february 2007 uptown neighborhood news

8/7/2019 February 2007 Uptown Neighborhood News

1/16

Crime Map .............. ................ ............... ....... 4

CARAG Repor .............. ................ ........... 11

Geeks Worl ..............................................12

ECCO Repor ............................................13

Min/Bo/Spiri .............. ............... .........15

Covering the Neighborhoods ofCARAG and ECCO in the Uptown Area February 2007 Volume 3, Number 2

inside

Phoo lef: If onl we knew where o fin i - healh &well being, ha is.Phoo b Ka Ngaar-Graham

By Colette Davidson

Nearing the end of my phoneconversation with JeffersonCommunity School PrincipalRay Aponte last week, I recon-firmed our meeting time andplace. SoI should just come

at two oclock tothe princi-pals office? I asked hesitantly.He answered, Yup! Be good!We both laughed, but deepinside, I was scared. Immedi-ately, thoughts flooded into myhead of after-school detentions,notes signed by my parents andparent-teacher conferences. Thesecond-grader in me started towonder why I had been so inter-ested in learning about the NoChild Left Behind law anyway.

Wandering nervously into theK-8 Jefferson School office on

26th and Hennepin days later, Itold the secretary that I had anappointment with the principal.As I sat down, a dark-haired

Fie Yes in, Jeffesn Ces i N Cil Lef Bein

By Colette Davidson

It is the middle of January andlittle Johnny down the blockfinally has some ice to skate on.Moms skis are resting on theback porch, ready to be hauledinto the mini-van for a trip toAfton Alps, and Dad eagerlyawaits the day when the wholefamily can go up north for somesnowshoeing and sledding.Sound generic? Its just anotherwinters day in the life of a typi-cal Uptown family.

After months of waiting for coldand snow, both are here with

only lackluster results. Whilewe once moaned and complai-

ned about the cold, most Min-neapolitans now crave the frigidtemperatures we are so accu-stomed to having. These Min-nesota winters are what set usapart from other states, creatingbonding experiences in freezingearly-morning driveways andnods of acknowledgement forour toughness as we scrape iceoff our car windshields.

These days, however, we arelucky to get a few inches of thewhite stuff every couple weeks,a phenomenon that has meteo-rologists and environmentalistssquirming. A look at Al GoresAn Inconvenient Truth andits popularity shows that Ame-ricans are not only becomingmore informed about the effectsof global warming on ourimmediate environment, butcare about what happens to ourplanet as well.

The global warming craze isnot only hot with politicians.

Polar Explorer leads e Fgagans Global Warng

Phoo b Barcla Horner

NCLB eans ore esng for sdens and ore paperwork for eacers.

NO ChiLD LEFt BEhiNDcontinued on page 5

GLOBAL WARmiNG

continued on page 7

Phoo b Ka Ngaar-Graham

mo, wa appened o Dad?

Cln Sqe: Exnin Imlin?By Aaron Rubenstein

The Star Tribune reported Jan-uary 13 that Calhoun Squares

planned renovation and expan-sion have been put on hold dueto the downturn in the hous-ing market. The article saidCalhoun Squares owners anddeveloper are reevaluating the$75 million projectwhich theyhad expected to begin last Mayand which would triple the sizeof the development. The Stribarticle reports Calhoun Squarewill get an overhaul, thoughhe [Jay Scott, a principal of thedeveloper Solomon Real EstateGroup] couldnt say when.

The Strib also noted thatcurrent tenants, some of whichhave month-to-month leases,are growing restless andthat changes in Uptown couldbring back more independentretailers.

However, according to JoePierce, construction on the Cal-houn Square project will startthis spring. Hes the RegionalDirector for Asset Managementfor Principal Real Estate Inves-torsa subsidiary of Principal

Financial Group, an insurance

and investment conglomer-ate based in Des Moines, Iowa,and Calhoun Squares princi-pal owner. Were waiting forspring to start constructionthats been our game plan allalong. We are looking at phas-ing now [the order and timingof construction of the projectscomponents], said Pierce.

Eden Prairie-based SolomonReal Estate Group is a minor-ity owner in Calhoun Squareand is the project developer.

Aside from Calhoun Square,

Solomons portfolio consists of anumber of suburban retail, resi-dential and mixed-use projects.

The City Council approvedredevelopment plans forCalhoun Square January 27,2006. Those plans call fordemolishing the south end ofthe mall, as well as buildingsto the south and east of themall, and replacing them withan expansion of the two-story


te Calon Sare logo presdes aop a raer spare drecory kosk.

CALhOuN SquARE

continued on page 10


2/16

UPtOWN NEIGHBORHOOd NEWS FEBRUARy 2007

Las Pulc PsaM Ga La Us PlaFua 6

Please come to Painter Park (620 West 34th Street) on tesday, Febrary 6 fro 6:30-7:30 p..to review the Midtown Greenway Land Use and Development Plan. Council Member Rem-ington has organized this meeting so residents have another opportunity to hear details of theplan, ask questions and give feedback. City Planning Staff will attend in order to present anddiscuss. Since the public comment period has ended, feedback gathered cannot be part of thepublic record. Comments are meant to inform the Council Member as he takes a position on thisimportant plan.

Cy Concl Zonng & Plannng Coee wll voe on e plan on Febrary 15. This date wasextended to allow more time for the public to become familiar with the proposed plan.

Up Small Aa Pla Cmmu MgFua 8

The next Uptown Small Area Plan community meeting will take place trsday, Febrary8 fro 7 o 9 p.. in the former Borders Books space in Calhoun Square (across the hall fromStarbucks). The meeting will open with remarks from Mayor R.T. Rybak and City CouncilMember Ralph Remington.

Join us February 8 to learn about existing conditions in Uptown and to share your thoughts onUptowns physical strengths and weaknesses.

NEwS, tIpS & LEttErS to thE EdItor

[email protected], 711 West Lake St. #303

Minneapolis, MN 55408(612) 259-1372

SENIor EdItor

Scott Schiefelbein

aSSoCIatE EdItor

Colette Davidson

advErtISINgSusan Hagler

(612) [email protected]

MaNagINg Board

Apponed/Eleced Reps:Kay Nygaard-Graham, Chair (CARAG)825-3637

Gary Farland, Vice-chair (ECCO)824-6744

Anna Matthes, Treasurer (CARAG)Carrie Menard (ECCO)Jill Bode (CARAG)

Ralph Knox, Secretary (ECCO)Volneer mebers:

David PetersonMary Ann Knox

CaLENdar EdItor

Wendy Auldrich

CoNtrIButINg photographErS

Jeffrey Farnam, Charles Griffiths,Barclay Horner, Kay Nygaard-Graham,

Naomi Oshiro

CoNtrIButINg wrItErS

Dan Frankowski, Aaron Rubenstein,

Jacqueline Varriano

graphIC dESIgN & produCtIoN

Kelly Newcomer 824-1092

NEwSpapEr CIrCuLatIoNCARAG/ECCO Circulation:

Bill Boudreau 825-0979

MINNEapoLIS CItY CouNCIL

Tenth Ward

Ralph Remington, [email protected]

CrIME prEvENtIoN SpECIaLISt

Tom Thompson, 5th Precinct

SAFE Unit, Sector 2, 3101 Nicollet AveMinneapolis MN 55408

Serving the neighborhoods of;CARAG, East Harriet, ECCO, Kingfield,Linden Hills, Lyndale, West Calhoun

5th prECINCt CoMMuNItY attorNEY

Lisa Godon 673-2005

Uptown Neighborhood News reserves the right to refuse

publication of articles or advertisements as it sees fit.

But we will see fit to publish most things, dont worry.

Copyright 2006 Uptown Neighborhood News.

UPtown neiGhborhood newS

Uptown Neighborhood News is a monthly publication of Calhoun Area Residents ActionGroup (CARAG) in cooperation with the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO).UNN covers the news of and is delivered free to households within the area bounded by Lyn-dale Ave. S. and Lake Calhoun, between Lake Street and 36th St. W. Extra copies are distrib-uted to businesses in the Uptown area, along Lake Street, and Lyndale and Hennepin Aves.Circulation is 5,100, with a pass-along readership of 10,000. Publication and distribution isnear the first weekend of every month. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year, prepaid.Send check to: UNN, 711 W. Lake St., Suite 303, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

Contributors are area residents who volunteer their time to bring the news of the area to resi-dents. Articles, letters to the editor and story ideas are welcomed and encouraged. The editorreserves the right to edit for length, clarity, relevance to the area, or other reasons. Editorialand advertising guidelines are available. Please contact the editor:

iMPortAnt CoMMUnity MeetinGS

By Aaron Rubenstein

I was not the biggest supporterof the Calhoun Square projectin the past, but I do recognizethe inevitability of change andthe rights of private propertyowners. Calhoun Square needsto change and grow and succeedfor its sake and the benefit ofthe larger community. I becamevery concerned when I readrecently in the Star Tribune ofthe projects further delay anduncertainty. Calhoun Squareis in a tough state of transitionnow. Writing an article on thesituation gave me a newfound

awareness of and respect forthe wisdom and importance ofour local business people.

Several developers asked me sev-eral months ago if I knew whatwas going on with the CalhounSquare project. They expresseda concern that Calhoun Square,a critically important commu-nity anchor, is becoming a blackhole thats starting to affect therest of Uptown.

As a number of people I spoketo in preparing my articleobserved, something willhappen with Calhoun Squareits a question of what andwhen. (Failure is not an option).Many Uptown business peopleseem quite optimistic. Ideally,the Calhoun Square project willmove ahead quickly, in somefashion, given how the mall issuffering and apparently havingan effect on Uptown. The malllooks too empty. Clearly some

businesses are more affectedthan others by this difficult

transition period. People andbusinesses have a range ofways and abilities to deal withuncertainty and changefor avariety of reasons.

