Another Public Meeting to “Save the Harrison” Community Center!Lincoln Park community organizations and local non-profits will host a forum to discuss saving the Harrison Community Center.
The Lincoln Park Business Group, along with other community organizations, residents, and local non-profit organizations, is hosting another event to “Save the Harrison.”
It is a meeting of collaborative partners that believe the Harrison Community Center is worth repairing after it was damaged by a fire last July. The forum will include presentations by the collaboration on what programs are held at the center and how they positively impact the lives of Lincoln Park residents.
City-council members and Mayor Ness have all been invited to this event. We currently have several commitments by council members to attend. The public and anyone interested in helping the “Save the Harrison” campaign are also invited.
The city architect, Terry Groshong, is currently getting bids for the project and construction will hopefully begin soon. The final step in the process is getting the city council and Mayor to approve the spending.
The forum will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at the Holy Trinity Church on the corner of 27th Avenue West and Third Street. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation following. Don’t miss this great opportunity to show your support for the Harrison Community Center! Everyone is welcomed and can get more information by contacting Heath Hickok at 727-6573 or via email at HeathHickok at lpbg dot org.
The Lincoln Park Business Group is a non-profit organization 501(C)3 whose mission is to assist and promote the growth of the Lincoln Park community through business and economic development. They are leading the efforts to improve Lincoln Park’s image by working with businesses, residents, and other city organizations to reduce crime, develop new business opportunities, and improve the streetscapes of the great Lincoln Park District.
Bring your antique/collectible item to the St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center (the Depot) for a free appraisal on Wednesday, January 16, 2008! The St. Louis County Historical Society has arranged for Dan Sershon of Northland Estate Services, an expert in antique appraisal, to be at your service from noon until 3 pm in the rotunda next to the Depot Theater.
You may bring one or more items for an informal verbal identification and evaluation. If the piece is too large or fragile to be hand-carried, clear photographs with a description of any marks and labels will be sufficient.
Past participants have thoroughly enjoyed the appraiser’s comments on what is always an interesting assortment of antiques and collectibles. ARCO coffee is available while you wait. This session is part of an on-going public education program offered by the St. Louis County Historical Society. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of this or any other estate/appraisal service, and museum staff is prohibited by professional ethics from making financial appraisals. Call (218) 733-7568 for further information
New book titled "GROWING IN CHRIST SERMONS FOR THE SPRING SEASON" By the late Michael D. Wuchter is now offered for sale.
Michael D. Wuchter was the senior pastor of First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota, when he suddenly passed away while traveling to Namibia. In addition to parish ministry in Hamilton Square, NJ and in Wooster, OH, Wuchter also served for 18 years as university pastor at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
Description: In nature, spring is a time of rebirth and renewal as the earth shakes off its wintry slumber. In the church, spring is also a time of renewal. From the reflection and self-examination of Lent comes the new dawn of the risen Son at Easter. In Growing in Christ, Michael Wuchter reflects this season of renewal in such messages as “A Letter From Cousin John,” “Explaining Resurrection,” and “Parenting and Hiking.” No matter the season, be it the scorching heat of summer or the bitter frost of winter, Growing in Christ can help us experience the newness of spring in our spirits.
Don't miss the book signing by Shirley Dyer Wuchter (the late author's wife) PLACE: Northern Lights Books & Gifts DATE: Saturday, February 2, 2008 TIME: 1-2 P.M.
Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc. Announces Availability of High school Seniors who plan to attend a technical school, community college, or four year university in the Fall of 2008 are encouraged to apply for a $1000 scholarship. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Board awards this scholarship every year at its Day of Remembrance on June 15.
Applications are due on April 30. The recipient of the 2008 scholarship will be notified by May 15.
For more information or to obtain a scholarship application, visit the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc.’s website at http://www.claytonjacksonmcghie.org/ or call 336-2990. Applications are also available from Duluth high school guidance councilors.
Additional snow removal operations planned. City of Duluth crews will again be removing snow from Duluth streets on the following schedule starting Tuesday, January 8:
Tuesday, January 8, 8:00 a.m. until completion – Second Street, lower side, Fourth to Sixth Avenues East, inclusive
Wednesday, January 9, 8:00 a.m. until completion – First Street, both sides, Sixth to Eighth Avenues East, inclusive; First Street, lower side, Ninth to Tenth Avenue East.
