Today and tomorow is last chance to get 40% off at Green Mercantile

I love the Green Mercantile. Last month I bought some jeans that fit me perfectly. In our June Hillsider issue they have a back page coupon ad for 40 percent of anything in the store. I haven't cashed mine in yet. I am thinking about refilling my organic shampoo bottle. I need to hustle on down there before June is over.

Tying up loose ends

Today will be a day of tying up loose ends. I still have a couple pages to finish for layout of the July issue.

Some people haven't gotten payment in for their prepaid ads. So I will be tracking them down this morning.

Do you like proofreading? If so, shoot me an email or phone because we could always use another set of eye. This afternoon I will be printing out the 11 by 17 galley sheets.

Layout of the July issue and proofing

Well today I continue to layout the paper.
I'm hoping to include some comics drawn by Donny Morris about Juneteenth. Donny is very talented. I also included a July 4th drawing created by one of the children at Kid's Cafe at the Domiano Center.

I didn't even know Donny drew cartoons until I saw them on his Facebook page. I love Facebook. It can be a sinkhole of time. But on the other hand I have chatted with people who I would never phoned up out of the blue. I don't have to worry that I am bothering someone because they are already online.

Scott and Wendy are helping proof the pages I already have done.

If you would like to help proof just shot me an email.

Tomorrow I will be printing out 11 by 17 galley sheets for anyone who wants to proof the lifesize real thing.

Sometimes goofs are easier to spot on paper than on a computer screen.

Even the Mayor of Thunder Bay reads "The Hillsider

Caption: Members of the Thunder Bay sister city delegation visited Duluth last week. Sharla Gardner, councilor of Duluth's Third District (which includes much of the catchment area of our story base) gave them a tour of City Hall. From left to right is Aldo Ruberto, Thunder Bay councilor at large, Her Worship Mayor Lynn Peterson, (a hidden person) and Sharla Gardner.

I took photos of them in the mayor's reception room and the council chambers. They had oodles of questions about the workings and the details of our city government. It was fun to visit with them. Ruberto is also a writer and invited me to come up for their writers' conference in August:
Here is the information on that conference:

(Edited July 5, 2009. Here is the website for that conference sleepinggiantwriters.com)

August 28 -30 Sleeping Giant Writers Festival FWHP (Fort William Historical Park) is proud to host the Sleeping Giant Writers Festival! Join authors from across the country in this celebration of literature! Register for workshops, take part in free readings by celebrated authors.

Dulcimer Day organizer returns with Woman-Made | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Dulcimer Day organizer returns with Woman-Made | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

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Organic hair care on London Road

Lisa Casperson cuts a customer's hair at her new shop located at 1427 London Rd. She dubs herself, "The Wizard of Wash 'n Wear Hair".

On Wednesday I decided to walk to my chiropractor appointment which is on London Road. When you walk you really see more things.

On the walk back I stopped by to visit of London Road Party Express. I spoke to owner/manager Cathy Kortesmaki. We talked about the public meeting for London Road which was scheduled for that night. (I didn't attend.) One thing we both agree on is that a stop light is needed at 17th Avenue East so that pedestrians get across the street and onto a little know lakewalk access.

Well, I DID cross the street and what did I see but a sign that said "Wizard of Wash and Wear Hair" and "organic products" for hair care. I'm all for that. In the July issue there will be a Biz Buzz blurb story about Lisa Casperson"The Art of Hair" located on 1427 London Rd.

(The only person I knew who is doing organic or natural hair care is Adeline, (who I go to). She is on the 1300 block of First Street.)

Her husband Carl Casperson has the space upstairs and has his business, Lakewalk Bookshop. He was busy painting when I was there.

Watch for their blurb and an in the July issue.

Watch for Harleys 1,200 motorcycles in Duluth

2009 Minnesota State H.O.G. Rally Parade Route

Lineup for the Harley's will be on Railroad Street from 5^th Avenue West to Garfield Avenue starting at 5:30 p.m. The parade of approximately 1200 motorcycles will start at 6:30 p.m. Be prepared for traffic delays along the parade route.

London Road closed at 1100 block on Saturday

Traffic Advisory:

Rhubarb Festival

Saturday, June 27, 2009

9:00 a.m. to 4:p.m.

The 1100 block of London Road will be closed to traffic starting at 6:00 a.m. this Saturday, June 27, 2009, for the set up of the Rhubarb Festival. The event will be held from 9:00 am. to 4:00 pm. The road will reopen by 5:00 p.m.

Watch for officers directing traffic in the area.

Nominate your Neighborhood Hero

I received an email today written by Brendan Hanschen of NHS. Here is what it says:

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Neighborhood Heroes in Central Hillside and East Hillside, as well as Lincoln Park, Morgan Park, and West Duluth. These Heroes will be publicly recognized at the annual "Connecting the Dots" event on Saturday, September 26 at Marshall School, from 9:00 am to Noon.

