nokomis june 2014 edition

16
BY ED FELIEN The wheels of justice grind slowly but exceedingly fine. Sometimes it takes an earthquake to shake up City Hall. In this case it was Myron Orfield’s report on housing discrimination in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, which doc- umented that the area lost $20.5 billion as a result of racist redlining in lending practices by mortgage bankers in the Twin Cities. Most of that money was lost to home- owners who had to pay higher interest rates and higher origination fees, but a lot of money was lost to municipalities and counties that saw their tax base shrink as a result of foreclo- sures. Late last year the city of Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Citigroup and Wells Fargo seeking damages for a loss in tax revenue due to discriminatory mortgage lending to the city’s minority communities. According to court documents filed in the U.S. Federal Court, LA City Attorney Mike Feuer said that Citigroup and Wells Fargo “engaged in a continuous pattern and practice of mortgage discrimination in Los Angeles since at least 2004 by imposing different terms or condi- tions on a discriminatory and legally prohibit- ed basis.” In 2009 the state of Illinois sued Wells Fargo for discriminating against black and Latino homeowners. In 2012 Wells Fargo agreed to pay $175 million to resolve allega- tions by the U.S. Justice Department that it discriminated against qualified African- American and Hispanic borrowers in its mort- gage lending. Mayor Hodges, when she read Orfield’s report, said, “This report on mortgage lending, refinancing and credit contains stark data. The city and I will need to ask more questions.” Council Member Cam Gordon said, “I am working to organize a time when Myron We build Pride on the Southside See Update, page 2 See Conventions, page 2 See Justice, page 2 NOKOMIS EDITION SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH JUNE 2014 VOL. XXIV, ISSUE 17 BY THE HALE-PAGE- DIAMOND LAKE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION The Pearl Park Drop-Site Organics Recycling Program has been up and running for almost a month and it is going great! We have had amazing participation and interest. Thank you to all of you who have participated; and to those that have been volunteering at the drop site, Thank you! This program would not be a success with- out all of you and your commitment to doing what you can to pro- tect and preserve our resources! A few updates we would like to make you aware of: The current drop site hours, staffed by volunteers, are Tuesdays 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This will contin- ue through the end of June (possibly July). After that, the carts will continue to be locked, so if you have signed up to partici- pate and completed BY ED FELIEN The state conventions are over. The parties have picked their candidates. The battle has begun, though we haven’t heard much sound and fury yet. The DFL, predictably, picked Mark Dayton as their candidate for governor and Al Franken as their candidate for senator. The incumbents were nominated unanimously by acclamation. The only controversy at the convention was averted by South Minneapolis’ favorite son and familiar party appa- ratchik, Rick Stafford, who moved to table a resolution that called for the creation of jobs through responsible min- ing in northern Minnesota. The resolution pitted familiar factions against each other. The DFL depends on two power bases: union workers on the Iron Range and environ- mental liberals in the Twin Cities. According to the Duluth News Tribune, Stafford said, “We’re a large party. We have diverse opinions. We don’t always agree, but our objective coming out of here today and this weekend is to make sure that we return a Democratic majority to the Minnesota Legislature, that we return Mark Dayton and we return Al Franken. And this debate will not help that hap- pen, so I urge you to support my motion.” PolyMet Mining Corporation is proposing to mine copper, nickel and other metals from sulfide ores between Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes. It would be an open pit mine near the Embarrass and Partridge Rivers, which flow into the St. Louis River and then into Lake Superior. According to Ground Truth Trekking, “Acid mine drainage is a worldwide problem, lead- ing to ecological destruction in watersheds and the contami- nation of human water sources by sulfuric acid and heavy met- als, including arsenic, copper and lead. Once acid-generating rock is crushed and exposed to oxygen and the surface envi- ronment, acid generation is very difficult to contain or stop, and can continue for tens or thousands of years until the available sulfide minerals are exhausted. Roman-era mines have been identified, which are still producing acid mine drainage. It is the irreversibili- ty of the process of turning rel- atively inert ore into tremen- dous volumes of hazardous waste, the very long hazard-life of the material, and the extreme difficulty of contain- ment which make acid mine drainage such a serious and persistent issue.” According to Friends of the Boundary Waters, “When rain falls on the waste from iron mining, it makes rust; when rain falls on sulfide ore waste, sulfuric acid is produced. Sulfuric acid leaches out met- als and chemicals from the waste and creates acid mine drainage which contaminates lakes, rivers and groundwater; harms human health, fish and wildlife; and damages entire The hapless versus the horrific Racism, redlining and reparations Organics Recycling Program- Update DaytonvJohnson FrankenvMcFadden

