COMMUNITY VOICES | Meet Lindsay Walz of courageous heARTS

By Tesha Christensen, Community Voices

December 30, 2013

 

Get to know Lindsay Walz, the leader of courageous heARTS, Standish-Ericsson's own arts program for kids. Courageous heARTS opened in 2013 at 4164 Cedar Ave. in Minneapolis. For more information and class schedules, browse http://www.courageous-hearts.org or call 612-729-2483.

- Why did you decide to start this non-profit?
Lindsay Walz: My dream of opening a youth center started when I was still in high school myself when I had the opportunity to be on the founding board of a nonprofit in my hometown community.  The idea ebbed and flowed for many years until 2007, when I was on the 35W bridge when it collapsed.  I nearly drowned in my car (still don't know how I got out) and while sitting on the bridge "island" waiting for help it occurred to me that the dream I had always carried with me might be the reason I survived.  A few weeks after the collapse, when I was sitting at home with a broken back, I received a community education flyer and found a class called Soul Painting.  That class became a catalyst for my healing over the next 5 years and I knew that my dream had to be rooted in the healing power of art-- not for the product, but for the process.  There is another synopsis of this on my website, if you want additional information: http://www.courageous-hearts.org/roots-of-a-dream.html. 

- What is your background? Degree? From what college? Past experience? Etc.
Walz: I graduated from the U of M in 2005 with my bachelor's in Family Social Science and minor in Youth Studies.  I recently completed my Master's of Education in Youth Development Leadership- also at the U.  I have worked at Lutheran Social Service of MN since graduating in 2005.  I first worked at a group home for youth with emotional and behavioral concerns.  After some time away following the bridge collapse, I was rehired with LSS as an Educational Support Advocate for a supportive housing program.  I now supervise the Empowering Students to Achieve program and a team of Educational Support Advocates.  I also participated in the 2012 MN Youth Worker Walkabout Fellowship through the University of MN Extension.

- What will courageous heARTS offer?
Walz: We want to create a safe space for youth to express themselves. We want to be a home away from home and we also want to create meaningful and lasting connections to the surrounding community.  I want to partner with schools and business leaders and city officials to create meaningful opportunities for youth to find connection to the neighborhood.

Classes at courageous heARTS range across a spectrum of expressive arts-- from painting and sculpture to music and writing classes.  All are aimed at emphasizing the process of creating rather than the product created. 
"I hope to co-facilitate these classes with mentoring artists who are willing to  share their time, expertise and passion for the arts with the youth who walk through our doors," said Walz.  

There are two elements of programming that won't be tied to a particular activity, but rather are integrated into everything we do.  They are restorative practices and a trauma-informed approach.  I am a trained circle keeper and have volunteered for many years with the Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership as a conference facilitator.  These practices are imperative to building and maintaining community and will be embedded into all our programs.  By taking a trauma-informed approach to our work we will ensure that all of our staff and volunteers understand what trauma is and that it has a pervasive impact on our communities (and I'm not talking about the obvious traumas like a bridge falling down, I'm talking the more everyday traumas such as bullying or community violence). Being trauma-informed helps us to recognize that anyone who walks through our doors might have a heart wound and that we can take pre-cautions to ensure a safe space for all.

- What do you hope to accomplish? What are your 5/10-year goals?
The courageous heARTS vision statement is:  Youth will discover, heal, and strengthen their hearts so they can thrive as active, engaged, and courageous members of the community.

We want to build courage through expressive arts, build community through restorative practices, and build leaders with our Youth Advisory Board. 

It's hard for me to say what the 5/10 year goals are because I am so steeped in the present.  Everyday offers a new opportunity or challenge and it has been the thrill of a lifetime.  My biggest goal right now is to secure operation dollars so this can be my one and only job and we can keep the lights on!  Right now, everything's purely voluntary-- both of my time and my money-- but my heart is filled to the brim with all the kindness and positive energy I've felt and that makes it all worth it.  I hope that we can eventually offer programming for children and youth from 0-18.