All nominations are needed by Friday, July 3, and will be voted on at the July 7 combined Hillside meeting (6:00 pm at Grant Rec - 901 E 11th St).
Please contact Brendan at 727-8604 ext 19 or bhanschen@nhsduluth.org if you have questions.

DULUTH LISC NEIGHBORHOOD HEROES 2009

Neighborhood Heroes are leaders, teams, and families who not only use their individual skills and knowledge to do good work, but also engage the resources and strength of the entire community to make a real, positive change.

On blogging and updates

Nicholas Carlson opens his door as Amanda Leppke, an employee of Green Duluth, and Mayor Don Ness, knock on the first door for this program which will inform Duluth residents on how much energy they use and how they can cut energy costs.

Yesterday I took an online blogging course for journalists. I have a couple blogs and keeping them up is a challenge. I am thinking about posting a little bit every day. The leader of the course suggested making the blog much more personal. So I could keep people posted on what the editor of the Hillsider is doing.

Well, yesterday I worked on selling a couple more ads and I went to a press conference about Green Duluth. The July issue will have a story written by John Doberstein about youth ages 18 to 24 who are working to help our town save energy while gaining work experience at the same time.

Today I received an email newsletter from Lois Hoffbauer, she is over at the Farmers Market in East Hillside. She and her husband, Doug, have a cool website named "FarmerDoug.com". I have also added them as a Duluth link on the sidebar.

TV ads really ARE louder

See Al Tompkins blog here.

FCC Moves to Tone Down Loud TV Commercials

Posted by Al Tompkins at 12:01 AM on Jun. 16, 2009 Congress is pressing the Federal Communications Commission to do something about loud TV ads, the kind that seem to scream at you through the TV screen. The government may act soon, but broadcasters may act sooner.

McClatchy Co. reported:

"Currently, TV ads can't be louder than the loudest peak in a show, said David Perry, the chairman of the broadcast production committee of the American Association of Advertising Agencies in New York. Ads often seem louder to viewers, he added, because a program's volume peak rarely comes just before an ad.

Lief Erikson Park Movies in the Park season opens with Leatherheads"

Caption: On this night in 2008 the park was filled with happy film goers of all ages. Thousands of people flow to Lief Erikson Park every Friday in the Summer to see free movies on the big screen (Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff)

Movies in the Park season opens with “Leatherheads” Lief Erikson Park-Friday, June 19th

From lovable pandas and venturing hobbits to Superman and exotic travel, don’t miss out on this summer’s line-up of free Movies in the Park held in Duluth’s Leif Erikson Park. Twin Ports Outdoor Movies and the City of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division proudly begins their fourth summer season on Friday, June 19th bringing to life one of our area’s premier summer activities. Just grab a blanket and join family, friends and neighbors and sit back, relax and enjoy the show under the stars.

Leatherheads kicks off the 2009 movie season that begins June 19th. Each movie starts approximately fifteen minutes after sunset and sparkles on a mammoth 40X20 foot outdoor screen.

2009 Movies in the Park Schedule

June 19-Leatherheads-PG-13 begins at 9:05 pm

June 26-Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade-PG-13 begins at 9:07 pm

July 3-Superman-PG begins at 9:02 pm

July 10-Kung Fu Panda-PG begins at 8:59 pm

July 17-Men in Black-PG-13 begins at 8:53 pm

July 24-Journey to the Center of the Earth in "3D"-PG begins at 8:46 pm

July 31-Iron Man-PG-13 begins at 8:38 pm

August 7-Sixteen Candles-PG begins at 8:28 pm

August 14-Harry Potter “The Prisoner Azkaban”-PG begins at 8:17 pm

August 21-Lord of Rings “Return of the King"- PG-13 begins at 8:05 pm

August 28-Madagascar-PG begins at 7:53 pm

This one-of-a-kind outdoor cinema experience is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring their own blankets and folding chairs for comfort. Food and beverages are available on-site; alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Leif Erikson Park. Parking is limited, please consider walking.

For information on upcoming showings or weather cancellations, call Twin Ports Outdoor Movies - Hotline at 715.392.3480 or log-on to twinportsoutdoormovies.com.

Lift Bridge to resume nighttime closure

The Aerial Lift Bridge rehabilitation project will resume temporary nighttime closures for three nights, from June 16, 2009 through June 18, 2009.   

The bridge will be placed in the up position from 1:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. during the closure period.  The bridge will be opened to vehicular traffic on the hour (2:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., and 5:00 a.m.,) to clear any waiting traffic.  Additionally, the bridge will operate one-lane traffic between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.  This closure is necessary to complete structural steel rehabilitation work.  

