The ‘People’s Music School’ moves to Midway

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
‘The People’s Music School’ is now located in the Midway.
After 45 years in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, the West Bank School of Music (WBSM) moved in July 2015 to 655 Fairview Ave.
“The feedback from students and instructors has been incredibly positive,” remarked Amy Reise. “The organization has engaged new students from the neighborhood and the building, including siblings of St. Paul Ballet students; individuals who train at the Elements studio; and members of the Living Word munity-oriented businesses located in the former Banta Corp. paper warehouse that is owned by Living Word Church.
Transforming lives
The mission of West Bank School of Music is to transform lives and the community through innovative music education and inspiring performances.
PHOTO RIGHT: West Bank School of Music student Lorna W. takes a lesson from accordion instructor Dan Turpening. (Photo submitted)
Founded in 1970, WBSM was created by musician/composer Warren Park to expand music education beyond traditional classical training styles. Informally nicknamed, “The People’s Music School,” WBSM was the first music school in Minneapolis to specialize in music education in popular and roots music styles, including blues, jazz, folk, Rock n’ Roll, country, and world music.
Over the past 45 years, more than 20,000 students of all ages have received affordable, innovative music education from instructors who, in addition to teaching for WBMS, are professional musicians, recording artists, and composers.
Music classes develop the brain
West Bank School of Music offers private lessons, classes, workshops, ensembles, summer youth band camps, and community concerts. Families and students of all ages and backgrounds are attracted to West Bank School of Music’s affordable music instruction that offers a disciplined, yet casual style and focus on teaching students based on their interests.
“Music education is beneficial for people of all ages, and it is never too late to learn a new instrument or resume lessons,” urged Reise.
She added, “Musical training helps develop the brain areas involved in language and reasoning; promotes spacial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures of things); promotes creative thinking and problem solving, and encourages empathy.”
PHOTO RIGHT: Lila Ammons is a vocal instructor at the West Bank School of Music. (Photo submitted)
West Bank School of Music has taught private lessons to students as old as four and as young as 82. Music instruction is offered seven days a week, during the daytime and evenings. Lesson times are arranged with instructors.
For further information about West Bank School of Music instructors and instrument offerings, visit wbsm.org or call 612-333-6651. Lesson rates are affordable, and there are discounts and scholarships available.

Article appeared in the December 2015 Monitor Saint Paul.

R.E.A.D. offers students arts, engineering, and design training

After-school and summer programs help kids build skills in areas they’re interested while keeping them off the streets