The areas where crews are to work will be posted as temporary no-parking areas. Motorists are reminded that vehicles left in no-parking zones while crews are at work will be tagged and towed. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Portman Community Recreation Center skating races to be held on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM.
The Portman Community Recreation Center will hold skating races on Friday, January 11, 2008. The races will begin at 6:00 PM for boys and girls in pre-kindergarten through fifth grades. Participants will be divided by boys and girls, hockey players and non hockey players and levels pre-school through 5th grade. Skaters will be individually timed by skating one lap around the rink. Every participant will receive either a trophy or ribbon. You may pre-register by phone, email or at the rink the day of the event between 5:30-6:00 PM.
The Portman Youth Hockey Association will also host a spaghetti fundraiser from 5:00-7:00 PM. Cost for the dinner is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Contact Portman Community Recreation Center at 525-0838 or email at ewenneson@duluthmn.gov for more information.
COMMUNITY FORUM: "Different Perspectives - Native & African Americans Speak Out on the War"-SPEAKERS:*Wanda Sayers, Women's Transitional Housing*Tanya M. Sconiers, community member*Jim Northrup, author & veteran*Henry Banks, former candidate for city council-WHERE: Central Hillside Community Center, Duluth MN[on the corner of Lake Ave. & 4th Street E.]-WHEN: Friday, January 18 at 7pm.-SPONSOR: Northland Anti-War Coalition, P.O. Box 16853, Duluth MN55816, (715) 394-6660, http://northlandantiwar.blogspot.com/or http://www.northlandantiwar.com/
You're invited to attend and participate in this community forum onhow the ongoing war in Iraq is affecting communities of color across America, including in our own community. A panel of local Native and African American community leaders will be sharing their views on the subject. After the panel gives their presentations, there will be an open, moderated discussion in which the public is invited to share their views on the war. All viewpoints are welcome. This event is free and open to everyone.
ALSO ON THAT SAME DAY . . .Join us in holding signs and handing out leaflets against the war!-DULUTH ANTI-WAR VIGIL: Noon to 1pm, corner of Kenwood Ave. & CollegeStreet in Duluth near the UMD campus. Join us in holding signs and handing out leaflets against the war.-SUPERIOR ANTI-WAR VIGIL: 4pm to 5pm, corner of Tower Ave. & Belknap near the Superior Public Library.All three of the above events are being organized by the NorthlandAnti-War Coalition as part of the Iraq Moratorium Project. The Iraq Moratorium Project is a national endeaver that is encouraging concerned citizens to organize events in their community about the war in Iraq on every 3rd Friday of the month until the war is ended
January 21 Martin Luther King Day "Answering the Call: Community, Service, Commitment" Free Community Breakfast; Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W. 3rd St.
7 a.m. Registration and breakfast
8 a.m. Large screen broadcast from Minneapolis of Tavis Smiley's speech
9 a.m. Local program
March and Rally; Washington Center to Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center 10:30 a.m. Begin gathering at Washington Center, corner of 4th St. and Lake Ave.
Alternate Weekly Parking Schedule Change sides Sundays between 4-8 p.m. 12/30 - odd numbered side 01/06 - even 01/13 - odd 01/20 - even 01/27 - odd All phone numbers listed have the 218 area code unless specified otherwise. ONGOING Every Monday Duluth Laughing Club 12:10-12:20 p.m. Duluth Civic Center in front of the St. Louis County Bldg.
Each Saturday Tweed Museum of Art Gallery Talk at 2 p.m. A free, informal tour of current museum exhibitions.
1st Tuesday East Hillside Community Club 6:30 p.m. Grant Rec. Center, 901 E. 11th St. No meeting on Jan. 1st ~ Happy New Year everyone!
1st Thursday Northland Childbirth Collective Topic Night, 7 p.m. Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E.
1st Thursday Central Hillside Community Club/ND 5, 6 p.m. Central Hillside Center, 12 E. 4th St.