Naomi celebrates three years with "The Hillsider"

Captions:
Top Photo - First row: Claudie Washington - board member and Naomi Yaeger - editor/general manager. Back row: Rick Sailstad - fiscal manager and Scott Yeazle - vice president of the board

Middle Photo: Wendy Grethen - proofreader and moral support and Naomi Yaeger

Bottom Photo: Terry Larson (Naomi's husband), Naomi Yaeger, and Terry Brown (Wendy's husband).

Hi Everyone!

I was surprised tonight during a regular meeting of the board when friends Wendy Grethen and Terry Brown popped in with an ice-cream cake to help me celebrate three years as editor/general manager of "The Hillsider".

Wendy mentioned that its a feat to publish 36 continuous issues of the paper. I am proud and happy to celebrate this milestone. I give Wendy lots of credit as more than just a proofreader, but a someone to depend on for moral support and to help out when the going gets rough. When I had ill family members and needed to be out of town, Wendy took the paper to the printers and helped make sure it got distributed.

I enjoy my role and look for to many more issues.

Naomi

P.S. See post 2 years ago.

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

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

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

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

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

Create a spoken word performance and receive a stipend

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Depot exhibits “Nowhere to Hide” through June 30

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

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

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

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

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

Duluth residents “Take Back the Night.”

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

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

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

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

Residents may volunteer for the city’s parks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

caption: Davenell Ash
Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff


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

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

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

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

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

By Brandon Clokey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dances of Universal Peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteers needed May 18th at the Rose Garden

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

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

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

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

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

4th Street Market" Comments on Duluth News Tribune sound racist and hateful

By Scott Yeazle
This month we lost a dear friend, hopefully only for a little while. 4th St. Market closed on April 3rd. This store has been a staple in the community for years. Kids would go in with their pocket money and buy candy. Adults would go in to buy their morning paper and a cup of coffee, then a few hours later come back for a big taco. As I am sitting here writing this, I am reading the different opinions of people online. Unfortunately, any time something happens in the Central Hillside, we are blasted in the media for being a terrible place. The story is the same we heard about with the Bayside Market or any other small business that had to close because of the economy. However when it is something in the Hillside, it is all about the "evils" of the community. There are problems in every community and it takes all of us to come together to make a difference. Two things I hear when I am reading the opinions; and that is racism and hatred. I think people who show hatred for the Central Hillside are jealous of us. I think they are jealous of the great view we have. When I am in the community, I am happy to talk to everyone. I don’t care what color your skin is; you are a person to me. Some people need to get their heads out of their backsides and realize that. People are people!!!!!

Note to all the readers

I am honored to be a leader in the community. This paper is so important to the community so please support the paper. Support the advertisers and the hard workers who write for this wonderful paper. The Hillsider is a month long process and a labor of love for everyone involved.


Scott

Like Gospel Music? Attend GospelFest 2009 at CSS on Sat. April 18

The College of St. Scholastica’s Kaleidoscope Multicultural Club (KMC) concludes its 2008-09 series of events with the eighth annual GospelFest. The musical celebration will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in the Mitchell Auditorium on campus. The event is free and open to the public.

A GospelFest Choir Workshop will be offered at 6 p.m., Friday, April 17, at First United Methodist Church, 230 E. Skyline Parkway in Duluth. Cost for the workshop is $5.

The workshop will be facilitated by Darnell Davis & The Remnant.
Participants will learn about the history of gospel music, vocal techniques and choir etiquette.

Darnell Davis & The Remnant is a community-based gospel ensemble. Davis, the group’s founder and director, has been the key writer for many of the Twin Cities best known gospel groups including Excelsior, James Grear & Company, and the Sounds of Blackness.

The event is sponsored by KMC; St. Scholastica’s Office of Student Affairs, Student Senate and Student Diversity Center; First United Methodist Church; and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

KMC is a student organization at St. Scholastica that promotes diversity throughout campus and the community. During the academic year KMC sponsors a variety of events that represent a multitude of cultures at St. Scholastica.

For more information call (218) 733-2281 or email: nicoshia.wynn AT thrivent.com

Baptist minister says impacts of global warming fall harder on African-Americans than others

Rev.Michael McClain

Recently I attended Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. as part of my role as a member of the United Methodist Women’s Green Team. Over 700 people of faith from across the nation attended this conference. The theme was “Enough for all.” On the last day we visited our representatives and senators on Capitol Hill.

We learned about environmental racism, in which the people who are already living in poverty are often dealing with the effects of environmental degradation.
I met Baptist minister Michael McClain, a staff-member of the National Council of Churches of Christ Eco-Justice Programs. He spoke about how minority people have often felt left out of the environmental movement when in fact they are the ones who are hardest hit by environmental degradation.

