Meg Bye answers "The Hillsider Questionnaire"

Click Here to see the Questionnaire

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
#1. I am the oldest of 9 children, while growing up I was often left in charge. From an early age I learned mediation, interpersonal and problem solving skills. I moved to Duluth in 1961 and worked for years in the community and was elected to the Duluth City council for 12 years from 1973 to 1985.

Family
#2. Husband, Don; Son, Dan (Vanessa); one stepdaughter, and her children; Daughter, Ra’a (Deceased)

Education
#3. BA, Mathematics, College of St. Scholastica; MA Candidate, Management, CSS; Civil and Family Mediation Training, Hamline Law School (Qualified under Minn Court Rules)

Employment
#4. Human Rights officer. Executive Director of Arrowhead Food Bank. Federal Community Action Program Monitor. Mathematics teacher.

Volunteer Background
#5. SHARE food drive. Woodlands Hills Board. Blood Donor. Empty Bowl MN Housing Finance board. Governor’s Crime Commission. Minnesota Labor Interpretive Center Vice Chair.

Hobbies
#6. Gardening, Pottery, Reading, Walking

Address and contact information
#7. Live at 609 W 2nd Street Duluth, MN 55806. Campaign mail at P.O. Box 16522, Duluth, MN 55816 Phone # 727-4965 megby4mayor AT yahoo DOT com
The Hillside and the Lincoln Park neighborhoods are some of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city of Duluth. How do you see this ethnic diversity as an asset to Duluth?

#8. A vibrant community depends upon the interaction of a diverse population. Our economic development will depend upon our ability to attract and keep people from all ethnic backgrounds as members of our community.

Some people blame the increase in neighborhood problems such as crime on immigrants from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Do you think it's true?

#9. NO

9a) If so, what do we do about it?

#9b If not, why not?
Fearmongering and blaming others will not solve our crime problems. We are all community members of Duluth and all of us are Duluthians. Many of us were born elsewhere and have become Duluthians by choice. If people move here, they are part of us. If you’re thinking of drug dealers or gang members they belong in jail wherever they live or came from.


#10. It is estimated that 15 percent of Duluthians are living below the poverty line including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65. What are some of your ideas to bring Duluthians out of poverty?

I am excited by the ideas being developed for the Blue Print to end Poverty. Reducing barriers to full participation in Duluth’s economic life by ALL people will be key in this effort. I support increasing the living wage in Duluth, and expanding job training programs.


11. The city has a mandatory recycling law yet walking by many people’s homes it is obvious that they do not recycle. Is recycling important?


Yes, we as a city must not rely on law alone. The ethos of ‘City Wide, City Pride’ should be year round and not just one week. We must be champions of all the ways that people can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.


#12. Why do we have a law on the books if it isn’t going to be enforced?

This is a common problem in government. When short handed, as we are currently; it is a difficult if not impossible to enforce everything all the time. However, we do not have and we need adequate police, zoning and inspection staff.


#13. Over-flowing garbage cans are a problem in lower East Hillside. Many of the homes where this is a problem are rental units. What kinds of ideas do you have to prompt landlords to encourage their tenants to take better care of their property?

The responsibility for waste removal lies with the owner. Our ordinance requires each owner to ensure waste removal. I was on the city council when we passed mandatory waste removal for each property. In some neighborhoods this needs to be better enforced.


#14 In the last census, Duluth had a dearth of people age 24 to 35? What can be done to attract and keep this population in Duluth?


The challenge is to provide job opportunities and quality of life amenities for this population. This issue has generated much attention in the last few years. I am encouraged by the efforts of the Downtown Council and the Workforce Institute.


#15 This city has yet to settle the retiree’s health care budget. What type of action would you take?

First, I would implement every recommendation of the 2005 taskforce report which remains viable but still undone. Most importantly, is to engage the retirees to whom we’ve accumulated this obligation to gain their cooperation in reducing future costs. I am the only candidate to advance a complete, practical approach to dealing with this problem on a long term basis.

#16 Is paying for health care a problem that needs to be addressed on the city, state or national level?

Ideally, this country needs universal, single payer healthcare access for all. Lacking that, we need to look for ways to engage local providers and consumers in a collaborative way that will reduces costs and emphasize wellness. I am intrigued with the prospect of uniting consumers, providers and the whole community in developing a regional wellness program.


#17 Have you or anyone you know, had trouble paying a health care bill or worried about how much health care would cost?

Yes, in fact almost everyone I know including friends, neighbors and my own family.


#18. Do the city departments work well together? How can inter-department work be done more efficiently?

No. The system in place must be changed drastically to reward and promote a team approach to service delivery. No department can stay just in their own little cubicle. Every employee works for the city, not a specific department. City departments must work together with all others to provide quick and competent service to all citizens.


#19. What makes you unique as a candidate for Mayor?
I am the only candidate with the unique combination of political and administrative experience in city government that will allow me to providing strong leadership from day one. My background in mediation, organizational development and my experience in service to this city is not matched by other candidates in this race. This year the best prepared candidate is a woman.



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Charlie Bell's Answers to "The Hillsider Questionnaire"

1. Family
I have been a single parent for 20 years. Nicole, my oldest daughter, is a student at Lake Superior College and works for SMDC. My son, Charlie, graduated from The University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology with a Master's Degree in Engineering. My baby, Natalie,graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management in May, 2007. My Grandson, Ian is a student at MacArthur West Elementary School.

2. Education
I grew up in Duluth and attended Longfellow and Laura MacArthur Elementary schools, and West Junior High School. I graduated from Shattuck School, a college preparatory school in Faribault, Minnesota, in 1968 and received a B.A. Degree in Political Science from UMD in 1972. I also attended the school of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota in 1972-73.

3. Employment
My brothers, Tom and Frank, and I became business partners buying Bell Brothers Funeral Home in 1973. We sold the business in 1998. I have since built Spirit Valley Assisted Living I & II and now working on a 15 unit town home development, Bayhill, in the western part of Duluth.

4. Volunteer backround:
*Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Duluth – President
*Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce – President
*Duluth Park’s and Recreation Task Force
*First Witness – Board of Director’s
*Ordean Foundation – President
*St. Luke’s Board of Directors
*Scottish Rite Language Clinic for Children – Chairman
*Spirit Valley Citizen’s Neighborhood Development Association – President
*United Way Board of Directors
*Scout Master – an Eagle Scout since the age of 15.

5. Hobbies
Working on community projects is what I enjoy spending time on – whether it is judging at local 4-H events, being in a dunk- tank for our local churches, helping small groups find funding for the many fine projects they do for our community.
I do enjoy golfing and fishing when I have the time. And even though it is not a hobby, I do enjoy anytime I can spend with my children.

6. Address and contact information
Charlie Bell – 226 N. Central Ave. Duluth. Mn. 55807 218-624-0164

How do you see Duluth’s ethnic diversity as an asset to Duluth?
It can and should be a catalyst for creating leadership and economic opportunities for a racially and ethnically diverse city. We need to provide a voice to surface and tackle issues of discrimination, racism and bigotry, and to inspire our city to value differences, to be sensitive to prejudice, and to reflect the society we serve.
Ethnic diversity should be embraced as a positive factor in Duluth. The key is communication and mutual respect.

Disclaimer:
Added Nov. 5, 2007
"The Hillsider" apologizes for this question. It was originally asked in August 2007 and published in the September issue. "The Hillsider" does not believe the statement/question below is true. It was asked in an effort to pin down the candidates on an his or her personal beliefs on crime and newcomers. The statement is often heard at many venues. "The Hillsider" did not intend that newcomers were immigrants as in not citizens and did not mean the word in a negative connotation.

Blaming the increase in neighborhood crime on the immigrants from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. True?
I have the endorsement of the police union because they know my commitment to all areas of our city and to the issue of safety and crime. Where ever our crime issues are coming from we need to address them. It doesn’t solve the problem of crime by labeling where they may be coming from. We must optimize public safety and security by ensuring that budget challenges do not lead to the deterioration of police protection. Visible, uniformed police officers, whether patrolling on foot or in squad cars, provide an effective means of limiting crime and enhancing citizens’ sense of security.

