Environmental review petition further delays TCGIS project

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

An environmental review has put the Twin Cities German Immersion School construction progress on hold.
A team of Save Historic Saint Andrews (SHSA) members, led by Roy Neal, asked the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) on Feb. 22, for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) on the proposed demolition of the former St. Andrew’s Church and the addition to the Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS).
TCGIS officials view the petition as yet another delay tactic.
The EQB has determined that the petition is consistent with state requirements and that the city of St. Paul is the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for determining the need for an EAW, pointed out SHSA member Bonnie Youngquist. “State rules governing environmental review (including EAWs) prohibit the city from taking final action on any zoning applications until all environmental review processes have been completed,” explained Youngquist.
Because of this, the planned Mar. 6 hearing on the appeals of the requested TCGIS variances and the site plan was canceled.
A City Council hearing on the appeals will be rescheduled after the city has either determined that an EAW is not needed or until an EAW process is completed.
In all, 126 people signed the petition asking for the review. Of them, 80 percent live outside the district, according to the District 10 Community Council.
Petitioner’s concerns
The petitioners have asked for a review citing four environmental impacts:
1. The loss of a significant and irreplaceable historic resource, the former St. Andrew’s Church
2. Increased traffic and safety concerns in a small, residential neighborhood
3. Increased noise levels from higher student population and more traffic
4. An increase in net carbon production near homes, and an unsustainable plan
The petition, and more description of the four points, can be read in its entirety at www.district10comopark.org/uploads/eaw_petition_partial.pdf.
According to the government website, “The EAW is a brief document designed to lay out the basic facts of a project necessary to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for a proposed project. In addition to the legal purpose of the EAW in determining the need for an EIS, the EAW also provides permit information, informs the public about the project, and helps identify ways to protect the environment. The EAW is not meant to approve or deny a project, but instead, act as a source of information to guide other approvals and permitting decisions.”
Appeals on hold
The city had been planning to hear appeals on Mar. 6 by the Dist. 10 Como Community Council and by SHSA which had sought to overturn decisions by the Planning Commission.
If there had been no action, the school’s original variance requests would have automatically gone into effect on Mar. 26.
Both of those deadlines are now null.
District 10 filed an appeal on Feb. 19 questioning the Planning Commission’s Feb. 8 decision to not vote on the school’s most recent variance requests and site plan. According to the documents filed with the city, District 10 alleges that “the Planning Commission failed its fundamental role of ensuring that a project complies with the city zoning code. As a result, by a violation of law, three variances and a site plan that violate the zoning code will take effect. In reaching the point leading to its Feb. 8 action, the commission made errors in fact, finding and procedure.”
On behalf of SHSA, Kevin Anderson filed two appeals on Feb. 15, one pinpointing the TCGIS site plan and the other the three variance requests.
Both cite an error in procedure and decision at the Feb. 8 Planning Commission meeting.
“The Planning Commission process has been incredibly confusing for everyone involved,” said Ward 5 Council member Amy Brendmoen. “I appreciate both parties’ appeals as it will provide the City Council an opportunity to evaluate the planning staff report and make an unambiguous decision.”
Historic preservation
The city has yet to decide on giving historic designation to the former church building, which would prevent the school from tearing it down and constructing a 25,000-square-foot addition.
The City Council may hold a public hearing on the issue on Wed., Mar. 20, followed by a City Council vote on Mar. 27.

 Article printed in the March 2019 edition of the Como/Midway Monitor.

Unforgettable adventures found locally at youth summer camps [Monitor version]

Popular local options include West Bank School of Music, Friends School, Blackhawks and Como Park

By Tesha M. Christensen

Take an unforgettable adventure to Africa this summer or spend a week at Hogwarts. Focus on ballet, Irish dance or tap. Experience the circus. Go for gold in the Animal Olympics at the zoo or create something great at the Friends School. Try tennis, soccer, or mountain biking. Dabble with clay, book arts or sewing. Step back in time and be a history detective.

That’s just the start of the youth camp options available in the Twin Cities area. Browse below for more information on some of the camps offered locally.

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

BLACKHAWKS OF ST. PAUL

Blackhawks offer several exciting half- and full-day soccer camps for players ages 5-18 that encompass a wide variety of activities and skills. Specialty camps focus on specific skills such as ball control, shooting, and goalkeeping.

Cost: $85-195

651-894-3527

http://blackhawksoccer.org/

CAMP COMO

Spend some time “Monkeying Around” with your primate pals, go for the gold in “Animal Olympics”, take an “African Adventure” without leaving Como, or try on the hat of a zookeeper or gardener in “Behind-the-Scenes!”. Como’s camps focus on developing children’s appreciation for the natural world through play and exploration, behind-the-scenes experiences, interactions with zookeepers and gardeners, and up-close encounters with plant and animal ambassadors Five-day, half-day or full-day sessions for preschool to grade eight. Extended care available.

Cost: $135-155

651-487-8272

http://www.tinyurl.com/p3u4lqv

CREATE SOMETHING GREAT AT FRIENDS SCHOOL

Want to make a film just like the professionals do? Feel like biking 10 (or 20!) miles a day? Have a secret stash of poems you want to share? Feel a need to express yourself through paint and paper-folding? Maybe you'd rather argue for the defense in a real courtroom? Friends School will be the place to do that--and more--from June 19-Aug. 4 for ages 4-14. Weekdays, half- and full-day. Extended day care in the mornings and afternoons and need-based financial aid available.

