Minnehaha soccer coach injured in explosion focuses on recovery

Midway residents grateful for community support as they move, seek larger vehicle, and await birth of first baby

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
After losing his right leg following the Minnehaha Academy gas explosion on Aug. 2, Midway resident Bryan Duffey is focused on walking again and becoming a father in January.
Photo right: Jamie (left) and Bryan Duffey. (Photo provided)
“Bryan has continued to be forgiving and gracious in all of this, and has been so strong through it all,” observed his wife, Jamie. “There are, of course, frustrations and a great sense of loss, but we work through them together. Right now we are just focused on getting him walking again, and for us to keep moving forward with the changes so that we can focus on the baby when he gets here.”
Rescued from under a column and a wall
After graduating from high school in Nebraska, Bryan earned his degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Jamie, who was originally from Perham, MN. The two got to know each other while working for the non-profit Hope for Opelousas in Louisiana, providing after-school programs for grades 4-12. After a stint in Wisconsin, Bryan took a job as an assistant soccer coach and custodian at Minnehaha Academy a year ago. Jamie works full-time for Midwest Special Services providing day training for adults with disabilities.
On Aug. 2, Bryan was working at Minnehaha Academy when the building exploded.
He was fortunate to be found by two responding officers and a third off-duty deputy who lives near Minnehaha. They removed a column that landed on top of him first. Then they took apart a wall brick by brick to uncover Bryan’s entire lower body before they could get him to safety.
Bryan was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center and was released 27 days later on his two-year wedding anniversary.
“I am overwhelmed thinking about how blessed we are to have had these men there and to have Bryan still with us today,” said his wife, Jamie on their CaringBridge page.
Bryan underwent several surgeries that left him with his right leg amputated just above the knee and his left leg stabilized by screws and a nail through his tibia.
Big purchases needed to help Bryan achieve independence
The injury pushed the Duffeys into buying a house earlier than planned. They were renting a home in Minneapolis before the explosion but weren’t able to modify it to suit Bryan’s needs, so they purchased a home in the Midway neighborhood. They were able to move in a week after his release from the hospital, but they are still waiting for workers compensation to approve funding for a bathroom remodel so that Bryan can transfer without pain, and they can have a bathroom door back on.
By the beginning of October, Bryan’s neck brace was off, which was a relief for his wife to know that his neck is good and he could sleep a little more comfortably. Bryan was beginning to bear some weight on his left leg, which means he is getting closer to starting the prosthesis process.
He also graduated from speech therapy, which mostly worked with his brain injury. “This is exciting because mentally he is able to drive again,” said Jamie via CaringBridge. “Unfortunately, physically he is not able to drive until we get a new vehicle that is higher off the ground and will have hand controls put in. We hope to get him driving soon so that he can gain some of his independence back.”
The couple owns two small cars, a Honda Civic and Bryan’s tiny Ford Fiesta. They can’t fit Bryan’s wheelchair and a baby in the Fiesta. And so, they’re on a hunt for a bigger vehicle that is higher off the ground. With his prosthesis, he needs a vehicle that will enable him to keep his knee joint at a 90-degree angle and not have to jump out of, explained Jamie. They also plan to outfit it through worker’s compensation with hand controls so that Bryan can drive independently.
The couple wasn’t planning on buying a house, and they weren’t planning to also replace a vehicle right now just before having a new baby. “Financially, it’s going to be really tight,” remarked Jamie. While they considered moving to a place where the cost of living isn’t as high, they decided to stay in the Twin Cities because of the increased opportunity for employment and access to doctors.
Fundraiser for larger vehicle
Bryan’s in-laws, Wes and Teresa Jeltema have attended Richville United Methodist Church in northern Minnesota where they live for the past ten years. On Oct. 7, the church held spaghetti feed, serving 100 people and raising over $3,500 to date. Fifteen volunteers served, sang, and cleaned up.
If you want to participate, but could not get to Richville, consider mailing a check to Richville United Methodist Church, 130 SW 1st Ave., P.O. Box 67, Richville, MN 56576, or wiring a gift of stock, bonds or mutual funds to TY9146536. “This will help Bryan and his wife, Jamie, who is six months pregnant, maintain appropriate housing and secure transportation for the trying months ahead,” remarked Richville United Methodist pastor Rod Turnquist.
“Bryan and Jamie have inspired all of us by their honesty, their courage, and their resilience,” added Turnquist.
What keeps them going
Their faith and the support of family, friends and the Minnehaha community is helping pull the Duffeys through this difficult time. Plus, there’s the excitement of expecting their first child.
“I think that having a baby on the way helps to motivate,” observed Jamie.
They are grateful for the support they’ve received since the explosion.
“We have been supported by so many families, friends, church community, and work communities,” remarked Jamie. “Minnehaha Academy has surrounded us with love and prayers, and families have been bringing us meals.” Their church, Calvary Baptist, has also brought them meals regularly.
The Duffeys appreciate all prayers and positive vibes sent their way.
Life has become busy once again.
“Bryan coached every regular season soccer game, and we are now moving into playoffs,” wrote Jamie on the CaringBridge site Oct. 7. “This has been such a blessing for him as this created some normalcy, and allowed him to continue to do something that he loves.”