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BY ED FELIEN

The wheels of justice grind slowly butexceedingly fine.Sometimes it takes an earthquake to shake

up City Hall. In this case it was MyronOrfield’s report on housing discrimination inthe Twin Cities metropolitan area, which doc-umented that the area lost $20.5 billion as aresult of racist redlining in lending practicesby mortgage bankers in the TwinCities. Most of that money was lost to home-owners who had to pay higher interest ratesand higher origination fees, but a lot of moneywas lost to municipalities and counties thatsaw their tax base shrink as a result of foreclo-sures.Late last year the city of Los Angeles filed a

lawsuit against Citigroup and Wells Fargoseeking damages for a loss in tax revenue dueto discriminatory mortgage lending to thecity’s minority communities. According tocourt documents filed in the U.S. FederalCourt, LA City Attorney Mike Feuer saidthat Citigroup and Wells Fargo “engaged in acontinuous pattern and practice of mortgagediscrimination in Los Angeles since at least2004 by imposing different terms or condi-tions on a discriminatory and legally prohibit-ed basis.” In 2009 the state of Illinois suedWells Fargo for discriminating against blackand Latino homeowners. In 2012 Wells Fargo

agreed to pay $175 million to resolve allega-tions by the U.S. Justice Department that itdiscriminated against qualified African-American and Hispanic borrowers in its mort-gage lending.Mayor Hodges, when she read Orfield’s

report, said, “This report on mortgage lending,refinancing and credit contains stark data. Thecity and I will need to ask more questions.”Council Member Cam Gordon said, “I am

working to organize a time when Myron

We build Pride on the Southside

See Update, page 2 See Conventions, page 2 See Justice, page 2

NOKOMISEDITION

SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH

JUNE2014

VOL. XXIV, ISSUE 17

BY THE HALE-PAGE-DIAMOND LAKECOMMUNITYORGANIZATION

The Pearl ParkDrop-Site OrganicsRecycling Program hasbeen up and runningfor almost a monthand it is going great!We have had amazingparticipation andinterest. Thank you toall of you who haveparticipated; and tothose that have beenvolunteering at thedrop site, Thank you!This program wouldnot be a success with-out all of you and yourcommitment to doingwhat you can to pro-

tect and preserve ourresources!A few updates we

would like to make youaware of:The current drop

site hours, staffed byvolunteers, areTuesdays 4-7 p.m. andSaturdays 9 a.m.-12p.m. This will contin-ue through the end ofJune (possibly July).After that, the cartswill continue to belocked, so if you havesigned up to partici-pate and completed

BY ED FELIEN

The state conventions areover. The parties have pickedtheir candidates. The battlehas begun, though we haven’theard much sound and furyyet.The DFL, predictably,

picked Mark Dayton as theircandidate for governor and AlFranken as their candidate forsenator. The incumbents werenominated unanimously byacclamation.The only controversy at the

convention was averted bySouth Minneapolis’ favoriteson and familiar party appa-ratchik, Rick Stafford, whomoved to table a resolutionthat called for the creation ofjobs through responsible min-ing in northern Minnesota.The resolution pitted familiarfactions against each other.The DFL depends on twopower bases: union workers onthe Iron Range and environ-mental liberals in the TwinCities. According to theDuluth News Tribune, Stafford

said, “We’re a large party. Wehave diverse opinions. Wedon’t always agree, but ourobjective coming out of heretoday and this weekend is tomake sure that we return aDemocratic majority to theMinnesota Legislature, that wereturn Mark Dayton and wereturn Al Franken. And thisdebate will not help that hap-pen, so I urge you to supportmy motion.”PolyMet MiningCorporation is

proposing to mine copper, nickeland other metals from sulfide oresbetween Babbitt and HoytLakes. It would be an open pitmine near the Embarrass andPartridge Rivers, which flowinto the St. Louis River andthen into Lake Superior.According to Ground Truth

Trekking, “Acid mine drainageis a worldwide problem, lead-ing to ecological destruction inwatersheds and the contami-nation of human water sourcesby sulfuric acid and heavy met-als, including arsenic, copperand lead. Once acid-generatingrock is crushed and exposed to

oxygen and the surface envi-ronment, acid generation isvery difficult to contain orstop, and can continue for tensor thousands of years until theavailable sulfide minerals areexhausted. Roman-era mineshave been identified, which arestill producing acid minedrainage. It is the irreversibili-ty of the process of turning rel-atively inert ore into tremen-dous volumes of hazardouswaste, the very long hazard-lifeof the material, and theextreme difficulty of contain-ment which make acid minedrainage such a serious andpersistent issue.”According to Friends of the

Boundary Waters, “When rainfalls on the waste from ironmining, it makes rust; whenrain falls on sulfide ore waste,sulfuric acid is produced.Sulfuric acid leaches out met-als and chemicals from thewaste and creates acid minedrainage which contaminateslakes, rivers and groundwater;harms human health, fish andwildlife; and damages entire