 - Why did you decide to locate the nonprofit at the corner of Cedar and 42nd?
Walz: It was really important to me to stay connected to my own neighborhood (I'm an Ericsson resident).  The power of connection has been a constant theme in my life-- from growing up in a town of 250 people, to watching the world stop for everyone the day the bridge fell down. Our connection to one another is vital and I hope that courageous heARTS can serve as glue for this community.

There was a practical reason for my decision as well.  Often times, youth programs seem to concentrate in areas of the city with the most poverty.  This is essential, but having worked for a housing program (It's All About the Kids) for the past 5 years that actively seeks to move families out of the city's highest poverty zones, I know that the opportunities for youth living in Standish-Ericsson and other neighborhoods further south are limited.  There is room for more opportunities for youth beyond the public sector (parks, libraries, schools).

- How can neighborhood residents get involved?
Walz: People power will be critical and so will be donations of money, services or materials (http://www.courageous-hearts.org/support-our-work.html). Artists with an interest in teaching a class or helping with a one time project should fill out our volunteer registration form on the website so I can add them to the artist directory.  My hours at the building are somewhat limited right now as I balance a paying job with this work, but if you see me there stop by and say hello-- that kind of moral support is the stuff that keeps me going!

 Published on Twin Cities Daily Planet. http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/12/30/meet-lindsay-walz-courgeous-hearts

Hennepin County to transform Hiawatha Ave. from bleak to appealing

County working on landscape plan that will feature a taller and fuller tree canopy, more plants

Existing shrubs and plants will be removed and replanted over the next few years, with the specimens in the worst condition removed first and trees in good condition left. Perennials, trees and shrubs will then fill in over several years, and there won’t be a time when the area looks even bleaker because a clear-cut was done.

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

Hiawatha Ave. will soon be a bit prettier as well as more pedestrian friendly.

Hennepin County is working on a plan to improve the landscape along the corridor between 32nd and 46th Streets.

“Hiawatha Ave. is the gateway to Minneapolis for people coming into the city from the airport,” said Robb Luckow of Hennepin County Housing, Community Works, & Transit. “The corridor should welcome people to Minneapolis and to our neighborhoods.”

AMUR MAPLES TO BE REPLACED WITH MORE AND BIGGER TREES

Right now, there are about 400 amur maples located in the boulevards of the road. “The current trees are mature, and at a maximum height of 20 feet, do not fit the grand scale of the corridor,” said Luckow.

“According to our assessment, more than a quarter of the trees are in poor or very poor condition, and many of the rest are reaching their natural life span. There are also significant gaps where trees have been removed and not replaced. In addition, the medians contain some shrubs, but little else.”

This restoration plan seeks to create a more fully developed tree canopy that will provide shade for people on the multi-use trail and people walking to the LRT stations. The number and diversity of trees will be increased. “Trees can help reduce air pollution and improve air quality along Hiawatha Ave.,” pointed out Luckow.

While trees are the main focus of this plan, designers are also looking at opportunities for ground level plantings in key areas. “The project proposed groups of plantings (in 100-300 foot long sections) along the corridor, targeting areas that currently lack tree cover and areas of high visibility,” said Luckow.

Planners are also looking at how stormwater management can be improved in the area, and rain gardens are being considered for 35th, 38th and 42nd.

What types of plants will be used? A mix of native, cultivars of natives, and non-native plantings that can withstand a harsh urban environment have been proposed. Options include large trees such as bur oaks, red maples, honeylocust and hybrid elms; as well as small trees such as crabapples, serviceberry, and Japanese tree lilac. Possible shrubs include autumn fire sedum, daylillies, prairie dropseed and chokeberry. All plants used must be able to tolerate the harsh conditions of the corridor, fit the scale and aesthetics of the area, and require minimal maintenance.  Existing trees in good condition will remain.

The project area includes the median, the boulevards on the east and west side of Hiawatha, and the area between the sidewalk/trail and the LRT fence. The project does not include the berm/area west of the LRT line.

COUNTY CONSIDERS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

A maintenance strategy for the corridor is part of the plan. Following comments at two public meetings on the landscape plan held in December 2013, planners are investigating partnerships with other community groups and volunteer organizations.

