Kid’s T-Shirt Painting Picnic

Date:	Sunday, May 23, 2010
Time:	2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location:	Pineapple Art Center & Supplies
Street:	124 W 1st St.
City/Town:	Duluth, MN

Description

Kid’s Painting Picnic


Meet at Pineapple Art Center and walk to an area park to paint in the fresh air. Kid’s will get to paint their own T-shirt to take home. T-shirts and snack will be provided. Ages 3-10 welcome. Older siblings can come if needed. TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR THE EVENT YOU MUST CONTACT PINEAPPLE ARTS. please have your child shirt size ready.

Contact info:
124 W. First St., Duluth | (218) 722-2919

Enjoy your day,

Lydia Walker, instructor & volunteer

Community Garden Seed and Transplant Sale

Duluth Community Garden Program Seed and Transplant Sale, including some perennials and possibly fruit plants

Date: Friday May 21, 2010
Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Date: Saturday May 22, 2010
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

at the Duluth Community Garden Program office in the Damiano Center, 206 W 4th Street, Duluth, MN.

Sand collection efforts help maintain water quality

The City of Duluth, Utility Operations set up Road Sand Collection sites a couple of months ago and requested the public's help to sweep, collect, and drop off sand used on sidewalks and driveways during the winter. The request yielded a record twenty-three cubic yards of material, more than two large dump truck loads. Previous years have yielded about 20 cubic yards.

This is sand which would have otherwise been washed off the streets and into the storm sewer system, which leads directly to our streams and Lake Superior. The road sand can damage sensitive trout habitat by filling in trout spawning areas with sediment.

“Our community cares and takes great pride in keeping our water resources clean and sustainable. Citizen participation is critical to ensure we maintain the high quality of water we all enjoy,” says Chris Kleist, the City’s Project Coordinator.

The City of Duluth thanks residents and businesses who helped collect and deposit road sand at the collection sites.

The City also reminds residents that catch basins lead directly to our streams and Lake Superior and not to the treatment plant. Please do not dump anything into them. Contact the City of Duluth at 730-4130 during business hours or 730-4100 on evenings and weekends to report any illegal discharge or dumping.

Playfront Park to be built this weekend: Volunteers needed Friday, Saturday afternoon and Sunday

Be part of history in the making as the Jr. League of Duluth and the City of Duluth team up to create the biggest playground north of the Twin Cities metro area: Your help is needed to help build on Friday, May 21, Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, water bottle and an invitation to the Playfront volunteer party. Pass this on to friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors - anyone over 18 is welcome to help.. Building experience is a plus but not necessary. It's easy to sign up, just click on the link below and follow a few easy steps:

1) http://www.juniorleagueduluth.org/duluth/npo.jsp?pg=projects&article=510&tab=Volunteer%20for%20Playfront

2) Select the day that you would like to volunteer (listed along the right-hand side of the page) and click on the “Register Now” button.

3) Add the number of people who would like to volunteer in the "tickets" box and hit "add registrants"

4) Fill out your contact information and then use the drop down menu at the bottom of the page to choose either a morning (8-12) or afternoon shift (12-4).

WLSSD and RSPT to Host Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Duluth, MN: The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District and the Regional Stormwater Protection Team will host a one-day rain barrel and backyard compost bin sale at Lake Superior College's lower east parking lot on Saturday, May 22nd, from 9 am – 3 pm.

High-quality rain barrels and compost bins will be available at 50% of retail prices at the event.
Free composting and rain water collection instruction will be offered throughout the day by WLSSD and RSPT representatives.

“This sale is a great way for residents to obtain affordable, high-quality rain barrels and composters,” said Susan Darley-Hill, WLSSD Environmental Program Coordinator. “They are easy to assemble and, once in place, are ready for use.”

Both composting and collecting rainwater can be a great help to gardeners. Collecting rainwater helps reduce stormwater runoff and provides a ready source of water for thirsty plants. Backyard composting creates a natural soil amendment that provides many benefits for lawns and gardens.