The hapless versus the horrific

Racism, redlining andreparations

OrganicsRecyclingProgram-Update

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BY CHARLEY UNDERWOOD

I was sitting in a horticul-ture class at the university, dis-cussing agriculture chemicalsand feeling a little ornery,when one of my favorite pro-fessors challenged me: “Yes,but can we feed the worldwithout using chemicals?” Isnapped back: “Can we feedthe world WITH chemicals?”And I ranted on a bit aboutsoil depletion and totallyunsustainable agriculturalpractices.It’s true. We are killing the

soil and people are still hun-gry, yet we continue to believethat we will all starve if we quitdrenching the soil with pesti-cides and chemical fertilizersand gobbling up as much oil aspossible for our big combinesand ships to haul food aroundthe world. With our currentfood practices, we are in hugetrouble and, it’s true, we willnot be able to nourish theworld’s growing masses. But

my prof ’s question is com-pletely fair: HOW will we feedthe world without chemicals,without relying on petroleumand big farm machines?For me, an answer is found

in a small group of urbanfarmers called Stone’s Throw.They use organic practices tofarm empty lots inMinneapolis and St. Paul.Empty lots. There are 14 lotstotal, most in Phillips and inthe Frogtown neighborhood ofSt. Paul, with a couple inUptown. The lots range in sizefrom a tenth of an acre to 0.75acres, coming to a total of 2.5acres. And they don’t actuallyown a bit of it, although someof their land is leased. Yetfrom those lots they are able togross nearly $40,000 per acreselling their produce throughCSA (community supportedagriculture) shares, a farmers’market and a dozen high-endrestaurants. Stone’s Throw began four

years ago as a profit-making

venture, since they believe in asmall business model andbecause they don’t want to relyon grants. The biggest challenges are

access to land, access to waterand soil fertility. They payrent for one plot, but most arefarmed in exchange for snowshoveling, grass mowing andgeneral upkeep. Water isobtained by metering fromnearby houses or fire hydrants,or in one case by actually rais-ing funds for their own con-nection to the city water. Soilis tested for safety fromarsenic, lead and pollutants,but fertility is a major prob-lem, making it necessary tohaul compost costing $8,000.And, like the rest of us, Stone’sThrow must deal with longwinters and short growing sea-sons, so they are testing severaltypes of greenhouses: tall andshort, temporary and perma-nent, heated and unheated.Necessity has spawned quite alot of invention.

All the same, city land isexpensive and there isn’t muchof it. So my professor is partlycorrect that we cannot feed acity entirely on what you growthere. Some crops just take toomuch room. In the city, thefolks at Stone’s Throw growhigh-value crops like arugula,salad greens, tomatoes, carrots,beets and kale. But this landlimitation has inspired a won-derful solution in cooperatingwith others near but outsidethe city. This year, Stone’sThrow is partnering with threeother farms, Agua Gorda inLong Prairie, Cala Farmin Turtle Lake, Wis., andWhetstone Farm in Windom.Agua Gorda is about two hoursaway, providing paste toma-toes, hot peppers, green beansand cilantro. At about an hourand a half away, Cala growsbroccoli and cabbage.Whetstone provides squash,storage beets and carrots, aswell as grass-fed pork, chicken,lamb and turkey as an add-onCSA meat share. There arealso shared markets for honeyfrom Beez Kneez, mushroomsfrom Cherry Tree Farms, andwild rice from Whetstone.With all these efforts, I

believe my professor’s questionis answered. Using humanpower to replace petroleum,using unused spaces, farminghyper-locally and cooperatingwith ventures just outside thecity, we probably can feed our-selves. Stone’s Throw is in theprocess of creating somethingfrom nothing, taking some-times neglected city lots andturning them into productiveurban farmland. Throughtheir partnerships with Cala,Agua Gorda, Whetstone andothers, they create a seamlesssource of food for the city,with each partner maximizingtheir resources and all workingtogether to market an extreme-ly local product. And by work-ing across cultures and lan-guages (in this case Spanish),they use food to knit togetherthe community we already are. It would be nice if these

folks had enough money tobuy all the land they needed.Then they could really buildup the soil and make moreinvestments in sheds andgreenhouses and bringing inwater. It would be nice if theydidn’t have to pay as much intaxes as an apartment buildingor grocery store. SanFrancisco has a more reason-able tax rate for city dwellerswho farm, but Minneapolishasn’t even got it on the radaryet. However, apart from theseproblems, every other obstacleso far has been met creatively,and it looks like we have amodel that others might follow…. if they are willing to workthat hard.

If you would like to be partof this venture, sign up for aCSA share at https://ston-e s t h r ow a g c o o p . c om / c u s -tomers/new or call 612-454-0585. It’s not too late!