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
R.E.A.D. After School and Summer Youth Development Center and the JL Griffis School is the newest addition to the youth programs housed at 655 S. Fairview.
Founder Jerry Griffis is excited about how the organizations will be able to network together.
The after school youth center is one of six community-oriented businesses located in the former Banta Corp. paper warehouse that is owned by Living Word Church.
“My goal is to partner with some of my building-mates to make that facility one of the premiere after school and summer learning facilities for the kids in St. Paul,” said Griffis.
A safe place
Griffis started R.E.A.D. four years ago and serves as its executive director.
“After a tragedy in my life I saw a need to start an out of school program, one that would keep youth safe and would give them hope,” explained Griffis.
The 24 x 24 square foot performing arts stage in the center is named after his late son Detrick Devon Griffis, a victim of teenage suicide.
“That really put the fire under me to do things for kids,” explained Griffis.
Not all kids will be hockey, basketball or baseball players, he pointed out. Instead, they may find their passion in art.
R.E.A.D. stands for Robotic, Engineering, Arts & Design, and the programs there reflect a range of interests.
“I realized that kids have more time out of school than in school,” explained Griffis. “I wanted to provide a safe place for them to be encouraged—and maybe they will realize that our programs can lead them on a career path.”
He knows what kids are going through
For the past 22 years, Griffis worked in the automotive industry, the only Afro-American service manager for GM in the Twin Cities. He manages the White Bear Lake Superstore Service Department.
The only child of a single mom in the city, Griffis knows what it is like when a single parent who works two jobs doesn’t have much time to spend with a child. Griffis didn’t get out to hunt or fish like kids in the country might. And he didn’t do that as an adult either. Instead, he spent his time honing photography, videography, and audio engineering skills. He has begun several magazines, including I Am Magazine for the gospel music industry and Silence the Violence. In 1989, he built a studio and has since been the executive producer of seven records.
He has taken these various interests and combined them into an organization that gives kids not just something to do in their free time, but also skills they can use in careers.
“I know what they’re going through,” explained Griffis. “So I wanted to provide a safe place for kids.”
The mission at R.E.A.D is to challenge the community of learners to reach global standards through unique and engaging experiences and opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment.
When a child says, “‘Thank you, Mr. Griffis, I really learned a lot,’ that’s something that touches your heart,” remarked Griffis.
Programs expanding
In 2011, R.E.A.D. began operating in three rooms at the Urban League of Minneapolis. They turned rooms that were being used for storage in space for the arts, with a recording studio in one room, videography and photography in another, and audio engineering in the third.
PHOTO LEFT: Sixth to eighth grade students from St. Peter Clever School at Lexington and I94 are thrilled to get a completion certificate and Target gift card after a semester attending R.E.A.D. programs. (Photo submitted)
When Urban League needed the rooms back last year, R.E.A.D. went mobile and began operating its programs at its partner schools, which include Urban League Academy (grades 6-12), Friendship Academy Charter School (grades 6-8), and St. Peter Clever School (grades 6-8).
Now that it has found a 3,000-square-foot home at 655 S. Fairview, R.E.A.D. it is once again operating out of its own location. And with the increase in space, it can expand its programs.
Through R.E.A.D., students discover interests and talents, as well as a strong desire to achieve something higher than themselves and greater than the violence of the streets.
“We want them to find purpose, cultivate change and develop leadership,” said Griffis.
A large performing arts stage may be used for theater, choreography, dance and more. Griffis’ hope is that students learn not only to express themselves, but the solid speaking skills and the confidence to be in front of an audience. There are also two studios, one for post production and one with 24-channels.
Griffis pointed out that the Studio 158A classroom music education system takes a new approach to music education. The blended learning model merges the best music education pedagogy, a proprietary curriculum, and distance learning technology.
“Unlike customary classroom education programs that focus on band, orchestra, and chorus, Studio 158A embraces non-traditional instruments and distributive technology,” said Griffis.
They pull in a wide audience of teachers, students, and parents with a passion for playing music individually and in groups.
“Our curriculum integrates professional development to empower music educators to master the latest concepts and methods in the teaching of music,” he added.
An office equipped with a heat press will enable students to learn entrepreneurial skills and start their own business making greeting cards, t-shirts, hoodies and more.
Automotive and aviation training offered
JL Griffis Twin Cities School also offers automotive and aviation training. Classes begin at the 655 S. Fairview location and then move to a building on County Road D in Maplewood.
The 12-week automotive detailing training program teaches auto service, detailing, and customer service.
Griffis pointed out that there is a shortage of automotive technicians as many of the current workers retire. “They make a good living, earning $55-$70,000 a year. These are jobs you can get with no college degree. You need to read, type and listen,” said Griffis.
“These are things I don’t think a lot of our community knows about, and I want to introduce them to.”
Fishing and golf tournaments
R.E.A.D. hosts two events annually, a fishing tournament the Saturday before Father’s Day, and a golf tournament in August. The events pull in various sponsors who get to mentor kids for a day.
PHOTO RIGHT: In 2015, R.E.A.D. hosted its first Father’s Day Fishing Tournament the Saturday before Father’s Day. It’s an meaningful event for R.E.A.D. founder Jerry Griffis (center, back row), who grew up without a father to celebrate with on Father’s Day. He’s glad to be a part of making memories for other kids without fathers. (Photo submitted)
The fishing tournament is especially close to Griffis’ heart. His father died when he was seven, so Griffis doesn’t have his own father’s day memories. He’s glad to help create those for other kids without fathers. Last year he manned the barbecue grill. “It was just a wonderful time,” said Griffis.
He is also excited to assist with Toys for Tots this year, and will help distribute toys to families they come in contact with.
Learn more at http://jlgtcs.org.

Article appeared in the December 2015 Monitor Saint Paul.

Spirit Tae Kwon Do emphasizes courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit in Fairview Ave. location

