Saturday, May 30, 2009

Prof. Cricket sniffs out the news while the Hillsider is printed


The Hillsider is printed on web press by a company named Print Corp in Carlton Minnesota. I drive there and usually take my little doggy named Prof. Cricket. She just loves going for a ride. What she especially likes is getting to go for a walk in a new area. Sometimes we just walk around Carlton and sometimes we go over to Cloquet. I like to visit the Warming House next to Gordy's Hi Hat or visit the thrift store. She doesn't really like sitting in the car waiting for me . If she is really lucky, I will drive into Jay Cooke State Park while waiting for the paper to print.

This journey I decided to take Prof. Cricket to Jay Cooke State Park and check out the camping sites. As we drove into the park Prof. Cricket's her tailed started fluttering as her eyes widened. She was in seventh Heaven.

Some of you may know that my daughter and I call ourselves Sun Dog Press and we are "determined as terriers." Well our little doggy is a terrier and she too is determined to sniff out the news.

Here are some photos I took of her during our adventure while waiting for the June issue to print.

Create a spoken word performance and receive a stipend

Justin Timberlake, J.Lo & Brittney vs. HIV news

By Maggie Kazel

AIDS Info Duluth
Justin Timberlake … why do I know his name? It’s odd to me that I hear all about Justin, J Lo, Britney and other folks I’ll likely never meet every time I pick up a paper, turn on radio or computer. Pop culture news is inescapable. But what about public health news?

Youth face a much different world than their parents. Never before in U.S. history has there been the startling statistic that one in four teenagers has an STD, a sexually transmitted disease. By the time today’s teenagers reach the ripe old age of 25, that statistic will change – 1 in 2 will have an STD. Amazing. And one of those diseases is HIV. Understand that every 27 hours another Minnesotan becomes HIV positive.

AIDS is described as a severe stage of HIV illness. And when a person receives medical care, HIV can be managed as a chronic illness for many years – witness Magic Johnson.
AIDS Info Duluth will be at Juneteenth in Central Hillside Park. A special FYI for Youth: Paid stipends are available for participants in our Juneteenth Spoken Word Event! Call 720-6385 or stop by the office on the second floor, Gloria Dei Church to sign up.

If you are between the ages of 13 and 64, U.S. Center for Disease wants you to have an HIV test as part of your annual physical exam if you are sexually active. AIDS Info Duluth offers free HIV testing.

We’re a mobile society. It’s important to know what HIV is and how to protect yourself. Every 9 and ½ minutes in the U.S. someone becomes HIV+.
That’s often, am I right? Does Justin Timberlake know this? Well, if he’s reading the Hillsider, now he does. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/nineandahalfminutes/

The Depot exhibits “Nowhere to Hide” through June 30

Local artist/graphic designer Gary Lundstrom produced exhibit “Nowhwere to Hide” a traveling exhibit providing a historical understanding of the present worldwide HIV/AIDS pandemic by comparing it to the 1918 flu pandemic. The exhibit opened on May 4 in the Fesler Gallery of the St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center (Depot), 506 West Michigan St., where it will remain until June 30. Admission is by regular Depot gate fee.

While providing overall context and understanding of the present HIV/AIDS pandemic, the exhibit highlights some of the parallels and differences between this epidemic and the 1918 flu pandemic. It also puts a human and local face on both diseases. AIDS Information Duluth provided a wealth of interview material and other information as content for the exhibit. Many stories of individuals, families, institutions, and the collective public response to these diseases were used.

Need space for your rummage sale? Mt. Olive Church offers their parking lot

A Neighborhood Rummage Sale will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E. Superior Street, on Thursday, June 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Rain Date: Friday, June 19)
Rummage sales are not always easy in a neighborhood when there is a problem with space and parking.

Members of Mt. Olive will help the community in this aspect. With one parking lot used for the actual sale, the other parking lot would be available for parking.
If you would like to “host” your own table at this event, please call the church office at 724-2500. There is no charge for your “space”. You need to run your own table and take care of your own sales, setting up and taking down. Here’s the chance to clean out your closets and make a little money at the same time.

Duluth residents “Take Back the Night.”




Captions: Far left: rally supporters at the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial (photo by Scott Yeazle) Center People march on First Street. (Photo by Scott Yeazle) RIght: Supporters of non-violence hold up signs. (Photo by Lisa Kane)

By Kimberly Dansereau
Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Hillside and downtown in April. Women, children and men of all ages, ethnic, social and economical backgrounds gathered to show their support of Duluth’s annual Take Back the Night event. The march and rally is in protest against sexual violence.

Marchers, volunteers, performers and speakers gathered at the Washington Center and enjoyed a wonderful meal provided by area vendors. Dancers and musicians performed in the gymnasium and Mayor Don Ness spoke on behalf of the city against sexual violence. He also spoke as a husband and a father of a young daughter. Booths were set up in the hallways by many organizations to inform and to provide help for those who were in need of some.