He said, “The worst impacts of global warming fall harder on African-Americans than on anyone else in the United States.” He cited asthma rates are often higher in minority communities, and minorities will pay a higher percentage of their incomes to increasing energy costs.
McClain works to reach out to historic black churches, explain the ways in which climate change is impacting poor people and people of color, and invite them to sign the National Council of Churches’ Faith Principles on Global Warming.

He is also working on home insulation programs, which help people lower energy costs as well as lower their carbon footprint.

If you would like to learn more email McClain at mmclain@nccecojustice.org or visit nccecojustice.org

Duluthians observe Earth Day with events

Spring is coming and people are honoring Mother Nature. Several activities will mark the observance of Earth Day:
• Sat. April 18, Gallery Hop from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free trolley transportation provided through-out the day.
• Tues., April 21, UMD Office of Sustainability will hold a Sustainability Fair from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Kirby Center. University, community and regional organizations will host educational learning activities. • Sat., April 25, Duluth Farmers Market’s annual Earth Day Event with educational information, music, food and local vendors - 11 a.m. to 5p.m.
• Sat., April 25, Respect Your Mother Earth Day Festival, Lief Erikson Park, 12 noon to 9 p.m. music, outdoor art galleries, yoga, food and beer.
Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in 1970 as a time of environmental teach-ins. He chose dates that would not conflict with religious holidays, college exams or spring breaks.

Nettelton is going Green with composting food waste

After lunch at the Nettleton cafeteria, students put food scraps into a pail so it can be composted. Photo by Kristen K. Hughes

By the Nettleton Green Team and Kristen K. Hughes

Nettleton has a growing group of students that care very deeply about energy conservation and green practices. The passion of our Green Team as it is called has driven the birth of our recycling and composting project that began this year. The Green Team consists of a core group of 5th grade students who devoted time and energy to researching, developing procedures, training, setting up, and running the composting project. The Green Team made visits to Stowe, the DECC, and WLSSD to research composting options. This project would not have succeeded without their hard work and dedication.

The Green Team has taught each grade how to compost. Composting is where you collect the food you did not eat and put it back into the earth so it can grow more food in the dirt composting made. By composting, Nettleton has taken about two tons of compost out of our garbage. Several area groups and businesses, including the Nettleton PTA, Marshall Hardware, and Twin Ports Paper & Supply, made donations allowing us to get our program up and running for this year. The Green Team chose the WLSSD composting program because we can compost more material that way. One of the Green Team’s goals will be fulfilled when our compost dumpster arrives next week so that we don’t have to haul the compost offsite anymore.

Nettleton Composting Facts

• Between 75 - 100 pounds per day are composted.
• Four tons will have been composted by year-end.
• Future plans include reducing waste by eliminating plastic cutlery, napkins and using a milk dispenser.

Duluthians can use the web to fight crime

Caption: Chief Ramsay at a crime prevention meeting in March.
Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff.

Residents who want to help the police solve crimes and improve neighborhood safety have a new tool at their disposal: crimemapping.com. The website enables visitors to sign up for e-mail alerts regarding police calls and crimes in their neighborhoods.

“You can see what type of police activity has taken place in your neighborhood and potentially help us by being more aware of what is happening in your neighborhood,” says Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, who encouraged residents to sign up for crimemapping.com alerts at a recent community meeting. He explained that residents sometimes see criminal activity in their neighborhoods but don’t realize it. The alerts aim to jog residents’ memories, prompt them to call in with tips and make them more aware of the types of criminal activities that can go unnoticed day to day.

The police department’s goal is to get 1,000 residents to sign up at crimemapping.com by the end of the year. As of March, 13 Duluth residents had done so.
For more information about the service, or to sign up, residents can go to www.crimemapping.com or to the Duluth Police Department’s website.

A Major Homeless Veterans Photo Exhibit Coming to Duluth

A toothless smile, a makeshift bed in the backseat of a car. A husband and wife perched on the edge of a bed at a homeless shelter in Duluth. These are some of the powerful images of under-housed United States veterans featured in the new photography exhibit Portraits of Home II: Veterans in Search of Shelter opening April 1st though the 23rd 2009 at the Depot in Duluth.

Portraits of Home II is the sequel to Portraits of Home: Families in Search of Shelter. Created by the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, the Portraits of Home exhibit documents the lives of homeless and precariously housed children, families, and individuals in Greater Minnesota. Each photograph helps personalize the human impact that poor housing conditions and homelessness has on families and communities. Through the lens of 6 award-winning Minnesota photojournalists, the images capture the dignity and resiliency of people managing everyday life with few resources and the positive changes that can occur with safe, stable and affordable housing.