SOUTHSIDE PRIDE

CHARLEY’S GARDENSouthside Pride | NOKOMIS EDITION

June 20144

The hungry insurgent never gives up

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BY ED FELIEN

teed. Political power had shifted fromfeudal aristocracy to the capitalist class.I

Southside Pride | P

Manifesto of the Farmer Labor Association, Part One

BY RAINA GOLDSTEIN BUNNAG

School meals have been a hotissue since the introduction of theHealthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of2010. This bill was designed toimprove the healthfulness of foodserved at schools throughout thecountry. Meeting the nutritionalneeds of all children and reducingrates of childhood obesity werethe two main goals. Regulations inthe bill were based on recommen-dations from the Institute ofMedicine as well as the 2010Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Some important changes includ-ed: increasing fruits and vegetableofferings, switching to wholegrains, and decreasing sugar, saltand saturated/trans-fats. All thechanges were incremental in orderto help school districts adjust.The 2014-2015 school year willbring the next phase of changes.Here are some of the high-

lights: • The “Smart Snacks” regula-

tions put guidelines on competi-tive foods sold anywhere inschools during the school day.This is the first time that theUSDA has put restrictions onfoods sold at schools that are notpart of the daily school meal. Thisincludes vending machines andschool stores as well as à la carteitems sold in the lunch line suchas sandwiches, salads and snacks. • Tightened sodium restric-

tions. The first phase of sodiumrestriction will begin this year,which sets upper limits on theamount of sodium in breakfastand lunch.• Whole-grain rich foods. 100%

of grains and breads must bewhole-grain rich, which meanseach of these products must con-tain at least 50% whole-grains.This regulation applies to bread,cookies, pancakes, cereal, etc.

BacklashWith the new phase of guide-

lines set for implementation onJuly 1 for next school year, schoollunch is once again getting a lot ofattention. Members of Congressare fighting to roll back the guide-lines which some think to be toostrict and difficult to implementin schools. It also addresses areduction in student participationand consequential lost profits thatsome districts have attributed tothe new meals. The House Appropriations

Committee approved a bill in Maythat was spearheaded by Rep.Robert Aderholt, R-Ala. It intro-duces a waiver to allow schools todelay the additional changes toschool meals for one year if theschool district can demonstratethat it has been losing money forat least six months since July 1,2013. This waiver is intended togive schools additional time to

make the new rules work best fortheir program. Food industrygroups, including the SchoolNutrition Association, supportthe bill.In response, the Senate

Appropriations Committee issuedits own bipartisan version of thebill. It doesn’t offer a waiver butinstead has two provisions. First,it requires the USDA to identifyacceptable substitute foods forschools if whole-grain rich prod-ucts are unavailable. In addition,the Senate bill proposes delayingthe target 2 sodium restrictions(2016-2017 school year) until fur-ther scientific evidence isobtained that supports the recom-mendation. Many nutrition organizations

such as the Center for Science inthe Public Interest (CSPI) and theAmerican Heart Association arepushing to fight Congress andkeep the rules intact. In a pressrelease, Margo Wootan of CSPImakes the important point thatschool lunches should not be apolitical battle. The guidelineswere based on scientific evidenceand recommendations that wouldbest serve children in America.Michelle Obama responded to theappropriations bills by hosting anevent at the White House forschool nutrition officials on May27. She called the bills unaccept-able and said, “The last thing wecan afford to do right now is playpolitics with our kids’ health.”

Minneapolis Success Story Even though there are chal-

lenges, 90% of schools are meet-ing the 2012 guidelines accordingto USDA analysis. MinneapolisPublic Schools (MPS) is a localsuccess. I spoke with Mr. Bertrand

Weber, the director of Culinaryand Nutrition Services forMinneapolis Public Schools. Mr.Weber started his position at MPSin January 2012, right beforeimplementation of the Healthy,Hungry Free Kids Act was set tobegin. His team approached thechanges by putting emphasis onhealth instead of regulations.They focused on serving fresh,healthy, good looking foods thatstudents would want to eat. Sinceimplementing the changes, partic-ipation in school meals hasincreased by 14.5%. More kids areeating school meals. Some of thechanges he made include: • Scratch cooking: One of the

biggest changes that the districtmade under his leadership wasintroducing scratch cooking. Inthe past, MPS had served primari-ly pre-packaged foods. Mr. Weber

introduced kitchens in manyschools and more will be intro-duced over the next several years.There is also a central kitchen thatprepares fresh food for schoolswithout cooking facilities. Mr.Weber said that moving from pre-packaged foods to scratch

kitchens was intimidating forkitchen staff at first, but the staffand students quickly embracedthe change. • Salad bars: Salad bars in

schools allow kids to try morefruits and veggies. Mr. Weber saidthat salad bars are a huge successand they feature both fresh andcanned produce. These are a wayto increase choices in schoolswithout kitchens. To introducemore whole grains at school, awhole grain salad is featured dailyat the salad bar. This includeswheat berry, wild rice, quinoa,whole grain couscous and red ricesalad. Mr. Weber is proud thatMPS is able to introduce the stu-dents to whole grains in their nat-ural form, many of which are newto students. He said the currycouscous salad with raisins is astudent favorite because of its richflavor profile. • True Food Chef Council:

Community involvement inMinneapolis is one of the biggestsuccesses. True Food ChefCouncil is a group of local chefsfrom restaurants such as PizzeriaLola and Tilia that develop recipesfor MPS school meals. Often, theyput these items on their restaurantmenu as well. This engages thewhole community, which Mr.

Weber claimed was crucial for thesuccess of the program. Mr. Weber explained that he

doesn’t agree with Congressdelaying the guidelines, because itis in the best interest of childrento serve healthier meals. His teamhas been able to adhere to theguidelines by using fresh ingredi-ents with bold flavors and includ-ing chefs and students in menuplanning. They use real ingredi-ents whenever possible, so the reg-

ulations such as sodium restric-tions do not hit them as hard.MPS students have embraced thenew food because it is real, tastyand good looking.School meals impact students’

health and are an issue we should-n’t turn our backs on. Delayingthese guidelines will not do ourchildren any good as childhoodobesity and diabetes continue tobe high. While there are certainlychallenges, it’s important toremember the goal of the bill,

which is to improve the health ofchildren. Success stories such asthose of Minneapolis and otherdistricts can be used to help otherlunch programs be successful,profitable and healthy. For more information about

Minneapolis Public SchoolsCulinary and Nutrition Services,Mr. Bertrand Weber can be con-tacted at [email protected].

Raina Goldstein Bunnag has abachelor’s degree from BostonUniversity and is currently a mas-ter’s candidate in nutrition andpublic health at the University ofNorth Carolina. She keeps abreastof the latest health news andaddresses relevant wellness topicseach month. If you have any ques-tions or topics you would like to seecovered in the column, please sendher an email at [email protected].

SOUTHSIDE PRIDEJune 2014 5

RAINA’S WELLNESSSouthside Pride | NOKOMIS EDITION

“Education is the key to unlocking the

world, a passport to freedom.”

- Oprah Winfrey

Every child college and career ready

Congratulations class of 2014!

The new food fight

Reimbursed�Senior�Volunteer�Position: Lutheran�Social�ServiceSenior�Companion�Program�is�seek-ing�volunteers�55+�willing�to�visit�iso-lated�adults�in�Minneapolis�andsurrounding�areas�to�provide�in�homecompanionship�and�transportation.Tax-free�stipend,�mileage�reimburse-ment�and�other�benefits.�ContactKate�Neuhaus,�651.310.9447�[email protected].

SOUTHSIDE PRIDE June 20146

o�

BY CARLA WALDEMAR

Filfallah4301 Central Avenue

763-781-2222www.Filfallah.net

Lucky for me my daughterlives in Columbia Heights. Shetook me out for dinner in her’hood, where Central Avenueeasily rivals Eat Street in its arrayof enticing ethnic eateries.Filfallah leads the pack. A

casual, cheerful place brightenedwith walls splashed with persim-mon, eggplant and tobacco fur-ther warmed by a fireplace cladin tiles the color of theMediterranean Sea, it servesTurkish/Middle Eastern food astasty as any I’ve experienced inIstanbul. And when I mentionedthat to our waitress, she musthave conveyed the message to theowner/chef, who left his stove togreet us and share thoughtsabout his homeland. (Turns out,he’s also a culinary school stu-dent working on perfectingFrench pastry and has servedstints in the forward kitchen ofthe respected Haute Dish restau-rant in the Warehouse District.)This marriage of exacting

technique with traditionalrecipes is what puts Filfillahahead of the pack. The mezzeplatter (by itself a hearty dinnerfor two, $11) is a survey of theusual suspects, but each has beenramped up a notch in its prepa-ration. The hummus is super-

smooth, the baba ganoush–less‘eggplanty’ than most, alas, butequally adept in texture.Tzatziki, that addictive yogurt-based sauce livened with cucum-bers and a subtle trace of garlic,serves as dip for the tenderfalafel nuggets, far superior tothe usual fried golf balls offeredaround town, and the dolma–stuffed grape leaves–proveanother elevation of the artform. He’s enriched that usualbundle of rice and not much elsewith the addition of pine nuts,currants and herbs: absolutelysensational. His tabouli salad issuper-green with minced parsley

awakened with a spritz of lemon(but lacking the usual hint ofmint). He tosses a generoushandful of sharp and tangy kala-mata olives onto the platter,along with a mini-mountain ofcrumbled feta, adds rounds ofpuffy, tender pita–anotherimprovement on the usual–and

sends out an edible portion ofheaven.We could have walked away

happy right then, but hey: So wecontinued with the combo plat-ter from the entrée list (its mostexpensive item–and I use theterm in comparison only–at$16). Two of us barely made adent in the lavish display, includ-ing shish kebabs–one each oftender lamb and tasty chicken–along with dual shawarma serv-ings: slow-cooked sliced bits ofmarinated chicken and the sametasty treatment of a lamb/beefcombo. The entrée comes with abig-enough-for-two Greek salad