Cost: $105 to $295

651-621-8941

http://www.fsmn.org

HAMLINE YOUNG WRITERS

High school students ages 15-18 can explore the craft, prepare for college, and connect with other young writers in the Twin Cities, while working closely with Hamline Creative Writing faculty and published authors. 

Cost: $400

651-523-2476

http://www.hamline.edu/gls/youngwriters/

MINNESOTA WALDORF SCHOOL

Join the Minnesota Waldorf School for good, old-fashioned summer fun June 12 to Aug. 18. Outdoor games, natural crafts, water play, gardening, caring for the school’s chickens, and much more, all on their beautiful 8-acre campus. 70 East County Road B, St. Paul. For children ages 3.5 to (rising) 6th grade.

Cost: $150- $275

651-487-6700 x202

http://mnwaldorf.org/summercamp

SPIRIT TAE KWON DO

Fun, exciting camps that combine physical fitness and education are offered throughout the summer for school-age kids. Register early for discounts.

651-428-6172

www.istkd.com

ST. PAUL ACADEMY

Make your own games and design circuits. Take a writing workshop entitled: “A Week at Hogwarts.” Debate, play chess, learn about mathematical modeling and forecasting, make movies or delve into creative science options. Eight options at SPA cover a wide range of academic, arts, and enrichment activities for grades 2-12. The Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth offers the ExplorSchool for students in grades 4-6. 

Cost: $195-385

651-698-2451

http://www.spa.edu

ST. PAUL BALLET

Summer is a great time to try dance. Programs include workshops and camps for ages 3 and up, weekly drop-in classes for teens and adults, and a new "mommy and me" baby class.

Cost: $8.50-20

651-690-1588

www.spballet.org

ST. PAUL URBAN TENNIS

Located at 30+ sites, with several locations in the Midway-Como neighborhoods, St. Paul Urban Tennis offers a summer program for all age groups and skill levels. Tennis lessons combine high quality instruction with life skills learning. Sampler Camps offer a condensed, 4-day version of the lesson program. Scholarships available.

612-222-2879

http://stpaulurbantennis.org/2011-summer-program.php

WEST BANK SCHOOL OF MUSIC

There's something for everyone at WBSM this summer! Camps: Rock, Pop, Funk, Brass, and Girls Rock – Ensembles: Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Fiddle, String Quartet, and Irish – Guitar Classes: Blues, Celtic, and Finger-style – and more.

612-333-6651

wbsm.org

IN THE TWIN CITIES

ADVENTURES IN CARDBOARD

Construct giant castles, get lost in colossal mazes, build suits of armor and more during these five-day, full-day sessions for ages 8-17. Buses available from Powderhorn Park. New this year: Teen Weeks and Advanced AiC.

Cost: $339

http://julianmcfaul.com/

612-532-6764

ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY

Unleashed summer campers entering grades 3-10 spend a full week immersed in animal learning and fun. NEW this year: Campers will spend their time exclusively in the shelters.

Cost: $120-300

http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/camps

763-489-2220

ARTICULTURE

A variety of art disciplines and mediums with themes like mirror images, urban forest, theater, art car, or paper and book arts offered for ages 4-18. Five-day, half- and full-day sessions available.

Cost: $124-275

612-729-5151

http://www.articulture.org

ARTSTART

Grab your passports and join ArtStart artists on an unforgettable adventure to Africa through the arts. Pre-school children ages 4-5 years register for “A Start with the Arts” offered morning only the week of July 10-14 and 17-21. Youth ages 13 years and older register for “Camp CREATE” offered June 19-22 Youth select classes taught by professional artists from multiple arts disciplines— music, creative movement/dance, and visual arts. As a result of participating in this 5-day immersion experience, youth gain artistic knowledge and skills, learn about the people, geography and environment of a place and create art works and performances inspired by the culture.

Cost: $145-$295. 651-698-2787.

http://www.artstart.org/summer-immersion

ALEXANDER RAMSEY HOUSE

Solve mysteries of the past in this three-day History Detective Camp for ages 10-13. Or, young ladies ages 9-12 can step back in time in a unique Finishing School for Young Ladies day camp.

Cost: $200-$220

612-341-7555

http://www.mnhs.org/summercamps

CAMP SUNRISE

Camp and canoe while learning leadership and teamwork skills in a seven-day resident camp for youths age 13-18 who live within the city limits of Minneapolis or St. Paul. Held on the St. Croix River in Rush City and organized by YouthCARE.

Cost: free

612-338-1233

http://www.youthcaremn.org

CIRCUS JUVENTAS

Explore international circus arts at Circus Juventas. Five-day, full-day sessions offered for ages 6-15. Or make your own camp with Circus Sampler Days.

Cost: $85-405

651-699-8229

http://www.circusjuventas.org

CONCORDIA LANGUAGE VILLAGES

Experience cultural and language immersion; 15 languages to choose from. Resident camp for ages 6-18 and family camps.

Cost: $960-$4,510

1-800-222-4750

http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org

DODGE NATURE CENTER

Explore prairies, wetlands and woodland trails during full- and half-day, four-day camps offered for students entering 1-8 grades. Shorter sessions available for ages 3-6.

Cost: $50-200

651-455-4531

http://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/

FARM TO TABLE

Make butter, ice cream and bread while learning about science, agriculture and history at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm in Maplewood. Plus, students will play old-time games like townball and do arts and crafts. Three four-day sessions offered in July and August.

Cost: $150

651-748-8645

http://www.maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org/pdfs/2017-Summer-Camp.pdf

FIDDLE CAMP

Fiddling taught by master Swedish and American fiddlers, whistle making and folk dancing.