Currently, trees are maintained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board forestry department. Grass mowing is done by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

‘PEOPLE ARE EXCITED’

“The plans look great!” said Standish resident Minke Sundseth.

“The plan was well presented and everyone agrees that we are happy to have some attention paid to this gateway to our neighborhood,” said Hiawatha resident Deb Reierson.

“People are excited that this project would make the corridor a more attractive, appealing, and hospitable place for people –versus the bleakness of the current corridor,” said Luckow.

Funding for the project has not yet been designated. Pending funding and approvals, planting could begin in spring 2014, coinciding with other improvements to pedestrian crossings at 32nd, 38th, 42nd, and 46th streets. The project is being designed as a “restoration” so that plantings can be phased in over several years as the existing trees deteriorate, according to Luckow. “This will give the perennials, trees and shrubs time to adjust and grow to fill in without doing a clear cut and waiting several years for it to look good,” added Reierson.

For more information, go to: www.minnehaha-hiawatha.com

Find original story at:
http://www.longfellownokomismessenger.com/hennepin-county-to-transform-hiawatha-ave-from-bleak-to-appealing/

Home burglaries spike in neighborhood

Residents taking steps to protect their property by installing lights and better securing windows and doors

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
A spike in home burglaries is causing Third Precinct citizens to take extra precautions.
In November 2013, there were 163 reported residential burglaries (including garages), compared to 93 the year before.

Home burglaries typically increase near the holiday season, according to Minneapolis Police Department Crime Prevention Specialist Don Greeley. “People’s homes are filled with lots of good things to steal,” observed Greeley.

Another factor contributing to the burglary rate is “related to which burglars are in jail or just got out,” Greeley said.

The police department has stepped up patrols in the neighborhood.

TAKING STEPS TO PROTECT HER HOME

Longfellow resident Jaxi Schulz is concerned about the spike in burglaries. “I know several of my neighbors on the same and surrounding blocks have had their homes broken into,” said Schulz. “I have taken some steps to protect my home and I think the fact that we very obviously have dogs helps.”

Schulz added spot lights to the back and side of the house, a light to the front of the house and a light on the garage. The lights are on dusk-to-dawn timers.

Since she moved into her house six years ago, the window on the front of her house on the porch has made her nervous as she knows it provides an easy and hidden point for a break-in. So, she decided to put metal bars on the window, and then also placed a shelf on the porch in front of it so that the window can’t be seen.

“I never leave the windows open or unlocked when we are not home. I never leave the windows open or unlocked at night when we are sleeping. It means more time with heat or AC, but I feel safer,” said Schulz.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO
The steps Schulz has taken are inexpensive and easy, the very sort of thing Greeley focuses on when he gives presentations about how to protect their homes and garages from burglars.
Greeley tells residents to focus on these things:
• securing doors and windows
• adding lighting
• securing garages
• starting an active neighborhood watch (block club)

Typically about 50% or more of home burglaries are “unforced”; that is, thieves enter through unlocked windows and doors.

What are some ways to secure windows? Use a nail to pin a window to prevent it from being opened at all. Use a window bar to prevent a window from being opened more than 6 inches, the amount needed for someone to crawl through. Keyed slide bolts are useful both for windows and sliding glass doors.

Lighting an area is also important for deterring crime. Motion-detector lights are an inexpensive deterrent for areas where constant lighting is unnecessary but beneficial when there is activity there. Be sure to hang the lights high enough that they can’t easily be broken.

Make it appear as though your home is occupied even when you aren’t there. Install timers for lights, keep the shades pulled, keep a radio or television on, and have your mail picked up when you are on vacation. Barking dogs also discourage entry.

See original story at:
http://www.longfellownokomismessenger.com/home-burglaries-spike-in-neighborhood/

MPS five-year enrollment plan tweaked following community input

Plan to address overcrowding will expand programs and buildings. Cooper, Seward, Hiawatha, Roosevelt, Howe, and Sanford among those affected in Area B.

by Tesha M. Christensen

A five-year enrollment plan introduced by Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) intends to address overcrowding at its buildings, an issue MPS School Board Chair and District 5 representative Alberto Monserrate has heard a lot about from both parents and staff in Area B.