The march started at the Washington Center on Third Street went down First Street along Lake Avenue and Superior Street, making a stop at the Clayton, Jackson, McGhie Memorial where a moment of silence was observed before marchers headed back to the Washington Center. Protesters held signs that read “No more violence,” and “No means no.” The crowd also chanted more slogans including “What do we want? Safe Streets. When do we want it? Now.”

Residents may volunteer for the city’s parks

From Memorial Day to Labor Day one specific day of the week will be dedicated to bringing volunteers together at one site to keep our city clean and beautiful. Volunteers can simply ‘Pick A Day’, show up at the work site and work for a few hours. All volunteer days will be staffed and supervised by a City of Duluth Park Maintenance employee.

The ‘Pick a Day’ schedule is as follows:
Mondays - Lakewalk: Meet at the Endion Station at 10 a.m.
Tuesdays - Rose Garden: Meet at the Rose Garden Gazebo at 10 a.m.
Wednesdays - Trail Projects Phone 730-4490 for specific trail projects and locations.
Thursdays - Enger Park: Meet in the parking lot at 10 a.m.
Friday- Park Point Beach: Meet the beach house on the lake side at 10 a.m.
Saturdays - Special Projects Phone 730-4490 for specific project information/location

For more information about the “Pick a Day” Volunteer program please call the City of Duluth Public Information Coordinator at 730-4312.

Chester Creek Books opens in church building in East Hillside near Walgreens

Caption: The open airy space of a former church makes a great spot for bookstore. Seen here is owner of the Chester Creek Bookstore, Mark Kilen. Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff

Mark Kilen says he has always thought a church building was the perfect place to display used books and antiques. Last year, he and his wife, Kay, purchased the church building at 1333 E. Superior St. It had former been the location of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Kilen says a church building lends itself well to a bookstore because there is ample space and the high ceilings give an open and bright feeling. “It is aesthetically pleasing and the books don’t look stuffed in,” said Kilen.

Kilen retired as a radiologist 12 years ago. Currently he manages the Old Town Antique Mall in downtown Duluth and he also has books and antiques at other antique malls in the area. He estimated that he has about 20,000 books in the store.

The collection of books at Chester Creek Books are mostly hardcover and are concentrated around the subjects of local or regional history, hunting, and “The West” as well as early American history. Kilen says, “We don’t have Danielle Steel or a lot of westerns.” Other subject areas include sports, nature, cooking, antiques, crafts and decorating. He hopes to add a children’s section. He likes collecting and selling hardcover books because they hold their value better and they are in better shape than paperbacks.

The majority of books are priced between $5.00 and $15.00.
The store is open Wednesday through Saturday and opens at 10 a.m. It is open until 9 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

For Me For You Fashion & Beauty is on Grand Avenue in West Duluth

Caption: Susan McCalister in her shop in West Duluth. Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff

Susan McCalister has opened For Me For You Fashion & Beauty Supply at 5711 Grand Ave., across from K-mart.

McCalister saw a need for braiders in Duluth. She has given workshops to foster parents on how to care for African American hair.

Her store carries hair care products such as wigs, extensions and PCJ products for children.
McCalister also has a tanning bed and sells jewelry and clothing. Phone 464-4640 for more information.

Unique Beauty and Hair Supply opens downtown with specialty in ethnic hair

caption: Davenell Ash
Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff



Davenell Ash has opened a shop, Unique Beauty and Hair Supply at 115 N. 3rd Ave. W. Her shop caters to hair care for African American women. Ash says many women have grown up using harsh chemicals in their hair. She counsels women on natural alternatives.

Her shop includes wigs, Kanekalon products, bees wax and other hair care tools.
Ash has also donated time and services to Safe Haven Shelter for Battered Women.
She is currently seeking more braiders.

Added Feb. 24, 2010 the new number is 218-260.2689. Editor

Grandama's Marathon and Junetenth often cause Father’s Day: to be lost in the shuffle

Caption: Brandon Clokey holding one of his daughters at the Martin Luther King rally in 2007.
Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff


By Brandon Clokey

Amid the race results, amid the ointments for the aching muscles, amid the chaos of returning to normal…something tends to be lost. Father’s Day.

Since coming to Duluth five years ago, I have been puzzled that Father’s Day often gets buried by all of the other great events that fall on the same weekend. Grandma’s Marathon, Juneteenth and other activities tend to grab our focus and much of our efforts.

While many are still tending to the sunburns and blisters, children across the Northland are doing their best to figure out how to make breakfast in bed for dad. This, of course, becomes easier the taller and older the kids are. Otherwise, 4 and 5 year olds are trying their best to create breakfast with four pieces of licorice, an egg, a bowl, and the barbeque sauce that they see dad use at every picnic. Ok, so it may not be the safest meal in the world, but it is heartfelt and a scene repeated in various forms across the city and country.