Cost: $235-305

www.yfaminnesota.weeby.com

FOCCI MN CENTER FOR GLASS

From fusing to casting to glass blowing, ages 9-18 are introduced to the mesmerizing medium of glass through immersive half-day, five-day experiences.

Cost: $325-425

612-623-3624

http://tinyurl.com/foci2016

FORT SNELLING

Experience the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Become a history investigator. Or, try out what life as an archeologist is like. Camps range from one day to one week.

$45-$250

612-341-7555

http://www.mnhs.org/summercamps

GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE CAMPS

Speak, hear, sing, and create in German while exploring subjects ranging from history and art to science and music during five-day, half-, full- and extended-day sessions for grades K-3 at the Germanic American Institute.

Cost: $130-150

651-222-2979

http://gai-mn.org

GIBBS MUSEUM OF PIONEER AND DAKOTA LIFE CAMPS

Travel back in time and learn about life in the 1800s. Explore seasonal Dakota activities including the maple sugar camp, wild rice village, life in the tipi, hunting games, methods of travel, language and song. Or enroll in Gibbs Girl or Digging history sessions. Three-day, half-day camps. One-day Pioneer PeeWees camps offered for ages 4-5.

Cost: $19-99

651-646-8629

http://www.rchs.com

IRISH DANCE

Professional Irish Dance training by director Cormac O'Se, an original member of Riverdance.

612-722-7000

www.osheairishdance.com

JUGHEADS JUGGLING CAMP

Half-day, five-day sessions and single day sessions for beginners through experts ages 8-18 enhance hand-eye coordination, boost concentration and build self-confidence.

Cost: $30-110

612-229-3348

http://jugheads.com

KID YOGA

Yoga infused throughout the day via story, dance and games for campers age 5-12. Located on the Greenway = daily field adventures.

Cost: $75-335

612-202-5164

kidyogamn.com

LEONARDO’S BASEMENT

Girls and boys ages 6 to 17 can design and build their creative ideas, mixing art, science and technology during partial-day, weekday camps. There are more than 115 classes available over 10 weeks.

Cost: $185-370, scholarships available

612-824-4394

www.leonardosbasement.org

LOPPET ADVENTURE CAMPS

Roller ski, mountain bike, canoe and more during adventure camps for ages 9-13 at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Equipment provided during the full-day, five-day sessions.

Cost: $200

612-604-5330

http://loppet.org

MINNEHAHA ACADEMY

A variety of athletic, academic and enrichment programs are offered, including woodcarving, viola and cello, combat robots, puddlestompers, fencing, movie making, sewing, painting, rocket science, drumming, and more. Half- and full-day, one- to three-week weekday sessions. Camp Minnehaha, a full day camp for pre-k to grade 8, includes daily devotions, games, indoor and outdoor activities, daily swimming lessons and a weekly off-campus activity.

Cost: $36-500

612-728-7745, ext. 1

http://www.minnehahaacademy.net

MILL CITY MUSEUM

Play music, get creative, bake bread and construct books while exploring the rich culture along the Minneapolis riverfront district. Campers aged 9-11 will explore a new experience each day at four arts centers.

Cost: $225-$250

612-341-7555

http://www.mnhs.org/summercamps

NORTHERN CLAY CENTER

Work with sculpture, tiles, or wheel-thrown pottery in half or full-day sessions for ages 6 and up.

Cost $160-305

612-339-8007

www.northernclaycenter.org

TECH CAMPS

Use LEGO bricks, gears and motors to construct and program robots. Opt to learn to code or create your own video game. Math Addvantage offers five-day, half-day camps for grades 2-8.

$215

http://mathaddvantage.com

SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA

Summer programs for youth ages 3 to 16 combine science, art, drama, and literature in ways that encourage kids to actively discover and examine concepts for themselves. Programs also offered at the Lee & Rose Warner Nature Center, the state's oldest outdoor environmental education facility.

Cost: $60-345

651-221-4511, 651-433-2427

http://www.smm.org/classes

STEPPING STONE THEATER

Learn about devised theater, music and other performance art forms during these one- to two-week, half- and full-day sessions for those preK to grade 12. Two theater classes offered in collaboration with the Science Museum and Minnesota Zoo.

Cost: $125-475

http://steppingstonetheatre.org

TEXTILE CENTER CAMPS

Sew, knit, felt, dye and more. Take home completed fiber items from three- and five-day, half-, full- and extended-day sessions for ages 6-16.

Cost: $87-370

612-436-0464

http://textilecentermn.org

TRAPEZE CENTER CIRCUS CAMP

Students ages 8-17 enrolled in the weeklong, half-day camps will experience a variety of circus disciplines (including Trampoline, Static Trapeze, Acrobatics, Circus Bike, and of course Flying Trapeze).

Cost: $275

651-262-9477

twincitiestrapeze.com

WHITE BEAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Painting, drawing, clay, theatre, writing, glass and much more for ages 6-14.

Cost: $23-$97

651-407-0597

http://www.WhiteBearArts.org

YMCA

Explore the variety of Y Summer Programs at over 60 metro-area locations. Programs include flexible three-, four-, and five-day options. There’s something fun for everyone from preschool through grade nine.

Cost: $80-350

http://www.ymcatwincities.org/child_care__preschool/summer_programs/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list of every camp in the Twin Cities. If you would like to be included in next year’s guide, please send us detailed information on the camp.