2nd & 4th Sundays The Northland Anti-War Coalition, 2 p.m., Chester Creek Café, 1902 E. 8th St. 2nd Monday The Hillsider Board, 6:30 p.m. HBA office, 928½ E. 4th St. 2nd & 4th Mondays The Arrowhead Stamp Club, 7 p.m. Rainbow Center, 211 N. 3rd Ave. E. 2nd Tuesday The Twin Ports Coin and Currency Club, 7 p.m. Rainbow Center, 211 N. 3rd Ave. E. 3rd Tuesday Campus Neighbors, 7 p.m. Grant Rec. Center, 901 E. 11th St. 3rd Wednesday Hillside Business Association, 12 p.m. Village Place meeting room, 602 E. 5th St. 3rd Thursday Neighborhood District 7, 7 p.m. Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E. Superior St. 3rd Thursday Park Point Community Club, 7 p.m. Lafayette Square, 3026 Minnesota Ave.
4th Tuesday At Home in East Hillside, 5:30 p.m. Grant Rec. Ctr., 901 E. 11th St.
4th Saturday Gloria Dei Community Breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 219 N. 6th Ave. E.
Special event January 3 Central Hillside Community Club Meeting 6 p.m., Central Hillside Community Center, 12 E. 4th St. Soup and bread provided. Contact Gene 591-2682
January 5 10th Annual "Warmer by the Lake" 2-5 p.m., Bayfront Festival Park. Fireworks display begins at 5 p.m. Pack up the kids, grab your skates and head on down to Bayfront for a fun-filled day of winter activities brought to you by Duluth Parks and Recreation. There will be an ice skating pond, snowshoeing, marshmallow roasting, hayrides, free hot chocolate and cookies as well as some festive music in the large warming tent. Free shuttle between Canal Park Business District and the park. Call 730-4318 for more information.
January 5 Tamarack Dance Association presents: More Community Barn Dances Reels, Contras, Big Circles, Jigs, Waltzes, Squares 8 p.m., Duluth YWCA, 202 W. 2nd St. The Wild Thyme Band with Tom & Laura calling the dances. All dances taught. Smoke & alcohol free. New dancers, singles, everyone welcome. $8 adults, $5 members, students, low income, or seniors. $2 kids 12 and under. $0 kids 2 and under. FFI call 728-1438
January 13 Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs participatory workshop and hymn sing led by Arthur Clyde 3-4:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 230 E. Skyline Pkwy. This will include the singing of a wide variety of representative hymns from various times and cultures, along with hymn stories, reflections on church music in changing times, and time for discussion. The experience is designed to be of interest to choir singers, church music leaders, pastors, and all who love hymnody. Sponsored by United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Free and open to the public.
January 16-March 19 Neoliberal Globalization and Global Justice Resistance Seminar Wednesdays from 4:30-6:45 p.m., 1406 E. 2nd St. Each weekly session will feature a video, readings and discussion, light snacks and beverages. Community people are invited to attend free. For more information or to sign up, call East Hillside Patch at 728-4287 or Marek Fuller (Seminar Facilitator) at 834-4668.
January 18 "Perspectives on the War - People of Color Speak Out" 7 p.m., Central Hillside Community Center. A forum with Henry Banks, Jim Northrup, Wanda Sayers and others. Free to all. Sponsored by Northland Anti-War Coalition. January 19 More Community Barn Dances 8 p.m., YWCA, 202 W. 2nd St. The Red Pine Resinators band with Terrence and Sarah calling. See January 5 Tamarack Dance Association for other particulars.
January 20 Free Family Skating Party 3-5 p.m., DECC Arena. This is a great event for families. Music will be provided by Shelly’s Mobile Music Machine plus there will be door prizes for kids. Free and open to all ages. Participants need to bring their own skates. DECC concessions will be also open. For more information call Tammy at Parks and Recreation 723-3616.
January 21 Martin Luther King Day "Answering the Call: Community, Service, Commitment" Free Community Breakfast; Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W. 3rd St.
7 a.m. Registration and breakfast 8 a.m. Large screen broadcast from Minneapolis of Tavis Smiley's speech 9 a.m. Local program March and Rally; Washington Center to Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center 10:30 a.m. Begin gathering at Washington Center, corner of 4th St. and Lake Ave. 11 a.m. March goes through downtown to the DECC 11:30 a.m. Rally begins in DECC Auditorium
January 21 East Hillside Patch Annual Meeting 6 p.m., 1406 E. 2nd St. 2008 Goals and election of officers. Call 728-4287 for further information.