The sad part is, however, fathers have often been lost in the shuffle. We strive to recognize and appreciate the role of mothers and everything they do. Indeed, without mothers, we could not be fathers. Mothers are and should be cherished. But not until recently have we attempted to place equal value on fatherhood and the value that fathers have in the development of healthy families and healthy children.

From a court system that has tended to be mother-biased for many years to federal programs such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), society has managed to send a message that perhaps places the value of fathers on a different level than mothers.

Programs like the Duluth Fathering Project, Boyz II Dadz, and the St Louis County Child Support Division are all members of the Minnesota Fathers and Families Network. One goal of the statewide network is to improve the lives of fathers, children, and ultimately the whole family, even if they are not under the same roof.

And why not? The facts are simple…fathers that play a crucial role in child development and family dynamics help to generate many positive attributes for their children. These children tend to:
•Perform better in school. Academics, attendance, graduation rates
•Are less likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system
•Are less anti-social and aggressive
•Have better self-esteem
•Show lower rates of child maltreatment
•Show less maternal stress
•Are less likely to be in poverty

So, this is for fathers out there who may or may not have been lost in the shuffle. Enjoy your licorice and egg breakfast. Enjoy the tie that lights up and sings. Enjoy the extra hugs and kisses that you get on Father’s Day. Continue to be engaged in the lives of your children and grow with them as each day passes. As a father, there is no greater calling…and no greater blessing than our children. Happy Father’s Day.

The author is a Duluth father of three, and executive director of the Duluth Fathering Project

Friday, May 15, 2009

Dances of Universal Peace

The Dances of Universal Peace are on June 6th, Saturday evening, 7-9 pm, 1802 E. 1st St., Duluth (Friends Meeting House).

June's Dances of Universal Peace will be focusing on the heart of light. No experience necessary. Join us in simple sacred circle dances for peace and unity using songs and prayers inspired by the world's religious and spiritual traditions, to help us experience peace us across creed and race, while honoring one's own. $5 to $10 donation, more or less.

Animal Allies to host 17th Annual Walk for Animals on Saturday, May 16


Animal Allies Humane Society (AAHS) of Duluth presents the 17th Annual Walk for Animals on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Bayfront Park at 10:00 am. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Drawings and contests will take place after the walk.

The annual event attracts more than 300 human participants and their companion animals. The route follows the Lakewalk from Bayfront Park , behind the DECC, to Canal Park Inn, and back to Bayfront Park . There will also be a just-for-fun obstacle course, contests for puppy look-alike, best crooner, and best tail wag, and free continental breakfast for all registered walkers.

Walkers raise money through pledges to support Animal Allies. Pledge forms are available by calling (218) 722-9084, or at www.animalallies.net. Last year, walkers raised more than $38,000. All walkers who raise $40 or more receive a t-shirt. Those who collect $100 or more are entered into a special prize drawing for a Cirrus flight for three. Those who collect and/or donate $250 or more will have their pet lead off the walk as a pet grand marshal wearing a special grand marshal vest.

From 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Animal Allies will also microchip pets for $35 per animal. A microchip is a tiny computer chip encoded with identifying information for a pet and its owner, that is painlessly inserted under the pet’s skin. A lost pet with a microchip can be easily scanned for identification and returned to its owner.

Tours of the Neuter Commuter, Animal Allies’ mobile spay/neuter clinic, will also be available.

All proceeds from the 2009 Walk for Animals support the AAHS programs which will this year place more than 1100 homeless animals with adoptive families, spay and neuter more than 3,000 animals, and educate hundreds of area school children in the humane treatment of animals.

The 17th Annual Walk For Animals is presented by Mix 108 and the Northland’s Newscenter.

Animal Allies Humane Society strives to ensure a lifetime of loving care for every pet by reducing overpopulation, increasing adoption, and fostering humane values. AAHS is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.


Volunteers needed May 18th at the Rose Garden

Volunteers are need on Monday, May 18th from 1:00 PM-6:00 PM to help prune the rose bushes located in the Lief Erikson Park Rose Garden. Park Maintenance staff will be on hand to instruct volunteers of the proper pruning techniques. Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring work gloves and something to drink.

SECOND ANNUAL WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES™ MARCH and RALLY


Thursday May 21, 2009
6 p.m. start at Fitgers and walk to Harbor City International School
SECOND ANNUAL WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES™ MARCH and RALLY

6pm March starts at Harbor City International School, 32 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes™ is both a fundraiser and an effort to create awareness in the community as well as illustrate the importance of Men being involved in making positive change in this community. The first opportunity in this area for men to literally gather and “walk a mile in her shoes” showing their support to stop rape, gender violence, and sexual assault in the Northland. Men can choose to either wear women’s shoes, clothing, or simply wear a sash or carry a sign with sexual assault statistics. Women can also participate if they bring a male guest.

7pm Rally starts at Harbor City International School, 32 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN
Carl Crawford, John Doberstein, and Assistant County Attorney Mark Rubin will speak about the importance of men being involved in the movement to end rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. Join us for refreshments to listen to these powerful speakers. All are welcome to attend!