Como writer, jokester, ‘bearder’ amazed at good fortune

Two volumes of Brian Beatty’s poetry being published—‘Coyotes I Couldn’t See’ and ‘Brazil, Indiana’

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
2016 was a big year for Como poet and performer Brian Beatty. He had two poetry collections accepted for publication, “Coyotes I Couldn’t See” and “Brazil, Indiana.”
“I’m pretty amazed at my good fortune right now,” remarked Beatty (photo right).
“At 46 years old, I was late to get something book-length published. This interest in my work motivates me to keep knocking out poems.”
Natural creative outlet
Beatty was writing poems in high school English classes when he should have been reading Mark Twain or F. Scott Fitzgerald. “Initially I was inspired by the song lyrics of my favorite bands, but I quickly realized, with the help of a great teacher, that song lyrics and poetry weren’t the same thing—mostly because I was no Bob Dylan,” recalled Beatty.
In college, he studied fiction writing because that seemed more practical. “At the time, you could still sell short stories to magazines,” stated Beatty. He sold one to Seventeen magazine during his senior year of undergrad.
His first published poem worth anything was about a homeless man who tucked the money he panhandled into his boot. It appeared in a university literary magazine, across the page from a poem by Charles Bukowski. “I was pretty pleased (and smug) about that at the time,” said Beatty.
In 1994, he earned a master of fine arts degree in fiction writing from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and then quit writing for about a year.
“I’d pushed too hard too soon,” he explained.
He questions university MFA programs, worrying that the university’s ownership of literature has done something to poetry and fiction traditions. “Not enough of writing these days is about what happens outside of academia,” said Beatty.
When he eventually returned to a computer keyboard, it was with ideas for poems instead of short stories. “I’ve stayed at it since then because I’ve never found a creative outlet that feels as natural to me,” said Beatty.
‘Odd, endearing, adored by hipsters and Wobegonians’
Over the last 25 years, Beatty has written for over 20 publications. Among them are Arts Indiana, The Bark, City Pages, Elephant Journal, The Evergreen Review, Glasgow Review of Books (Scotland), Lake Country Journal, Publishers Weekly, The Quarterly, The Rake, The Sycamore Review, The Writer, Urthona (New Zealand) and Yankee Pot Roast.
The bearded jokester has appeared on more than 15 stages, such as the Bedlam Theatre, Brave New Workshop, MPR’s Fitzgerald Theater, 2010 and 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festivals, The Playwrights’ Center, The Ritz Theater, The Soap Factory, Trylon Microcinema, The Turf Club, and the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis.
For two years Beatty hosted “You Are Hear,” a monthly literary podcast, for mnartists.org, a joint project of the Walker Art Center and the McKnight Foundation.
Comedian Maria Bamford considers Beatty one of her favorite Minneapolis comics. “Odd, endearing, adored by hipsters and Wobegonians alike,” she said.
Read, steal, and avoid cliches
Beatty grew up in Brazil, Indiana and moved to south Minneapolis in 1999. He wound up in St. Paul’s Como neighborhood in 2015.
He’s a big fan of Lake Como and all that the park offers.
“My favorite thing about the Como neighborhood is how residential it is,” remarked Beatty.
“Neighbors wave across the street and chat in the alley. I love that I don’t see cranes when I look toward the horizon.”
He has started reading at Barbaric Yawp, Chris Title’s monthly reading series at Underground Music Café at Hoyt and Hamline.
Beatty recommends that aspiring poets read as much as they can and steal what they find valuable.
“Read and steal—and be as clear as you can about what you’re trying to communicate without falling into horrible cliché,” stated Beatty, who also writes marketing and advertising copy for business clients.
Comedy and poetry
Beatty’s writing process involves plopping down in his living room chair with his laptop and hoping for the best, usually first thing in the morning after the coffee is started. “When nothing’s working, I crack open a book and read until I stumble upon something that inspires me,” said Beatty.
“I typically start with a single image or phrase and follow that wherever it takes me. Most of the time, I wind up telling tiny stories or jokes in my poems.”
His first poetry collection, “DUCK!” was a 100-page humor collection he self-published in 2009.
Ravenna Press in Washington published a small pamphlet-length collection called, “Earliest Bird Calls.” It includes a couple of poems that wound up in revised versions in the Coyotes collection.
“Coyotes I Couldn’t See” (photo left of cover), was printed recently by St. Paul-based Red Bird Chapbooks (redbirdchapbooks.com). This limited edition collection includes lyric and narrative poems written and published over a two-year period. The chapbook is loosely arranged to chronicle a year’s sequence of seasons. Included poems originally appeared in print and digital publications in the U.S., Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Scotland, as well as in digital broadsides on the website of the Walker Art Center and in Motionpoems’ 2014 “Arrivals and Departures” public art project at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul.
“Brian Beatty’s poems conjure complete lives—houses, yards, people, ghosts, dogs, squirrels and invisible coyotes—out of just a few stanzas,” praised Minnesota musician Charlie Parr. “This collection reads like music, creating worlds that look like everyday life complete with the terrible uncertainty, the delicate and wavering balance, the long, long drop into the bottomless.”
Book tribute to grandmother
Beatty’s second collection, titled “Brazil, Indiana” (cover photo left), will be published in late 2016 or early 2017 by California-based Kelsay Books/Aldrich Press.
The 100-page sequence of short, 12-line lyrics pays tribute to the people and places of the poet’s rural, small town childhood years.
“It’s one long poem in the manner of John Berryman’s Dream Songs,” explained Beatty. “The book poured out in a handful of months. It started as a tribute to my late grandmother, who was my last connection to my hometown until her death last year.”
Excerpts from the sequence first appeared in numerous publications, including Clementine Poetry Journal, Dressing Room Poetry Journal, The Glasgow Review of Books (Scotland), Midwestern Gothic, The Moth (Ireland), Right Hand Pointing, Third Wednesday and Yellow Chair Review.
Twin Cities-based annual Poetry City, U.S.A. published the first of the Brazil, Indiana excerpts.
“The highlight of my poetry ‘career,’ such as it is, would have to be publishing six excerpts from the Brazil book in an Irish literary magazine. Otherwise, I sat next to the poet Robert Bly at a local documentary premiere once,” said Beatty.
Check Beatty’s web site (brianbeattympls.com) for book signing events.
“For all the jabber about nobody reading poetry these days, I’m fortunate to live in a place where there’s an audience for the work I do,” said Beatty. “It means the world to me.”