What are some ideas to bring Duluthians out of poverty?
You need leaders who understand the reasons and emotions that revolve around the issue of poverty. I was a part of a group that detailed “Blueprint to End Poverty”. Duluth has addressed what needs to be done in this area and it is called Community Action Duluth (CAD). We need educated and compassionate leaders who will look at the issue of poverty from outside the box. Increasing educational and training opportunities for those in need of better jobs and more income is really the key to the issue of poverty.

What to do when it is apparent that people don’t recycle? Is recycling important?
Absolutely!! This is a serious environmental issue! You could call the City of Duluth’s Solid Waste Compliance Officer at 730-5151 or Building Safety at 730-5300. Maybe friendly reminders to the landlord or possibly ticketing chronic violators. But the owner is more likely to respond to a thoughtful, courteous and respectful neighbor before getting city officials involved. Make the recycle bins as easy to receive as possible and get local churches and community centers to sponsor “How to recycle” clinics on a monthly or by-yearly basis. You have got to make the issue important to the people and they are the ones that need to see it as important otherwise enforcement gets to be a big burden on our police and we won’t have the budget to enforce. So the emphasis needs to be on educating our citizen’s as to the vital importance of this issue. We should create incentives for landlords to comply with the recycling laws.

Why do we have a law on the books if it isn’t going to be enforced?
There is a priority placed on what gets enforced – as far as our laws go – and the recycle laws are not seen as the most important and so they are not always enforced. We need to understand that if we can’t enforce the law we need to appeal more to the common sense or will of our citizen’s. It is hard to put a mandatory law to recycle on the books when we know it is very hard to enforce year in and year out. We hope that the laws we do make are of importance and enforcement will happen.

Over-flowing garbage cans at rental units. Ideas for landlords to encourage tenants to take better care of property?
You’ve got to appeal to the Landlords and make them want to keep their property looking good. Give them incentives for keeping their properties in excellent condition. We can also set up penalties for violaters. Calling the garbage haulers to come and take the excess garbage away and bill the landlords or renters might be an option. If I were elected mayor I would meet with the neighborhoods that are expereincing these issues and work with them for solutions. There is a Landlords group where they could share ideas and get feedback. Arrowhead Multi-Housing Association in Duluth. 1794 Wildwood Rd. 218-525-1805.

What can be done to attract people in the age bracket of 24-35 to Duluth?
This is the age group of people raising young families and establishing careers. We need good educational and recreational opportunities for their children, professional jobs with opportunities for career growth, wages that will sustain young families in a comfortable lifestyle, affordable family housing for first time buyers. This could mean encouraging our more elderly couples to move by providing them with opportunities for good senior living spaces. Encourage economic development by helping existing businesses expand, and giving new businesses help to locate here in Duluth.

What type of action would you take to settle the city’s retiree health care budget?
Reduce the expenses of the plan, aggressively manage the plan, reduce the costs of the plan (go to deductibles and fully insure post 64 year olds), make sure that post 64 year olds are using Medicare Part B. Follow through with the Task Force that was created to see this problem through and make sure their ideas and work is used.

16. Is paying for health care a problem that needs to be addressed on the city, state, or national level?
All 3.

Have you or anyone you know had trouble paying a health care bill or worried about how much health care would cost?
Yes. One of my campaign workers daughters had a severe medical issue last year. The young woman was only 24 and had to have surgery to remove a mass in her breast. This young woman had a good health insurance that paid 80% but the still left her to pay 20% or $4,000.00. Needless to say that was a huge medical bill for this young college graduate to start paying off. I have a friend who could retire except that a spouse has a medical condition so he has to work for the health care benefits.They can never afford the health care and might not be able to get health care for his sick wife.He is still working at age 62. So of couse I am aware of the needs of these people..they are my friends and family members! That’s why I feel so strongly about running for mayor..I want to help in any way I can.

How can inter-department work be done more efficiently…getting city departments to work well together?
By fostering good communication and leadership from the mayor that allows discussion and group discussions. Having leaders that have a positive attitude and an environment at work that is optimistic. We need to work for cooperation and not competition. We need to bring staff together and show them that their opinions and comments are important. Train staff in areas of interpersonal communications and understanding their own communication style.

What makes you unique as a candidate for Mayor?
I am one of very few candidates running for office that has not held a political position. I also feel not being affiliated with a specific party is unique. Both of these qualities also make me the best candidate. I have not spent time, like city counselors, passing ordinances and policies, instead I have been DOING leadership, economic development and financial decisions. I have over 30 years in business and would use that in leading this city.

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Mayoral candidate Reiner Nelson answers "Hillsider Questionnaire:

Click here to see "The Hillsider" quesionnaire for the City candidates


1) Please tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Reiner Nelson, I am a West Duluth resident, I work for a small business installing furnaces. I worked for the railroad til I was 30 yrs old., they downsized and I went into heating and a.c. trade and that takes me til now. I enjoy hunting and fishing and outdoor activies with my family.

2) Family: Wife: Randi, Daughter; Jenni, Son: Carl

3) Educational background: High school and two apprenticships and life experiences.

4) Employment background: Railroad and heating and cooling.

5) Volunteer background: assistant for little league coach for 5 years.

6) Hobbies: hunting and fishing and any outdoor activities.

7) Your address and contact information: 1024 S. 72nd Ave. West, Duluth, 218-624-3506.

8) The Hillside and the Lincoln Park neighborhoods are some of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city of Duluth . How do you see this ethnic diversity as an asset to Duluth ? Because it gets a person used to dealing with different ethnic groups from when you were young all the way through your life. As you get older you get more in tune with what other people are like.

9) Some people blame the increase in neighborhood problems such as crime on immigrants from Chicago , Milwaukee and Minneapolis . Do you think it's true? From what I hear, yes.

9a) If so, what do we do about it?some kind of residency requirement. There are people that have lived in Duluth that need help that are not getting it and the newcomers are walking in and getting all they need.

9 b) If not, why not?

10) It is estimated that 15 percent of Duluthians are living below the poverty line including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65. What are some of your ideas to bring Duluthians out of poverty?We need to bring better paying jobs to the northland, make us business friendly, we have the people and resources to make new businesses grow.

11) The city has a mandatory recycling law yet walking by many people's homes it is obvious that they do not recycle. Is recycling important? recycling is important. I think many more people are realizing it themselves. I was slow at this myself but now I'm on board also.

12) Why do we have a law on the books if it isn't going to be enforced? They keep adding laws to make it better but they never take the old ones off the books.

13) Over-flowing garbage cans are a problem in lower East Hillside . Many of the homes where this is a problem are rental units. What kinds of ideas do you have to prompt landlords to encourage their tenants to take better care of their property? Put the cans on the porch, no in all seriousness, people have to take a little pride in their own environment, common sense and respect of one's property, whether or not they own it or not. Treat it with respect.

14) In the last census, Duluth had a dearth of people age 24 to 35? What can be done to attract and keep this population in Duluth ?Once again good jobs, but we have to keep spending down also so that our people can afford to live here too.

15) This city has yet to settle the retiree's health care budget. What type of action would you take? Without knowing all the inside information, I would keep up what the Bergson administration started and look to more options when elected.

16) Is paying for health care a problem that needs to be addressed on the city, state or national level? If we had a national health care plan (like Medicare) the city and state could move on to take care of city and state problems

17) Have you or anyone you know, had trouble paying a health care bill or worried about how much health care would cost? Not to my knowledge.
18) Do the city departments work well together? How can inter-department work be done more efficiently? As far as I know they do.I guess when I get there as mayor we will find out.

19) What makes you unique as a candidate for Mayor? I am a worker ant like most of the people in Duluth. I feel that I am in touch with some of the problems we all have. I am not a politician, but someone who would like to see this city move forward to a bright future. I would be a hands on mayor, that is I will be out there in the neighborhoods finding out what we as citizens need. We don't need status quo, we need fresh eyes to bring positive attitudes back to Duluth.