January 26 10th Annual Citizens In Action Workshop 9 a.m.-2 p.m., UMD Kirby Center. This free training is designed to educate citizens about the political process and how they can get involved at the local, state, and national level. Speakers include Karen Diver, Chairwoman of the Fond du Lac Reservation, and newly elected Mayor Don Ness. Sponsored by League of Women Voters and over 28 area non-profit, educational organizations & area college departments
January 31 Our Youth - Our Future 6:30 p.m., Holy Family Church, 2430 W. 3rd St. This meeting will focus on youth and youth programs in Duluth. We plan to have a panel of teens that are willing to share their life stories of living in Duluth and the obstacles that they face. We will also highlight programs that are available for youth and how providing quality activities for youth affects crime prevention. For more information contact Debbie 727-8604 ext 12 or Ben 624-1739.
February 1 Benefit Dinner and Concert for Grant School 4th Graders Dinner 5-7 p.m.; Concert 7-9 p.m., Peace Church; 1111 N. 11th Ave E. Funds are being raised to go to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. For more information contact Doug 722-7166 or dbb@digiterp.com.
Submit your calendar events to Mona: monajc@hotmail.com or 724-1193
A participatory workshop and hymn sing entitled Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs led by Arthur Clyde will be held on Sunday, Jan. 13, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 230 E Skyline Pkwy, in Duluth. The workshop will include the singing of a wide variety of representative hymns from various times and cultures, along with hymn stories, reflections on church music in changing times, and time for discussion. The experience is designed to be of interest to choir singers, church music leaders, pastors, and all who love hymnody. The event is sponsored by United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. It is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served following.
Arthur Clyde is well known as a workshop leader, worship consultant, composer, and conductor. While serving on the national staff of the United Church of Christ, he edited the denomination’s New Century Hymnal, highly praised for its musical integrity and use of inclusive language. He also co-edited a complete psalter with Burton H. Throckmorton. Clyde’s workshop offerings range from worship vitality to discussions on contemporary and traditional music in worship. He has a great interest in global music, reflected in the hymnal that he edited and in his presentations.
Clyde will also be teaching a United Theological Seminary spring 2008 class in Duluth entitled Music in Worship, which will comprise four weekend sessions. For more information about either the January 13 workshop or the class, contact Ann Nordgren, United’s Duluth Program Coordinator, 218-525-3136, anordgren@unitedseminary.edu.
By Paula TsufisFLC Public Relations Ministry Team Member Come to First Lutheran’s Global Festival of Faith, a Family Celebration of Mission on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served and a children’s program as well as a nursery will also be provided. The church is located at 1100 E. Superior St.
This year’s global festival is for the whole family and will feature ministries in Malaysia, Russia, Pakistan, Cameroon and El Salvador. While adults listen to an inspiring program of the challenges and joys of spreading God’s word globally, the children will explore the music, crafts, stories and games from our mission partner countries.
The keynote speaker will be Heidi Quam on staff with the World Mission Prayer League. Heidi will share her three-month experience in Taliban country with First Lutheran medical missionary, Dr. Elenn Elness.
Reservations are not required; however, a phone call or email would be appreciated to plan for meals and child care. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult attending the program. For additional information and the full festival program go to www.flcduluth.org, call (218) 728-3668 or email flc@flcduluth.org.
Thursday, Jan. 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior St., will hold its second annual health fair in its parish hall. Up from 18 last year, more than 39 exhibitors will offer everything from free bone density testing, blood pressure testing, cholesterol and blood sugar testing to free samples and goodies for all ages and interests.
The health fair is open to all: the parish, the neighborhood, and the larger community.
In addition, healthy foods will be served as part of the fair. There will also be a special children’s area with games and activities that promote healthy lifestyles.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to go back to school, or to get ready for a better job? The Adult Learning Center (ALC) could be a good place to start. The Center offers brush-up classes to prepare you for college, job training, an employment exam, a new job, etc. This can include basic computer skills and a preview of the Certified Nurse Assistant classes offered at Lake Superior College, as well as brush-up in math, writing or academic reading. Doing your skills brush-up at the ALC can lead you to a higher score on the admissions test at LSC, which can save you time and money on pre-college coursework on campus. The ALC classes are offered on a flexible schedule that can be adjusted according to when you are available. Classes are offered free of charge.
The ALC also offers programs to help adults and out of school youth to finish up high school credits or to study for the GED (General Educational Development) exam. Either way, you can earn your diploma and participate in ALC Graduation Ceremonies.