–more of those addictive olivesand feta–and saffron rice pilaf.(Other entrees $10-13, or simplyorder the meat-topped shawar-ma salads, $10. Or the red lentilsoup. Or pita pies or wraps. Well,you get the idea).No, we didn’t save room for

dessert. But for those with betterself-control, the kitchen offersbaklava and kunafa. No alcohol,and it’s certainly not needed–but the usual soda drinks plusTurkish coffee. Maybe that tiny,bitter, grainy dose is an acquiredhabit, but I’ve acquired it, allright, and it’s a grand way to enda lovely evening.

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and there is no way for peoplecoming from downtown andnorth to exit onto Lake Streetwithout going all the way to35th Street and doubling backfive blocks. At this point itlooks like the entrance to gonorth on 35W to downtown isno longer in the plan, but thecity does plan to build an exitfrom downtown onto LakeStreet, rebuild four bridges,improve the highway near Lake

Street and build a massive newtransit station in the middle ofthe highway, similar to the onenear 46th Street, that wouldspeed bus service to downtownand eliminate some bus shel-ters. They also plan a GreenCrescent Trail that would con-nect the Midtown Greenway tofast transit on 35W.

Better connections to down-town–with Nicollet Avenueopen, with better transitopportunities, with connec-tions to the Greenway–means

better connections from down-town to Lake Street, and thatmeans more customers, betterbusiness and healthiercommunities for SouthMinneapolis.

SOUTHSIDE PRIDE June 201410

Reopening, from page 9

freedom of speech mergedw

CONSIDER THIS

Art is a window into being humanwith one another and God, commu­nicating our humanity and the pres­ence of the divine in ordinary life.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Apron StringsLake Nokomis PresbyterianChurch, at 1620 E. 46th St., has asmall community gallery(ArtSpace) in the center of itsbuilding. In May and June,mosaic artist Judy Sell is show­ing her latest exhibit: “ApronStrings.” Judy, a graphic artistby trade and a memory­keeperby passion, creates Memory­ware: artwork loaded with per­sonal connotations, customizedusing heirloom bits and foundpieces. The show is a collectionof eight life­size mosaic aprons.Each mosaic has real fabric tiesfrom a vintage apron.

Organist Paul ComnickCelebrates 50 Years at BethelLutheranPaul Comnick has been BethelEvangelical Lutheran Church’sorganist for 50 years. He playsevery Sunday except when he’son vacation—the great works ofBach, Handel and the FrenchRomantics, such as Franck,Widor and Dupre. He has nevertired of the majestic instrumentand plans to continue playing aslong as he can. On June 1, thechurch held a celebration tohonor his music and ministry.

EVENTS

STAR Nonviolent ConflictTransformationWednesday – Sunday, June 11 ­ 15Hamline University, Bush Center1536 Hewitt, St. Paul 55104STAR trainings have empoweredthousands of leaders, profession­als, caregivers and laypersons topromote healing, revitalize theircommunities, and stop cycles ofvictimhood and violence. STARis a 4 1/2 –day evidence­basedacademic and experiential edu­cation course that educates par­

ticipants to integrate principlesof trauma healing and resilience,neuropsychology, restorative jus­tice, nonviolent conflict transfor­mation and spirituality. For moreinformation write [email protected] or call612­377­4660. Scholarship assis­tance is available as well as 27hours of optional continuingeducation credit. Dates of future workshops arelisted at www.mnpeace.org.

Cool Summer Jazz SeriesSunday, June 15, 1 p.m.Church of St. Albert the GreatCorner of 33rd Ave. S. and E.29th St.Performers are jazz vocalistMaud Hixson and piano virtu­oso Rick Carlson. Upcomingconcerts are the Benny WeinbeckTrio on July 13 and the Bill DunaQuartet, Aug. 17.

Holy Trinity Summer Day CampMonday – Friday, June 16 – 20, 9 to11:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church2730 E. 31st St.“Under the Acacia Tree: A

Celebration of Friendship &God’s Love” is offered to children age 3 ­ grade 6. Themorning session is free ofcharge. The afternoon option isoffered for a registration fee of$20. Call the church at 612­729­8358 for more information.