Im concerned, however, thatit could be quite a long timebefore the project gets under-wayparticularly if thereare ownership changes, morestudy, and significant changesto the project.

Based on comments by businesspeople within Calhoun Square

and in the development com-munity, it sounds quite pos-sible, if not likely, that therewill be a change in owner-ship. Yet the malls principalowner says the project willstart this spring (though detailsare unavailable).

In any case, something signifi-cant will eventually happenwith Calhoun Square, particu-larly because its owners paida lot of money for it and adja-cent parcels. They will wantto get a return (and I dontmean refund).

If the projects scope and designare revised, the resulting proj-ect just might be better than theone approved a year ago (just asStuart Ackerberg has said hisMoZaic project has improved,over time, through three itera-tions). One obvious area forimprovement is the second-ratedesign and materials of the pro-

posed outdoor plaza. CalhounSquare could make a truly

great contribution to the com-munity by creating an inter-esting, vibrant, and successfuloutdoor gathering place usinghigh quality design and materi-alslike those at MoZaic twoblocks north on Girard. Someother opportunities, particularlyif the project concept changes:better communication with thecommunity and tenants (andhence support), more input andresponsiveness; a higher qualitydesign that is less suburban andmore reflective of our urbancontext; and, perhaps, the pos-

sibility of adding office space tocreate a larger daytime popula-tion in Uptown. But the delaysand resulting costs could causesome cuts to the projects bud-get, materials and amenities.

It seems unlikely that Uptownrents will go down, bringing inmore local, independent retail-ers and services.

Many people in the communitywant the Calhoun Squareproject to move ahead andsucceed. Calhoun Square isvery important to Uptownand the larger community. Itslanguishing diminishes thecommunity. We prefer it to bea vibrant community center andgathering spot that benefits thesurrounding business districtand neighborhoods.

What do the voices in the com-munity tell us? Calhoun Squareand Uptown need less empha-

sis on entertainment/drinkingand more diverse businesses

and services. Calhoun Squaresdirection and success are likelyto have important implicationsfor the rest of Uptown.

The Uptown small area plan-ning process, currently underway, will provide a frameworkand direction for future devel-opment. Its not clear, however,that it will have direct impli-cations for Calhoun Squaresredevelopment.

Given the perception of what ahappening, successful place

Uptown is, and in comparisonto other similar areas aroundthe country, there are some sur-prising things about Uptown:that theres not more happen-ing, particularly with retail; thatthere seems to be quite a bit ofvacant commercial space, someof it vacant for a long time; thatthere are a number of one-storyand (particularly along LakeStreet) tired-looking buildings.

Calhoun Square is a greatopportunity waiting to hap-pen. Change is difficult, if notpainful, to some people but itsalmost always inevitable. Wedo well to embrace it and try toshape it to meet our communi-tys needs, desires and welfare.(But losing Carusos on top ofBorders?! Ouch! Its THE bestice cream-type product in theentire Twin Cities.)

The delay and uncertaintyaround Calhoun Squares rede-

velopment is a problem causedby the marketand it is the

market that will also fix theproblem.

Examining Calhoun Squaressituation and the implicationsfor Uptown and its future leadsto some questions for us to pon-der, explore and discuss as acommunity, a few of which are:

What does Uptown want tobe?

How can Uptown maintain/reinforce/improve its charac-ter and uniqueness?

How can Uptown succeedand distinguish or differenti-ate itself from other commer-cial areasaside from beingan entertainment districtthat generally doesnt servewell the needs of the largerUptown area?

What are your thoughts?Please write to [email protected].

Aaron Rubenstein is a CARAGboard member and Chair of the

CARAG Zoning Committee.

te Fe f Cln Sqe affecs all f un

commentary & analysis

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Mc Isse f Uptown

Neighborhood Newsis

wenesy, Feby 21.


3/16

FEBRUARy 2007 UPtOWN NEIGHBORHOOd NEWS

thAOmA WiBBENS, a cler-gy assistant and loyal employee

of Temple Israel for 30 years,died this past month. She suf-fered a heart attack while onvacation with her husband,Hap, in Las Vegas. The funeralwas held at Temple Israel onMonday, January 22.

POtLuCK: A group ofCARAG residents, many withchildren, have formed an emailgroup to notify each other ofneighborhood events. Theyhave started having potlucksevery other month. During thewinter, potlucks are being held

on the second Saturday of themonth at Bryant Square Park.When spring rolls around, theyplan to move to an outdoor loca-tion, probably at Lake Harriet.Check out the UNN calendarfor upcoming dates, or betteryet, mark the next one on yourcalendar now. Its Saturday,March 10, from 1:00 pm - 4 pmat Bryant Square Park. Stop by,bring a snack to share and get toknow a neighbor or two. If youhave kids, bring a toy or a game.If you would like a reminderor want to hear about other

CARAG events of interest,join the Google mail group atcarag_neighborhood_group@googlegroups.

FREE DELiVERY OFLiBRARY mAtERiALS Ifyou love to read, but cant getto the library because of illnessor disability, the Friends of theMinneapolis Public Library canhelp. Volunteers will deliverbooks, tapes and other librarymaterials to your door. Formore information about thisfree service to Minneapolis resi-

dents with limited mobility, call612.630.6173.

WAiVER PROGRAmS pro-vide community alternatives to

the allow disabled and elderlyto remain in their homes. Peo-ple who are elderly or disabledmay be eligible for waiver pro-grams that fund community-based services for people whowould otherwise receive carein hospitals or nursing facili-ties. Four of Minnesotas waiverprograms will be explained atfree information sessions hostedby Hennepin County. Spon-sored by Hennepin CountysHuman Services and PublicHealth Department. Hennepinstaff will explain services for

each program, give examples ofhow the programs are used andoutline the application process.The session will be Tuesday,February 8, 1 to 3 p.m., at theBrain Injury Association, 3413th Avenue N.E., Suite B001,Minneapolis. Call 612.378.2742for directions. To register, call612.596.6631 or go to www.hen-nepin.us and type adsinfo inthe search box.

GLOBAL ViLLAGE hasmoved out of its Uptown loca-tion on 28th and Hennepin. In

early January, employees werebusy tearing down decorationsand shelving, and a For Rentsign was placed in the window.According to one staff member,it just got too expensive torun their business in Uptown.The shop has decided to consol-idate its services with the CedarAvenue location and has noplans of reopening any stores inthe area.

AmAZiNG thAiLAND res-taurant plans to open at the endof January at 3024 Hennepin in

the space formerly occupied byPanera Bread. (See December

2006 UNN for a feature storyon Amazing Thailand).

FiVE, the upscale restaurantand lounge in the former FifthPrecinct building at 2917 Bry-ant, closed in January, severalmonths after the firing of itsstar chef, Stuart Woodman.

uPtOWN ROW: T Mobileopened a store at the end ofJanuary at 1221 West LakeStreet. Track 29 Uptown closedits Uptown Row sales office; amodel and sales office is open inthe project at 2828 Aldrich.

thE GAP clothing store at3000 Hennepin closed January26 after 14 years in business.

CORRECtiON: It was report-ed in the draft CARAG min-utes in UNN several monthsago that the Uptown AmericanEagle clothing store would be[might be?] closing. It was anunsubstantiated rumor men-tioned by someone in the audi-ence. The manager of the storesays the store is doing well andis no closng. CARAG andUNN regret the error.

Joyce United Methodist Church31st and Fremont (612) 823-0537www.JoyceChurch.org

Worship and Sunday School10:30 a.m.

Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

Everyone welcome regardless of age, race,

nationality, creed, sexual orientation, income or ability

The Joyce Food Shelf

The Joyce Preschool

Worship Handicapped Accessible

A Reconciling Congregation

LYNDALE

God doesnt reject people.Neither do we.

No matter who you are, or where you are on your journey youre welcome here.

810 West 31st Street, Minneapolis612-825-3019www.lyndaleucc.org

Never place a period whereGod has placed a comma.

Sunday Christian Education for all ages 9:15 a.m.Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Tax PreparationJack D. Manders

Certifed Public Accountant1900 Hennepin Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Call Jack at [email protected]

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tidbits small news ou migh use

Phoo b Charles Griffihs

Janarys Polck a Bryan Sare Park. Coe o nex ons o ge o know soe of yor CARAG negbors. Froe Janary 13 gaerng (lef o rg): Kajal Ranade/Ondc, Leena Ranade/Ondc, Srka Ranade/Ondc, KellyNewcoer, isabel Peerson, Sopa Peerson, Crsne Peerson, Evere Ronne, Jaes Ronne (rg sandng), ElanaGrffs and Wendy Aldrc (rg seaed).

By Ralph Remington

2007 comes on the heels of a year marked bycoalition building, great stretches of learningand advocating for Ward 10 needs. I have highexpectations for the coming months. Here aresome of my plans for 2007:

Present a resolution urging the US government tocease combat operations in Iraq.

Put forth an ordinance requiring nutrition contentand portion labeling on restaurant menus.

Pass an ordinance providing increased protections forbuyers of converted condos.

Support the Minneapolis Library system as it developsa comprehensive plan for sustainability.

Advocate for the Southwest LRT line to be the next

rail priority after the Central Corridor line.

Encourage the hiring of more police officers, especiallyinvestigative and community.

Continue to aggressively support Heading HomeHennepin, our homelessness initiative.

Encourage the city to find creative ways of maximizingits energy usage.