The deeply personal stories documented in Portraits of Home II illustrate that the places where veterans in Minnesota seek shelter too often fall short of what most of us would wish for those who have given up so much to serve our country. Veterans across Minnesota too often depend on insufficient housing that ranges from rented homes and borrowed couches to steam tunnel squats and abandoned automobiles. Homeless veterans are disproportionately people of color. 13% have children who are also homeless. On any given night, over 600 veterans are homeless in Minnesota and unfortunately this number is steadily on the rise.

While the focus of the photographs in the Portraits of Home II exhibit is veterans, we are reminded that there are thousands of other homeless men, women, and children in Minnesota. On any given night, over 9,000 children, youth, and adults are homeless in Minnesota. Every night, over 1,000 people are turned away from shelters due to lack of space. The stories featured in the exhibit reflect the larger homeless experience in Minnesota. Like the larger homeless population, homeless families are both young and old and with or without children. Some suffer with chemical dependency issues, mental illnesses, and physical disabilities. Some have full-time jobs and some are unable to find steady work. Some have been homeless for years, while others have only recently been forced to hit the streets. The heart touching stories documented in the exhibit remind us that all should have access to safe, decent and affordable housing.

The aim of the Portraits of Home II exhibit is twofold: to raise awareness of housing issues in Greater Minnesota and to spur citizens to take action. You are invited to join with government, civic, faith-based, business, and community groups that have banded together to end homelessness in Minnesota. Every year scores of community leaders throughout Minnesota work to construct and rehabilitate hundreds of affordable homes in Greater Minnesota. This good work stabilizes both families as well as communities. While it is the hope of every family to live in a safe, decent and affordable home, much remains to be done.

BOYLE TO SEEK CITY COUNCIL SEAT

In what will be the first formal City Council announcement of the campaign year, neighborhood activist and nurse practitioner Patrick Boyle will announce his candidacy for the 2rd District Duluth City Council seat currently held by outgoing councilor Greg Gilbert. Boyle will announce his candidacy on Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 A.M. at the Mt. Royal Branch Library.
“We almost lost the Mt. Royal Library because of the hard financial times,” explained Boyle. “Though we face difficult times in our city, as we do in our nation, I am determined that we not lose the community assets that bind us together, give our children opportunities, and make Duluth unique.”

The son of former Wisconsin state assemblyman Frank Boyle, the 35 year old Patrick Boyle grew up just outside Superior. “In my family, public service was a way of life,” he stated. “I’ve tried hard to live up to that ideal.” Boyle is a nurse practitioner with the Fond Du Lac Band of Ojibwe and lives with his wife Jennifer and daughter Mary in the Congdon neighborhood of Duluth’s second district. A full biography and formal statement will be provided at the announcement.

For more information on his candidacy, call Patrick Boyle at 728-4185.

Gloria Dei studies scripture, Natural Step as a guide

“God’s Creation and The Natural Step” is the theme for faith discussions on Wednesdays during Lent at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6th Ave. E. and 3rd St.
Each week reflections will be guided by Scripture and information from The Natural Step, a framework for understanding environmental sustainability. The classes are. on Wednesdays beginning March 4 through April 1. 5:45 p.m. - soup supper, 6:15 p.m. discussion time. Worship: 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. All are welcome.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month

By Carolyn Dillman RN, BSN, PHN

Colorectal cancer is any cancer affecting the colon and/or rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer may include: changes in bowel patterns, blood in stool or dark stools, abdominal pain and bloating, constipation, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Screening for colorectal cancer generally starts at 50. It may start earlier if you have family history.
There are several tests used for screening this type of cancer, the first is called a colonoscopy. This is a test which can detect polyps, which can be cancerous. Polyps can easily be removed during a colonsocopy. Barium enemas are used in conjunction with X-Rays. They allow doctors to better visualize the colon and can also detect blockages in the colon. The last test is a fecal occult blood test. This test can check for blood in stool samples.
If you have any questions about colorectal cancer screening and/or signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer ask your primary care provider. Remember....early detection saves lives.

Crime prevention: Building neighborhoods one cookie at a time

Following an old Minnesota tradition of greeting your neighbors with a gift of food, over 75 participants at the January City-Wide Crime Prevention meeting decided to step up to take home plates of home made cookies to “pass them on” and get to know their neighbors.
Volunteers started baking and donated 51 dozen homemade cookies (that’s 612 cookies!) The cookies were placed by the dozen on china and glass plates that were either donated, or purchased for under 50 cents each through the support of local business owner Barb Seaman of Seaman’s Variety in West Duluth.
The “Cookie Patrol” will continue throughout March and April with prizes awarded at the April meeting for the residents who meet the most new neighbors.
March’s City-Wide Crime Prevention meeting will be held on Thurs., March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holy Family Church.
For more information contact Debbie Isabell Nelson – NHS Neighborhood Coordinator at 727-8604 ext. 12.