“I think in the end this is a positive enrollment plan that will largely allow us to address future enrollment, address overcrowding and improve academic programs,” said Monserrate. “The plan isn’t perfect, but it has much more good than bad.”

MPS has been tweaking its five-year enrollment plan after hearing from residents. Initially, the school board had planned to vote on the changes in mid-November. But it scheduled another round of meetings in November instead to gather community input, and will vote Dec. 10.

Over 1,100 community members have voiced their opinions on the plan.

“Most residents I’ve heard from in area B have been from Sanford encouraging us to add classrooms or thanking us for it,” remarked Monserrate. “We also heard from parents and staff worried that we should invest and stabilize current programs before we invest in new ones. We heard that parents feel strongly about keeping current pathways and popular programs as intact as possible and that parents want their students to go to school as close as possible to where they live.”

DUAL IMMERSION AT ROOSEVELT

Parents have questioned why there is not a Spanish dual immersion program for elementary and middle school students in Area B. According to the school district, there is not enough demand at this time to add such a program. However, the district does intend to create a citywide high school dual immersion program at Roosevelt High School beginning next year, which parents have long requested, noted Monserrate.

The dual immersion classes will be offered in addition to the regular classes at Roosevelt.

“I am a big fan of dual immersion language programs,” said Monserrate. “My worry is that we will be able to find enough licensed multilingual teachers to teach the increase of classes and that we add Hmong, Somali and other language alternatives to the Spanish immersion programs.”

ARTS-BASED HIGH SCHOOL

The idea of creating a small, 500-student audition-based arts high school is one of the most contentious of the district’s plans. After hearing from residents, the district is reviewing the idea of placing the arts high school at South High and then designating Roosevelt High as the community school for all of Area B.

Open enrollment data has shown that some students are leaving the district in search of advanced arts learning experiences, pointed out Area B Associate Principal Stephen Flisk.

EQUAL TREATMENT?

Is the district treating all three of its zones equitably?

Many have questioned that at the public meetings, particularly when considering the breakdown of spending planned for each zone: $15.5 million in Area A, $36.5 million in Area B and $53.9 million in Area C.

The district’s response is that projected enrollment growth varies by zone and previous capital investments also have varied by zone. For example, since the mid-1990s, three new schools were built in Area A and one new school was built in Area C to address enrollment growth. Capital improvements within the preliminary recommendations support programmatic needs and are not determined by equitable distribution between zones.

ENROLLMENT GROWTH

The five-year plan being proposed seeks to address an anticipated 10% enrollment growth in the district. Projections through 2017 add 3,400 students to the district, with an estimated 905 new students in Area B. This year, there are 34,000 students attending MPS schools.

The district anticipates that the number of new kindergarteners will decrease due to a falling birth rate. But the number of students attending MPS high school has increased for the first time in 10 years.

MPS hopes to increase its market share by 10%. Right now, an estimated 38% of Minneapolis students attend charter or suburban schools.

FUNDING FOR PLAN

How is the district going to pay for these changes?

According to the district, money to support ongoing programming costs is generated by the new students attending the program. One-time programming costs are funded by a variety of sources, such as grants, reallocations and reserve funds.

The cost of additions and renovations, or capital costs, are considered one-time expenses. This money comes from levies, bonds (or new debt), state allocations and reserve funds, if needed.

“My main questions have been regarding equity in funding in different parts of the district and around how to finance this ambitious expansion,” said Monserrate. “I’ve been assured that all capital funding needs will be addressed in all parts of the city and the debt incurred us well within the district’s debt policy, which is fairly conservative.”

COMMENT ON THE PLAN

To share input, email comments to enrollmentplan@mpls.k12.mn.us. Learn more about the plan at http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/five-year_enrollment_plan.html.

-30-

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN FOR AREA B

• Early childhood programs at Wilder in 2015-16

• Sanford will use space at Howe in 2015-16, if needed

• 9-classroom building addition at Seward Montessori in 2016-17

• Cooper will reopen as a K-8 school with building addition and renovation planned for 2016-2017

• Spanish dual immersion program at Roosevelt High School 2014-15

• At the Brown Building (225 Lake St.), Transition Plus and Adult Basic Education will partner to support differentiated needs of adults.