Finish the Uptown Small Area Plan and ensure itbecomes city policy.

Ciy Cncil Membes re:My 2007 Council Goals


4/16


CALhOuN SquAREimPROVEmENtSDEStRuCtiVE tOuPtOWNI applaud the Calhoun Squaredevelopers awakening to the

questionable wisdom of pursingits original condo plan (accord-ing to the January 13, 2007 StarTribune article). However, inlight of the unknown length ofthe condo projects delay in addi-tion to the uncommitted startdate for alterations to the mallitself, why is Calhoun Squarerefusing extended leases anddemanding month-to-monthleases for current and potentialtenants? Is the intent to rid itselfof unwanted tenants?????

What the owners/developers of

Calhoun Square perceive as theirimprovement to Uptown is, inreality, destructive to Uptown.The refusal of extended leasesfor current and potential ten-ants is resulting in the flight ofcurrent tenants and rejectionof this location by potentialdesirable tenants, according tothe [Star Tribune] article. Theincreasing vacant retail spacein Calhoun Square in additionto the vacant Gap buildingacross the street will diminishthe desire to shop in CalhounSquare and in Uptown. How,

exactly, is this improvement toUptown?????!!!

Virginia KuhnECCO Resident

A ROSE BY ANY OthERNAmEWell, another year has comeand gone here in Uptown.Goodbye 2006, goodbye NBCspinoff Joey (or was that lastyear?), but most of all, good-bye Antoines Louisiana CreoleMaison. You will be missed.I used to walk by Antoineson Hennepin every day, nevergoing in, though. Then camethe day when I saw my belovedAntoines closed. As you canimagine, my world was crushed.After a long month of grief, Idecided to move on, and hopethat a new restaurant would takeits placesomething Uptownwas in short supply of. Maybea small Thai, Vietnamese orIndian restaurant. And, praiseMoses, what do you know, it isto be an Indian restaurant calledMysore. Now, Im a smart guyso maybe Im the only one whonoticed this, but if you sepa-rate these two words, you getmy sore. Mmmmmsoundsso good. Restaurant namingis hard stuff, though. Im surethe folks at my sore were pret-ty bummed when they foundout Minneapolis already hada my herpe, raging genitalwarts and the very popularanal caf. I actually cant waituntil they open. Ill order theworks. Excitement and adrena-line fueling me, Ill probably

end up leaving with my sore all

over my face. It really is a shameabout Antoines Louisiana Cre-ole Maison closing, but that wasprobably Katrinas fault. Goesto show that all a woman does isdestroy everything you love, and

leave you with a wicked case ofherpes.

Kyle OHaraEast Isles Resident

iS thE GAtE SLANtED?Your recent cover story aboutthe Edgewater editorializedwhere it should have informed.The piece was clearly slantedagainst the Edgewater project.Many residents do not haveproblems with the building.Some feel, as I do, that it is a

well-executed investment inUptown. Perhaps projects suchas the Edgewater will slow con-versions of rental properties intocondos as well. Overall, basedon what I read in the UptownNeighborhood News, I wouldclaim that Uptowns first gatedcommunity isnt the Edgewa-ter. It is not even physical. It isan increasingly elitist class ofvocal homeowners.

Anders ImbodenECCO Resident, Lifelong

Uptowner

letters ruminations

happy V D!By Colette Davidson

As I spend another ValentinesDay alone and feeling sorry formyself, I have to wonder whatI ever did to Mr. Hallmark tomake him make me hate himso much. Did I ever shove redcandy hearts down his throatuntil he was burping up u rcool in Red No.5? Was I theone who threw him in frontof a crotch-grabbing couple atthe mall? Would I read sappymessages over his voice mailabout diamonds, referringto them as my best friend

or blathering about our lifetogether forever? No. So, Mr.Hallmark, please dont pull thiscrap with me.

Although its obvious to all myfriends, co-workers and immedi-ate and extended family, I wouldnever blatantly refer to myself asa hater. But alas, every timeFebruary 14 rolls around, Ibecome that bitter, crotchety oldwoman I so despise. You knowthe one. She sits alone in darkrestaurant booths sipping tea forhours, leaving hot-pink lipstick

stains on the mug and growlingat the wait staff. I will wager aguess, however, that I am notalone in my mistrust and gen-eral disliking of Mr. Hallmarkand his evil conspiracy to makethe world a more loving place.I believe that, hidden amongstthe jewelry-clad and grinningpeople of Uptown, there areothers like me who would liketo tear up the town in a ragingAnti-Valentines Day party.

Lets first take a moment ofsilence to thank all the hostile,

sardonic people of America whocontributed to inventing any ofthe following embittered slo-gans for Valentines Day, suchas Happy VD! (Venereal Dis-ease!), Love Stinks, and, myfavorite new Web site, HeartlessBitches International. If not forthese sad, weary folks, peoplelike me would have to suck it upalone on the day of dread.

In preparation for the big day,I have decided to buy a few T-shirts that fully exemplify myhatred for Mr. Hallmark andhis heart full of love. So far, I amtorn between Cupid is Stupid,Back Off Loser, and LoveStinks and So Do You. Im notsure which anti-come-on wouldbe the most anti-guy catchingfor my annual Anti-ValentinesDay party.

Didnt I mention it before? Iwill be hosting another one ofmy Anti-Valentines Day par-ties this year, which I have held

ever since I have been single onValentines Day (an amount oftime that will not be disclosedto the public). Usually, the partyinvolves me, chocolate truffles(bought by me, of course),Prettyin Pink, cheese pizza and theobligatory black sweatsuit. Ifyou are interested in attending,youll have to get my attentionbecause this party is invite-only.Last year, I received a letter thatwas handcrafted almost entirelyout of Anti-VD candy heartsreading: Valentines Day canBITE ME. To all those happy

couples out there, I say U SUCK.LOVE IS FOR LOSERS. Can Icome to your party? MY BOY-FRIEND WONT BE COM-ING. HE IS BUSY ROTTINGIN HELL. Okay, I dont thinkshe got that last part off a candyheart. The point is, youve got tobe creative.

During the party, there are a fewground rules. There will be nomention of wonderful exes whojust didnt work out or thatco-worker youve got a crushon. The only flowers accepted

will be dyed black, and anyonewearing an inch or more ofpink or red down to the under-garments (closet Valentines Dayenthusiasts not welcome) will beturned down at the door. Eachperson will receive a free Anti-Valentines Day tote bag and anevening full of anti-love. Hurryup and save your spot!

In the end, I will probably for-get about Valentines Day justas I have almost every year sincehigh school. Now that I am nolonger surrounded by pink andred streamers, balloons andbanners about the school danceeach February, I often forgetthat Im supposed to hate love inthe first place. Especially whenthat guy I always see at Lundslooks at me with his lonely blueeyes as if to say, Be mine!

But, never fear, Mr. Hallmark,not even for my crush willI be engaging in any type

of singing telegram-secretadmirer behavior. Nor will Ibe crunching on those Pepto-Bismol-flavored candy heartsat my work desk. And you canforget about me buying somesappy card, even for my mother,with anything related to lovingyou on this special day. Youcan take those roses dyed in28 different colors not evenremotely found in nature andgive them to some other poorsap. Id rather be alone than losemy dignity. Besides, love is forlosers! Now, somebody pass me

some chocolate.

For your personal invite to ColetteDavidsons Anti-Valentines Dayparty, please contact [email protected]. Bribery, suchas chocolate, flowers or sweet-nothings, will not be returnedto sender but will be graciouslyaccepted.


Leers o e Edor Polcy:

Write to us, provided you write

fewer than 250 w ords! Your letter

may be edited and we don't know

if it will be published, but we will

certainly try to do so. We need to

know your name, address, phonenumber and neighborhood.

Opnons Polcy:

Please submit your opinion piec-

es to the editor. We encourage

thoughtful essays about anything

thats going on in the neighbor-

hoods. On occasion, we will soli cit

contrasting views on one subject

and run multiple opinions. We

reserve the right to edit for space or

clarity, taste and legal concerns.

LYNDALE

LAKE STREET

31st STREET

32nd STREET

33rd STREET

34th STREET

CONARIS WAY

35th STREET

36th STREET

HENNEPIN

HOLMES

HUMBOLDT

IRVING

JAMES

KNOX

ALDRICH

BRYANT

COLFAX

DUPONT

EMERSON

FREMONT

GIRARD

CALHOUNPKWYE.

December 1-17, 2006

Crimes ECCO CARAG

Homicide 0 0

Rape 0 0

Robbery 2 4

Agg Assault 2 2

Burglary 2 7

Larceny 6 24

Auto Theft 4 3

Arson 0 0

TOTAL: 16 40

ECCo n Carag Cime Sisics fm e 5 pecincIf people would removetheir valuables, such as iPods,

laptops and cell phones from

their parked cars, it would

reduce larcenies dramatically.

Tom Thompson

Cre Sasces Sorce:Cre Prevenon Specals

Tom Thompson, 5th PrecinctSAFE Unit, Sector 2, 3101 Nicollet AveMinneapolis MN 55408Serving the neighborhoods of;CARAG, East Harriet, ECCO, Kingfield, LindenHills, Lyndale, West Calhoun

idhckb

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5/16


man seated before a computersaid he would be right withme. There he was, the princi-pal himself, sitting at a desk

just like I do everyday for work.This wasnt going to be so bad.