How to help friends in abusive relationships

Ed Heisler, Community Education Coordinator, Safe Haven Shelter gives this advice.
Friends or family members who are being abused:
-Call police if you see/hear abuse.
-Explain that free and confidential help is available for victims and their children at local domestic violence programs.
-Offer a ride to a local shelter, a place to make a phone call, or to baby-sit while they attend an appointment.
Friends of family members who are abusers:
-Call police if you see/hear abuse.
-Tell them there is no excuse for abuse, and they may lose their family, friends, home, and job if this does not stop.
-Hold them accountable for their behavior, and support their efforts to locate and obtain batter intervention treatment.
Other ways to help:
-Volunteer your time to local domestic violence programs.
-Make monetary donations, or donate phone cards, gift certificates, old cell phones, bus tickets, etc.
-Offer to board pets while victims are in shelter.
-Sponsor a family for a holiday, gifts, etc.
-Contact program staff to learn more about the many ways you can help.
Heisler also tells groups of listeners that one should lend a listening ear, guide her to community services, help the battered woman to focus on her strengths and skills, and help her make a safety plan as well as finding a safe place.
It is important to use positive statements with the victim such as, “I am sorry this is happening to you,” “You don’t deserve to be abused,” “You didn’t cause the abuse,” “It is against the law for one person to hit another,” “There is help whenever you choose to seek it.”
Often people wonder why some friends or family members stay in abusive relationships. Heisler says do not give up on them. They are often stuck in a difficult situation because either they still love the person who is hurting them or they fear great harm or death if they leave. Remember, you may be that person’s lifeline. Encourage them to call a shelter to talk to an advocate.
If you need information about how to support a friend or family member or to schedule a presentation contact Heisler at directly at 730.2468, or phone the main line at Safe Haven 728-6481.

Family Justice Center offers many services at one location

Caption: Top -Lisa Delvillar visits with Cathryn Curley during the grand opening of the Family Justice Center. Left - The outside of the Family Justice Center at 414 W. First St, the old water and gas building.


By Peggy Anderson
When Lisa Delvillar started working at Safe Haven Shelter for Battered Women in 2003 her co-workers were intrigued with the job she had had just prior to coming to Duluth. Delvillar had worked for a family justice center in San Diego; at the time it was the only such facility in the nation. All the services that a woman needed when leaving a violent relationship were under one roof including legal advice, police, social workers, housing information, child-care, job training, etc.

Now Duluth is one of 15 such centers across the nation. Located in the old Water and Gas Building, 414 West First Street, the Family Justice Center occupies the first floor. Women in Construction remodeled the floor and Susie Vanderstein was the interior decorator. The building has a security entrance and is warm and inviting on the inside.

For six years the staff and board of Safe Haven worked hard to search out funding and the right location to see their vision of a Family Justice Center in Duluth become reality. “We knew it had to be near the Civic Circle to be convenient for our partners to walk,” said Cathryn Curley, director of the Duluth Family Justice Center. Most partners are at the Family Justice Center part-time and come from locations such as the police station, courthouse or County Government Building. Safe Haven secured the funds to purchase the first floor in the building.

Delvillar, now working in the Twin Cities, attended the grand opening of the Duluth Family Justice Center. “I was merely the messenger,” Delvillar said in an interview during the center’s grand opening in February.

The Family Justice Center is composed of several offices and different spaces. One for intake, police, legal advocates, social services, Legal Aid, County Victim Witness Advocate, City Attorney, Housing Access Advocate, a therapist, and a jobs and training staff. There is also a salon, a small and large conference room, a multipurpose room, an exam room, an interview room, and a lounge/kitchen for women to meet and relax.

Though many of the people providing the services listed above will be at the center only part-time, Curley said, “We still felt like we can make those appointments and make them happen.” Women will not be intimidated by having to locate and visit yet another new place for another related service. “They know it is friendly here, and we can sit in with them at their appointments.”

A woman doesn’t have to stay at the Safe Haven Shelter to use these services. It is for women who
have experienced violence either past or present in their personal relationship. Contact the Family Justice Center at 623-1000. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff contributed to this story.

St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford’s fight to stop the disproportionate detention of minority youth

St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford meeting with representatives of organizations working on issue of detention of children of color.


By Barb Olsen
Back in 2006, Melanie Ford decided to take on what many said would be an impossible task: running for and winning the office of St. Louis County Attorney. One of the reasons she took on that election, Ford says, was because it would give her the opportunity to do something positive for St. Louis County’s youth.
“One of the statistics that troubled me most,” Ford explains, “was the disproportionate number of persons of color in St. Louis County who were incarcerated. Citizens agreed we should find programs to reduce recidivism and crime prevention in youth.