The SYSTERN rain barrel will be sold for $50, while supplies last. The 55-gallon SYSTERN can be placed under any downspout and connected together to collect water for use in yards and gardens. Each SYSTERN is designed with a screen to keep water free of debris and mosquitoes. The SYSTERN is made of 50% post consumer plastic and is a neutral tan color.

The Earth Machine® compost bin will be sold for $40, while supplies last. No reservations are necessary. The composter fits in nearly any vehicle and carries a 10-year warranty. When assembled, the bin holds up to 80 gallons (10.5 cubic feet) of compostable material. Compost turners ($15) and kitchen scrap pails ($7) will also be available for purchase. Payment by check or credit card is preferred (Discover, MC, or Visa.)

Lake Superior College is located at 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth. Area residents can access the college’s lower east parking lot from the main driveway off of Trinity Road.

More information about rain barrels and collecting rain water can be found on RSPT’s website at www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/rainbarrels.html

More information on backyard composting is available on WLSSD’s website at http://www.wlssd.com/compost_howto.php . Residents are reminded that, by ordinance, compost bins must be situated 15 feet from any dwelling in the city of Duluth. Best placement is in a partially shaded area that is convenient for adding or removing material.

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 530 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.

Accident at East Third Street and Sixth Avenue East

At about 2 p.m. on Monday, May 17

'June deadline ~ this afternoon, New restaurant atop the Radisson, St. Ann's Residence photos, Social Butterfly Award'

'June deadline ~ this afternoon, New restaurant atop the Radisson, St. Ann's Residence photos, Social Butterfly Award'

Radisson gets new name, menu and chef

Ryan Zander, chef of the new JJ Astor restaurant on the 15th floor of Duluth's Radisson Hotel. [Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff]

By Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff

Today I was invited to a media preview of a new restaurant on the top of the Radisson. The restaurant was formerly named Top of the Radisson, now it is JJ Astor.

I learned about many interconnections. John Jacob Astor was a fur trader who had a post in Duluth before becoming one of the richest [ever to this date] men in America.

I also learned the new chef, Ryan Zander, is from Mandan North Dakota. He moved up here from the Twin Cities after working as the executive chef at the Italian restaurant, Trattoria Tosca in Minneapolis. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Today I had samples of a golden beet salad with arugula [I didn't even know what that was ~ it is a peppery green], and a yogurt, cucumber and ginger juice dressing.

I also had marinated tomatoes on crackers and a strawberry shortcake dessert. A Grapefruit salad was also offered as a sample.

Their new menu will include the catch of the day and locally grown vegetables. The menu will change seasonally. Ryan said, "We will serve foods that people are familiar with but with a different twist.

Ryan is happy to move to Duluth as he likes the outdoors. He looks forward to hiking, camping and driving his motorcycle around.

See my Duluth Daily Photo post about the event here.

Here is a press release about the Ryan:

Ryan Zander Hired as Executive Chef for JJ Astor, Duluth ’s Newest Signature Dining Experience

Duluth, MN (5/13/10) – Ryan Zander has been named Executive Chef for JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View, (JJ Astor) Duluth’s newest signature dining experience, according to General Manager Paul Leisner. JJ Astor is set to open to the public June 9, 2010 in the former Top of the Harbor Restaurant.

Ryan Zander joined JJ Astor after a 10-year career in the Upper Midwest­—most recently, as Executive Chef at Trattoria Tosca in Minneapolis , where he was responsible for designing an expanded menu based on local and seasonal ingredients.

Aside from being responsible for menu development and staffing, Ryan will work with local farmers, utilizing produce for ingredients in his signature dishes. “Sustainable cooking is a priority now in restaurant menus, and there is a plethora of farmer’s markets and fresh produce available in our area – why not include these as main ingredients for guests at JJ Astor?” said Ryan. Along with fresh produce, Ryan will contract with a local fisherman, ordering fresh fish that will be caught specifically for JJ Astor and included in the Fresh Catch of The Day, on the menu.