I soon became aware thatRay Aponte is no ordinaryadministrator. Gone are thedays when children walkby the principal in schoolhallways with a shudder anda nervous glance from side toside. Aponte is the type of guythat kids talk to when they seehim, banter with in the libraryand practically high-five in thehallways. I half-wondered if hewas going to slap me on the backon my way out of the schoolyelling, Go write that article,kid! This innate enthusiasmand ADHD constitution, ashe jokingly labels himself, arejust a few of the qualities thatmake Aponte so well-liked andrespected by his students, as wellas what make him an excellentadministrator for what hasbecome a top-notch elementaryschool in Minneapolis.

Aponte, who has lived in theWedge neighborhood for 20

years, has agreed to talk aboutthe No Child Left Behindact (NCLB), which was firstintroduced in 2002 by Presi-dent Bush. Supported by bothRepublicans and Democrats,the law touted increased fund-ing for Americas schools,more flexibility with resourc-es and a strict adherence toaccountability and results.Schools that didnt showimprovement over the course ofa few years would be expectedto provide tutoring, after-schoolclasses, or worst case, a complete

overhaul of the program.

NCLB had its five-yearanniversary in early January,causing parents and teachersnationwide to take another lookat whether the law is effective.Most recently, USA Todaypublished an article investigatingNCLB titled, How Busheducation law has changed ourschools, by Greg Toppo. Whilethe law has been restrictiveand frustrating for some, otherschools are happy that the U.S.Department of Education is

looking out for them.

How does Bushs law fare herein Minneapolis? Minnesotaseducation system is, by U.S.standards, one of the best. How-ever, since the launch of NCLBsnew and sometimes question-able reporting standards, it ishard to know which schoolshave and havent improved. AtJefferson, Principal Aponte isless concerned with the overallscore that his school receivesby NCLB ratings than withthe improvements he has seen

from his students year to year.Although he is not 100 percentsatisfied with the system, he ishappy that the U.S. governmenthas taken responsibility for pub-lic education.

I think the overall purpose isgood.Im all about account-ability. I think federal govern-ment support for kids is great.Most people will agree thats agood thing. They should havemandates so that we can becomebetter at what we do. How itmanifests here is what we needto talk about.

The new laws require thatApontes school improve on sev-eral different levels throughoutthe year. There are 28 differentindicators that we can fail in,says Aponte. Within that 28,there are nine sub cells, group-ing students by race and learn-ing ability. Each sub cell submitsa score for the end of the yearreport called the AdequateYearly Progress. All sub cellsmust improve each year in orderfor the total score of the schoolto go up. The scores come fromstandardized tests taken by allstudents, measuring readingand math, and sometimes sci-ence. The problem with theNCLB system, says Aponte

and Assistant Principal AlbertPitt, is in the way the school testscores are reported.

The hardest thing is, you havedifferent kids each year. [Forthe progress reports], you trackeach grade, not each kid, saysAponte. So, even if individualchildren are improving, scoresmay still show that their gradeis lagging behind. Its frus-trating when they report it. Itsnot indicative of whats reallyhappening. We can improveacross the board, but when you

improve, it doesnt necessar-ily show up in the reports, saysPitt.

For a school with a large per-centage of students bussing infrom the Phillips neighborhoodand 86 percent living in poverty,it is important to Aponte thatscores reflect his teachers hardwork. Some kids come to Jef-ferson with little to no school-readiness skills, and of the 600students, a significant percent-age know little or no English.This means, says Aponte, that

at the end of the year when thereports come out, his school mayshow very little overall improve-ment because his scores dontrate as high as other schools.But for the students who cometo him with nothing, the perfor-mance level is extremely high.

Part of the reason Jeffersonschool progress seems to bestagnating is because when thelaw was enacted, their schoolranked well compared to otherlocal schools, thus giving them alot to live up to. Our kids score

better than other schools. Its allabout where you started. Westarted high. Now, seventy per-cent must do well. If not, Jef-ferson gets punished and mustadd extra classes or programsto improve the performance ofeach cell.

Part of the everyday punish-ment of NCLB is the highpaperwork load for teachers andadministrators. In Apontes six

inch-thick filing folder, he hasdocuments of almost every wordever uttered at a school meetingor function since the beginningof the year. Some forms haveas many as 20 areas to be filledout. Its a lot of paperwork,sighs Aponte.

Another question is whetherthe statewide testing is fair toall students. Standardized testshave, in the past, been criticizedfor serving only white, middle-class students with questionsand answers that students from

other ethnic or economic back-grounds may not be able torelate to in the same way. Apon-te, although remaining mumon the issue, raises his eyebrowssternly in apparent agreement.Every year, the tests changebased on somebodys percep-tion. He also worries becausetests cannot possibly show achild as a whole picture, butonly as loose parts. [Tests] dontmeasure a child because a childis too complex.

Although nationally the NCLB

has been criticized for its lackof creativity in curriculumand classroom management,

Aponte hasnt seen theseproblems rear their ugly heads.While following the guidelinesof NCLBs curriculum, histeachers come together to makelesson plans as well as to workthrough frustrations. I let themknow that theres no one better.Theyre a very collaborativegroup, says Aponte. As faras class size is concerned, ithas never been a problem atJefferson and, says Assistant

Principal Pitts, the NCLB lawdoes not address the issue.

Jefferson also makes disciplinea top priority by teaching stu-dents acceptable ways of treat-ing each other. The circle ofpower and respect, breaksstudents up into groups in themornings and teaches themgreetings, sharing and appro-priate behavior in social situ-ations. We teach kids how tobehave, says Aponte. Thus,regardless of new or old lawsand systems, students at Jeffer-

son are learning skills for life.

As frustrating as the test report-ing has been for Aponte, he hasmostly good things to say aboutthe No Child Left Behind law.His students are happy, theyrelearning and theyre improv-ing. No test can take those factsaway from him. In the end, RayAponte knows that his studentswant to do well for themselvesand for their teachers. As wewalk through the hallways, stu-dents are eager to make contactwith him, to talk about their

sister, their dog, homeworkanything. As he jokes with twosixth grade boys about their

future basketball careers, I see aman who truly appreciates chil-dren for each of their uniquequalities as well as their possi-bilities for the future. Is he wor-ried what will become of them?Not at all.

Theyre going to be powerfulforces.

ts s e frs n a ree-parseres exanng ow area

scools are dealng w e NoCld Lef Bend Ac.

Colette Davidson is a Lowry HillEast resident and has finally got-

ten over her phobia of going tothe principals office.

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By Aaron Rubenstein

I saw Uptown developer andresident Ross Fefercorn at the

November 9 Uptown SmallArea Plan Visioning Session.We spoke briefly and he hadmany interesting observationsabout the process and Uptown.Later, I sat down with Rossto discuss Uptowns issuesand future.

Fefercorn owns the develop-ment firm RMF Group, haslived in the Wedge for 24 years,and developed and has officesat Uptown Row on Lake Streetbetween Fremont and Emer-son. RMF is also developing

Track 29 Lofts, located on thenorth side of the Midtown Gre-enway between Aldrich andBryant. Over the past 25 yearsRMF has developed more than25 other urban and suburbanprojects including develop-ments on Grand Avenue in St.Paul, condo, townhouse, singlefamily and mixed-use projects.RMF is currently developing,and is the general contractorof, 203 single family and townhomes at the Humboldt Gre-enway housing redevelopmentin Minneapolis near Camden

and Victory Memorial Drive.The firms mixed-use Village atMendota Heights project is 60percent completed and includes98,000 square feet of retail andoffice space and 125 units ofsenior housing, condominiumsand town homes. The Villagealso incorporates transit, publicpark space, public undergroundparking and green develop-ment practices. It even includestwo-story commercial buildingswith retail on the first floor andoffices above.The project recent-ly won the 2006 STARR award

from the Minnesota ShoppingCenter Association for bestMixed-Use Development.

Here is what Fefercorn had tosay about Uptown:

vISIoNINg SESSIoN I believefacilitators for public forumssuch as this need to also beexperienced urban plannersand developers who commu-nicate using the language ofthe disciplinenot to talk overthe heads of the audience, butto provide better leadership

through actual planning andeconomic experience. A forumsuch as this should result in aplan that has legs, is appropri-ate for the neighborhood and iseconomically achievable; how-ever, the process has to be thor-ough. I also think the planningarea is too limited and needsto include both sides of Lyn-dale (the planning area stopsat Bryant). Lyndale and Hen-nepin are geographically veryclose and behave like book-ends along Lake Street; theyreally play off of one another.

The opportunity to study therelationship between Lyndaleand Hennepin should not bemissed. Its important to recog-

nize that Uptown is not limitedto Hennepin at Lake Street. Itis incomprehensible that peo-ple commute by car betweenLyndale and Hennepin and donot walk. Lake Street can andshould be pedestrian friendlymuch like Madison Avenue inNew York or Grand Avenue inSt. Paul.

uptowNS NaturE aNdCoNFLICtS During the past 25years, many Uptown proper-ties have been assembled intosuper-blocks for redevel-

opment, including CalhounSquare, the Rainbow block,Mozaic and now the GRECOLyn-Lake development pro-posal. (The Rainbow blockincludes the Rainbow build-ing at Lake and Hennepin,from Chino Latino and aroundthe corner to the Mozaic salesoffice, west on Lake up to,but not including, Lunds andthe parking lot behind). Thebusiness and nature of rede-velopment is to create greatereconomic value through anintensification of uses. The big-

ger the land area, the easier itis to internally solve planningissues such as self-contained,on-site parking. Without acomprehensive Uptown planthat addresses municipal park-ing and other considerations,the super-block developmentshave a tendency to becomeself-contained and singularlyfocused urban plans withoutmuch connectivity to or regardfor surrounding properties andneighborhoods. With the sale ofCalhoun Square and the exit ofRay Harris (the original devel-

oper and owner of CalhounSquare) the cycle continuesmore acquisitions and biggerdevelopment blocks. This plan-ning and development processcauses conflicts between theCity, developers and surround-ing neighborhoods that desireto maintain their identitiesas separate from the super-blocks . Rarely does the processof developing super-blockslead to desirable, replicable,or predictable urban planningand architecture. In fact, it isnot unusual that development

moratoriums are enacted aftera development is approved inorder to allow the neighbor-hoods and the City an oppor-tunity to retrench before thenext battle. Who would wantBlock E or City Center repli-cated? The resulting moratoriaand delays stifle on-going andpredictable urban redevelop-ment, population growth, jobcreation and tax revenues. Con-tiguous properties take too longto redevelop when the super-block planning process beginsagain at the next site.