Registration is held every Monday afternoon at 1:00 pm for brush-up skills, adult diploma studies, and GED preparation. The Adult Learning Center is located in the Historic Old Central, Third Street side, across from the park. Enter the door by the ALC sign and you will see the main office. If you want information on specific programs and times, call us at (218) 336-8790.
Representatives from AIDS Information Duluth, (left to right) Nicki Hulsebusch, Melissa Franckowiak and Maggie Kazel dressed in costumes last October. They handed out pamphlets on testing sites and safer sex supplies as well as candy. Photo submitted
Duluth: Planned Parenthood (218) 722.0833 1001 E Central Entrance-Duluth
AIDS Resource Center of Women’s Health Center (218) 727.3352, 32 E. 1st St.,
Lake Superior Community Health Center (218) 722.1497, 4325 Grand Ave
Center for American Indian Resources (218) 726.1370, 215 W. 4th St.
Superior: (715) 394.4009, 1507 Tower Ave. Suite 230 Superior *Free, anonymous rapid testing *needle exchange available
Beginning January 7, 2008, the City of Duluth will begin working with CanaRx, the first company to develop an international prescription supply program designed for large employee groups.
CanaRx will give City employees, retirees and their dependents voluntary access to new sources for name-brand maintenance medications. “This was one of the important parts of the retiree health care task force report,” Mayor Herb Bergson said at a news conference. “The cost savings to the city could be substantial and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our employees as well. Erik Simonson of the Duluth Fire Department has worked tirelessly on this issue and a number of other health-care related issues and we all owe him a debt of thanks.”
CanaRx brings substantial savings opportunities due to deep discount pricing negotiated between most developed nations (excluding the United States) and the multi-national drug companies. CanaRx has developed programs based on voluntary individual participation in order to comply with FDA directives that allow members to obtain medications for personal use.
CanaRx has contracted with government-licensed pharmacies in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Brand-name medications, packaged by the original manufacturer, are delivered directly from these contracted pharmacies to the member. The company, based in Detroit and neighboring Windsor, Ontario, also maintains large-scale public programs in Ilinois, Rhode Island, Indiana, New York and Massachusetts.
“In comparing the cost of available drugs, the savings to our health plan could be between 30 and 45 percent and the savings to the employee would be 100 percent,” said Simonson, who helped coordinate the program with CanaRx.
As this is a new and completely voluntary program, it is difficult to project savings opportunities for the City of Duluth. However as an example, during the month of November, 2007, 40% of the top twenty five prescriptions filled for the preferred plan group were either Tier One or Tier Two name brand prescriptions.
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That 40% represents 59 individual prescriptions in which:
Plan Paid:
$16,000
Employee Paid:
$3,000
Total Cost:
$19,000
If 100% of those same prescriptions had been filled through CanaRx, the cost would have been:
Honors those who have died, generates awareness about prevention
Caption: Paul Eckhardt and Doug Stevens were close friends with Minnesota native Larry Ford. “He was the first gay man I ever met who was a Christian and believed that he was alright with God and was not afraid of death,” Stevens said. Photo by Lisa Kane
By Lisa Kane Angela Nichols, Director of GLBT Services at UMD, was shocked to learn that a few of her students had never heard of the Memorial AIDS Quilt. In response, she arranged to have a collection of 15 Memorial AIDS Quilt panels displayed last month at UMD’s Kirby Ballroom.
The Memorial AIDS Quilt is an international project that features 44,000 3 x 6 panels and honors the lives of those who have lived with or been affected by AIDS. Its purpose is to help people understand the devastating impact of the disease.
Founded in 1987, the Quilt is a poignant memorial that ultimately works to generate awareness and prevent new infections. It is also the largest ongoing community art project in the world.
The intention behind bringing The Quilt to Duluth was “hopefully not only educate at least one generation but to raise awareness once again of AIDS and HIV in our communities,” Nichols’s said.
Though some individuals choose to make their own, the panels are often created by surviving partners, family members, and/or close friends.
The background fabric is sometimes made from colorful T-shirts (highlighting specific moments in LGBT history), baby blankets, or handmade afghans. From time to time, love letters, photographs, and wedding rings are sewn into the fabric.
Dave Folken, Communications Director with the Minnesota AIDS Project, is especially touched by The Quilt’s ability to generate awareness about prevention. “This is a one-hundred percent preventable disease,” he said.