Article appeared in the December 2016 Monitor Saint Paul.

Third leg of transit triangle eyes route over Ford Parkway Bridge

Planners studying whether a river crossing at the Ford Parkway Bridge, or Highway 5, would be better

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Will a new transit line connect South Minneapolis with downtown St. Paul in the near future?
The proposed Riverview Corridor transportation route would run 12-miles from St. Paul’s Union Depot to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America.
The proposed Riverview Corridor transportation route would run 12-miles from St. Paul’s Union Depot to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. One possible route takes riders from the Union Station past the Xcel Center, down West 7th St., jogging over to the former Ford plant site in Highland Park, across the Ford Parkway bridge and to the 46th St. station before heading down to the airport and mall. (Photo submitted)

One possible route takes riders from the Union Station past the Xcel Center, down West 7th St., jogging over to the former Ford plant site in Highland Park, across the Ford Parkway bridge and to the 46th St. station before heading down to the airport and mall.
Another option is using Highway 5 instead of going through Highland Park or building a new river crossing.
“The goal of the Riverview Corridor is to create a new connection between downtown St. Paul and the airport, improving transit and stimulating development along the way,” remarked Ward 12 Council Member Andrew Johnson.
The Ford Parkway bridge may be the best place for the Riverview Corridor to cross the Mississippi River and also connect with the Blue line. “Longfellow is closer to Highland Park than much of Minneapolis, so not only could the Riverview Corridor better connect us with the great neighborhood across the bridge, but it also helps position the Ford Plant site to emerge as a thriving town square with great shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation options that are just minutes away,” said Ward 12 Council Member Andrew Johnson. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Johnson pointed out that the route will need to cross the river somewhere, and the options to do so are down to Highway 5 or the Ford Parkway bridge, each having advantages and disadvantages.
“While the Ford Parkway bridge would add additional transit time to the route, it also maximizes the development potential of the 135-acre Ford Plant site and avoids some logistical difficulties associated with using Highway 5,” said Johnson.
Spring 2017 new deadline date
The Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority launched the latest study of the corridor in July 2014, the fifth since 1998. Three committees have been collecting and analyzing data on modes and routes, of what is often called the third leg of a transit triangle, the others being the Blue Line in Minneapolis and the Green Line in St. Paul.
Planners have reduced the options to three: West 7th, the Canadian Pacific Spur Line that runs a few blocks south of West 7th, or a combination of the two.
Businesses along West 7th have been concerned about the potential loss of parking and lanes there.
The Policy Advisory Committee expected to select an option by spring 2017.
The project would then need to be adopted by several government bodies and funding secured. A new transit service could take up to 12 years to design and construct.
Light rail, Bus Rapid Transit or streetcar?
Possible modes include light rail, bus rapid transit, streetcars or a hybrid option.
Johnson’s preference for this route is a streetcar line. “Streetcars feel like light rail, but are significantly less expensive and don’t eliminate a lane of traffic,” he pointed out. “Yet unlike Bus Rapid Transit, the permanent infrastructure stimulates economic development. The latter is particularly important for the future of the Ford Plant site, which has the potential to become the extension of, and complement to, Highland Park.”
When the Godfrey Parkway bridge is replaced next year, the new bridge will be capable of supporting LRT or streetcars.
How would a streetcar cross Hiawatha without making traffic worse?
The biggest issue for Ward 12, according to Johnson, is how a streetcar will cross Hiawatha Ave. and the interchange at the 46th Street Station without making the traffic flow worse.
“The good news,” Johnson said, “is that this project may very well be the way we get Metro Transit to approve the use of ‘rail obstruction’ sensors. They would eliminate the need for the ‘clearing phase’ that occurs today, where an oncoming Blue Line train overrides the traffic signals to give eastbound traffic a green light even if they just had one.”
“The need to ensure that no vehicles are obstructing the tracks when a train comes is critically important, but the current method is terribly inefficient and disruptive to the overall flow of traffic,” Johnson noted. “A win-win would be using the Riverview Corridor project to secure this traffic flow improvement for Hiawatha.”
He is excited by how this line would connect South Minneapolis with its neighbor right across the river.
“Longfellow is closer to Highland Park than much of Minneapolis,” Johnson added, “so not only could the Riverview Corridor better connect us with the great neighborhood across the bridge, but it also helps position the Ford Plant site to emerge as a thriving town square with great shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation options that are just minutes away.”
Existing bus not adequate
The bus line #54 currently travels between Union Depot and the Mall of America taking West 7th and Highway 5, making the trip in about 40 minutes. Officials say it is often crowded and inadequate for the corridor.
By the year 2040, the population in the corridor is expected to grow by 63% and employment by 33%, making this highly traveled corridor more difficult to travel in years to come.
Proponents say transit improvements would increase mobility, and support community and regional economic development goals.
The many people without a car in the area would also benefit. The percentage of households without an automobile in the Riverview Corridor study area is near twice that of households in Ramsey County as a whole.
Meetings planned
Upcoming meetings are being planned for the Longfellow neighborhood, but have not yet been scheduled. According to Johnson, the project team will soon be reaching out to Longfellow to engage the neighborhood and get feedback on the proposed route.
“This line will help connect residents with jobs and amenities on the other side of the river, provide a great transit route to downtown Saint Paul, and even help stimulate economic development on the east side of the 46th Street Station,” said Johnson.
To sign up for project updates, go to http://riverviewcorridor.com.