ENtErtaINMENt dIStrICtUptown and Calhoun Squarehad been a successful retailshopping and service destina-

tion for many years when therewas little or no competition inurban specialty retail, otherthan Grand Avenue in St. Paul.As downtown Minneapolis andother areas have become revi-talized, the options for retailmerchants have increased andthe unique draw of Uptownhas diminished. In order tocompensate for the loss of retailrental income and parking lotrevenue, property owners inUptown have had to attractentertainment uses in order tomaintain property values. To

be fair, retail shops and servicesstill exist, but they are not thetraffic and income generatorsthey once were. I predict thistrend will not change or dimin-ish unless housing densityincreases and other uses can beintroduced to Uptown such asoffice, institutional and medi-cal that will add stable daytimepopulation and consumers.

oFFICE SpaCE aNd parkINg

dIStrICt Many people outsideof Uptown, including City Coun-cil members, believe Uptown is

just fine. In actuality, there havebeen years of missed develop-ment opportunities and stagnantor declining tax revenue. This isnot good for the neighborhoodor City. There needs to be a com-prehensive planning effort cou-pled with a municipal parkingplan. There are blocks betweenHennepin and Lyndale avenuesthat are economically under-utilized and whose appearanceapproaches blight.

As with downtown Minne-apolis, the Midtown Exchange

(Sears building) at Chicago andLake, and 50th and France inEdina, Uptown would benefitfrom a master plan that createsaffordable public parking inorder to create a stable daytimebusiness/office/institutionalpopulation. Without a strate-gic municipal parking plan inplace, Uptown cannot competewith suburban office develop-ment just a few miles away,where there is free parking, orwith downtown where afford-able municipal parking rampsalready exist.

Uptown needs a municipalparking district to create a sta-ble daytime office populationand to reduce the continuingdependency on entertainmentto support property values.(With a municipal parking dis-trict, the City could provide off-street parking in ramps and/orlots that would be subsidizedthrough TIFtax incrementfinancingwhich is generatedfrom new mixed-use devel-opments and adaptive reuseof existing structures with-

out parking facilities). Officeworkers provide a predictabledaytime population that willsupport retail, restaurants and

services, thereby reducing reli-ance on entertainment.

oNE-waY StrEEtS One-waystreets in Uptown and the adja-cent neighborhoods are neitherpedestrian or retail friendly.Recently, leadership in down-town Minneapolis has acknowl-edged that one-way streets havea negative impact on pedestri-ans and the retail environment.A directive has been issued bythe Mayor to convert manyof the one-way streets back totwo-ways in order to improve

the livability of downtown.The same should be consideredfor Uptown. One-way streetsare engineered to make traf-fic move faster and one-waysencourage commuters to takeshort cuts through residentialneighborhoods. Uptown willbenefit when traffic is calmedto promote better visual con-tinuity between drivers, signs,pedestrians and retail stores.The disciplines of traffic engi-neering, retail design, signageand urban planning need to beapplied simultaneously during

the planning process. Addition-ally, Hennepin County needsto be included in the planningprocess because Lake Street is acounty road.

tIF, parkINg, poLItICS aNdpLaNNINg Midtown Exchangeincludes office space of approx-imately 434,000 square feet plusretail, housing, a hotel and a1,200-car municipal parkingramp. Recently, in a Star andTribune article, it was reportedthat this significant amount ofoffice space has created a pre-

dictable daytime populationthat has helped stabilize theneighborhood and has been abenefit to the developmentsretail and restaurants. Thedevelopment and leasing of thisamount of office space wouldnot have been possible with-out affordable parking for theoffice workers and the use ofTIF to pay for the costs of thepublic parking facility. TheCitys participation in afford-able municipal parking will bean economic engine and catalystfor future office development

in Uptown and will lessen thedependence on entertainment-driven real estate revenues.Without municipal parking, itis necessary for developers tosolve parking on a case by casebasis which is not affordableand will lead to land assembliesand super-block developmentthat will require entertain-ment-driven parking revenues.TIF is a very good tool whenused properly and it is the onlyway to finance affordable park-ing for office and retail uses. AtMidtown Exchange, both pri-

vate development and politicalwill were necessary for the proj-ect to move forward and for thepublic good to be served. Withpolitical will, private develop-ment and a municipal parkingplan, the same will be true inUptown.

Lastly, other cities have usedTIF in the past to offset thecost of parking for the develop-ment of affordable ownershiphousing. Minneapolis, however,does not, which makes afford-able ownership housing verydifficult to develop.

vISIoN For uptowN IN 10

to 20 YEarS Uptown, fromLyndale to Hennepin, needs tobecome a cohesive neighbor-hood that has a greater varietyof commercial and residentialuses. I see development along

Lake Street that includes hous-ing, mixed-use commercial(retail and office), office build-ings, an improved pedestrianenvironment from the lakes toLyndale and additional hous-ing development along theMidtown Greenway. I wouldhope that the neighborhoodssurrounding Lake Street andUptown will work collabora-tively to ensure that develop-ment is consistent and cohesiveand that the City of Minne-apolis considers developing amunicipal parking plan and

facilities that will allow for con-trolled, predictable growth andan increased future tax base. Inorder for Uptown to becomea sustainable, vibrant, urbancommunity of shops, retail andrestaurants, it must supplementits residential population with apredictable daytime populationof office and service workers. Itneeds to be less dependent onweekend entertainment venues.

There are many successfulurban neighborhoods that canbe found throughout the U.S.in cities such as Portland, Seat-tle, Denver, Dallas and Chicagothat are similar to Uptown andhave a municipal parking plan.These communities, with highdensity housing, mixed-usecommercial, existing olderneighborhoods, transit, retail,restaurants and entertainment,are successful and thrivingalongside the downtown cen-tral business districts becausethey include a daytime officepopulation.

te Smll ae pln: des i he Les?Developer Ross Fefercorns Analysis of and Vision for Uptown


Ross Fefercorn wegs n on upown.


7/16


Will Steger, the renowned polarexplorer from Ely, Minnesota,has devoted his time in the pastfew years to educating childrenand adults about the effects glo-bal warming has on the Arcticand Antarctic regions as well ason our own backyards. With thehelp of several local and nationalenvironmental organizations,including Jefferson CommunitySchool at 26th and Hennepin,Steger has given presentationson the dangers of global war-ming across the state.

Jefferson School, the only Min-neapolis school to work alongsi-de Steger, has had the privilege

of co-designing a curriculumwith the Will Steger Founda-tion to teach the basics of globalwarming, the effects of an Arc-tic warm up and what each stu-dent can do to take responsibilityfor our environment. Steger alsohas set up Eyewitness to GlobalWarming community foru-ms and outreach programs forreligious groups. His Web site,www.globalwarming101.com,explains the many ways peo-ple can educate themselves andothers on the effects of globalwarming.

Recently, Steger made a stop atSt. Patricks Church in Edina todiscuss global warming and itseffects on Arctic and Antarcticland, as well as areas closer tohome. Steger says that, unlesswe make significant changes toour carbon dioxide emissionsin the next nine years, we willcause irreversible damage to theenvironment.

Steger has been exploring thefrigid regions of the North andSouth Poles for nearly two deca-

des. The difference in snowcover and ice shelf levels in theseareas now compared to when hefirst began his polar explorationsare shocking. Using time-adju-stment diagrams, Steger showedthe deterioration of glaciers inGreenland, the North Pole andAntarctica and gave projectionsfor these areas in the future.Already, water is forming smalllakes on top of glaciers in theArctic, which eventually meltthe lower layers and send iceshelves, or the thin outer edgesof glaciers, breaking up into the

ocean. Just recently, a piece ofglacier the size of Iowa brokeaway from the original massand melted into the water.

With the concern of Arctic gla-ciers comes the issue of perma-frost and tundra. These frozenbogs, which are sometimes 100feet thick, are slowly begin-ning to melt. When they do,the organic materials decom-pose, giving off methane andcarbon dioxide. The currentpredictions say that in 50 years,we will lose 50 percent of these

materials and in 100 years, wewill lose 100 percent. Whatdoes this mean for the averageAmerican? All the snow in theworld would die out. As unbe-lievable as a complete absenceof snow may sound, Steger saysit is quickly becoming a rea-lity. We have already lost 1/3of the snow in the Arctic since1979, which essentially affectshow much snow we get inNorth America. Were gettingrecord summers down there[and]were losing more andmore ice.

The main issue, emphasizedSteger, is carbon dioxide.Carbon dioxide remains onthe planet for 200 years andits effects are irreversible.

Even if we completely stoppedproducing it now, we wouldstill lose 40 percent of animaland plant species. The highCO2 levels are already affectingout weather systems, as isevident by the lack of snow inMinnesota this winter, as wellas the surge in unpredictableweather worldwide. There hasbeen a significant increase instorms, droughts and hurricanesin recent years. The more youheat up temperatures, the moreerratic the weather, says Steger.