• Broadway teen moms program will stay at Longfellow. (The first draft of the plan moved it to North High.)

ABOUT THE PLAN

• 1 of 4 students in district affected

• 7 new schools of choice and 2 new community schools

• 1,500 new community school seats and 2,275 new seats of choice

• Total cost of program improvements: $54 million, with $6.3 million in Area B

• Total cost of capital building improvements: $100 million

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES | Paddlesculpt opens in Standish-Ericcson

By Tesha Christensen, Neighborhood Notes

November 17, 2013

“Indoor rowing is the perfect exercise for nearly everyone,” said Paddlesculpt owner and instructor Dori Johnson.  “It’s a sport that gets you in shape, but is low impact and easy on the joints.  Our classes are high energy, supportive, and fun for non-rowers as well as for those with more experience.”

Minneapolis’ first indoor rowing studio has opened in the Standish-Ericcson neighborhood.
Located next to Chris and Rob’s restaurant, Paddlesculpt moved into the spot recently vacated by Vintage Barber.

Owner Dori Johnson was close to waiting on her dream of a bricks and motar studio until fall 2014. But then she passed by 4205 31st Ave. S. when she took a different path home from rowing practice one morning. The location is a “little cozy,” according to Johnson, but she views it as a great start. With three children and a busy life, it was important for her to find something close to home and the building at 4205 31st Ave. S. is just three minutes away.
Johnson has been competing in the sport of rowing for almost 20 years. A former collegiate rower, Johnson is a 2013 US Rowing Masters National Champion and holds her USRowing Level 2 Instructor certification. She’s also a certified World Paddling Association instructor, Crossfit trainer, and Paddlefit instructor. While enjoying the competitive aspects of rowing, she also loves the experience of a great workout and just going out for a leisurely paddle.
Two years ago, Johnson began holding paddleboard classes on Lake Nokomis. Last year, she began teaching indoor rowing fitness classes and coaches CrossFit at Tangletown CrossFit. (Those classes will continue on Monday and Wednesday mornings.) She intends to keep a scaled down schedule in the summer when paddleboard fitness and rowing lessons at Lake Nokomis picks back up in June.
“The response has been amazing and I have had a following since launching classes last year at Tangletown CrossFit,” said Johnson.
“What I love about my classes is keeping people fit and helping them reach fitness goals! My classes are a great way to cross train in the off season for any endurance sport or anyone looking for a different interval- or endurance-based workout. Introducing the benefits of rowing to people and coaching rowers who need improvement in their stroke is part of my goal, as well.”
Her larger vision for PaddleSculpt is to have a space to run indoor rowing classes, 1:1 training and paddleboard sales.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ROWING?
Using indoor rowing machines, participants at Paddlesculpt’s rowing classes burn more than 600 calories a class—moving every major muscle group. Sculpt your body, strengthen your core, improve your balance and increase your overall well being.
RowSculpt classes are a full body circuit/rowing/Bootcamp style workout. Johnson also offers rowing-only classes: Row 1 Beginner, Row 2 Intermediate, and Row 3 advanced.
“Indoor rowing is the perfect exercise for nearly everyone,” said Johnson.  “It’s a sport that gets you in shape, but is low impact and easy on the joints.  Our classes are high energy, supportive, and fun for non-rowers as well as for those with more experience.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To sign up, please go to PaddleSculpt.com.  For more information, call 612.817.2600.

See original post @
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/11/17/paddlesculpt-opens-standish-ericcson

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES | Cub Scout Pack 38 focuses on ‘fun with purpose’

By Tesha Christensen, Neighborhood Notes

November 15, 2013

Cub Scout Pack 38 Cubmaster Dan Fehler and his children walk through the neighborhood selling popcorn and wreaths.  Most of the activities for the pack are paid for through the Fall Popcorn/Christmas Wreath Fundraiser.

Cub Scouts is all about "Fun With Purpose,” according to Cub Scout Pack 38 Cubmaster Dan Fehler.
At the Bicycle Rodeo last June at Northrup Elementary School the boys had fun testing their skills on their bikes and "pack riding" around a large, circular course. Experienced adults also gave lessons that are important to bike owners, such as properly fitting a helmet, patching an inner tube, and correctly locking up a bicycle.