Article appeared in the November 2017 St. Paul Monitor.

Neighbors encouraged to remember food shelf in holiday traditions

Consider donating favorite holiday foods or cost spent on gifts to Midway Food Shelf

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
This holiday season, consider donating the food you look forward to feasting upon yourself.
“The biggest challenge we face during the holiday season is getting the food people want for the holidays,” observed Keystone’s Midway Food Shelf site manager Deb Amacher. “It’s really tough to get.”
Just as the general population does, those coming to the food shelf crave ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberries, bread and rolls, vegetables and pies.
Those who use the food shelf are grateful for what is there, but Amacher can see the disappointment in their eyes when the cherished food items aren’t available.
As the clients thank her and say, “God Bless you,” Amacher responds with a thank you of her own. “I’ll take all the blessings I can get,” she explained.
Some people have found creative ways to incorporate the Midway Food Shelf into their holiday traditions.
“We have a few families who donate the cost of their holiday meals or celebrations to the food shelf, to provide the same for other families,” pointed out Keystone Director of Basic Needs Christine Pulver. “A few other donors give the amount that would have been spent on holiday gifts.”
One of the largest food shelves in Minnesota
The Midway Food Shelf, 1916 University Ave., is one of three brick and mortar sites in Keystone’s Basic Needs Program, and has been operating for over a decade. The other two are in the North End and Roseville. The program originated at the Merriam Park community center in the 1980s.
Photo right: The most popular items include rice, milk, juice, cereal, bread, peanut butter, and produce, according to Midway Food Shelf Site Manager Deb Amacher. “Most people are looking for meat,” she added. “Meat is so expensive.” Keystone aims to give families access to healthy choices and supplemental food sources to keep families on the right track – empowering them to build self-sufficiency and healthy eating habits. (Photo submitted)
In all, Keystone reaches more than 30,000 individuals in Ramsey County through a variety of programming and human services. Its name comes from a central wedge-shaped stone of an arch (a keystone) that locks the parts together and supports the whole, a fitting description for the organization as it serves and strengthens the community.
In 2015, Keystone also launched the Foodmobile, a mobile food shelf that brings food directly to people with transportation barriers. The Foodmobile offers 23 distributions every month, stocking fresh, frozen, and refrigerated food items.
Through its four food shelves, Keystone provides emergency food services to an average of 8,000 individuals each month. Keystone expects to distribute 2.4 million pounds of food in 2017.
“This program is one of the largest food shelf programs in the state of Minnesota,” pointed out Pulver. “This program provides critical support to our neighbors in need.”
Pulver has served in her role for nearly 11 years and has seen the impact of practical services to stabilize individuals and families and help them move in positive directions.
Photo left: Keystone expects to distribute 2.4 million pounds of food in 2017 to an average of 8,000 individuals each month, including folks like Dennis Jacobson. The people who use the Midway Food Shelf most include retirees with limited incomes, disabled veterans, veterans in general, and homeless individuals, according to site manager Deb Amacher. The largest group is single men. Many don’t have access to stoves and instead rely on microwaves at convenience stores to heat up their food. (Photo submitted)
At its basic, the Midway Food Shelf serves as a place where people can get food. “It helps people get through the month,” remarked Amacher. “It helps so many people.”
To be eligible for food shelf services, one must establish a need; have an income within 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; and live in the Keystone service area, which includes downtown St. Paul to Roseville, Little Canada to the Midway and the North End areas of St. Paul.
The people who use the Midway Food Shelf most include retirees with limited incomes, disabled veterans, veterans in general, and homeless individuals. The largest group is single men. Many don’t have access to stoves and instead rely on microwaves at convenience stores to heat up their food, observed Amacher.
When they arrive, “I think they’re expected to be treated poorly, but they’re not,” said Amacher.
The most popular items include rice, milk, juice, cereal, bread, peanut butter, and produce, according to Amacher. “Most people are looking for meat,” she added. “Meat is so expensive.”
Keystone aims to give families access to healthy choices and supplemental food sources to keep families on the right track—empowering them to build self-sufficiency and healthy eating habits.
Photo left: Volunteers such as Michaela Lauer keep the doors open at the Midway Food Shelf, and welcome clients with a smile on their faces. Neighbors interested in volunteering at Keystone may contact the volunteer coordinator at 651-797-7725. (Photo submitted)
The highest need season for food shelf programs is during the summer when children are not receiving free breakfast and lunch programs—which is usually the lowest donation season. The highest donation season is in November and December.
Keystone receives much of what it offers through the Second Harvest food bank, but sometimes items available are limited.
Recently, the food shelf experienced a few weeks during which some basic items were not available for purchase through the food bank system, including canned vegetables.
Food shelf depends on donations
“Our program is dependent upon community support through donations of money, food, and volunteer time,” remarked Pulver. “Cash donations allow our program to purchase food at prices far below retail and multiply the impact of donors’ gifts. Gifts of cash and non-perishable food can be brought to any of our food shelf sites.”
Donation drop off hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The food shelf is open to clients from 10–11:30am and 1–3:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Neighbors interested in volunteering at Keystone may contact the volunteer coordinator at 651-797-7725.
“We have a great group of volunteers,” said Amacher. “People leave here smiling.”