Steger was joined in Edinaby Fresh Energys J. DrakeHamilton, who has beenworking with Steger for severalmonths in organizing speakingevents around Minnesota likethe one at St. Patricks church.Hamiltons organization workswith public policy in Minnesotain an attempt to change theway legislation is dealing withenvironmental issues, and looksfor clean, fair, energy-efficientsystems that Americans canrely on. Her main gripe? Weneed to change the way we

travel around [and] heat ourhomes.

According to Hamilton, car-bon dioxide levels have shot upsignificantly in recent years andcorrelate to higher overall tem-peratures on the planet. Con-ventional power plants, whichproduce 75 percent of Minne-sotas electricity, are only partlyto blame. Oil-consuming vehi-clesnot just SUVsincluding

trains and planes are also bigCO2 producers, as are many ofthe energy producing mechani-sms we use in our buildings. Allof these sources are the causeof heat-trapping pollution, andthere has been a call for an 80percent reduction in global war-ming emissions by the year 2050,as recommended by the Uni-ted Nations IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change. Ifwe do this, we prevent worsedamages. We have control overour systems, says Hamilton.

As Minnesotans [and Uptownresidents], we can be leaders in

the fight against global war-ming, says Hamilton. Considertaking the bus to work insteadof your car, or seek out a morefuel-efficient vehicle. Make sureto recycle and eat local food toreduce transportation costs. Beaware of the amount of wastecreated everydaychoose handdryers in public restrooms

instead of paper towels, buy reu-sable water bottles and coffeemugs, and resist the urge to putyour childrens lunches into pla-stic bags. Homeowners can geta home energy audit to find outwhere to make changes in ener-gy use. Most importantly, saysHamilton, people should speakout about their environmentalconcerns and make their voicesheard loud and clear to localgovernmental leaders.

If each person takes responsi-bility for his or her actions, lit-

tle by little, Americans will beable to reduce overall carbon

dioxide emissions and curb theeffects of global warming. Theexperts believe that if we makea true effort, we will see the dif-ference. As Minnesotans, thatmeans we can one day reclaimour beloved Minnesota wintersand get back to the activities wehave grown up loving. If not foryourself, do it for little Johnny,

who desperately wants to put onhis ice skates and knock arounda puck on the Bryant Squa-re Park rink instead of sittingindoors watching Sponge BobSquare Pants.

Colette Davidson is completely inawe of Will Steger and has wageda personal campaign to reduce heramount of daily waste. However,

her co-workers are getting a bittired of seeing that same ratty-

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More than one thousand people showed their love of the game at the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships fromJanuary 19-21. After rumors that Minnesotas surprisingly warm weather was going to foil their plans, orga-nizers scrambled to find a new venue for the second annual hockey bonanza. Moving from Lake Calhoun to amore solid patch of ice on Lake Nokomis a week before the tournament, the 200-plus teams gathered togetherfor the largest outdoor pond hockey tournament in America. Teams came from across Minnesota, New York,Florida and Canada for a chance to have their names inscribed on the prized Golden Shovel. Winners wereannounced in four categoriesthe Whiskey Bandits in the Open division, the Seasoned Skaters in the Wom-ens division and the Moose in the Senior division. The winners of the Rink Rat division, team Perfect 10, gottheir name inscribed on the tournaments Silver Scoop. The championship, offering 25 rinks and exhibitiongames by the Minnesota Golden Gopher alumni and former NHL players, was an event to be enjoyed by both

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By Colette Davidson

Its a nice way to get exercisewhile changing it up I thinktriathlons are for people whodont want to do marathons.

Julie and her friend, Theresa,are sitting in the hospitalityroom after their Mini-Sprint.Both are downing water andsnacks while the sweat breaksfrom their faces. The youngwomen are euphoric with a jobwell done and seem to havethoroughly enjoyed themselves.Theresa, who has done twoother triathlons before this onesays nonchalantly, Im going todo it again in Aprilits a greatone to start withyou could doit without training.

Such confidence makes onewonder how a 400-yard swim,ten-mile bike ride and two-milerun are possible in the belowfreezing temperatures of a Min-nesota winter. Julie, Theresa andapproximately 70 others havejust participated in the YWCAssixth annual Winter Triathlon,held at the Midtown Y and co-sponsored by the Uptown andDowntown YWCA locations.

With another race in the spring,the bi-annual event offers threeracing sections, one for kids andtwo for adults. The childrenstriathlon involves a 200-yardswim, a five-mile bike and a

one-mile run. The Mini-Sprint,which Julie and Theresa havecompleted, is the shorter of thetwo adult races, with the Sprintcoming out at a 600-yard swim,a 13-mile bike and a three-milerun. The swimming comes first(so that you dont drown, inci-dentally) with groups of eightto ten in the pool at one time,followed by the biking segment,which is done on upright sta-tionary bikes. The final portionof the race is the run, which isheld on the upstairs track at theMidtown YWCA.

The triathlon was not only forthe athletically minded but alsofor sports enthusiasts. The trackwas lined with spectators, somewho knew the participants,and some who just came towatch and cheer. Kathleen, whoteaches indoor cycling and bodypump at the Y, has done thetriathlon twice before and Mer-edith is a veteran triathlete,according to her mom. Kath-

leen and her daughter, Meredithdecided that, in lieu of partici-pating this year like they usu-ally do, they would volunteerfor the event, ushering athletesaround the facility and playing

cheerleader.

According to Ann Haugejorde,the Midtown YWCAs Assis-tant Fitness Coordinator, thetriathlon is aimed at those whoare looking for a beginning tomid-level race. The emphasisreally is not on place but on par-ticipation. There are no prizes.Although the Y hopes to even-tually bring in professional ath-letes, for now the races are foramateurs. Said one woman afterfinishing her Mini-Sprint, forsix to eight out of ten people in

my heat this morning, it wastheir first triathlon.

What is in store for the upcom-ing second annual spring triath-lon on April 29? Tom Alcivar,the Midtown Fitness Coordina-tor, is hoping for a better turn-out from the kids. Were tryingto push youth events, he says,no one signed up this year sowe opened that heat up to every-one.

To find out how to sign up forthe spring triathlon on April 29,

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10/16

10 UPtOWN NEIGHBORHOOd NEWS FEBRUARy 2007

mall along Hennepin to 31stStreet and along Lake Street toFremont. The plan calls for 108condominiums above the newmall buildingson three floors

at 31st and Hennepin and onfive floors along Lake betweenGirard and Fremont, withunderground parking. It alsoincludes two additional levels onthe parking ramp, an outdoorplaza at the northwest corner of31st and Girard, and convertingthe middle section of Girardinto a pedestrian way.

An April 2006 Star Tribunearticle about the CalhounSquare project noted, Cal-houn Square spearheaded thetransformation of that Uptown

intersection [Hennepin/Lake]into one of the busiest, trendi-est corners in the Twin Cities.It reported that Calhoun Squaredeveloper Ray Harris and hispartners sold the mall in 2004for approximately $29 millionand that the new owners havespent approximately $15 mil-lion to buy adjacent parcels forthe expansion. The renovation/expansion project was expectedto take three years to complete.

The perceived uncertaintyaround the project is having arather dramatic effect on Cal-houn Square. Many retailershave left, including anchor Bor-ders Bookshop last May; somehave been replaced by lowerprofile shops such as outletstores and consignment shops.Although transitions wouldseem inevitable during the proj-ects execution, some owners ofbusinesses inside the mall andbeside it have expressed frustra-tion about not getting any infor-mation from Calhoun Squaremanagement about the projects

timing, which makes it difficultor impossible for them to plan.

Representatives of Solomonwere not available for comment.Stephanie Cadmus, leasing/marketing director of CalhounSquare with Madison Mar-quette Realty Services, how-ever, had this to say, We knowpeople in the community wantto know whats going on. Whendecisions and updates becomefinalized, well let the commu-nity know. She could not com-ment on whether construction

of the parking ramp additionwould start in March as previ-ously announced.

City Council Member RalphRemington reported on the sta-tus of the Calhoun Square proj-ect at the January 16 CARAGmeeting. He said the own-ers are looking at a range ofoptions including upscale ormore affordable condos, rentalapartments, just two-story retailwithout residential and sellingthe property. CARAG votedto follow through on Reming-

tons request to area businesses

and neighborhood leaders tosend letters by months end toPrincipal encouraging them tomove forward with the project

quickly and with transparencyand expressing positive con-cern about the delays impact onUptown. The council memberalso said he would be meetingin mid-February with CalhounSquare owners, area businessleaders, and Mayor Rybak todiscuss the project.

Several days after the CARAGmeeting, Mr. Remington offeredthe following information andthoughts about the project andUptown, The owners said theramp addition would start inMarch. Best Buy is still a pos-sibility. There have been talkswith Barnes & Noble. TraderJoes has expressed some interestbut a wine shop is part of theirbusiness model. Theres a cityordinance requiring that liquorstores be spaced at least 2,000feet apartand HennepinLake Liquors is less than 2,000feet away. Calhoun Square isstill vibrant and businesses aredoing well. Uptown and Cal-houn Square are going througha period of transition that will

bump it up to the next levelbut were in a nether world now.The next levelthats whatwere planning now [with theUptown Small Area Plan]. Imhoping to facilitate the processwith Calhoun Square and thecommunity in a way thats ame-nable to everyone.

The zoning approvals for theCalhoun Square project arevalid until December 20, 2007and can be extended adminis-tratively for an additional year,according to city planner Hilary

Dvorak.

A number of Calhoun Squaretenants had interesting things tosay about the Calhoun Squareproject, the impacts of its delayand the future of Uptown.