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Spirit Tae Kwon Do (TKD) at 655 Fairview offers lessons in traditional and Olympic-style Tae Kwon Do. “Our mission statement is to share the beauty of Tae Kwon Do while strengthening the practitioner with the five tenets observed in the art,” explained co-owner Agnes Espino.
Spirit TKD‘s main focus is on courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
Agnes’ husband, Spirit TKD instructor, Joe Espino, is a firm believer that to be a well-rounded martial artist, one must master oneself first.
Agnes added, “Our lessons are based on uplifting the practitioner to gain confidence, self-awareness and a sense of community involvement.”
PHOTO LEFT: Spirit Taekwondo is a member of USA Taekwondo Association. Students attend, compete and support local and national tournaments. Spirit Taekwondo houses local grand champions and National Olympians. (Photo submitted)
This emphasis on strong moral values is what sets Spirit Tae Kwon Do apart.
“The views of Spirit Tae Kwon Do towards martial arts is not based on physical capability alone,” pointed out Agnes. “It is not based on the financial status of an individual. It is, however, based on the practitioner’s attitude on adapting the art in their everyday life.”
Strong family bonds
Spirit Tae Kwon Do offers a variety of classes for adults and children age five and up. Siblings and parents are encouraged to take family classes together.
In fact, that’s how the Espino family became involved in Tae Kwon Do. Joe, Agnes and their two daughters began training together at USA Tae Kwon Do in Farmington, Minn. in 2005.
Born and raised in Chicago, Joe had always enjoyed martial and combative arts, including Kung Fu, boxing, kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do.
Upon seeing the benefits of what Tae Kwon Do had to offer, Joe decided to become a practitioner. He found that it helped him in growing closer to his family, friends and community.
He studied under Master Luong Pham and Master Hoang Danh. In 2010, as a Master instructor, Joe open Spirit Tae Kwon Do in St. Paul on Grand Ave.
“Spirit Tae Kwon Do strongly believes in strong family bonds and a nourishment of one’s spirit,” said Agnes.
Spirit TKD families are supportive of each other, welcoming towards newcomers and understand the importance of community involvement.
Master Joe works with people from all walks of life. He enjoys helping families become closer to each other. He also works with individuals that have autism and social anxiety, finding activities and hosting focus sessions for children with special needs.
Adults and kids experience physical benefits, such as increased strength, stamina, energy, flexibility, balance and faster reflexes; as well as the mental benefits of improved concentration, reduced stress levels and increased levels of relaxation throughout the day.
Becoming role models
“Tae Kwon Do can give the practitioner confidence, motivation and initiative. The practitioner exercises their body physically, their mind mentally and their soul spiritually. Tae Kwon Do opens up new outlooks on life,” said Agnes. “They make friends, achieve goals and ultimately become role models through the art of Tae Kwon Do.”
Spirit Tae Kwon Do is a member of USA Tae Kwon Do Association. Students attend, compete and support local and national tournaments. Spirit Tae Kwon Do houses local grand champions and National Olympians. Spirit Tae Kwon Do provides after school programs and lessons to St. Paul public schools and St. Paul area private schools.
Spirit Tae Kwon Do also offers other packages such as Tae Kwon Do-style birthday parties, fundraisers, holidays and social events, demonstrations and private lessons.
Interested individuals can call 651-428-6170. Or, stop by for a free class. For more information, browse www.istkd.com or visit one of their two Facebook pages: Spirit Tae Kwon Do St. Paul and Spirit Tae Kwon Do School.

Copyright © 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.

Element Boxing and Fitness is for everyone

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Photos by and © CAROLINE YANG (website: www.carolineyang.com)

Element Boxing and Fitness at 655 Fairview is a fitness center for everyone, including those who want to box professionally and those who simply desire a place to workout.

One of the biggest benefits of boxing is discipline. “It’s only the disciplined individuals that pull through and achieve success,” observed owner and professional boxer Dalton Outlaw.
He knows from personal experience.

Boxing as his outlet
Outlaw grew up in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood. At age 8, he started boxing at a neighborhood boxing gym within walking distance from his home.

“Boxing quickly became my outlet as I grow up in an economically challenged community that didn’t offer much guidance or many positive male role models,” said Outlaw. “The local gym kept me busy and out of trouble. This time spent as a youth in the boxing gym eventually le d me to other sports such as football, where I eventually received a scholarship to Concordia Saint Paul.”

After earning his degree, Outlaw was hired full-time by a corporation, but quickly realized he wasn’t going to find fulfillment in a career selling and servicing products he didn’t believe in.
He decided to go into business for himself.

As he closely watched the local boxing gyms he was involved in, Outlaw knew there was a need for a boxing gym, but he also knew he needed to do something different than they had in order to survive. And so he opened a gym in 2011 where people focus on exercise and health along with boxing.

Although the gym initially opened in a 1,200-square-foot basement on Prior Ave., it quickly grew into a state-of-the-art facility, one that breaks the stereotype of boxing gyms being in smelly basements with leaking pipes.

The move to 655 Fairview Ave. in 2013 provided the business with 8,500 square feet of open space, making it the largest boxing gym in St. Paul.

Delivery and respect
Element Boxing has over 1,400 square feet of field turf, a full competition boxing ring, and 22 heavy bags for punching and kicking, as well as professional strength training equipment for all levels.
“I think that our delivery and respect for the art of boxing sets us apart from not just other boxing gyms, but other health and sports clubs everywhere,” remarked Outlaw.

“We teach our classes and programs as certified experienced professionals. We have a large open space and clean atmosphere with lots of professional training equipment.”