Article appeared in the November 2016 Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.

Seeds for Edmund Edible Alley germinating in Hamline Midway

NCFA’s alley garden will be a place neighborhood residents can forage for berries, plums and more

Article by TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Photos submitted
It may be cold outside, but the seeds for the Edible Edmund Alley are germinating.
The Edible Edmund Alley along Edmund near the intersection of University and Snelling will be a mini-forest garden.
Set in this high-traffic area of St. Paul, the garden will provide a source of free fruit to hundreds of food insecure people living in the neighborhood.
“The Edible Edmund Alley is the perfect synthesis of our garden and foraging programs. It will provide a resource that will demonstrate how to build and maintain a forest garden, teach how to identify and harvest wild foods, and grant free fruits to low-income people,” said North County Food Alliance (NCFA) foraging coordinator Maria Wesserle.
Founded in 2013, NCFA is a non-profit organization based in the Twin Cities that seeks to increase access to food and share food with people in need. Increasing access is accomplished through weekly foodshares, wild food foraging workshops, community gardening, and community meals.
“Fresh fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy diet,” pointed out Wesserle.
“Unfortunately, a diet rich in fresh produce is more expensive than one high in processed foods, making it cost-prohibitive for many people. Fresh foods (which spoil easily) are also more difficult for food shelves and soup kitchens to carry.
“This is why North Country Food Alliance focuses on providing fresh produce to low-income communities.”
Berries and plums
NCFA has rescued tens of thousands of pounds of overstock food from farms, grocery stores, and distributors and donated it to people in need.
NCFA also builds gardens in urban areas in the Twin Cities. According to Wesserle, the produce from these gardens is donated to organizations that serve low-income people, such as homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food shelves. There are currently gardens in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Richfield.
“So far, these gardens have grown only annual vegetables – things like kale, tomatoes, and beets. However, since the start of the program we have been looking for plots that would be available for long-term projects so that we could grow perennials such as fruit trees,” said Wesserle.
In the winter of last year, a community member (who wishes to remain anonymous) approached NCFA about building a mini-forest garden on a piece of property owned by her and her husband. “After visiting the parcel and meeting with the community member, we at NCFA decided it would be a great project to invest in,” stated Wesserle.
NCFA began fundraising last fall and raised $850 for the project. The organization also hopes to receive a $400 grant from SeedMoney.
The newest garden will be located on 800-square-feet bordering an alley. Before planting commences this spring, unwanted trees such as Siberian elms need to be removed. Once that is complete, workers will amend the soil and plant seedlings.
“We plan on planting native fruit trees and shrubs such as juneberries, wild plums, and aronia berries,” said Wesserle.
Neighborhood benefits
This garden will serve the needs of the community in several ways.
NCFA will provide free educational opportunities for residents to get involved in the process of planting and maintaining fruit trees and perennials.
Donation-based foraging workshops will be offered that explain how to identify, harvest, and prepare wild foods.
The garden creates a location where passersby will be free to pick the edibles.
Plus, fruits will be donated to the Keystone Community Food Shelf based in the neighborhood.
“NCFA makes nearly all of its money from door-to-door canvassing. This is an effective way to let people know what’s happening in the area, and to recruit volunteers,” observed Wesserle. NCFA informs people about activities through social media, email lists, and flyers.
Benefits of foraging
Wesserle doesn’t know of any other foraging forests based in alleyways but pointed out there are several public edible forest gardens throughout the U.S., specifically one in Seattle, WA and one in Asheville, NC. There is also a permaculture plot at the Tiny Diner Farm in south Minneapolis that is privately run for the Tiny Diner restaurant.
What are the benefits of foraging in a city?
“The main benefit is accessibility. You don’t need to own a car or travel long distances to state forests or parks,” said Wesserle. “Most likely there are delicious edibles right outside your doorstep!”
Safety is a substantial concern of Wesserle’s when teaching foraging, be it in an urban or a wild environment.
“Ingesting the soil and dust of contaminated areas is the primary way people are exposed to dangerous chemicals,” she noted. “Reduce the risk of exposure by washing harvested foods, peeling roots, and peeling off the outer layers of leafy foods. Fruits tend to absorb fewer contaminants than leafy vegetables or root crops.”
NCFA typically holds six foraging workshops a year, one each month from May through October.
“The program has grown substantially in the past year, with registration overflowing and people being put on waiting lists,” said Wesserle. “From this, I would say there is a large interest in learning to forage.”
For more information, call 612.568.4585 or email info@northcountryfoodalliance.org.

Article appeared in the January 2016 Monitor Saint Paul.