Folken acknowledges that even though the number of HIV infections in Minnesota has neither increased nor decreased over the past five years, a disproportionate number of women are being exposed. “Women often come in contact with the virus through heterosexual sex with someone who is positive,” he said.
Renee Van Nett with AIDS Information Duluth is equally concerned with the rate of exposure in the American Indian community. She believes that the key to prevention rests in communication. Her hope is that every parent will “talk with their kids about HIV” and that everyone who thinks they might have been exposed will “get tested.” Her message is “be safe and if you need protection just call. It doesn’t matter where you live – we will come to you.” If you or someone you know has questions or concerns, contact the Minnesota AIDS Project at 1-800-248-2437. To reach Renee Van Nett call 218-720-6385.
If you’re like millions of Americans, you work hard but don’t earn a high income. The EITC is a tax credit for low-income workers who meet certain qualifications, which usually means more money in their pockets. If you qualify, you could pay less federal income tax, pay no tax or receive a refund.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its community partners are working to increase EITC participation among taxpayers who have low incomes and meet EITC eligibility rules. We know the rules can be complicated and we want to help you understand all the eligibility requirements.
The following are income requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2007: A taxpayer’s total earned income must be at least $1 and their earned income and must both be less than: • $12,590 with no qualifying child ($14,590 if married, filing jointly) • $33,241 with one qualifying child ($35,241 if married, filing jointly) • $37,783 with more than one qualifying child ($39,783 if married, filing jointly) • Investment income cannot be more than $2,900.
If you think you might qualify for EITC and would like assistance filing your tax return, the Community Action Duluth Free Tax Prep site opens on Tuesday, Jan. 29. We will have a new site in West Duluth this year to reduce waiting times at the Community Action Duluth site in Lincoln Park.
Community Action Duluth Tuesdays starting at 5:00 p.m. Saturdays starting at 9:00 a.m. 19 North 21st Ave, W. Walk-ins only
Memorial Park -West Duluth Wednesdays starting at 3:00 p.m. 5315 Grand Avenue Avoid the lines. This site is for people with dependents only. Walk-ins also. Appointments available 2 weeks in advance call (218) 726-1665.
Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Financial Services staff will be at this site to offer coaching on maximizing the tax return by most effectively paying off/down the debts and encouraging the importance of emergency savings. Free credit reports also available with LSS.
Extra services at both sites: savings accounts with Northern Communities Credit Union, benefit screening and information about financial education classes and matched savings accounts.
Community Action Duluth is still looking for volunteers for the tax sites. One hour of your time could put $2,000 in the pocket of a low-income family. Training is provided and we need volunteers to prepare taxes and also to work as assistants at our busy tax site. Some jobs require no prior knowledge about taxes.
Grant Fourth grade sells candy, hosts dinner & writes grants
By the Fourth Graders of Grant School
Guess what? The Grant School fourth-graders are working to go to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. For many of us, this will be our first time out in the woods, but we are looking forward to the fun and the learning. The zip line on the ropes course looks really exciting.
Getting there also will take some work. We need to raise over $6,000 so that all 43 students can go. To do this, we are now selling candy bars. ($6,000 is a lot of candy bars.) We are also learning how to write grants.
One grant we are writing is to Kids Plus Youth in Philanthropy. When we go to Wolf Ridge, we will be learning about how to “Live Lightly.” This means doing more recycling and trying to use fewer resources. When we get back to school, we want to teach the rest of school (and the rest of Duluth) about how to help the environment. We hope that we will get this grant because it will help us go to Wolf Ridge.
Another thing we are doing is hosting a spaghetti dinner and benefit concert. This will take place on Friday, February 1st at Peace Church. It is located at 1111 N. 11th Ave. E. The dinner will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Grant fourth-graders will help serve and provide entertainment. Then, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., there will be a concert, featuring Rudy Perrault and the band Clear. Singer Sara Thomsen is also checking her schedule to see if she can come.
We hope you will support us going to Wolf Ridge by coming to the dinner and concert or buying a candy bar. Thank you.
(For more information, contact Doug Bowen-Bailey at (218) 722-7166 or dbb@digiterp.com.)
Cliff Tanner is the manager of the City’s Office of Sustainability. To learn how your business, school or agency can share ideas on sustainability phone (218) 730-5182.