“One of the statistics that troubled me most was the disproportionate number of persons of color in St. Louis County who were incarcerated.”

St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford

Now entering her third year in office as St. Louis County Attorney, Melanie Ford continues to make reversing the trend of disproportionate confinement a top priority.
Last October, Ford convened a meeting of people involved with St. Louis County’s youth to talk about how the juvenile justice system operates and how it could be improved. Joining them were officials from the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs, the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), and representatives of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. JDAI is one of the nation’s most effective and widespread initiatives for reform in the juvenile justice system, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation funds programs across the country to help meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
Since that session, a large group of organizations and individuals has joined in this effort to improve the county’s juvenile justice system, including Arrowhead Regional Corrections, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services, Bois Forte and Fond du Lac tribal representatives, elected officials, judges, school representatives, and agencies that serve youth. And St. Louis County has been selected by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Minnesota JDAI to receive technical assistance and, potentially, funding for the project.
“This initiative will help us create a juvenile justice system that will be the best we can offer our children and our communities,” Ford said. “Our goal will be to keep those youth who are involved in the justice system in their own community and out of detention. It’s very expensive to incarcerate people, and studies show that troubled youth who are confined only have greater problems in the future.”
Ford says participants in the project will analyze the county’s existing programs, see what’s working well, and create successful reform strategies for approaches that aren’t working.
“While we recognize the need for detaining some juveniles, we want to eliminate the inappropriate or unnecessary use of secure detention,” Ford commented.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has invited Ford to be part of a panel discussion this summer in Washington D.C. on how juvenile justice professionals across the country can help reverse the unequal incarceration of minority youth.
Ford encourages anyone with concerns about this issue to contact her at 726-2323.

Greek Cusine: Grape Vine Cafe opens downtown

Caption
Family friend, Ritsa Petrangelo (left) likes to eat at the Grape Vine Cafe, 220 W. Superior St., because the restaurant has authentic Greek food and she feels at home. Debbie Livadaros (center) manages the cafe. Bryanna Raiche, (right) a UMD student, works as a waitress. Livadaros’ husband Alexis and adult children all are part of the business.
(Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff)

The Livadaros family opened the Grape Vine Cafe at 220 W. Superior Street in October. All family members are active in running the restaurant. Debbie is active in the day-to-day operations, while her husband Alexis helps when he isn’t busy at his day job as an engineer at WLSSD. Jason, age 32, cooks, Christina, age 23, is the front house manager and Katy, age 27, works as a waitress part-time.
The recipes are family recipes, which Debbie learned from her mother-in-law, Katina, and include lunches, dinners, appetizers, salads, soups and desserts
Specialties include gyros, spanakopita (spinach pie) and dolmathes (stuffed grape vines) platter. Greek sandwiches range at about $8 and include bake potato or fries. Lunch is served from 11 to 2 p.m. and dinner is served from 4 to 9 p.m.
A dinner specialty includes roast lamb. Catering is available.
Hours are 11 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The phone number is 464-4027 and email is GrapeVineDuluth@aol.com

Here is a list of where you can pick up a copy of "The Hillsider."

West
Perkins,
Duluth Grill,
Burger King/Holiday Station,
Salvation Army Community Center
Salvation Army Thrift Store

Midtown Manor I & II and Lincoln Park Community Center


Downtown
Downtown Library,
The Depot
Radisson - Superior Street entrance
Holiday Center
Pizza Luce
Hunter building Skywalk
Coney Island on Superior and First Street
YWCA
Erberts and Gerbets
Saigon Cafe
Sammie's Pizza
Life House for Youth
The Exchange Cafe
City Hall
County building
DeWitt Seitz Building
Fitgers'

Central Hillside
Ma & Pop's Market
Uncle Loui's Cafe
Damiano Center
Rainbow Center

6th Avenue East
Spur Station
ICO Station
Milkhouse


East Hillside
Whole Foods Co-op
Members Community Credit Union
Sir Ben's
Independent Dee Laundry
First Lutheran Church
Plaza Super One
Beijing restaurant in the Plaza

London Road
Burger King
Perkins

Mt Royal
Mt. Royal Foods
Bixby's
Mt. Royal Library

UMD
Kirby Center entrance.

Kenwood
Kenwood Super One

Mall Area
Super One
Cub

Lake Superior College

Nettleton School
Grant School

St. Luke's Hospital

Dancing, music and love:

Twin Port Action Coalition invites you to join the fun on Feb. 13

By Kimberly Dansereau

Valentine's Dance and Silent Auction will be held on Friday Feb. 13 from 7 p.m. until midnight at the Venue at Mohaupt Block, 2024 West Superior St. Proceeds from sales of ticket will go to the Twin Ports Action Coalition. Tickets are $7 for one and $12 for two.