Non-profit encourages African American children and parents to connect with culture to build self-confidence needed for academic success

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

When children feel strongly connected to their culture, they do better in school, pointed out Gevonee Ford, whose 18-year-old non-profit provides a range of holistic services for children and families with the goal of connecting them to their African heritage and building towards academic success.

The Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) at 655 Fairview Ave. is a place where the African spirit is nurtured and renewed.

It is a place where African people come together to learn of and from themselves.

It is a place where people come to learn from their elders and children.

It is a place where they affirm their global family.

Children select free, cultural books to keep during the NdCAD Saturday Book Giving Program that runs every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. (Photo submitted)

Family education center
The family education center in the Midway neighborhood offers a variety of literacy programs with a cultural component that leads to academic success and lifelong learning, according to Ford.

Ford pointed out that research has shown that if children believe that they can learn, and if they understand the connection between literacy and culture, they will do better in school.
In 2012, Ford and NdCAD were recognized as a White House Champion of Change. The organization has also received the MLK Drum Majors of Service Award.

The vision for NdCAD emerged out of grassroots community organizing effort that took place from 1995 to 1997. Cultural Beginnings, a project of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network, identified the need for building and strengthening connections within the black community. NdCAD was created to address the need for networking and community building.

Children participate in NdCAD’s annual summer literacy and cultural enrichment camp where children build reading skills and cultural awareness/knowledge. For example, children learn how African/African Americans have contributed to society and the world through science and technological invention,s as well as other intellectual and cultural contributions. (Photo submitted)

Founder Gevonee Ford remains the executive director, and has overseen the organization first in South Minneapolis, then North Minneapolis, and now the Como Midway. NdCAD was the first tenant in 2006 in the former paper warehouse owned by Living Word Church where Ford is a member.

“At each stage of NdCAD’s development,” Ford said, “the community has been involved in helping us to heal, learn and grow.”

The most important message NdCAD wants to share is that each person involved is “a part of a community that values and cares for them, and has expectations for them,” said Ford.

Since its inception, NdCAD has asked: “How do we heal, repair and strengthen the village so that the village can raise every child?”

Ford strongly believes that “each of us as community members have an opportunity to educate and develop our young people.”

Supporters include the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and St. Paul Promise Neighborhood, as well as individual donors. “Generous support from individuals and groups like these help make it possible for us to positively impact the lives of children and families,” said Ford.

Sankofa Reading Program
NdCAD offers a nine-week after-school program for struggling readers. The holistic approach of the Sankofa Reading Program “helps children make connections between knowledge of self and literacy,” said Ford.

The approach is working. Participants have been going up 2-5 reading levels.

Kindergarten to third graders participate in the Sankofa Reading Program offered at the NdCAD Educational Center in the Midway neighborhood. (Photo submitted)

“Most importantly, there is increased confidence in their ability to learn which translates into better school performance,” remarked Ford.

Last year, the program served 180 students throughout the metro area.

Parent power
Concurrently with each Sankofa session is a nine- or four-week Parent Power program. The program “helps parents make literacy and cultural identity connections,” said Ford. The group also talks about how parents can work with teachers and schools.

Parent Power is built on the principle that parents are a child’s first, primary, and life-long teacher. Everything parents do at home to advance literacy has long-term effects on preparing children for success in school and life.

Through Parent Power, participants begin to challenge self-doubt and begin to think critically about how they view themselves through the eyes of others; they recognize how their self-concept impacts how they parent and teach their children. Participants also begin to deconstruct myths about themselves, African people, and their community, making invisible systems of oppression visible. Together, parents gain a deeper understanding of their innate power to bring about change in themselves, schools, and community.

Sankofa and Parent Power participants celebrate their achievements during a graduation. The community is invited to attend these events. Call 651.209.3355 for more information (Photo submitted)

Parent Power graduates stay in frequent contact with each other through NdCAD Nia Gatherings, which include monthly activities for parents and children. Through the gatherings, families build community together, parent-to-parent and family-to-family.

Uhuru Youth Scholars
The Uhuru Youth Scholars Program offers high school students two full semesters of exploratory research experience, as well as the opportunity to earn high school and college credits.
Last year, the group focused on how the media and colonization impact how African American youth view themselves.

Students first design the project, conduct research, analyze results and present solutions. Learning these helpful skills translate into improved academic performance, and also provide students with skills for college.

“The idea is for them to take on the identity of scholars and researchers,” observed Ford.
Last year, students held focus groups in beauty salons, set up interviews with adults and youth and conducted research at several high schools.

Educator workshops
In addition to teaching, NdCAD never forgets that it is a learning organization. What it learns, it then shares with others.

NdCAD offers professional workshops for educators and others, with the goal of broadening the impact of what it has learned to increase children’s success.

Free books
Each Saturday, noon-2pm, NdCAD gives away new and gently used children’s books that focus on African culture, such as President Barack Obama’s, “Of Thee I Sing.”

Since 2001, they have put a half million books into the homes of children.

Many assume that all children have books in their homes, but that isn’t always true, pointed out Ford. Books are expensive.

“There’s nothing like when a child can pick a book, write his or her name in that book and say, ‘This is my book,’” remarked Ford. “It sends a profound message on the value the community places on children.”

Anyone who would like to donate books may drop them off at the NdCAD office between 10am-7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am-5pm on Thursday and Friday, and noon-2pm on Saturday.

This story appeared in the November 2015 Monitor.

St. Paul Ballet offers ‘unplugged’ experience

Three-in-one organization offers pre-professional dance training, dance classes for community members and professional dance company

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

The vision of St. Paul Ballet (SPB) is to lift the human spirit through the art of ballet.
SPB is a company of professional dancers, a pre-professional training program and a place for all members of the community to take dance classes.