As a parent, Fehler has seen boys come to scouting from all over the spectrum.  “Some are highly skilled with sports, and love nothing better than a fast-paced kickball game, and love taking on the challenge of trying their skills at tennis or volleyball,” he observed.
“Some boys love nothing more then digging in a book, reading about nature, history, citizenship, or valuable life skills.
“Some boys love trying new things and earning every last award on the list. Some boys have varying degrees of learning disabilities and comfort in different social settings, which means they would love their smaller Den meetings, or may feel lost at our larger Pack meetings.  Some boys are ready in Kindergarten, some come in 5th grade, but any boy can join at any time.
“In all cases, we try to provide  activities that any boy can enjoy and excel at.”
FUN ACTIVITIES
Last year Pack 38 held two family camps, one in the fall and again in the spring, at Phillipo Scout Reservation in Cannon Falls, Minn. “We rent a shelter/lodge with a wood stove and gas cooking ranges, and pitch our tents around the outside and ‘camp,’ explained Fehler. “The closeness of Phillipo (its a 40-minute drive) and having a shelter (with sleeping mats) available make it very accessible to first-time campers. If we have trained leaders available, we can reserve am hour or two at the Archery or BB Gun ranges.  And we try to take every opportunity to get the boys to try things for themselves, like learning how to correctly start a campfire, how to cook their own camp dinners, and most importantly how to clean up the campsite and 'Leave No Trace' when we are finished."
Pack 38 enjoys a different activity once a month, usually local. "We take short hikes in our local parks. Finding the cave at Minnehaha Falls is always fun, even when you learn about geology," said Fehler.
"We take local tours of police and fire stations (rotating every few years so boys who have been in the program multiple years don't see the same place again and again), and visit museums (like the Hennepin Overland Model Train museum last November).  Sometimes we have a guest speaker come in and talk to our pack, like the Mad Scientists of Minnesota or the Raptor Center.  Sometimes, its just as simple as a sledding day at Sibley Park with all of your Cub Scout friends.”
The pack also participates in service projects, such as building care packages for St. Joseph's Home for Children, and holding a sock drive for St. Stephen's Human Services.
There are some activities that are part of every year. In September the pack marches in the St. Helena Autumn Daze Parade.  The Pinewood Derby is every March. Each boy gets a block of wood and some wheels. While learning how to safely use tools they cut, sand, and hammer the kit into something that looks like a car. There are special awards at the race for being creative and having the best paint job.
CHALLENGES FOR WEBELOS
The older boys in 4th to 5th grade, the Webelos, take on more challenging activities to get them ready for joining a Boy Scout Troop.  These include hiking up to three miles, learning about poisonous plants and venomous animals in Minnesota, and taking more initiative in deciding/planning their own adventures, according to Fehler.
“At this age boys are starting to chafe at anything that smacks of ‘kid stuff’ and are ready for greater independence,” Fehler noted.
When they turn 11 or earn their Arrow of Light, they are ready to join the Boy Scouts of Troop 38.
SKILLS TO BE A BETTER CITIZEN
Fehler most enjoys seeing the boys in his pack demonstrate leadership qualities. “That can mean anything from helping another scout who is having trouble, listening when its time to listen (knowing that the time to be loud is usually just around the corner), and showing confidence and fearlessness in front of a group of boys their own age,” said Fehler.
“It takes guts to stand up in front of a crowd and tell a knock-knock-joke or lead everyone in singing a silly song, but these will be the skills that will make a boy a better scout and a better citizen.”
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Pack 38 has Pack meetings once a month, usually on the third Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at St. Helena Catholic School (3200 E. 44th St.). The November Pack meeting will be on Nov. 21.
Pack meetings are designed for the whole family to participate in, with large-group games and activities, pointed out Fehler. Pack 38 also has Den Meetings once or twice a month (depending on the age of the boys).  Den Meetings are small-group activity focused.  In K-1st grade, a parent should attend the Den Meeting with a scout, but they can drop them off at older grades.
The next weekend activities include Roller Skating on Saturday, Nov. 23, and participating in "Wreathes Across America" at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Pack 38 charges a one-year registration fee for new scouts, and most of the activities are paid for through the Fall Popcorn/Christmas Wreath Fundraiser.  Camping and some activities may have an additional cost.
The Boy Scout Troop 38 at St. Helena Catholic Church dates back almost 90 years, and Fehler believes that the Cub Scout Troop started shortly after the national launch of the program for younger boys in 1930.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information, contact Dan Fehler at Cubmaster 38.com or 612-724-6284.  Check out www.BSAPack38.org.