SuShI taNgo Teng TengoThao, the owner of Sushi Tangoon Calhoun Squares secondfloor, had this to say, Im a littleconcernedabout the uncer-tainty and the construction andbusiness impacts. I have no ideawhats going on with Calhoun

Square. Business is going well

but could be better; theres notmuch [else] on the second floor.I hope the project happens soon.I plan to stay in Calhoun Square

and have a larger restaurant inthe revamped mall.

EStES uptowN NEwS EstesUptown News, a magazine/convenience store, opened inCalhoun Square last Septemberand closed at the end of Janu-ary. Manager Bashir Hers citedlack of traffic and customersin the mall. He added, Whatsthe reason for people to come?Theres not much retail goingon in Calhoun Square andUptown. Its mostly entertain-ment and weekend business.

CaruSoS Tom Ford, a formerco-owner of Carusos GelatoCaf, closed Carusos CalhounSquare retail shop on January10. He was quoted in the Janu-ary 13 Strib article as saying,With the expansion, they keepputting people off. Theyre nottelling us whats going on. Butthats not the whole story. Ford isa hair stylist and owns two hairsalons, so he worked at Carusospart-time. Ford and two otherco-owners sold the business in

January to a company that willkeep the name and integrity ofCarusos product and focus onrestaurant, grocery store andcoffee shop sales.

Ford said of Carusos and Cal-houn Square, Business grew somuch, was so much work, it wasbeyond my capabilities as part-time anything. We were goingto close the Calhoun Squareshop whether or not we sold thebusiness. There was a declin-ing number of peopletraf-fic and sales. Borders moving

out hurt a lot. Calhoun Squarewasnt telling us whats goingonbecause they dont know.The project has been chang-ing. I think the expansion planis good. It will generate moretraffic. But when its in limbo, itjust kills everyone. The ownersand managers are focusing onthe project and not focusing onexisting retailers and generatingtraffic, he said.

FIgLIo Phil Roberts, with Para-sole Restaurant Holdings, theowner of Figlio, Chino Latino,

and other restaurants, said the

projects delay doesnt meana lot for our business, Figlio,because we face the street. Idont know whats going to hap-

pen but the good news is thatsomething will happensome-body will step in. Figlio is doingwell. Hennepin/Lake is a goldencorner. Im not concerned about(the possibility of) a decrease intraffic and businesstheres alot going on. The area will befully fleshed out in the next cou-ple years. I would think therewill be a change in ownership[of Calhoun Square]. Some-thing good will happen giventhe opportunities available.

kItChEN wINdow DougHuemoeller, the owner andmanager of Kitchen Window,said he doesnt have a lease andis still looking at all options,including staying in CalhounSquare and moving to anoth-er Uptown location. Much ofhis current location would bedemolished and rebuilt as partof the planned project.

BaY StrEEt ShoES DarrelBesikof and his Bay Street Shoesstore have been in Calhoun

Square since

the mallopened in1984, hesaid. Besikofspoke calm-ly, yet pas-s i o n a t e l y ,about Cal-houn Square

and its future. The projectis just not moving. I plannedto be part of the new CalhounSquare. I will move, or close,or stay if it [Calhoun Square]remains viable. Im willing towait as long as theres a there

there. Its a problem of opportu-nity costs. It would be an amaz-ing project as plannedwouldbe spectacular.

Besikof continued: I hope theyproceed with the projectandsoon. It would be good for thecommunity and the owners. Imfairly sanguine about the proj-ect. I know that theres greatpotential. But theres frustra-tionwhy do months and yearsgo by? The longer it sits anddeclines, the harder it will beto turn aroundand it affects

the street as well. Im concerned

that Calhoun Square will con-tinue to decline if nothing hap-pens soon. Im frustrated by thelost potential of the expansion

project. Borders was a majorloss. We succeed togetherthats what has to get done. Imgonna take my chances. Therewill be a bookstore again. Hav-ing fewer tenants does make thereconstruction easier. Im notworried about difficulties dur-ing the construction phase. Thedevelopers do understand thatthe project needs to fit the char-acter of the neighborhood andcommunity.

ZrS John McArdle, co-owner ofZRS Fossils and Gifts, openedhis store in Calhoun Square inOctober 2005. McArdle had thisto say, Traffic was down a littleat Christmas last year. I thinkthe neighborhood is perfect forus. I want to stay and would liketo expand. Calhoun Square isnot keeping tenants informed.I keep asking [about the proj-ect] and am being told dontknow. I hope Calhoun Squarestays focused on the needs of thecommunity.

Im very sorry to see Borders

go. It affected business. Wepicked Calhoun Square becausewe got a good response whenwe tried holiday kiosks for twoyearsthe demographics andkind of people in the neighbor-hood [fit]and we wanted thewalk-through traffic of a mall.Im nervous [about the uncer-tainty of the project] but I canttell you much because I dontknow much. The Star Tribunearticle provided the most infor-mation weve receivedand itsbeen passed around the mall.

For an exended verson ofs sory, ncldng coensfro people w bsnesses nCalon Sares expansonpa and fro upown areadevelopers, go o www.carag.org/news/nn. and clck onCal. S. exended n e Feb-rary 2007 box.

Aaron Rubenstein is a CARAGboard member and Chair of the

CARAG Zoning Committee.

Phoo b Jeffre Farnam

Calon Sare loos over hennepn and Lake

The Situation at Calhoun Square Prompts Questions and ConcernsCALhOuN SquAREcontinued from page 1

Darrel Beskof


11/16

FEBRUARy 2007 UPtOWN NEIGHBORHOOd NEWS 11

Calhoun Area Residents Action Group

711 West Lake St., Suite #303

Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612)-823-2520

www.carag.org

Email: [email protected]

Join your CARAG neighbors for this fun winter event.

- a bowl of chili, fixings, goodies & a drink- only $2.00(proceeds go to the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf)

- learn about other CARAG events & activities

- door prizes from area businesses

- Joyce Uptown Food Shelf food drive(bring non-perishable food itemss)

- new CARAG photo exhibit

Food DriveDemand for food items from food shelves remains high. Therefore,CARAG encourages neighbors to donate items to the Joyce UptownFood Shelf located at 1222 W 31st St. Donations of cash and nonper-ishable food items will be taken at the Chilly Chili Fest.

CARAG Photo Exhibit

Attention all CARAG amateur and professional photographers! Heres achance to display your work at the Chili Fest. The exhibit will featuretwo categories- one of photos taken in CARAG and the other of photostaken outside of CARAG. For more info contact Rick Bojko at 824-5515.

CARAG Email Forum

Get email updates aboutCARAG meetings, events andprograms. Just send an email

to: [email protected] .

monly Negborood mee-ng mnesJANuARY 16, 2007Subject to Approval at the Febru-ary 2007 CARAG Meeting

Board mebers Aendng:Rick Bojko (Vice President),Stephen Eisenmenger (Secre-

tary), Ellan Meyer, Bill Morton,Dan Qualy, Aaron Rubenstein,Howard Verson (President), JillBode, and Anna Matthes (NoneAbsent).

Welcoe: The CARAG Boardis made up of volunteers whoalso volunteer time on otherneighborhood committees andorganizations. Scott Engel,the CARAG communitycoordinator, can be reachedat 612.823.2520. CARAG is ademocratic organization; mem-bership and voting privileges

are open to residents, propertyowners and business owners inthe neighborhood.

Cre & Safey mPD updae:(Tom Thompson) 32-33XX

Lyndale evening robberieshave stopped since the arrestof 3 juveniles. If people wouldremove their valuables, such asiPods, laptops and cell phonesfrom their parked cars, it wouldreduce larcenies dramatically. ACourt Watch program will berolled out over the next couplemonths. Prosecution rates forstolen cars are low; stolen carrecovery rates are pretty high.

inrodcons & Annonce-ens: (Howard Verson)

Approve Consen Agenda:(Howard Verson) (Vote) Trea-surers Report: UNN Decem-ber Net Loss was $362.66, TotalEquity stands at $5450.18.CARAG Assets and BankAccounts stand at $20,827.06.Approved.

Approve & Sgn mnes:(Howard Verson) (Vote) Octo-ber, November and Decembermeeting minutes. Amendmentswere accepted and the minutesapproved.

CARAG By-Laws: (RickBojko) (Update) First Meetingwas set up for 7:00-8:30 p.m.on Thursday, January 25 atBryant Square Park. Purposeis to review the CARAG Con-

stitution and Bylaws and Pro-cedures with an aim to makerecommendations for suggestedchanges. This will subsequent-ly be presented for discussionand voting at future CARAGneighborhood meetings.

NRP updaes: (Scott Engel)(Update) NRP Phase I Evalu-ation/Survey Results. Data wascompiled from the NRP PhaseI survey that was mailed outlast October. Survey results willbe presented by Jen Walsh, aCARAG volunteer and survey

research professional, at theFebruary 20 CARAG Meeting.The Phase I review must becompleted before CARAG canbegin NRP Phase II.

upown Ar Far ParkngLos: (Nancy Sjoquist) (Vote)CARAG has been asked toprovide volunteers at threeparking lots. It would takean additional 10 volunteerson top of the 30 we have pro-vided for the pop booth. Wewould get an additional $1,500for providing these volun-

teers. Motion presented totake this on. Motion passed.

Coper Secry Worksop:(David Peterson) (Vote) Motionmade to approve sending David

Peterson to a MCTC ComputerSecurity class. Motion passed.