Love and valentine are to many people synonymous with each other. But how are we defining the word love? Do we mean the first stolen kiss from our first" true love" back in junior high school? Or do we mean the love a mother has for her child as she holds him or her gently in her arms, or the love of a protective father? Or, perhaps, the love of a friend or a family member?
Maybe to you love means pride for your city, state and country.

Whatever definition of love suits you best, love is something that should celebrated and should be passed along. I volunteer along with other residents of Duluth and Superior for the Twin Ports Action Coalition, an organization that is dedicated to helping the homeless, the formerly homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. We deal with many things political and social to help end homelessness, and we try to give people who fit into either of those qualities a chance to be heard and to be rightfully informed on what affects them.

We have a love for this city and for the people who live here. We love the people who have been forgotten by many others, we love the people who are struggling to make ends meet, especially in these very tough times. We love people who are struggling for a place to call home, food to eat and to feed their children, good health care, a voice of their own and respect as human beings. We love them because we have been in similar situations.

We at Twin Ports Action Coalition believe that no one should be denied a safe place to call home, good health care, and food for themselves and their families, a chance to be heard and, a chance to be informed about issues that affect their everyday lives. It is simply common decency and respect for others that we should all have as human beings. If you believe this and you feel that you would like to help out in some way please join us Friday, Feb. 13 for a Valentine's Dance and Silent Auction from 7 p.m. ‘till midnight. There will be dancing, music from a great D.J. plus much laughter, enjoyment, refreshments, snacks, door prizes and wonderful items to bid on, but, most importantly, there will be love.

Tickets are $7 for one and $12 for two. Proceeds will go to the Twin Ports Action Coalition.

Record crowd gathers for MLK Day events

Feelings of excitement and anticipation lent a celebratory air to Duluth’s annual Martin Luther King Day festivities last month. Held a mere 24 hours before the inauguration of Barack Obama as the country’s first African-American president, the day’s events broke their attendance records.

The day began with an early morning breakfast at the First United Methodist Church, where Duluth’s African-American Men’s Group prepared food for and served over 350 attendees. The MLK community breakfast in Duluth began in 2002 by churches and committees interested in anti-racism. Each year it is funded by the General Mills Community Foundation.

David Comer, director of the Black Student Association at UMD, emceed the morning event which included prayers, storytelling and music.
Each place setting included a placemat decorated by elementary students from Nettleton and Grant schools. A free-will offering for Kids Cafe of the Damiano Center raised over $750.00
The day’s events were planned by the Martin Luther King Holiday
Committee which includes many groups, agencies and churches.

In addition to free food, the breakfast featured a simulcast speech from Gen. Colin Powell. Touching on the breakfast’s theme, “Because of His Dream, I can... Lead, Grow, Inspire,” Powell said that as a child growing up in the Bronx he never imagined that he would become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also credited the integration of the military for helping the United States to become a more integrated society.

Following the breakfast, more than 700 people gathered at the Washington Center at Lake Avenue and Third Street to participate in a march through downtown to a rally at the DECC auditorium. Mothers and fathers with children, older people, and people of all ethnicities marched peacefully and sang songs including, “We shall Overcome,” “This Little Light of Mine” and “Gonna Lay down my Sword and Shield.”

Many shopkeepers stopped to look out their doors and smile.
“Today is a good day to focus on solutions,” urged Vince Senski, who said he was marching because there are still injustices in the world, “not spending billions a year on a war that wasn’t needed and using all the money and resources to improve the lives of people living in our country.”

A crowd estimated at over 1,500 people turned up at the DECC to continue the day’s celebration. Curtis Austin, director of the Center for Black Studies at University of Southern Mississippi gave the keynote address, “Will the Real Martin Luther King Please Stand Up?”
He stressed that King did not come into the civil rights movement without the urging of the women in his congregation and city. Most people do not know that Rosa Parks was a leader in the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and had stood up to injustices prior to even meeting King.

According to Austin, King was not the first to fight injustice, but he did provide a rallying point at a time ripe for television and newspaper coverage.
“King’s work is the work of so many others,” Austin explained. “He had the uncanny ability to stand up and give others courage to stand up.”

Austin ended his remarks with a final word of encouragement for the audience: “The real Martin Luther King did stand up. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

This year Doug Bowen-Bailey and Community Action Duluth won the Justice for Peace Awards. The awards recognize citizens and/or an organization of the community who have gone beyond their regular duties to: build awareness, speak on behalf of justice, celebrate diversity and impel, foster and promote actions toward building a better future for all.