Members of Sustainable Duluth and Mayor Herb Bergson spoke to the media. Left to right: Bergson, Bill Mittlefelt, Cliff Tanner, Jan Karon, Warren Howe and Julie McDonnell.
Mayor Herb Bergson hailed the environmental accomplishments made by the City of Duluth during his tenure in office and urged that the City’s new Office of Sustainability be allowed to continue its work in the future.
“We’ve made great strides,” the mayor said at Dec. 29 news conference. “Obviously, the work isn’t done but we have laid the groundwork for real environmental protection and progress according to the principles of sustainability.”
The Duluth City Council passed a resolution declaring Duluth a “sustainable city” eighteen months ago in accordance with the “Natural Step” process, which includes: Reducing wasteful dependence upon fossil fuels, scarce metals, and minerals; Reducing wasteful dependence on chemicals and synthetic substances that can accumulate in nature; Reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems; Meet present and future human needs fairly and efficiently.
Since that time, the City has taken an active role in environmental protection including the refitting of the Duluth Steam Plant to reduce harmful emissions; the purchase of high-mileage scooters for city travel; and the transition to green cleaning products throughout the city. In addition, all new carpeting purchased by the City will be from recycled content, and old carpeting will now be recycled. This is especially important in the Library’s replacement of 7,500 square feet of carpeting in its Main Branch. The City has also taken the following additional measures:
In the recent Auditor’s Office Renovation, all replacement lighting was either electronic ballast fluorescent or low voltage lighting, saving approximately 75 percent of the original energy consumed from the existing lighting layout.
The new West Duluth Police Department’s lighting was handled in a similar manager, with up to sixty percent recycled content in its furnishings.
The Fire Station #5 remodeling on Park Point will include geo-thermal space heating, passive and active solar power for domestic hot water and emergency communication electrical needs and the buildings mass will support energy reductions that meet or exceed the State of Minnesota’s B3 design standards for energy consumption.
“It’s all about taking action,” Mayor Bergson said. “The social justice component of sustainability is very important. We are all stakeholders in creating a better community and as we move forward, my hope is that we won’t lose sight of the need for all stakeholders both to have an equal voice and to use that voice for relevant action.”
A vigil titled “No Place to Call Home,” was held on Dec. 24 at 12 noon in front of the Federal Building at the Civic Center in Duluth. These people hold the names of people who died in Duluth while homeless this past year.
By Prophetess Naomi-Tamar
For that family sleeping in their car, running the engine to keep warm. Going from soup line to soup line. From shelter to shelter, being told all the beds are taken, come back tomorrow. (Survival is what it’s all about.)
For that single mother stuck in the shelter system with her young children for months on end. There’s a housing shortage. The rent is too high, your credit is inadequate. Your rental history is not good enough. Your application fee is non-refundable. We don’t rent to people on welfare. Your income has to be three times the amount of the rent. (Survival is what it’s all about.)
For that family fleeing to safety from domestic violence. You only have 30 days to find a new job, and get an apartment. There is no childcare. Your kids have to be with you at all times. No transportation can come to the shelter for you. So, you walk two blocks to meet your ride. Your children are crying because they’re cold. You get there, the apartment has been rented, just 15 minutes before you arrive. It’s not fair, you’re absolutely right. (Survival is what it’s all about.)
People with mental illness going untreated, misunderstood in every way. Wandering aimlessly. People who are forgotten in this cruel society. They need more treatment programs, more counseling, more funding for halfway housing and independent living programs. They struggle from day to day. (Survival is what it’s all about.)
Three hundred and forty billion dollars is funded for highway construction and remodeling a sports arena, but people, human beings walk the streets homeless and hungry. People get so desperate when they’re homeless and hungry, depression sets in, then crime and chemical dependency are on the rise. Instead of spending more millions to build penal institutions, why not start more adequate programs for homeless prevention and welfare-to-work transition. Affordable, safe adequate housing. More domestic violence prevention programs. (Survival is what it’s all about.)
The Hmong New Year Celebration is the single most important cultural event in Hmong society. It is a time for renewal, celebration, relaxation, sharing, and traditionally, to find potential lifetime mates. Cultural activities include “Pov pob” (ball tossing), “hais kwv txhiaj” (singing), and “nthuav txuj” (talent shows). This year’s celebration took place at the First United Methodist Church and included contemporary and traditional entertainments included playing homemade Hmong instruments, singing and dancing, and a traditional Hmong meal.