Zonng & Land use Co-ee Repor: (Aaron Rubenstein)(1) Uptown Small Area Plancommunity meeting Thursday,February 8, 7-9 p.m. in formerBorders bookshop space in Cal-houn Square. Consultants willreport on existing conditions.Community invited to pro-vide input on Uptowns physi-cal strengths and weaknesses.Planning process will movequickly, with several more

community meetings in springand summer and a completeddraft plan around Septem-ber; (2) Article in Star TribuneJanuary 13 said that CalhounSquare expansion project is onhold due to soft housing marketand because owners are evalu-ating options for how to pro-ceed. It appears parking rampexpansion will start in Marchnonetheless; (3) Hotel Uptown,3017-27 Holmes Avenue, atCity Council Zoning and Plan-ning (Z&P) Committee Janu-ary 18 for waiver of Uptown

building height moratorium (6stories/63.5 ft. proposed, 4 sto-ries/56 ft. allowed as of right).City staff recommends approv-al; (4) Midtown GreenwayLand Use and Development

Plan also at Z&P January 18.

Concl meber RengonsRepor: (Discussion) News-letter Sign Up Sheet passedaround. Uptown Small AreaPlan, February 8, 7-9 p.m. atold Borders Bookstore in Cal-houn Square. Happy Hourwith Ralph, January 26, 5:30-6:30, Leaning Tower of Pizzafor open-ended discussions.Gigis 15-minute appointments,2-4 p.m. on Mondays.

Calhoun Square development

plans may be changing. Thecondo market is softening. Itmight become apartments; itmight become two-story retail.Asking leaders of neighbor-hood and business associationsto write letters to owner Prin-cipal Financial about what theneighborhoods want to see ina development and/or how theuncertainty impacts the neigh-borhoods (please keep messagespositive). Contacts: Joe Pierce,

Calhoun Area Resiens Acion GroupCARAG reportTheCARAGBoard meetsthe thirdTuesday ofeach month,

7 p.m. atBryant ParkCommunity

Center, 31st and Bryant. AllCARAG residents are welcomeand urged to attend.

Lake St.

36th St.

HennepinAve.

LyndaleAve.

CARAG miNutEScontinued on page 15


12/16

1 UPtOWN NEIGHBORHOOd NEWS FEBRUARy 2007

By Dan Frankowski

My editor asked me about musicand music devices: why is theiPod so popular? If I dont wantone, what else can I get? Well,maybe Im the wrong person towrite this article, because I dontown a personal music player, buthey, Ill give it a shot. As always,I get a lot of information from

Wikipedia, so if you want moredetail, go straight there. Lestyou doubt the mighty Wikipe-dia, their iPod article has copi-ous references.

First, why is the iPod so popu-lar? It wasnt always so. The firstiPod was announced in October2001, and already was similar inbroad outline to what it is today:download music to your com-puter (or rip it from CDs ontoyour computer), then sync itto the hand held device, whichhas a little display and a fancy

click wheel (never mind theiPod shuffle). It was marketedas revolutionary and easy to use.However, it did not sell in sig-nificant numbers until late 2004,

three years after the introduc-

tion. What happened? Truth betold, I have no idea. Wikipediasays introducing the iPod minihelped, smaller and cheaper.Perhaps they became popular

enough that they became the

safe option. In any case, theirmarket share of music playersclimbed from around 30% toabove 70%, where it has stayedto the present day. Also, iTunessells over 80% of all downloadedmusic in the United States. Inshort, most people around hereare buying iPods.

What can you do with an

iPod? You can put music fromyour CDs on them. You canbuy songs from the iTunesonline music store for a dollarapiece (most of which goes tothe record companiesApplemakes more from the iPods).You can download and playpodcasts, which are likeradio shows that people makeavailable on the Internet asblog posts (see last months col-umn). I havent listened to anypodcasts, because Im a lateadopter geek (read: behind).As with blogs, podcasts have

a wide range of possibilitiesfrom amateur to professional.To me, an amateur is a goodthing: someone who does itfor the love. However, qualityvaries. I plan to take a listen toPodcastMN.com (92 differentMinnesota audio feeds), point-ed out by Garrick van Burensfirstcrackpodcast.com. On theprofessional side, I plan to try

some public radio shows fromMinnesota Public Radio (ThisAmerican Life, Wait WaitDont Tell Me!, Fresh Air).

You can also look at pictureson the iPods tiny screen, playsimple games and even playvideos (like Comedy Centrals,The Daily Show) on the expen-sive models. My girlfriendthinks watching videos on a2.5 screen is ridiculous, but I

geeks world

By Scott Schiefelbein

Some people search for the per-fect pizza, others for the bestburger or BBQ. I have twodishes for which I am always onthe hunt. One of them is a greatgyro. Sure, you can find a placeselling gyros just about any-where; Ive seen them in vendingmachines and even offered as apizza topping. But what I seekis something more than run-ofthe-mill, or is it? I want a nice,basic gyro. It should have a goodamount of juicy, flavorful meat,lots of veggies, a thick, garlickysauce and it should be wrappedin a soft (but not doughy), warmpita. If I can get it with a sideof rice or something other thanfries that come out of a freezer,even better.

Its not just a gyro that I want;its that lovely array of food thathails from the eastern half of theMediterranean. About a yearago, I got a tip on just such aplace. I figured Id check it out.Ive been there many times sinceand recommended it to quite afew people, but it wasnt untila couple of weeks ago, when Iintroduced it to another UNNteam member, that I decided towrite about Lyndale Deli.

Chef-Owner Thabt (rhymeswith habit, but with an S soundat the beginning) Mohamedhas operated Lyndale Deli nearthe corner of 26th and Lyndale(2551 Lyndale Avenue South tobe exact) since November 2005.It is a fairly small convenience

store that has a caf servingfood to eat in, carry out or bedelivered. The deli also offerscatering services. Of his littleeatery, Chef Thabt confident-ly states, leaving no room forargument, We have the bestgyros in Minneapolis.

In addition to gyros, the shopoffers falafel, sandwiches,burgers and a variety of com-bination plates featuring appe-tizers and side dishes such ashummus, baba ghannouj, spin-ach and feta pies and stuffedgrape leaves. The prices arereasonable; sandwiches are fiveto six dollars and come withfries, soup or salad. Comboplates are $6.95 and come withsalad, rice, hummus and pitabread. For $17-$36, they pre-pare enormous platters forlarger groups. In addition, thedeli case contains a pretty nicevariety of desserts, includingthe ubiquitous baklava, if one,given the generous portions inwhich everything else is served,has room.

Thabt spent many years as aprofessional soccer player untilan injury put an end to hiscareer. He still loves the sport.He has had offers to coach, but

coaching involves a lot of traveland time away from home (hisenthusiasm for both his fam-ily and his entrepreneurialendeavors is incredible) so hehas not pursued these oppor-tunities. These days he prefersrunning restaurants.

He acquired his cooking skillsafter he left his native Egyptand arrived in the Twin Citiesin the early nineties. His firstkitchen experience was a stintat Old Country Buffet. He laterformally studied Culinary Artsat the Art Institutes Interna-tional Minnesota in downtownMinneapolis. He worked as achef and began buying a seriesof restaurants. He currentlyowns and operates two: Lyn-dale Deli and a lunch spot indowntown Minneapolis calledValentino Caf.

Thabt says that he has a prettygood feel for what his customerswant, which explains burgersand the Philly cheese steak on

the menu. Not everyone wantsa gyro or falafel. The deli offersa nice selection of vegetar-ian dishes, which he notes arepopular in this neighborhood.They also offer daily specialsand made-from-scratch soups,including potato leek, lentil andchicken noodle. The specials

are worthy of the name. On mymost recent visit, I was served abowl of steamed mussels driz-zled with a wonderfully savory,creamy sauce. They were won-derful; I even found a tiny pearlin one of the tasty shellfish.

Thabt explains that his menu issimilar to those of other Medi-terranean and Middle-Easternrestaurants because food is pret-ty much the same throughoutthe region, with the exception ofsome local specialties. One suchdish is Koshari. It is a dish fromthe chefs homeland that is anexotically seasoned blend of len-tils, macaroni, garbanzo beansand rice topped with caramel-ized onions. Koshari used to be

listed on the menu under theheading, Eat like an Egyptian.Unfortunately, it has been takenoff the bill of fare (though Iveheard you can still get it if youask in just the right way).

Every time I have visited Lyn-dale Deli, regulars have floated

through, chatted with Thabt orthe other people working thecounter and ordered their favor-ites. They always seem to leavehappy. The shop is open until 11p.m. Sunday through Thursdayand until 3 a.m. on Fridays andSaturdays. According to Thabt,the late nights on weekends arebusier than any lunch rush.

Im not sure I agree withThabts assertion that his gyrosare the best in town, but theyllmore than do for now. But,Hey! you might be thinking,Whats the other thing youvebeen looking for? The otherdish, dear readers, is hot & soursoup. But that, as they say, isanother story.

Scott Schiefelbein lives inCARAG and would appreciate

some help in finding that beauti-ful bowl of hot & sour soup.

Ea Lke an Egypan

Phoos b Naomi Oshiro

Above: Cef tab moaed works e del coner.Lef: We ave e bes gyros n mnneapols, nsss e cef.

GEEKS WORLD

continued on page 13

Msic deices: ip dmines e Fiel

KellyNe

wcome

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13/16

FEBRUARy 2007 UPtOWN NEIGHBORHOOd NEWS 1

ECCO BOARD mEEtiNGmiNutES FORJanary 4, 2007(East Calhoun neighborhoodmonthly meeting)

meeng te: First Thurs-day of each month, 7 p.m. atSt. Marys Greek OrthodoxChurch (public in

february 2007 uptown neighborhood news

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