That seemed to relax her.”

Jennifer Grilliot, volunteer andoutreach coordinator for the blocknurse program, is glad to haveRasmussen on call. “What impressesme about Bill is how much he caresabout taking the time to brightensomeone’s day, and he does it withsuch style,” she said. “We deeplyappreciate the years he has given tourprogram and area seniors.”

Rasmussen’s show schedule hastapered off over the last few years,but he still gives the occasionalperformance. His newfound freetime has afforded him theopportunity to get more involved inhis community and to explore hisbeloved Como Park.

“When my wife first took me to

Singing Sinatra from 3Como Park all those years ago, I fellin love with the place,” Rasmussensaid. “It’s a jewel.”

You can see Rasmussen’s ComoPark show from a few years ago onYouTube by searching for Memoriesof Como Park the Musical.

To learn more out more aboutthe Como Park/Falcon HeightsLiving at Home Block NurseProgram—a 25-year-old nonprofitserving seniors 65 and older in theComo Park and Falcon Heightsarea—go to www.comobnp.org orcall 651-642-1127.

Rob Passons lives near Mille Lacs Lakeand worked as a reporter for the MilleLacs Messenger for seven years. He is afrequent weekend visitor to the ComoPark area.

Clinical Excellence for over 40 years!

2278 Como Avenue / St. Paul

ST. ANTHONY PARKDENTAL CARE

Dr. Nate Cogswell, DDS651-644-3685

Dr. Paul Kirkegaard, DDS651-644-9216 www.pkdds.com

Dr. Todd Grossmann, DDS

We are excited to now providewisdom tooth extractions, implants,

root canals, & IV-sedation sleepdentistry for our patients!

Your neighbors in St. Anthony Park

Page 1

Como Park/Falcon HeightsLiving at Home Block Nurse Program

1376 Hoyt Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55108Phone: (651) 642-1127 Email: director@comobnp.org Website: www.comobnp.org

Your non-profit neighborhood agency designed to support residents 65and better who wish to remain in the home and community they love.

Insurance/Private Pay/Sliding-Fee Scale• Medicare Certified Home Health Care• Non-Diabetic Foot Care• Homemaker and Companion Care

No Cost Services/Donations Accepted• Transportation• Respite Care• Home Safety Checks• Weekly Exercise with Volunteer• Volunteer Visitors• Nurse Outreach Visits• Caregiver Support• Resource and Referrals

Page 1

St. Anthony Park Area Seniors: Rides for SeniorsSt. Anthony Park Area Seniors coordinates rides given by volunteers tohealth-related appointments and program activities for seniors registered inthe program. We do not charge for this service, but donations are welcome!Call 651-642-9052 to find out how you can get a ride or give a ride.

2200 Hillside Ave / 651-642-9052 / sapaseniors.org

22 P A R K B U G L E n D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

CPHS Cougar Sports Murray Pilots SportsEric Erickson highlights Como Park Senior High School athletics each month in the Bugle.

by Eric Erickson

M

Murray and Como fall sports summariesComo Park CougarsFootball—As previously reported inthe Bugle, the Como Cougarsfootball team produced a memorableseason that resulted in hosting ahome playoff game. The teamfinished second in the Twin CitiesRed Sub-District and compiled anoverall record of 6-3. Seniorleadership was the key ingredient forsuccess.

The following seniors wereselected to the All-District team:Donny Ventrelli, Robert Adams,Timitrius Simmons, Will Wootenand Gunnar Olson. Seniors receivingHonorable Mention All-Districtinclude Roberto Urbina, LuminJohnson, Patrick Corniea and JayViar Johnson. Additionally, seniorlineman Donny Ventrelli was votedDefensive MVP of the Twin CitiesRed Sub-District by the districtcoaches.

Boys’ soccer—In the always-challenging St. Paul City Conference,the varsity boys struggled to findearly wins. With hard work andresolve, however, the team improvedand put together a four-gamewinning streak at the conclusion ofthe regular season and into thesection play-offs, ultimately falling toHarding in the Section 4A Final.Senior captains Law Htoo, KobbyOwu and Kher Lin Kyaw were All-Conference selections.