Outlaw pointed out that roughly 90 percent of students come for the workouts, not because they want to be professional boxers.

Classes are structured and entertaining. Some members drive from outside of the Metro to experience classes, and a group of St. Paul police officers regularly train there.

The physical benefits of boxing are becoming healthier, stronger, and faster and achieving weight loss.

“We finish all workouts by yelling as loud as we can, at the top of our lungs, ‘hard work dedication,’” said Outlaw.

Outlaw partners with multiple independent trainers who use the space for their own fitness businesses, helping others achieve their dream of owning their own businesses.

“From that day I came over here, I have continued to pursue and promote more businesses and organizations that have similar missions to join me and the others here,” said Outlaw. “My role at 655 Fairview has been to continue promoting and developing this millennial community center with collaborative organizations that offer a variety of disciplines to help adults and children achieve developmental goals.”

Partnering with at-risk youth
Element works to be accessible to local families, in part thanks to the foundation he started, The Exercise and Health Foundation, that offers free and reduced programs and scholarships to qualifying youth.

The foundation works with the St. Paul Police Department and Ramsey County to offer programs that help troubled youth develop into productive young adults.

One teenager sticks out to Outlaw.

He was at-risk youth from a low-income family who joined the program through a referral program with the Ramsey County juvenile justice system.

“Through some resources and partnerships, I was able to get this kid into my gym and allow him the chance to have boxing be a part of and something he can call his own,” said Outlaw. “After a month in the gym and life away from the streets, he came up to me and said, ‘If I wasn’t at this gym, there’s only other one other place I could imagine I would be and that in jail.’

“This kid is still at my gym, has since joined my competitive boxing time and is developing more and more every day.”

Outlaw encourages people to stop by and visit the gym. “This is a community facility that is fit for everyone,” he said.

This story appeared in the November edition of the Monitor.

From paper warehouse to a community hub

Living Word Church transforms warehouse into home for diverse businesses and organizations aimed at families
 
By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

An old paper warehouse in the heart of the Midway is being transformed into a hub of community-oriented businesses.

The vision of Living Word Church and World Outreach Ministries is in the beginning stages, but church members, community residents, and business owners are excited by what’s happening at the old Banta Corp. building at 655 Fairview Ave. N.

The 329,000-square-foot facility currently houses the 400-member church (with its door off N. Prior Ave.) in 50,000 square feet, with plenty of room left over for community-oriented organizations. The six organizations currently housed there in 60,000 square feet include Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (see page 10), Spirit Taekwondo, Element Boxing and Fitness (see page 8), West Bank Music School, St. Paul Ballet (see page 9) and R.E.A.D After School & Summer Development Center.

The vision of senior pastor Lesley Ford, Jr. and his wife, lead assistant pastor Rosella Ford, is a place in the city where the church can reach out and touch people within the community.

“Eventually, it will be the City of Hope, having anything that anyone in the city could need,” explained Living Word Church Administrative Assistant Sharon Ford, who is the pastors’ daughter. They envision a place that serves the community from birth to death.

“The space at 655 Fairview is rapidly becoming a model; a space for community building and communities,” remarked Network for the Development of Children of African Descent Executive Director Gevonee Ford, who is the son of Lesley and Rosella and the first tenant of the building.

Over the past three years, he’s watched additional organizations move in and bring their own energy and traffic. “They’re really connected to the community,” he remarked, “and it’s the community building community.” Gevonee is particularly excited to see adults modeling community building for children.

“I love the fact that all these businesses not only work toward the betterment of the individual, but also our surrounding communities,” observed Agnes Espino of Spirit Taekwondo. “Our businesses are in full support of each other while remaining independent.”

“We all serve young people in different ways to supplement their academic education and give them creative and physical enrichment,” remarked Lori Gleason of St. Paul Ballet.

“The synergy that I see and feel within my own business and other organizations here is one of those unexplainable beauties,” said Dalton Outlaw of Element Boxing and Fitness. “It’s everything that you would want from a community facility run by community people.”

Church moved in 2006
Living Word Church purchased the block-long facility in 2005 and moved in the next year.

The church had outgrown its home once again.

It had started in 1983 with seven people meeting in a backyard. As it grew, it went from a community center to a small church facility at 205 Otis, and then later into the gymnasium next door. When they outgrew that, they sold that property and the parking lot across the street to purchase the large Banta paper warehouse.

Two other tenants include Murphy Warehouse and Plush Pumpkins.

The church’s Crocheting for a Cause group meets each Wednesday from 12:30-2:30pm. Members crochet blankets for vets, sew caps for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and give blankets to the Episcopal Home down the street. You can find out more at http://lwcwom.com.

This story appeared in the November 2015 edition of the St. Paul Monitor.