Thank you, Reiner Nelson, just remember Duluth Can Be Finer With A Vote For Reiner.


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“The Hillsider” Questionnaire for City Candidates

“The Hillsider” Questionnaire for City Candidates


Please email back to hillsider@sundogpress.com
Please type your responses right after the question if you are answering by email. Snail mail users can write under the questions or on a separate piece of paper. Please limit your response to 75 words or less per question.
1) Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
2) Family
3) Educational background
4) Employment background
5) Volunteer background
6) Hobbies
7) Your address and contact information

8) The Hillside and the Lincoln Park neighborhoods are some of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city of Duluth. How do you see this ethnic diversity as an asset to Duluth?

Disclaimer:
Added Nov. 5, 2007
"The Hillsider" apologizes for this question. It was originally asked in August 2007 and published in the September issue. "The Hillsider" does not believe the statement/question below is true. It was asked in an effort to pin down the candidates on an his or her personal beliefs on crime and newcomers. The statement is often heard at many venues. "The Hillsider" did not intend that newcomers were immigrants as in not citizens and did not mean the word in a negative connotation.

9) Some people blame the increase in neighborhood problems such as crime on immigrants from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Do you think it's true?

9a) If so, what do we do about it?

9 b) If not, why not?

10) It is estimated that 15 percent of Duluthians are living below the poverty line including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65. What are some of your ideas to bring Duluthians out of poverty?

11) The city has a mandatory recycling law yet walking by many people’s homes it is obvious that they do not recycle. Is recycling important?

12) Why do we have a law on the books if it isn’t going to be enforced?
13) Over-flowing garbage cans are a problem in lower East Hillside. Many of the homes where this is a problem are rental units. What kinds of ideas do you have to prompt landlords to encourage their tenants to take better care of their property?

14) In the last census, Duluth had a dearth of people age 24 to 35? What can be done to attract and keep this population in Duluth?

15) This city has yet to settle the retiree’s health care budget. What type of action would you take?

16) Is paying for health care a problem that needs to be addressed on the city, state or national level?

17) Have you or anyone you know, had trouble paying a health care bill or worried about how much health care would cost?
18) Do the city departments work well together? How can inter-department work be done more efficiently?
19) What makes you unique as a candidate for city office?
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Duluth will hold September 11 memorial

The City of Duluth will hold its annual September 11 observation on Tuesday, September 11 at Bayfront Festival Park. The memorial will begin at 12:15 p.m.
Bernadine Martin, a Duluth Salvation Army volunteer who served at Ground Zero, will offer her recollections as part of the event.

The Duluth Police and Fire combined honor guard will take part and area military units will also be invited. Mayor Herb Bergson will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The public is invited to attend the event which is free of charge.

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Help for school supplies

By Meg Kearns
CHUM Distributive Services
727-2391


Several organizations will be distributing school supplies and backpacks this year to local students in need. Most require an I.D. for each child receiving supplies (social security cards, birth certificate or medical cards).

The list of agencies and resources offered are:

1. Churches United in Ministry (CHUM), Duluth School District #709, Minnesota Power Foundation and the Junior League will be sponsoring a “Back to School Fair” on Tuesday, August 21, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Central Administration Building at 215 North First Avenue East in Duluth. Resources,
information booths, backpack distribution and registration for the school lunch program will be available to Duluth public and charter school students. No pre-registration is required. For more information, call Meg at 727-2391.

2. Union Gospel Mission, 219 ½ East First Street, will distribute school supplies to families currently using their services and families unable to go to the other distribution sites. They are taking advanced sign up on Mondays-Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. until August 22. Families will need to show proof of income and identification cards for students. The Union Gospel Mission is also accepting donations of supplies. The distribution will be Tuesday, September 4, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kerri at 722-1196.

3. If families miss the above distributions, backpacks will be available at their school’s office after August 30. These backpacks will be supplied to the Duluth School District by Junior League of Duluth.

4. If your teenager needs clothing, the Teen Clothes Closet has clothing for ages 13-21 years. A referral from an agency must be made and an appointment set up to visit the Teen Clothes Closet. Call 393-0851 for more information.

5. Finally, families with annual income of $37,500 or less also have the option to purchase their children’s school supplies and then submit store receipts for the K-12 Education Credit on their 2006 tax return (see Schedule M1ED). This credit also covers tutoring, music lessons and up to $200 for computer hardware and educational software.

School supplies will be distributed to Superior students at the Superior Middle
School on August 22 & 23. Parents must pre-register by August 17 at the
Superior Housing Authority, Bayside Baptist Church, the United Way or @ http://www.superiorchamber.org/

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Lakewalk extension receives Minnesota DNR grant to

The City of Duluth has been awarded a $130,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for Phase 2 of the Lakewalk East Extension. The grant is the largest among seven issued statewide totaling $650,000.

"The Lakewalk extension project is important to us and I thank the Minnesota DNR for helping make it happen," Mayor Herb Bergson. "I thank our staff which worked hard to get the grant and I.m looking forward to a beautiful, expanded Lakewalk as a result. This project will link Lakeside with the Bayfront area in a whole new way and will complement light rail service to the Lakeside area as well."

Phase 2 will construct a trail from 36th to 47th Avenues East within the North Shore Scenic Railroad.s right-of-way. Total project cost is estimated at $900,000.

For additional information on projects and funding, visit the DNR.s website at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/releases/index.html.

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DTCU & Salavation Army helping with school back packs

DTCU in conjunction with the Salvation Army is accepting donations of new back packs and school supplies for local kids in need.

Thru August 31st you may drop off yourdonations at either DTCU location.
Duluth Teachers Creidt UnionDowntown 11 West 2nd St.
722-9242
or Kenwood
1358 West Arrowhead Rd (in Kenwood Shopping Center
724-8218

The Salvation Army will distribute in time for the first day of school.

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Mayor repeats request for special session

Mayor repeats request for special session
Mayor Herb Bergson has renewed his call for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to
approve a tax bill.
In a letter to Governor Tim Pawlenty sent Monday morning, Mayor Bergson wrote the following:
"Dear Governor Pawlenty:
In good conscience I can’t just walk away without telling you again how important the tax bill is to a lot of cities in Minnesota. The tax bill that would have returned $3.7 million of what we lost in LGA over the last several years is in desperate need. There is no doubt in my mind that we will have to cut police,fire and public works services if there isn’t a tax bill. I am not blaming anyone,we just need you to be a good leader and get the LGA to Minnesota’s cities.

Governor, I have heard horror stories from other mayors about how many police and fire services will be cut if the bill doesn’t come back. Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth and many more cities won’t have the resources to watch over its citizenry without that state aid. Please consider a special session and please give us the tax bill all of our police and fire departments need."



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American Indian Commission to host "Feast and Forum" on Thurs., Aug. 23

The City of Duluth American Indian Commission will host a “Feast and Public Forum” on Thursday, Aug. 23. The event will be held in the auditorium at the Washington Center, 310 North First Ave. W.

The free feast will begin at 5:00 p.m. Following the feast, the commission will host an open and informal public forum, where the commission will listen to all those who wish to share their thoughts, opinions and advice regarding issues and concerns in Duluth’s American Indian community.

In announcing the “Feast and Public Forum” commission co-chairs Joycelyn Dorscher and Michele Gordon, said “The commission wants to hear directly from Duluth’s American Indian residents about what they see as the real issues that are most challenging to their community.”
Commission secretary Donna Ennis echoed the Co-chairs and said the Duluth American Indian Commission values all thoughts and comments relating to or affecting the services, facilities, policies and issues that are of concern to the American Indian Community and hopes that many people from the community come out and let their voices be heard.

This evening is part of the Duluth American Indian Commission’s ongoing efforts to reach out to the community. Part of the commission’s mission is to develop recommendations to the City Council and City Administration to ensure that the American Indian community’s concerns are considered in the City’s decision and policy making process.

Mayor Bergson emphasized the City’s continuing support for the commission’s mission “This is a very important initiative. We are very supportive of this event and all that it means. When you think of all the infrastructure improvements that have taken place over the past 20 years because of our partnership with our Indian friends, you realize how important it is to build relationships and remember to say thank you.”