On Dec. 1, 2007 Kaxee Vangcelebrated the Hmong new year.
Many streets posted no-parking City of Duluth crews will be removing snow at various points around the city beginning next Wednesday along the following schedule: • Wednesday, Jan. 2, 8:00 a.m. to completion – Third Street from 21st Avenue East to Mesaba Avenue (upper side) • Thursday, Jan. 3, 8:00 a.m. to completion – Second Street from Sixth Avenue East to 24th Avenue East (lower side) • Friday, Jan. 4, 8:00 a.m. to completion – First Street from 21st Avenue East to 14th Avenue East (lower side) • Friday, Jan. 4, 8:00 a.m. to completion – 14th Avenue East from London Road to Fourth Street (west side) All streets will be posted as no-parking areas 24 hours prior to the beginning of the work. Cars remaining in these areas at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the work will be ticketed and towed. Citizens are asked to have cars out of the work areas prior to the crews’ arrival.
Lots of people walk in Central Hillside, East Hillside and Lincoln Park. Children, disabled people and others depend on clear sidewalks and the City of Duluth is asking residents, “ Please be diligent in removing snow from sidewalks and boulevards, particularly in school zones.”
With unusually high amounts of snow already on the ground, residents are reminded of city ordinance which requires snow to be removed from residential sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.
Sec. 45-56. Abutter defined: For the purposes of this Division, the word abutter shall mean any person who owns, leases or otherwise lawfully occupies any parcel of land, which abuts any public sidewalk with the city. (Ord. No. 5915, § 1; Ord. No. 9353, 11-10-1997,1.) Sec. 45-57. Duty of abutters--within 24 hours: All abutters shall remove or cause to be removed sufficient snow falling on any public sidewalk abutting such parcel of land within 24 hours after the end of every snowfall to create a clear path of a minimum width of 36 inches. (Ord. No. 5915, § 3; Ord. No. 9353, 11-10-1997, 2.)
“We ask for the cooperation of our citizens, especially in those areas where children congregate and walk,” Public Works and Utilities.
Director Jim Benning said, “It’s important for safety reasons that people stay on the sidewalks and not in the streets. We’ve received very good cooperation from our citizens in compliance with ordinance in the past and we hope for another good season this year in this regard.”
Landlords from across the City turned out in droves for the Community Safety Initiatives’ (CSI Duluth) Landlord and Property Manager Training held on December 12 at the Central Hillside Community Center. The 140 landlords attending received tools from two nationally recognized consultants: Julia Ryan, National LISC Community Safety Initiative Program Director and Tim Vance, a residential crime and asset management consultant, whose clients include LISC and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Both trainers hail fromTopics of discussion ranged from establishing house rules and lease language to preventing crime through property maintenance and environmental design.
CSI is a collaborative effort of Duluth LISC, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) Duluth, and Churches United in Ministry (CHUM.) Together these three organizations work closely with the Duluth Police Department to improve neighborhood safety, raise awareness and curb crime.
Local lawyer and city councilor, Greg Gilbert, added expertise concerning residential evictions in Duluth. Community Officer, Barry Midthun, provided participants with information on tenant screening including how to obtain background checks on potential tenants.
In addition, two special sessions were held focusing on building safety issues, problem properties, and crime “hot spots” in Duluth. A task force was formed and will continue to meet.
“The Duluth Police Department, NHS Duluth and CHUM are partnering in a way that is very unusual,” said Ryan, “Their commitment and creativity is paying off in the form of stronger Duluth neighborhoods, and they are quickly becoming leaders in LISC’s national community safety network.”
CSI is part of the larger Creating Neighborhoods That Work-At Home in Duluth collaborative. Its ongoing work includes hosting block parties and community meetings to address crime “hot spots” in Duluth. “It’s really exciting to see so many landlords interested in addressing crime and safety issues,” said Duluth LISC Executive Director Pam Kramer. “Community safety and raising awareness are vital to creating thriving, sustainable neighborhoods, which is what our Creating Neighborhoods That Work-At Home in Duluth is all about.”
Future plans of the CSI collaborative are to hold a drug awareness meeting for landlords to be scheduled this spring. For more information or to be added to our mailing list, contact Debbie Isabell Nelson at NHS (218) 727-8604, ext. 12 or Ben Small at CHUM at (218) 625-1739.