Ryan, originally from North Dakota , grew up with a mom that loved cooking using fresh ingredients in the family’s dinners. Ryan enjoyed cooking with mom and so when he found interest in his first restaurant job at 16, Ryan followed his heart and stomach and embarked on a career as chef.

When asked who inspires his design of interesting and unique menu options, Ryan answered Mario Batalli, Thomas Keller, and Eric Rupert, all renowned chefs utilizing sustainable ingredients in their cooking. “These guys use quality ingredients and keep it simple,” remarked Ryan. Ryan’s favorite food to eat? A nice crispy fish and a great salad. Ryan’s signature salad that will appear on the menu at JJ Astor is made with grapefruit, leeks, shaved fennel, arugula, blue cheese, olive oil and lemon juice.

JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View will open June 9, 2010 in the former Top of the Harbor Restaurant—Duluth’s 40-year old landmark revolving restaurant with a 360-degree view. Full of old world character and spirited tradition with a fresh modern irreverence, JJ Astor will be a lively place to share old stories, create new memories, and savor signature dishes made from sustainable local food. Located at 505 W. Superior Street , Top Floor, Duluth , Minnesota . For more information call 218-727-8981.

St Ann's Mother's Day Tea and Open House

Captions: Ray Minko shows Traci Jaszczak the radishes in his raised bed garden. Joan Hayes stand in her two bedroom apartment and looks at the model airplanes her male companion built [Her male companion is her husband, but it sounds more fun.] St. Ann's has computers for the residents that have large keys on the keyboard.

Today I toured St. Ann's Residence during an afternoon tea. It is a very nice place and seems reasonably priced too. Trace Jaszczak gave me a tour. Afterward I enjoyed a cream puff and decaf coffee.

Dinner fundraiser Friday and Saturday for Loaves & Fishes at St. Paul's

From Perfect Duluth Day:

The Hannah House Women’s Hospitality Collective is hosting a fun(d) raiser May 7 & 8 from 5:30-7:30pm ($11 single $20 couple kids under 10 free) at St. Paul’s church (Superior and 17th ave. E.). There will also be a silent auction of hand crafts made by folks in the Loaves & Fishes community on Jefferson St. in addition to live music. Proceeds will go toward house improvements in preparation for opening our doors to women who would otherwise be homeless. In addition to hospitality Hannah House will be a community space for women’s resources, events, workshops, and our dreams. We need solidarity and mutual aid much more than money so please come out and meet us!

scintillating

New word of the day: scintillating.

Today I received and email about an even that promising to be scintillating.

Do you know what the word mean?

Click here to learn.

Students, community members march against racism

These marchers at Fourth Street and Chester Creek, across from the Burrito Union at 14th Avenue East, were silent as the walked. SCAR, students Coalition Against Racism, organized the march to show support for students of all races. Students skipped class to participate. At 9:30 a.m about 80 people gathered at the Washington Center at Fourth Street and First Avenue West to march UMD. As the march went along more people joined them. Nettleton fourth and fifth grades showed their support by standing with signs and banners at Fourth Street and Lake Avenue.

The march is in response to a racist Facebook conversation which took place at UMD between two white UMD students on their public "wall". The conversation verbally and racially attacked a black student sitting in the same room. "Friends" saw the conversation.
Why are we silent?
According to the Facebook invite invitation:

Being silent is a non-violent approach and is a metaphor for our voices that have been swept beneath the rugs of the institutions that we individually represent. Many times over, as high school and college/university students; affiliates, employees and constituents, voices are silenced when addressing issues of race. Therefore, a question which is proposed, Can We talk about Race? The long walk while being silent is significant to how we have been silent and to reflect upon the impact our silence has had upon our community.