The Duluth American Indian Commission was established by the City of Duluth by an ordinance passed in 2003. The 11 commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and include cultural and spiritual leaders, activists and other American Indian community advocates.

Eclectic music ranging from progressive rock, rhythm and blues, and reggae, with food by

CAPTIONS: first photo: The delegation gathered with friends from the Magdelena, Venezuela community. Linda and Tom Curran, Bill Hardesty, Joel Kilgour, Martha Minchak, Kathy Nygard (International Team leader), Lyn and John Clark Pegg (Delegation Coordinators).

Second photo: A group of children from the Olaya Herrera displaced community on the Caribbean coast in Cartegena, Colombia.

By Lyn Clark Pegg

A benefit for Witness for Peace - Upper Midwest and ASDIC for Youth will be held on Sunday, Aug. 19 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Square Community Center, 3026 Minnesota Ave.. on Park Point. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music ranging from progressive rock, to rhythm and blues, to reggae. Food by Simply Southern will be available.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and no charge for children under 10. Call 218-525-4542 or email pnprovost@charter.net for reservations.

In May a Witness for Peace delegation traveled to Colombia and Venezuela for 12 days to learn about the conditions in those countries and the effects of U.S. economic and military policies.
In Colombia the group visited communities of indigenous people and Afro-Colombians who have been displaced by internal violence. They also met with human rights activists, religious leaders and government and military officials.

In Venezuela the group learned first-hand about the “Bolivarian Social Movement,” touring housing, educational and health care projects recently initiated by President Chavez. They also talked with many community activists and government officials and heard a wide range of opinions both for and against these transformational changes.

Need a summertime gift? Purchase a Patch gift baske

East Hillside Patch is creating gift baskets as a fund-raiser. Purchase one of these gift baskets and East Hillside Patch will receive 100 percent of the profits. Donate to a local non-profit agency while you save time and money. Send an elegantly designed basket to everyone on your list for Graduation, College Survival, Weddings, Babys, New House, Get Well, Thank You, Congrats, Condolence, Anniversary, Birthday, Promotion, the list is endless!
Each basket is filled with exquisite items designed for the utmost enjoyment. Baskets may be filled with, chocolate, snacks, cookies, candy, coffee, tea, pampering bath /spa products, gardening products, or anything you want. Patch is open to changing any basket to suit your needs. Call 218-728-4287

Naomi’s Notes

Americans are able to pull together for health care for everyone

Affordable health care is a problem for many people in America. You would think if a person has a full time job or a professional job, that they would be able to afford health care. But for many people the financial costs of visiting the doctor or the emergency room can be just as devastating as the illness or injury.

A Harvard study found that illness and medical bills caused half of the bankruptcies in 2002. Surprisingly, most of those people had medical insurance at the onset of their illness. Many small businesses can not afford to offer their employees an adequate health insurance policy. Here in Duluth we debate the city retiree health insurance “problem.” Why are we even in a situation where it is problem to give retiree’s the best care available?

We are missing the point when we argue over what to do about the city retiree’s. American’s need to band together and figure out what to do about the cost of health care for everyone.

The costs of health care are crippling America, both in physical and financial terms.
The Hillsider’s front page story is about Patch, a neighborhood program that is helping low and middle income people access health care and putting together a survey to use to apply pressure to politicians to take action to correct the health care problem.

Another organization, the Minnesota Citizens Federation Northeast had made affordable, universal health care the top priority. Their website states, “This means a public insurance system that treats everyone the same; holds down prices; eliminates paperwork waste and duplication of expensive equipment; and takes decision making out of the hands of private insurance companies. Everyone is covered, regardless of his or her work situation, and families pay less than before.”

For more information contact them at: 2110 W. First St. Suite 102, Duluth Minnesota 55806, phone 218-727-0207, or E-mail: admin@citizensfed.org

As a journalist, I have seen Americans pull together to help each other. I have seen people come together during floods, tornados, fires, illnesses and injuries. It is time we, as a nation, pull together to help ourselves before we become crippled by the debt of health care.

The following is my personal reaction to the movie, SiCKO which played in Duluth in July.

A Jaded woman cries: America, what have we become?
I think I have become jaded. I sat there watching the movie screen as the camera focused on a young woman with tears streaming down her face. She was a health insurance representative and she listed reasons why people are denied health insurance. She talked about one couple who sat down with her and filled out all their paperwork. The husband would be late for work because of the time it took them to fill out the paperwork, but the wife didn’t care, because now they had health insurance. The couple was so happy to finally get insurance. But this young health insurance representative knew that two weeks later this couple would receive a letter telling them they were denied
Oh, give me a break, I thought. Is she really crying over that?
Halfway through the movie, we watch the stories of two women who had been dumped off by hospitals because the hospitals could no longer afford to keep them.
A question was asked of America, “What have we become?” I can’t remember the specific words to quote from the movie, but the next scene showed farmers helping each other out during harvest season.
I know those people! I have written stories about these people; stories about farmers banding together to help a neighboring family harvest their crop because the husband had been sick. My mind flashed back to Iowa, 1998. I could smell the soil and freshly cut wheat. I could hear the machinery clanking. I remember the men’s and women’s voices as they took a break for lunch. I remember being teased by a man because I had climbed up on top of a huge stack of bailed hay to get a better photo. I was the reporter with the notebook and the camera, documenting how friendly and neighborly we Americans are. I was the editor who designated a whole page of text and photographs to this story of American will.
“Those are Americans. Those are the people I write stories about. We Americans are proud. We Americans are capable. We are good people.
But back to the question, “What have we become?” The juxtaposition of the focus on the face of the woman who was dumped out in the previous scene to the focus of the farmers helping each other out hit me.
Tears welled up in my eyes. In the previous scene a hidden video camera taped a disoriented woman still in her hospital gown dropped off by taxi.
Later as the movie producer’s camera focused on this woman’s face we got a good look at her. The camera forced us to look at her eyes. She was old; she was wrinkled; she had a scratch or some type of mark on her nose. She had been thrown out like so much trash.
My husband and I have our own personal stories. We sat and we watched stories of middle class Americans with consequences far worse than our own.
Twenty minutes later I looked at my husband’s face. He was sitting with his arms crossed over his chest, weeping. I reached over and grabbed his fingers and held on tight
America, what, have we become?

Best wishes to David Clanaugh

Best wishes to David Clanaugh, “The Hillsider’s” treasurer and fiscal manager. He and his family are moving to Houghton, Mich. so he can pursue his doctorate. We will miss you!

“Over the Top” Dance Studio offers classes for everyone whether experienced or beginner

When her studio is not busy with classes, Juliana Bertelsen uses it to rehearse with professional-level dancers to prepare for upcoming shows. This photo is from the rehearsal of “eMotion.” from left to right: Rod Raymond, Tamara Phillips, Mike Myers, Danny Whitehead, Lark Phillips (up high), Mike Neilson, Juliana Bertelsen, and Steve Skolasinski. (Photo submitted)

Juliana Bertelsen, a professional ballerina, has opened “Over-the-Top” Dance Studio at 132 E. Superior St., Suite 275. She is collaborating with several teachers so customers can choose from a range of styles. Teachers and styles include Vladimir Messing (Hip-Hop), Barb and Dave Hanson (Argentine Tango), Juliana Bertelsen (Salsa, Ballet, and Modern Dance), Sheila Matthews (Belly Dance), Lark Phillips (Tap), Rob Wittig (Tai Chi), Cynthia Tope (creative dance for youngsters), and Amber Olson (Lyrical Jazz).

Bertelsen said she wants to provide a space for everyone; adult beginners, toddlers or professionals to have fun and learn. “People say they are scared of dance or can’t dance, or sometimes intimidated to try,” Bertelsen said. “Often people try to learn a style that doesn’t fit their personality.”