Trinity of Minnehaha FallsWeird Animals Summer ClubMonday – Friday, June 16 – 20,9 a.m. to NoonMorris Park55th St. & 39th Ave. S.Family Fun NightFriday, June 20, 6 to 8 p.m.Trinity Lutheran Church ofMinnehaha Falls (on the lawn) 5212 41st Ave. S.Children will learn about God’screative creations—mind­blow­ing, one­of­a­kind animals.Classes are for kids age 3

through 5th grade. There is nocharge. Classes are Monday –Friday at Morris Park. Familieswill get together the last nighton the church lawn for food andfun. Participants will join aninternational outreach effort toprovide safe water for schoolchildren in India. Call 612­724­3691 for more information.

Urban Camp: “Praise Break”Monday – Thursday, June 23 –26, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.Living Spirit Church4501 Bloomington Ave. S.Each evening offers a light meal,sports, arts (including dancewith Karrie Puckett), faith for­mation and fun. Camp is forchildren in grades K – 5. Cost is$5 per child; $15 max for families(scholarships are available.).Please call the church office at612­721­5025 for registrationinformation. We will celebrateGod’s mighty works from bibletimes through history to thepresent day.

South African Liberation FilmTuesday, July 1, duskHennepin Bluffs ParkMain St. S.E. & 6th Ave. S.E.The MPRB’s “Made inMinnesota” summer film serieswill show “Remembering

Nokutela,” a film by CarletonCollege professor Cherif Keita.The movie chronicles Keita’sfour­year­long journey to uncov­er the story of Nokutela Dube

(1873­1917), the long­forgottenwoman pioneer of the liberationmovement in South Africa. Noadmission fee.

SOUTHSIDE PRIDEJune 2014 11

•RELIGION CALENDAR•Southside Pride | NOKOMIS EDITION

BaptistNEW CREATION BAPTIST CHURCH 1414 E. 48th St. * 612-825-6933Sunday School 9:30 amDevotion 10:45 am; Worship 11 amTues. Youth & Adult Bible Study 7 pmPastor: Rev. Dr. Daniel B. McKizzie

CatholicCHURCH OF ST.ALBERT THE GREATCorner of E. 29th & 32nd Ave. S.612-724-3643Mass M, T, TH, F at 8:15 amSaturday 5 pm & Sunday 9:30 amSunday morning childcare www.saintalbertthegreat.orgAir Conditioned Comfort

CHURCH OF THEHOLY NAME3637 11th Ave. S. * 612-724-5465Masses Saturday 5 pmSunday 8:30 & 11 amReconciliation Saturday 4-4:30 pmPastor: Fr. Leo SchneiderA welcoming Roman Catholic community

OUR LADY OF PEACE 5426 12th Ave. S.612-824-3455 * www.olpmn.orgWeekend worship: Saturday 5 pm; Sunday 10 amWeekday worship:Tuesday - Friday 8:15 am

Evangelical FreeFIRST EVANGELICALFREE CHURCH5150 Chicago Ave. S. * 612-827-4705 www.firstfreechurch.orgWorship Services 9:15 & 11 amFellowship Time 10:30 am Nursery to Adult Classes 9:15 & 11 amChrist-Centered, Christ-Sent.

LutheranBETHEL LUTHERAN, ELCA4120 17th Ave. S. * 612-724-3693www.bethel-mpls.orgSunday Worship 10 am Pastor: Brenda FroislandAccessible Off-Street Parking, FamilyRestroomA Reconciling in Christ CongregationIn gratitude, Bethel amplifies God’sgrace, nourishes all creation, reachesout and builds community

FAITH EVANGELICALLUTHERAN 3430 E. 51st St. * 612-729-5463faithlutheranmpls.orgSunday Worship 9 am (Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays)Fellowship 10 amPastor: Rev. David Domanski

HOPE LUTHERAN5728 Cedar Ave. S. * 612-827-2655www.hopempls.orgEducation for all ages 9 amSunday Worship 10 am6/29 Worship at the Falls 10:30 am Pastor: Chris SteubingAll are welcome, no exceptions

MOUNT ZION LUTHERAN5645 Chicago Ave. S. * 612-824-1882Some like it hot! Blended Worship 9 amIt’s a tangy mix of liturgy & music tostir the soul.www.mtzioninmpls.org

NOKOMIS HEIGHTSLUTHERAN - ELCA5300 10th Ave. S. * 612-825-6846www.nokomisheights.orgSunday Worship 8:30 & 10:30 am (Sept-May) Education 9:15 am (Sept-May)Summer Worship 9:30 am (June-Aug)

TRINITY LUTHERANCHURCH OF MINNEHAHA FALLS5212 41st Ave. S. * 612-724-3691 www.trinityfalls.orgSunday Worship 10 am VBS June 16 – 20 (at Morris Park)Family Fun Night June 20, 6-8 pmAA Meeting Tuesdays/Sundays 7 pmPastors: Derek Johnson & Matt Oxendale

MethodistMINNEHAHA UNITEDMETHODIST3701 E. 50th St. * 612-721-6231www.minnehaha.orgTraditional Sunday Worship 9 am &Contemporary Worship 11 am (Sept –May); Sunday Worship 10:30 am out-doors, weather permitting (June-Aug.)