The Como boys’ soccerprogram fields four teams. Comosoccer alum Hussein Mohamedcoached the C-team and washonored as the Section 4A AssistantCoach of the Year. Mohamed

Runners from the Como Park cross-country team circle up prior to competing at the Battle CreekRelays during their successful fall season. Photo by Jim Rue

organized all the new freshmenplayers into a cohesive, unselfish unitthat finished 14-1-2 while competingagainst ninth- and 10th-grade cityand suburban teams.

Cross country—The distance runnersenjoyed a wonderful fall season oftraining and camaraderie. Both theboys’ and girls’ teams placed third inthe St. Paul City Conference. In thefive-team Pike Island Invitational,both teams took first place.

Senior Florence Uwajenezabattled through injuries all season butpeaked for the massive Roy GriakInvitational at the University ofMinnesota. With more than 400runners in the Maroon Girls’Division, Uwajeneza finished firstand earned the gold medal. She wasunable to run at the St. Paul CityConference meet but earned all-conference honorable mention forher previous races. Freshman ClaireOlson also received honorablemention.

Sophomore Kemal Bati was aleading runner for the Cougar boys,earning all-conference with a top-10finish at the city meet and a first place

at Pike Island. Senior co-captain EliPattison also had an outstandingseason. Out of 50 runners at PikeIsland, he placed second overall.

Volleyball—The Cougars’ volleyballprogram continued to have highparticipation with three teamsconsisting of the varsity, junior varsityand C-team. The varsity teamfinished with a winning record of 7-5 in the St. Paul City Conference andwere led by all-conference seniorsMaria Heeh and Madyson Sklar.Junior Sole Malia Chialamonti andsophomore Anisa Smith were all-conference honorable mention. Theyoungest players in the program

showed great promise as the C-teamwon the conference tournament atthe close of the season.

Girls’ soccer—It was a record-breakingseason for the Cougars with all-timeprogram highs reached for goalsscored (91) and shutouts (13). Thatcombination produced an overallrecord of 15-4 and a trip to theSection 4A Semi-Finals where Comofell to Mahtomedi, who went on towin the state championship.

For the second straight season,Shar Too was chosen All-State. Shetallied 25 goals and was the second-leading goal scorer in the entire state.The team was young but had veteranleadership with senior captains TuLor Eh Paw and Emily Forstrom,along with junior captain GigiGabrielli. The team’s strong nucleusof players returning for next seasonincludes all-conference sophomoresShar Too and Rebar Htoo and all-conference junior defender CeliaOlson.

Girls’ tennis—Participation increasedthis season with the addition ofseveral sophomores joining theprogram. The added depth broughtmore energy to practices andprovided more flexibility for thevarsity lineup and junior varsityexhibition matches. Sixteen girls wereon the roster, led by senior captainsGranda Sayavong who played No. 1singles and Shyann Salverda whoplayed No. 3 singles. Junior VictoriaHartwich-Cedillo played No. 2singles. Sayavong was also Como’srecipient of the Jeanne ArthSportsmanship Award, determinedby a vote of the conference coaches.

Girls’ swimming—The Cougarscombined with Johnson HighSchool swimmers to form a deeperteam and train together every day inthe Como pool. The result was athird-place finish in the St. Paul CityConference. Senior Adrianna Tarverproduced the best results of her careerand achieved all-conferencehonorable mention. SophomoreAmira Boler also earned all-conference honorable mention.

Murray PilotsVolleyball—The Pilots put togetheranother strong season on the courtand finished the regular season witha 7-4 record. In the conferencetournament, Murray demonstratedits improvement as they defeatedParkway, a team that beat the Pilotsin the first half of the season. Thattournament victory propelled thesquad to third place out of the 12teams. The coaches noted that all

Sports to 24

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 n P A R K B U G L E 23

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Sports from 22

players took their individual skills tohigher levels, supported each otherextremely well and team spirit wasconsistently positive.

Girls’ soccer—With a winning recordand a third-place finish in the St. PaulCity Conference, the soccer girlsstayed strong and continued to playwith quality. In the final game, on acold, gray and windy day on theMurray field, a late goal lifted the

team to a 1-0 win over Washingtonand a satisfying conclusion to theseason.