She told how her mother tried to get her brother to dance a style that didn’t fit his personality, “When I was a kid, my mom, also a former ballerina, tried to make my brother take ballet. My brother was not a ballet dancer. No bribe would get him to ballet class, and he’d play hooky whenever possible. My mom had to get over it. Then my brother discovered Tap. He loved going to tap class!! Ten years later found him still busting out in spectacular moving rhythm of his own volition. He had discovered what people who dance know, that dance is freedom.

Classes are $7.00 per lesson. Visitors are welcome or phone 218-591-0748 for more information.

"Dis & Dat" new store on Central Hillside

By Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff

Caption: Demetris Boyd is the owner of “Dis & Dat.” Her daughter, Dajã Norvell helps her sell the candy.

Love Baker will assist with braiding


Demetris Boyd has opened a combination variety store and hair braiding service at 118. W. First St. She named it “D & D’s” or “Dis & Dat.” She said, “We sell ‘dis and we sell ‘dat.” The named coincides with the initials for her name and her daughter, Dajã Norvell, age 11. Dajã assists her in the store, especially selling the candy.

Boyd said she opened the store to help residents of Central Hillside who might need an household item like a sponge mop or an iron, and who don’t have the transportation to drive up to the Miller Hill area or want to take a two hour city bus trip. Her inventory changes every few days.

She has one wall that features handmade original crafts. Currently she had Native American artwork, including dream catchers which are priced less than similar artwork (by the same artist) on Canal Park Drive.

In the back there is a separate room for braiding. Boyd has 15 years experience braiding. Her hair braiding services can run from $10.00 to over $100.00 depending on the complexity of the design. Love Baker assists her with braiding. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. She also sells hair care products for African American hair. The store’s phone number is 218-727-1905.

Fiscal Manager Needed

Fiscal Manager Needed
This is a volunteer position with a $250.00 stipend.
Please come to an informational meeting on Monday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more,
or phone 2218-591-5277.
Click here for more info

Informational Meeting

Special meeting dates
this August
Informational meeting for prospective board members
and fiscal manger is
Monday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Board meeting for regular business on Wednesday,
Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Young love having fun by Chris Nichols

When you’re young and in-love,
you become oblivious to the summertime weather.

Is it responsible for newspapers to reprint other’s hate speech?

A Vehicle for Hate
On July 4, a letter promoting violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community was published in the Duluth News Tribune. To be clear, the letter called for a jihad against gay subculture. Though the author’s definition of jihad is questionable, the message was clear.

Hatred toward LGBT people is nothing new, but highlighting it on a national holiday may be. One can only wonder if a letter calling for a jihad against refugees, new citizens or illegal immigrants would have made it to print.

One way to deal with the anti-LGBT point of view is to simply dismiss it as blatant homophobia or religious fanaticism. But, are we to dismiss the fact that a percentage of anti-LGBT activists encourage violence against an underrepresented population? Or, that opinions inciting violence diminish the possibility of a peaceful exchange?

LGBT Americans pay equal taxes but are not afforded equal rights. Moreover, sexual orientation determines the amount of safety one is granted. And, hate speech, though controversial, is considered by many to be a form of discrimination.

With violent crime on the rise in Duluth and the annual Pride Festival around the corner, it’s likely that opinions endorsing violence against the LGBT community will continue to be a vehicle for spreading hate. Fortunately, each and every one of us has the right to recognize hate speech for what it is.

Lisa Kane

Scars Represent Healing

As I sat with my head hung down, feeling condemned, shame, and guilty because I didn’t please people, I heard God say, “Daughter lift up your head, you have my permission to go and grow.”
I said, “Daddy but I am so wounded.
Where am I going to go?
What am I going to do?”
He said, “Right Leg!”
I said, “What? What does my right leg have to do with this pity party I’m having?”
I looked down at my right leg at the big scar I got when I fell at about 6 years of age.
My Abba (Big Daddy) said, “That’s right! Scars represent healing, teaching lessons and character building!
Get up daughter!
Rise and shine!
For you will always be the apple of my eye Beloved.
By Prophetess Naomi-Tamar

“The Hillsider” now includes Lincoln Park

“The Hillsider” has distributed in the Lincoln Park or West End neighborhood for several months with a good response. In April, Lincoln Park Elementary was added as a distribution site. The school receives 475 papers which the students take home in their backpacks.
Other distribution sites include Embers and Burger King on Twenty-seventh Avenue West, Perkins on West Fortieth Avenue and the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Superior Street. If you know of a good distribution site or would like to have your business or agency added as a site please phone 218-591-5277.

With this added distribution sites, “The Hillsider” encourages submission of news from the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. Do you know of a new business or agency that could be covered in our Biz Buzz page? Do you have news of feature idea? Phone Naomi at 218-591-5277 or mail “The Hillsider” 928 ½ E. Fourth St., Duluth, MN 55805.

Remember, lots of people who live outside our coverage area pick up “The Hillsider.” Consider advertising with us today. See page 11 for rate.

Free dental care facilitated by Patch’s Health Equity Project

By Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff
hillsider@sundogpress.com

Gaining a dental hygienist was an immediate payoff from the Health Equity Project survey done in the East Hillside neighborhood this spring.

While conducting neighborhood surveys East Hillside Patch learned about Stacy Anderson, a registered Dental Hygienist who was looking for a space to offer free dental health services to children.

Anderson provides mobile services which are free to children on Medica, U-Care, First Plan Blue, and MN Health Care Program (MA). She works under the Minnesota Dental Hygienist Collaborative Practice Agreement under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Few dental clinics accept patients on public health insurance programs. Anderson helps families who typically get turned away or have to endure lengthy waiting periods to access basic dental care for their children. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church provides the space at Carriage House located at 1710 E. Superior St.

Anderson’s services are for children ages 1 through 14 and include: gentle cleanings, fluoride applications, oral hygiene education, tooth sealants, and supplies to maintain oral health. Contact Patch at 728-4287 for more information.

If a family has no insurance, or needs help completing application forms or appeals, Patch staff connects them with appropriate resources in the community to help.

If a family is not eligible for assistance, Lake Superior Health Care Center may be able to help. The family must be willing to document their story/situation (anonymously) to add to Patch’s examples of why the state health care system needs to be transformed, which is the purpose of the Health Equity Project.

Patch, celebrates 10 years, Patch to conduct community assessment

CAPTION: Cindy Donner, executive director of East Hillside Patch and Jennifer Zapata, youth director, stand in front of their offices at 1406 E. Second St.

East Hillside Patch is celebrating ten years as an organization striving to help residents make this neighborhood a good place to live. A group of East Hillside Community Club neighbors formed Patch in 1997 to address the needs of residents.

The idea of using the word “Patch” comes from a similar program that the founders heard about in England and refers to a patch of ground.

Patch has many programs including summer and after-school programs for children, a gardening project, and two projects which include canvassing the neighborhood to ask residents about their needs. These projects are the Health Equity Project and the Community Assessment Project.

Open your door to speak
your mind
Starting in September, University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) students and volunteers will knock on doors to ask questions for a Community Assessment Project. This survey is comprehensive and will collect information on all areas of living. The questionnaire was designed by the Wilder Foundation. Cindy Donner, executive director of Patch, said the Wilder Foundation is a leading edge organization and their surveys are considered “best practices.”
The survey includes questions with ratings. Questions include: “Do you have….“A doctor you can go to?’ Enough money to buy clothing and other necessities?” “Help with household chores?’ “Support in raising grandchildren or another relative’s child?” “Reliable transportation?”

Organizations such as United Way, Neighborhood Housing Services, CHUM and LISC are also involved in this survey which will be conducted in the Central Hillside and Lincoln Park neighborhoods as well as East Hillside.

The Wilder Foundation will provide training for conducting the survey. After the door-to-door survey is completed the information will be sent to the Wilder Foundation for analysis.
Donner said, “Patch has always organized around people’s needs.” So much has changed (in the last ten years.) Some needs have changed.

When the results are back neighbors will convene to decide how Patch should move forward.
Health Equity Project

Earlier this year, from January through April, nursing students from the College of St. Scholastica (CSS) visited various neighborhood places and centers to connect with low-income people and administer a survey which was part of the Health Equity Project. The students asked people about their specific challenges with the health care system, especially issues relating to payment and insurance.