Article appeared in the November 2017 St. Paul Monitor.

Residents push for bus route down Hamline

Hamline Hi-Rise seniors lead the effort

by Tesha M. Christensen

If you live near 777 N. Hamline Ave., you have to take three buses to get to the grocery store on University Ave. W.

Some senior residents of the Hamline Hi-Rise opt to drive their power wheelchairs down the street instead, traveling 9 blocks south to get to the shops along University.

Jerline Clark doesn’t think that’s safe. And she’s working to do something about it.

Clark is pushing for a bus route down Hamline.

When the Green Line opened, Metro Transit added a route along Lexington, she pointed out, using federal funds designated for the purpose of moving people towards the lightrail line. Representatives with Metro Transit have told Clark they won’t add a line along Hamline because there is one on Lexington.

“We still can’t get to the lightrail,” remarked Clark, who has been a resident at the Hamline Hi-Rise since 2005. Completed in 1976, 777 N. Hamline has 17 floors and 186 one-bedroom apartments. It is operated by the St. Paul Public Housing Agency.

“They made the decision of where to put the buses without asking the people in the neighborhood,” she added.

“There’s more need down Hamline than there is on Lexington.”

Over 250 people agree with her and signed a petition last fall requesting a bus down Hamline.

In addition to asking fellow Hamline Hi-Rise residents to sign, Clark and the Proud Hamline Senior Walkers went door-to-door in the neighborhood asking for signatures.

“There are a lot of people from different walks of life that want the bus,” remarked Darlene Jackson, a fellow Hi-Rise resident who helped canvas the neighborhood. She pointed out that many Hamline University students indicated they’d use a bus if there was one.

Emiily Samsel lives next door to the Hamline Hi-Rise and regularly volunteers there with her church, The Third Way Community that meets at Knox Presbyterian Church. 

“It seems like a no-brainer to me,” said Samsel.

Right now, residents walk two blocks down to Minnehaha to catch a bus. They take that over to Snelling where they have to switch buses. That takes them only as far as University. Then they have to switch buses again to find one to take them to Cub.

Imagine doing that as a senior and then hauling your grocery bags back, switching buses several times again. Now factor in inclement weather and icy roads.

“In the winter, it’s terrible,” added Jackson. “We’re got to eat too. That’s where the grocery stores are.”

Samsel acknowledged that the residents could opt to use Metro Mobility, but it isn’t predictable and it costs $3 or 4 a ride each way, she said. For someone who has to get to a doctor’s appointment three times a week, that adds up.

“Most seniors are pretty limited,” Samsel pointed out.  

Some people opt to walk, but that can be tough too, pointed out Samsel. “These sidewalks are trouble,” said Samsel. “I trip everytime and I don’t have a disability.”

Because of the bumps and sidewalks that aren’t shoveled well, the power wheelchairs use the smoother street surface.

Samsel believes that many residents would use a bus if it ran down Hamline. “It’s good for everybody,” she stated.

As she’s talked to neighborhood residents, she has only heard support for the initiative.

They aren’t asking for a private bus, stressed Clark. “We just need it to be convenient,” she said.

Clark pointed out that they’re flexible about how often the bus runs down Hamline. It could be every two hours or just mornings and afternoons.

Last October, a community meeting was held at the Hamline Hi-Rise. Clark plans to hold another within the next few months to garner more support for the bus route.

She also urges residents to contact these people to show their support:

- Met Council Representative Jon Commers  651-645-4664

-  Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb 612-349-7510

- St. Paul City Council Member Russ Stark  651-266-8640

- Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle 651-366-1899

For more information, contact Clark at jerlineclark@hotmail.com.