Seventh-grader Betty Hebblewas the leading scorer for the teamthis season. Eighth-grade goalieMaddy DeGaetano was always areliable presence in the net, makingdozens of challenging saves and beingselected most valuable player of thedefense.

Boys’ soccer—With more than 50players, the coaches formed an A-Team and B-Team and scheduledadditional games to provide moreparticipation opportunities. Atalented group of seventh-gradersstepped up to become the core of theA-Team and push the Pilots to arecord of 6-3-1. Byron Mendoza wasthe team’s top scorer. The teamcaptains were Damien Perryman,Gordan Van Sant, Soren Berg andGabriel Albornoz Ruiz, who all

modeled a strong work ethic andprovided positive leadership.

Flag football—For the secondconsecutive season, the Murray flagfootball team finished undefeatedwith a record of 11-0 and claimed theSt. Paul City Conferencechampionship. The Pilots started theseason winning games by largemargins over many rivals, but thetoughest games against the other topteams, Highland and Washington,were scheduled for the last two daysof the season. Murray rose to thechallenge defeating Highland 21-13and clinching the title with a 27-21victory over Washington.

Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher atComo Park High School and a longtimecoach of school and youth sports in St.Paul.

Farm 2 School brings local food to school lunch tablesBy Alex Lodner

The Good Acre, a food hub at 1790W. Larpenteur Ave., Falcon Heights,has its fingers in all things food. Fromcooking classes to serving as a CSAlocation to connecting local farmerswith wholesalebuyers, the GoodAcre works tocreateopportunities tonourish andeducate.

Now, theGood Acre ishelping TwinCities area schoolsprovide healthymeals to studentsthrough its Farm2 Schoolprogram. Theprogram waslaunched in 2016, when the GoodAcre partnered with Fridley PublicSchools. The Good Acre facilitatedtraining for the school district’snutrition services staff, includingtechnique training, recipedevelopment and ideas on creatinghealthier menus for students. Overthe next year, the program has grownto include 12 school districts in thegreater Twin Cities area, includingRoseville, St. Paul and St. Anthony-New Brighton.

With the ultimate goal ofincorporating more local produceinto districts’ lunch lines, Good Acrerepresentatives meet with nutritionservices directors and assess eachdistrict’s needs and current capacities.Pricing, delivery and menus are alladdressed. Then the training begins,

touching on everything from knifeskills to roasting techniques. Some ofthe training takes place at GoodAcres’ expansive commercial kitchen.

“We want to make it easy forschools of any size and at any level offarm-to-school experience to

incorporate more local, small farmer-grown produce into theirfood-service programs,” Good Acrekitchen manager NatalieVandenburgh said. “We talk aboutlocal agriculture and seasonality offood, introduce nutritional servicesstaff to the produce they will receivefrom us throughout the school year,and work with them through hands-on culinary training. The staff isexcited to learn, and many of themmake the dishes that they learn in ourtrainings for their own families athome.”

The kids get in on the action aswell. The Good Acre providesschools with materials to share withstudents so the kids can more easilyconnect the food they are eating withthe farmers who have grown the local

produce that is served on the lunchline.

The Good Acre recentlypartnered with Roseville Area MiddleSchool’s PTA, holding aFarm2Families Fundraiser. Parentsand school staff placed orders fororganic carrots—two pounds for

themselves and two pounds for theschool’s nutrition services program.Twelve dollars of each $20 donationbenefitted the PTA, and the kids gotto enjoy these healthy treats both athome and in their schools.

Want to get your own kidsinterested in healthy cooking? Look

for kids’ baking and soup-makingclasses at the Good Acre this winter.You can find upcoming classes atwww.thegoodacre.org.

Alex Lodner writes about food from herhome in Como Park.

At top, Emily Paul, director of kitchen operations at the Good Acre, works with Roseville Area Schoolsand Fridley school lunch staff. One of the day’s lessons was how to cook kohlrabi for a variety of dishes.Above, the root vegetable is sliced in preparation for making kohlrabi fries. Photos by Kristal Leebrick

A bowl of locally grown cabbage.

7:51 PM Page 1

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