Donner says she hopes this project will generate more political will to put pressure on the decision-makers to make changes in health care payment and insurance systems. Currently Patch has several people who are willing to tell their personal stories to the public.
Stories include: being denied care because they didn’t have the $1.00 co-pay needed the day they arrived for their appointment; being told that a medical procedure was covered only to discover, after receiving care, that it was denied coverage. Other issues include changes to the coverage without informing the recipients or so much paperwork that a person who is already ill feels defeated before even filling out the paperwork; and for some, problems reading or understanding the paperwork.

“A lot of M. D.’s are just as frustrated by the system,” said Donner. She spoke of one physician who was a speaker at a recent state forum on rural health care. This physician said she is paid more to remove a wart than to consult with a patient.

Donner says some people have ended up homeless because of their illness and the lack of coverage to treat the illness and the mounting bills. Patch offices are located at 1406 E. Second St., Suite B. Phone Patch 218-728-4287.

Duluth Area Thrivent Financial donates to Leif Erikson Viking ship

The Duluth Area Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans recently presented Save Our Ship (SOS) with a check for $1,600 in support of its 80th Anniversary Celebration held June 24 at Great Lakes Aquarium. The festivity raised more than $7,100 in support of restoration of the Leif Erikson Viking ship.
Receiving the check on behalf of SOS were (center) Neill Atkins, Chairman; Elaine Almquist, event volunteer; and Dwight Nelson, Treasurer. Brian Sorvik, Financial Director, and Zelda Cherne, Special Events Director, presented the check for Thrivent Financial.

Through the Care Abounds in Communities® chapter Care program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides funding for members participating in community service teams. These teams are made up of six or more Thrivent Financial member families who seek to conduct fund-raising activities and/or hands-on service activities. Nonmembers of the organization are encouraged to participate in these Care program activities with established community service teams.
"Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a membership organization that encourages its members to join with others to use their volunteer and financial resources for the good of the community," said Sorvik. "Care Abounds in Communities makes the impact of Thrivent Financial members who join in service even greater. It’s tremendously exciting to know that when we volunteer, the organization that brings us together multiplies the good we do, providing even more help to people in need and our community."

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial sponsors national outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and needy individuals. For more information, visit http://www.thrivent.com/.
Securities are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1665, 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Member NASD. Member SIPC.

Wheeler tennis courts closed for repair

Wheeler tennis courts to close temporarily for repair
The tennis courts at the Wheeler complex will be closed during the week of August 6-10 for repairs.

All four courts will be re-sealed with new lines painted and nets replaced where needed. Materials used will need time to cure so players are asked to find other facilities next week.
Other such locations include Harrison, Woodland, Endion and Longview Tennis.

Meet and Greet the Candidates

MN Citizens Federation
Free Picnic and Meet & Greet the Candidates
Sat. July 28, 2007
11:00 am - 2:00pm
Lincoln Park, 26th Ave. West & 3rd St., Duluth
Free Lunch! Games for Children!
Bring kids and grandkids!

Meet the people running for Duluth Mayor and City Council.
For more information contact the Minnesota Citizens Federation at
727-0207

Help Identify woman who feel to her death at Chester Creek

CITY OF DULUTH
POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE

Today.s Date: 07/27/2007
Location: 1400 Block East 9th Street
Incident: Falling Death
Incident Date: 07/27/2007
Incident Time: 1055
Author: Sergeant Shene
Contact Person: Sergeant Shene, Violent Crimes Unit, 730 - 5050
Details. The Duluth Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying the victim of a fall from the bridge over Chester Creek in the 1400 block of East 9th Street.
The incident happened shortly before 11:00 AM this morning, July 27th, 2007. The victim is described as a white female, early to mid twenties, approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall, 160 pounds, with long brown hair, and grey eyes. She was wearing black shorts with white stripes on the sides, and a black sleeveless top. She had a gold ankle bracelet on her right ankle, a leather necklace with a off white pendant in the form of a "J", a ring on her right ring finger, and two
bracelets on her right wrist. One bracelet was pink rubber and the other was made of yarn.

Anyone having any information on the identity of this person should contact the Duluth Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 730-5050, or the Patrol Sergeant.s Desk at 730-5150.

Free Picnic to Meet & Greet the Candidtes

MN Citizens Federation
Free Picnic and Meet & Greet the Candidates
Sat. July 28, 2007 11:00 am - 2:00pm
Lincoln Park, 26th Ave. West & 3rd St.,
Duluth

Free Lunch!
Games for Children!Bring kids and grandkids!
Meet the people running for Duluth Mayor and City Council.
For more information contact the Minnesota Citizens Federation at 727-0207

RUAH "Breath of God" supportive housing open house is Wednesday, July 25

RUAH Project Apartments blessing & dedication July 25
Three organizations (The Benedictine Sisters of Saint Scholastica, Habitat for Humanity, and CHUM) partnered through the RUAH Project to convert the vacant former Lake Superior Community Health Center into permanent supportive housing. These groups will bless and dedicate the four unit apartment building on Wednesday, July 25 by co-hosting a celebration from 1-3 p.m. at 2 East Fifth Street. Gathering and introductions take place from 1-1:30 p.m. with the blessing and dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Tours, socializing and refreshments will follow the ceremony.
Special thanks go to the St. Scholastica Sisters who provided major financial support, CHUM congregations that provided additional financial support and volunteer labor, Habitat for Humanity that coordinated volunteers and the rehabilitation process, countless volunteers and donors from the community, and the Lake Superior Community Healthy Center.
“RUAH is an ancient Hebrew word meaning breath of God,” CHUM Congregational Outreach Director Steve O’Neil commented. “We've added to our understanding of ruah as people of faith who have been Rehabilitating Urban Affordable Housing with direction from our Creator. The Benedictine Sisters breathed the dollars into a dream of CHUM volunteers breathing new life into old buildings, kind of a Habitat for apartments. Habitat folks led the way for us on our first endeavor.”
CHUM will manage the building as part of its on-going efforts to help families and individuals exit the cycle of repeat homelessness. Families who have been housed in CHUM’s emergency family shelter and are ready for their next step toward permanent housing, yet which may have major obstacles to obtaining and retaining permanent independent housing will be the primary occupants of the RUAH building. In addition to stable on-going housing these families will receive intensive supportive services from Gabriel Project social worker Veronica Gaidelis-Langer with support from CHUM Family Stabilization Advocate Mary Lu Larsen.
CHUM serves over 7,000 low-income people each year through programs meeting basic needs, helping people stabilize their living situations, and working for social and economic justice in the entire community. A major part of CHUM’s work involves addressing homelessness and the need for affordable and safe housing.

A Jaded Woman Cries or America What Have We Become?

A Jaded Woman Cries

I think I have become jaded. I sat there watching the movie screen as the camera focused on a young woman with tears streaming down her face. She was a health insurance representative and she listed reasons why people are denied health insurance. She talked about one couple who sat down with her and filled out all their paperwork. The husband would be late for work because of the time it took them to fill out the paperwork, but the wife didn't care, because now they had health insurance. The couple was so happy to finally get insurance. But this young health insurance representative knew that two weeks later this couple would receive a letter telling them they were denied.

Oh, give me a break, I thought. Is she really crying over that?

Halfway through the movie, we watch the stories of two women who had been dumped off by hospitals because the hospitals could no longer afford to keep them.

A question was asked of America , "What have we become?" I can't remember the specific words to quote from the movie, but the next scene showed farmers helping each other out during harvest season.

I know those people! I have written stories about these people. Stories about farmers banding together to help a neighboring family harvest their crop because the husband had been sick. My mind flashed back to Iowa , 1998. I could smell the soil and freshly cut wheat. I could hear the machinery clanking. I remember the men's and women's voices as they took a break for lunch. I remember being teased by a man because I had climbed up on top of a huge stack of bailed hay to get a better photo. I was the reporter with the notebook and the camera, documenting how friendly and neighborly we Americans are. I was the editor who designated a whole page of text and photographs to this story of American will.