See original post @
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/11/15/cub-scout-pack-38-focuses-fun-purpose

Southeast Como residents at risk for TCE

Residents urged to participate in testing to determine whether dangerous vapors have entered their homes through basements

by Tesha M. Christensen

Southeast Como residents are being urged to have their homes tested for a potentially harmful vapor.

“The most important thing right now is for residents and property owners within the designated area to sign up to have the testing done at their property,” noted Julie Kadrie of the Minnesota Department of Health.

The testing and any mitigation needed will be free for residents.

Officials don’t yet know if chemicals vapors are getting into people’s homes through their basements, and that’s why they are asking the 200 affected residents to cooperate and have their homes tested.

Over 160 people showed up at meetings in mid-November to learn about the issues, and 68 access agreements were signed. According to Kadrie, “In general, people seemed most concerned with past and current exposures, history of site, property values, making sure that everyone knows about it in the neighborhood, what is going to happen next, who will pay for remediation, and how will information be distributed.”

THE PROBLEM

The issue in the Como neighborhood of Minneapolis stems from when General Mills conducted chemical research at property it owned at 2010 East Hennepin Ave. From 1947 until 1962, workers dumped volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents, primarily trichloroethylene (TCE,) in a soil absorption pit.

General Mills has been working to clean up the site since 1985. In 2010, TCE concentrations were low enough that the pump-out system was shut down.

However, some of the groundwater in the area is still contaminated with TCE, and could release TCE vapor that can rise through the soil and seep through basement and foundation cracks into homes and other buildings, where it could be inhaled by people. This is known as “vapor intrusion.”

Testing in October within the right-of-way revealed TCE levels soil gas samples, which prompted this recent alert.

HEALTH CONCERNS

TCE is most dangerous for unborn children, infants, children, and people with impaired immune systems.

Drinking water in the area has never been a health issue as this area is served by city water and there were no wells that drew from the contaminated plume.

Long-term exposure to TCE has been associated with liver, kidney and blood cancers, as well as fetal heart abnormalities. Health officials are also concerned about some of the short-term effects of inhaling vapors from the solvent.

The birth defect registry does not indicate any current problems. However, Kadrie cautioned that birth defects surveillance is in its early stages of development in Minnesota, and data for the 55414 zip code only dates from 2006-2010. “It takes many years to collect enough data to be able to identify trends in the occurrence of birth defects,” Kadrie said. “MDH monitors 46 structural birth defects and 15 of those are congenital heart defects. Hennepin and Ramsey counties are the counties where congenital heart defect data has been collected the longest in Minnesota.”

Officials have not yet received data on cancer rates from the Cancer Surveillance System, which goes back to the late 1980s.

THE FIX

If TCE levels in the soil beneath any building or home are above the safe level set by the MPCA and the MDH, General Mills will install vapor ventilation systems, which work like radon mitigation systems.

Some people may be able to detect TCE at levels lower than the reported odor threshold, while others may only detect it at higher concentrations. Officials stress that just because you can’t smell TCE doesn’t mean there is no exposure. Sampling and testing is the best way to know if TCE is present.

Licensed contractors will test homes within a few block radius of the Hennepin Ave. property. Vapor samples will be collected from directly beneath the basement floor through a small hole drilled in the floor, a process that takes about 45 minutes. Sub-slab samples are more accurate than indoor air samples, which can be cross-contaminated by common household products, such as cleaners and adhesives.

For more information, browse http://www.pca.state.mn.us/ax83hxk.