SPB utilizes an artist-led organizational model for ballet companies. Now in its ninth year, this artist-led model gives Company dancers opportunities within the infrastructure of SPB to broaden their voice and build their careers in the arts. (Photo submitted)

It was established in 2002 when the St. Anthony School of Dance merged with the St. Anthony Performing Arts Guild located in the historic Grand Ave. “studios above the hardware store” where ballet has been taught for well over 60 years. In 2012, SPB was restructured under an artist-led business model. In 2014, SPB added the studios at 655 Fairview Ave. to more than double space for classes and rehearsals, according to St. Paul Ballet Executive Director Lori Gleason.

The 655 Fairview Ave. location also enables SPB to address socio-economic constraints and lack of cultural exposure to the arts by broadening its reach.

“I first walked into the Grand Ave. studio of the Andahazy School of Classical Ballet in 1978 (our current Grand location), and have stayed involved ever since serving in various ways including as a managing director, a student, a dancer, a parent and a board member,” said Gleason.

One of SPB’s board members was a foster child and credits the classes given to her by the Andahazy’s many years ago with giving her the passion and tools to create a successful, happy and fulfilling life. Now she would like to see others benefit from the same.

“Parents of young children tell us the dance classroom offers their children a place to experiment and be themselves without a right or wrong way to do things,” said Gleason. “It also is completely ‘unplugged’—no phones, television, video or other distractions.”

Benefits of ballet
Ballet is often the basis for many genres of dance. “Besides the obvious benefit of exercise it develops coordination, balance, self-confidence and more,” said Gleason.

Children learn to follow instructions, work in groups and perform before an audience. They gain a sense of their bodies and how to control them in motion.

“We have live accompaniment in all ballet and modern classes which is a must for training,” said Gleason.

Many of the SPB students are top academic students, and credit the focus and demands of ballet for their tenacity and capacity to take on difficult work.

“Ballet classes can also be a stress reliever. The concerns of the day drop away because it is nearly impossible to think of anything but the class,” remarked Gleason. “The exercise of the body reduces stress as the mind is consumed with the art.

“And who wouldn’t want to exercise to beautiful live music?”

Dance classes for professionals and community
SPB offers two programs that attract students of all ages, all levels of dance experience and body types.

More than 100 students participate in the pre-professional program that runs for a school year. There are six levels of training in the progressive ballet curriculum that builds the foundation for college-level programs, conservatory or a professional dance career.

St. Paul Ballet is a company of professional dancers, a pre-professional training program and a place for all members of the community to take dance classes. SPB offers classes at two studio locations in St. Paul, one on Grand Ave. and one at 655 Fairview. (Photo submitted)

The drop-in program serves another 200 students of all ages through classes in music and movement for ages 4-6, beginning ballet for ages 7-11 and beginning and open ballet classes for teens and adults.

The unique “Take Back the Tutu” initiative promotes the ballet dancer as athlete and celebrates the unique body types of individuals. “You don’t have to look just one way to wear the tutu,” observed Gleason. Free, public, monthly conversations are led by health professionals on topics about healthy bodies and dance.

The school has the advantage of a close affiliation with the SPB Company members, and advanced students have opportunities to perform in productions with the professional dancers.

The School of SPB holds a residency for Great River School (1326 Energy Park Dr.), including two, 12-week sessions in fall and spring with on-site classes culminating in a performance of student work and SPB Company excerpts.

Professional company works full-time
The St. Paul Ballet Company is experiencing a rebirth under Artistic Director Zoé Emilie Henrot, with the guidance of Artistic Advisor Christina Onusko.

“I believe any story can be told through dance, but only successfully if the eyes are present to complete the puzzle. The beauty of dance truly lies in the details. That’s real artistry,” said St. Paul Ballet Company dancer Nicole Brown. (Photo submitted)

The Company includes ten professional dancers, plus four apprentices. They perform a repertoire of classical and contemporary works, ranging from story ballets to works by local and national choreographers that explore new directions for ballet.

St. Paul Ballet recently performed at The O’Shaughnessy for the first time with its new Company, and the organization was happy to read the following review in the Star Tribune: “The October performance  ‘hit all the right marks, weaving an enchanting tale with a sense of wonder.’”
“It is quite rewarding after all of the hard work over the last three years to revive the organization,” Gleason observed.

SPB utilizes an artist-led organizational model for ballet companies. Now in its ninth year, this artist-led model gives Company dancers opportunities within the infrastructure of SPB to broaden their voice and build their careers in the arts.

“One of our apprentices to the company was told as a child that she would never be a dancer. At SPB she has been able to pursue her dreams and has excelled,” remarked Gleason.

The Company dancers rehearse and perform for audiences four times a year; participate in outreach activities such as Ballet Tuesdays; take professional classes and rehearse during the day, Monday to Friday for five hours, September to May; and work 3-6 hours a week on their administrative duties. Some of the dancers also teach classes in the school several times a week. All Company classes and rehearsals take place at 655 Fairview.

Holiday show planned
The third holiday production of “Clara’s Dream,” an abbreviated version of the classic “Nutcracker” created and premiered in 2013, will be performed at the Janet Wallace Mainstage Theater at Macalester College Dec. 17-20. This year’s extended run will feature enhanced costumes and new backdrops from scenic designer Anne Henly, funded by an Arts Activities grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Tickets are on sale now at spballet.org.

This story appeared in the November 2015 Monitor.