"Those are Americans. Those are the people I write stories about. We Americans are proud. We Americans are capable. We are good people.

But back to the question, "What have we become?" The juxtaposition of the focus on the face of the woman who was dumped out in the previous scene to the focus of the farmers helping each other out hit me.

Tears welled up in my eyes. In the previous scene a hidden video camera taped a disoriented woman still in her hospital gown dropped off by taxi.

Later as the movie producer’s camera focused on this woman's face we got a good look at her. The camera forced us to look at her eyes. She was old; she was wrinkled; she had a scratch or some type of mark on her nose. She had been thrown out like so much trash.

My husband and I have our own personal stories. We sat and we watched stories of middle class Americans with consequences far worse than our own.

Twenty minutes later I looked at my husband's face. He was sitting with his arms crossed over his chest, weeping. I reached over and grabbed his fingers and held on tight.

America, what have we become?

You may leave comments on my blog click here:
Naomi's Notes



Marcus Lakes 10


4351 Stebner Road, Hermantown , MN , 55811 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
(12:30), (4:00), 7:10, 9:45
Marcus Superior 7 Theatre


69 North 28th Street East, Superior , WI , 54880 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
(12:35), (3:10), 6:40, 9:35




http://sicko-movie.com/

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/forums/hot-topics-health-news/93735

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/steve/sicko-5816

http://sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/10/11/MNGII96CVP1.DTL

http://www.hcahealthcare.com/

Needed Fiscal Manager for "The Hillsider"

Needed: Fiscal Manager for The Hillsider who could also serve on the Board as its Treasurer (not required).
Approximately 10-12 hours per month of work. Work closely with editor to track existing and new advertisers and their ads using Microsoft Access database and generate monthly billings using Microsoft Word Mail Merge.

Could also use a basic accounting software package to accomplish these tasks. Prepare mailing of advertising billing by second day of each month by pulling tearsheets from current newspaper issue, running invoices and mailing labels, and stuffing envelopes. Track and deposit advertising payments. Prepare disbursements each month for operational expenses, maintaining checking and savings accounts. Prepare monthly financial reports showing income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and net worth of organization. Work with Treasurer and other Board members to maintain transparency and accountability of finances. Contractual stipend of $250.

Maggie Kazel reviews "Bobby."

By

Maggie Kazel

(Maggie Kazel grew up in McLean, Va. and went to high school with Bobby Kennedy’s children. She is currently living in the Central Hillside.)

My daughter knew but wouldn’t tell me they’d made a movie about Robert Kennedy. She watched me closely as I viewed the movie’s first TV advertisement. I suppressed my emotional reaction and instead merely said, “I hope they don’t blow it.” This is when she decided to ventured forth, telling me of an interview she saw with the film’s director. “He seemed to really want to make a good movie, he really did care about him.”

Of course, I’m older and somewhat jaded. I’m tempted to tell her a director’s career may well rest on his ability to schmooze like this, but I hold in my cynicism. At least I think I did.

Days later, I learn who the director is: Emilio Estevez, son of Martin Sheen, one of Robert Kennedy’s friends. Once I knew, I breathed a sigh of relief and told my daughter, yes, he probably did care very much. She then told me Emilio’s father knew the exact spot where he stood in the hotel kitchen where Robert Kennedy was shot. She was impressed by the fact that he could remember this, and I explained how much he meant to so many of us. She’s heard this many times before and yet I persist, adding new information, things she was too young to know before, things she now understands, whether I want her to or not.

I tell her about the United Farm Workers campaigning ceaselessly, door-to-door, across the entire state of California. 14,000 members strong, the UFW was an army of a union. And wanting to be eminently clear, they’d knock and say only these words: ”Vote Bobby”, ”Vote Bobby”, ”Vote Bobby.” Their miraculous foot patrol turned the election. My daughter knows about the migrant farm workers, and how they came to my church. Bobby brought them. He brought everyone to our church because the priests happily let him. He and his wife Ethel faithfully brought their enormous brood of children and nannies every week, being dyed-in-the-wool Irish Catholic. Our pastor had a much easier job, thanks to Bobby’s desire to awaken our consciences, our sense of outrage and empathy.

I remember the UFW visits, and the Oreo cookies their nanny passed out amongst the ten kids to keep them quiet through the entire mass, no small feat. And I remember always schlepping along with my youngest siblings to one of their events: in and out the Hickory Hill backyard for holiday parties, Art Buchwald’s annual pet show, and trips through the kitchen, where Ethel managed brilliantly from a long couch in the middle of it. I remember thinking, my mom has lots of kids, she should get a couch like that. Ethel handled everything deftly: if your kid cried, she invited you in, gave the child treats, or a dog to pet, or whatever was needed to bring the child to peace. And most of all I recall that I was always longing for one thing: the hand of this allegedly 'ruthless' man to touch my head, yet again. He’d do that, pat my head, my shoulder, in church or wherever I saw him. Bobby had an affinity for children. This is why I studied his career, years later, and found what it was I trusted in him, politically. A man who clearly appreciates the wonders and vulnerabilities of children, this is someone I want to see in office. Mainly, though, I wasn’t thinking politically back then, I simply wanted him as my surrogate father. I had a father already, but an extra wouldn’t hurt. Bobby’s eyes conveyed an acute sense of understanding, and his words came out gently, as he'd be trying to make you laugh.

Two moments in the movie ”Bobby” that show the man I knew best: first, he appears to be working a crowd, when he stops for a moment to tussle a little boy’s hair. A friendly, normal gesture, but then – he surprises the boy by running his hand up and down over the boy’s face, making the child peal out in giggles. The second involves the kind of action Bobby could inspire. A young Chicano, one of the hotel kitchen employees, was cradling Bobby’s head as he lay on the kitchen floor. The young man presses a rosary into one of Bobby’s hands. It is this gesture, small and simple, that makes me think of how he affected us. He inspired us to care for one another, in whatever ways we knew. This is the man I knew, this is the man I miss. The film is about, more than anything else, his powerful affect on many, many different types of people across the globe, but mostly the invisible amongst us, those in poverty, and those de colores.

It all ended in a jarring way – seeing Andy Williams, my mother’s favorite performer, singing at our church’s memorial mass, the gym packed, getting hotter and hotter by the minute … and then all of us, trudging up a hill in Arlington Cemetery, past his brother’s eternal flame. I stood in front of his grave, trying not to cry in front of what sounded like hundreds of cameras clicking and popping. It was as awful as the day before in school, every class a TV turned on, watching my special surrogate father murdered again, and again, and again. I was 12. I was learning yet again that violence works, emphatically, to congeal hatred and love in a single shot. My heart became strangely seared open and shut within that first televised moment when I saw him murdered … seared open to loving and working for others, seared shut to cope with the unbearable loss and the unremitting presence that is violence in my world.

He was a father to me and many others. He helped me see the world as it is, and see what I could do in it. What others saw as ruthless, I saw as deeply strategic. What others saw as privileged, I saw as privilege being used to the common good’s advantage. Perhaps the murder of his brother made all the suffering around him that much more difficult to bear: perhaps this is why he was a most unusual white man of privilege in America. To this day, very few politicians can claim his level of understanding and commitment to those amongst us who have nothing, less than nothing, who are being abused their every waking moment. He taught me well, on those Sundays, with pats on my head, and with the entourage of different speakers at Sunday Mass. He taught me most inventively, at his home’s gatherings for children each Halloween, Easter, and summer pet show. And finally, as for the bearing of unspeakable burden, with his murder he taught me to practice what I witnessed him doing for many years, which is the very meaning of endurance. Truly I owe this to him, because while he was amongst us I witnessed his suffering, after his brother’s murder. He made the most of his grief, channeling it through his commitments to work for the voiceless, for his family, friends, and even, I realize, honoring his staunchest enemies with tenacious challenges.
Through the cast of humble and worldly hotel employees and guests, the film focused on Robert Kennedy’s effect on us, on what he means to us even now. Beyond the tug of emotional memories, “Bobby” ventured into the realm of public arena, and showed personal magnetism alone can’t explain his unusual gifts, his demeanor with power. This film portrays some of the Bobby I knew and will always grieve. This film very much conveys the essence of how Bobby, beyond death even, inspires many of us to live, creating actions born of empathy, outrage and courage.

DuluthCar – A Car Sharing Vision for Duluth

By Mike Nordin
You may have heard of car sharing in the news or possibly while visiting a city like Portland, San Francisco, the Twin Cities or Madison. Or maybe you haven’t.

Sharing a car, hmmm – am I going to lend my own car to someone else? No – actually it’s a service where you are able to give up the hassle of owning your own vehicle (or vehicles) – often saving you the cost of a car payment, insurance, maintenance and gas while providing you with a car when you need it. Let’s face it – most of the time the car – if you own one – is sitting in your driveway, carport or garage, collecting pine needles and other items. Car sharing frees up those worries by having someone else take responsibility for a car.

My vision for DuluthCar is having fuel efficient cars (or maybe even one light-duty truck or minivan) available at “hubs” throughout the City of Duluth. The cars could be reserved for one hour or several hours for a fee based on how much you use the car and how far you drive. Drivers would be “registered” to use the service and, once approved, could reserve a car using a convenient online reservation system or by phone. Sound futuristic? This is happening in Minneapolis/St. Paul with 15 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles available 24/7 to several hundred car sharing members (see http://www.hourcar.org/).

Some of the myriad of benefits to car sharing in Duluth could include: re-energizing the DTA bus service by placing hubs near where people already catch the bus, having fewer cars on the streets, making more public parking available, access to a car for people with a decent driving record but who don’t own a car, cutting greenhouse gas emissions – you get the idea.

Is car sharing for everyone? No – if you need to commute regularly where, say the DTA doesn’t go, then it probably wouldn’t work for you. But, if you already ride (or could ride) the bus to work and only needed a car for errands, then it might be worth seriously considering. Even downsizing from a two-car household to one-car would be possible. A business or university with a fleet of vehicles could greatly benefit from enrolling in a car sharing service if their fleet cars are driven throughout the city during regular business hours.
I hope this article sparks enough interest in a “DuluthCar” program to get things happening. Please contact me at DuluthCar@gmail.com if you have questions or, better yet want to help make it happen!

Mike Nordin
Stay-at-home Dad in Duluth

Dan Johnson purchases Aase Service and Repair

Dan Johnson at his auto service shop
Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff


Dan Johnson purchased Aase Service and Repair shop last year and in March changed the name to Johnson’s Auto Repair. Located at 17 N. Second Ave., they specialize in foreign and imported vehicles. The phone number is 218-722-0230.
Dan became a grandfather for the first time when his son, Ron, who works at the shop, and daughter-in-law, Heather had a baby girl in June.

Deb Carlson purchases consignment shop

Deb Carlson poses by a display in her consignment shop. Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff

Deb Carlson purchased the consignment clothing store in the Plaza Shopping Center, 1227 E. Superior St., in February and renamed it Plaza Consignment.

She carries everything from high end designer names like Armani to more affordable pieces. Besides clothes she has shoes, handbags, scarves and accessories. There is a broad range of sizes and styles from business suits to vacation wear and cool jeans for teens.

Clothing that doesn’t sell is donated to the Damiano Center. Phone 218-728-2997.

A two campus high school could work as a way to unify Duluth

Letter to the editor

One idea I have not heard discussed (or dismissed) is a two campus, one high school plan. I attended a school in the Chicago area (one of the top in the state) that had freshmen and sophomores at one campus and juniors and seniors at the other. Faculty commuted back and forth in some instances. Sports and Clubs could be held at either campus.

Doug Larson
Larson is a former Hillsider board member and an East Hillside resident

With Fourth Street as the anchor, positive things are happening in East Hillside

Letter to the editor

When I first moved to town I lived on the 1100 block of East Fourth Street. (That was about 20 years ago!) Since then Whole Foods Co-op moved once from its Ninth Street location down to the junction of Chester Creek and Fourteenth Avenue East and then moved again to its current location about a mile west. I was a member early on.

One day, as I was headed to the Co-op, I became aware of the phenomenal development in this East Hillside neighborhood. Fourth Street seems to be the anchor, with a popular burrito restaurant, to antique and retro stores, apartments being renovated and new buildings going up. Positive things are happening; a vital, thriving neighborhood exists here. The neighborhood now boasts not only the Co-op, but within a few blocks, a newly renovated grocery store, a florist, a clothing consignment shop, (where my high school friends got their prom dresses!) a hardware/appliance store, a book dealer, two parks, the Sacred Heart Music Center, uniform apparel shop, banks, trails in Chester Creek, laundromats, several small restaurants, bakery, ski/bike shop, car repair shops, and of course a hospital. It’s a great little neighborhood that seems to be coming into its own!

Judy Gibbs

Come n’ Get It at the Duluth Farmer’s Market

Caption: Alex Hamilton raises 50 to 70 chickens on his parent’s hobby farm on Lismore Road in Duluth and sells eggs at the Farmer’s Market. (Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff)


By Wendy Grethen
Fresh veggies and a whole lot more can be found in the wooden structure at the corner of 14th Ave E. and Third St. The Duluth Farmer’s Market is currently comprised of twenty-two family producers selling their veggies, cheese, chickens, eggs, baking, cut flowers, plants, pickles, maple syrup and other goods. July is the long awaited peak production time here in the Northland and the market is the place to come purchase fresh, locally grown strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas. The market will run through the end of October and then reopens later in the year for Christmas tree sales.

Come by Wednesday and Saturday mornings anytime between 7 a.m. and noon to support the local growers from St. Louis, Carlton and Lake Counties. The market has been at its current location since 1953 and is still going strong. At the market, you can buy directly from the producers, ask garden or cooking questions, and run into neighbors and friends. Some growers also sell items at the Whole Foods Co-op and at other markets such as the UMD market on Wednesday afternoons. This year there’s a new venture with St. Luke’s Hospital in which fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market will stock the hospital’s salad bar and be components of patients’ meals.

Several festivals are held at the Farmer’s Market throughout the season - you’ll have an opportunity to sample fresh produce and home-made goodies, plus take home some recipes. In August, don’t miss the Raspberry Festival, September has a salsa festival and October is the Cider Press and Pumpkin Festival. Lois Hauffbauer, current chair of the Farmer’s Market, invites people to come for samples and to meet the farmers directly. You’ll taste the difference of the fresh produce.

Deb Shubat, owner of Shubat’s Fruits, is one of the vendors at the Farmer’s Market. She started about six years ago and shared a space with another vendor and eventually began to grow more produce and expanded into her own space. She enjoys the social aspects and the cooperation among the vendors and yes, she is a customer herself purchasing items from fellow vendors or sometimes swapping goods.

She sees the bulk of the customers at the market coming out to pick up pickles, tomatoes or cabbages to stock up for pickling, making salsa, kimchee, or sauerkraut. During peak times some folks line up before 7 a.m. to arrive for the freshest pickings and to get larger quantities. As noon draws near during an open market day, a Second Harvest food shelf worker often comes and asks for produce donation and vendors readily provide a portion of their grown or baked goods.

Most of the producers at the market today are women and many use organic and sustainable practices - feel free to ask if the foods are organic.

Enjoy and support the local growers working with the challenges of the Northland’s weather. Also, contact the Duluth Community Garden program at 722-4583 for more recipes and to rent equipment for canning. Dig into the edible treasures of the Northland.

Impossible to remain silent, the community remembers three men who lost their lives to hate

Photography and text by
Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff
In the United States we have a social contract that says we will solve our problems through the law. On June 15, 1920 mob mentality took over as thousands of Duluthians took to the streets to participate and watch as three black men, who had been working with the circus were falsely accused of raping a white woman and hung to death at the corner of Second Avenue East and First Street. Those men were: Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie.

This year on Friday, June 15, a crowd of about 100 gathered to pay respect to the men who lost their lives and to remind everyone of what had happened so that it may never be repeated.
For educational material on eliminating hatred phone 218-3186 ext. 2 or visit:
www.claytonjacksonmcghie.org