LIVING SPIRIT UMC 4501 Bloomington * 612-721-5025www.livingspiritumc.orgSunday Worship 10:30 amFree Wednesday Suppers 5:45 pmMulti-cultural, Multi-racial community

The�NokomisReligious�Community

Welcomes�You

BY ELAINE KLAASSEN

Bethel Evangelical LutheranChurch is the first community offaith in Minnesota to host a solargarden (a solar array) that feedsdirectly into the Xcel Energy elec-tric grid. Bethel’s pastor, Brenda

Froisland, says about the project,“When we say we nourish God’screation, we really mean it!”Eighty-seven solar panels will

be installed on the roof ofBethel’s education building(hopefully by the end of thisyear). According to SteveColeman of MN CommunitySolar, the local clean energy com-pany working with Bethel, “It[the garden] will add to the over-all amount of solar energy inXcel’s system.” (Solar contributesto the renewable energy portfoliothat Xcel is mandated by law toprovide.)To pay for the installation and

maintenance of the solar garden,subscriptions are available toindividuals and organizations.Subscriptions are for 25 years andare sold in units called “leaves,”explained Dana Hallstrom ofMN Community Solar. Thesmallest subscription is one“leaf,” which costs $954. In returnfor the upfront investment, thesubscription holder will receiveanywhere from 3 to 10% crediton their electric bill for 25 years.This is a great way for individualsto help bring renewable energy tothe neighborhood and reap thebenefits without having to per-sonally maintain and install a sys-tem in their own home.Subscriptions went on sale first tomembers of Bethel congregation,and on June 2 became open tomembers of the BancroftNeighborhood Association,which has its office at the church.At the end of June the generalpublic will be able to buy “leaves.”

Extending the sun

June 2014SOUTHSIDE PRIDE12

•COMMUNITY CALENDAR•Southside Pride | NOKOMIS EDITION

Wednesdays with Wheel Fun RentalsWheel Fun Rentals announces itwill be offering FREE recreation­al rentals this summer to non­profit organizations within theTwin Cities metro area! BetweenJune 4 and Aug. 27, Wheel FunRentals will donate rental equip­ment, completely free of charge,to two charities everyWednesday. This program offerslocal charities their choice of thefollowing activities for free: minigolf at Malt­Tees in Richfield,watercrafts at Lake Calhoun orSurrey bikes at Minnehaha Falls.It will accommodate two non­profit groups each Wednesdaywith up to 20 participants ineach group. Reservations arerequired and dates book up fast.Nonprofits are encouraged tomake their reservation as soon aspossible by calling 877­273­2453or [email protected].

Register Your Bicycle withthe Minneapolis PoliceDepartment!This will help them return yourbicycle if it is recovered afterbeing lost or stolen. Every year,thousands of bicycles are lost orstolen in Minneapolis. Many ofthem are recovered. However,because of lack of proper identi­fication, only a small number areever returned to their owners.The Minneapolis PoliceDepartment has an easy onlineway to register your bicycle:http://311.minneapolismn.gov/Ef3/General.jsp?form=SS031_Bicycle_Registration&page=Email. You

will need to include the bicycle’sserial number, a description ofthe bicycle and your contactinformation. You can also call311 to register. Registration isfree of charge.

Community Participation inthe City Utility PartnershipRight now is a prime window ofopportunity for energy sectorlabor unions, clean energyexperts, advocates for low­income residents, business own­ers, environmental justice advo­cates and other energy stake­holders to be asking City Hall toinclude community input intothe anticipated city utility part­nership.The City of Minneapolis is cur­rently working to form an inno­vative, first­in­the­nation CleanEnergy Partnership with XcelEnergy and CenterPoint Energyby the end of 2014, as recom­mended by the Energy PathwaysStudy that the City Councilunanimously adopted in March.The partnership will hold bothutilities accountable for advanc­ing the Minneapolis ClimateAction Plan by marketing, track­ing, coordinating and reportingprogress on clean energy activi­ties in the city. If successful, thepartnership could set an inspir­ing new national precedent forhow local leadership can influ­ence shareholder­controlled utili­ties to meet mutual climate, jus­tice and local economic develop­ment goals, leveraging much­needed positive changes in theutility business model. As aguide to contact your CityCouncil representative visitwww.communitypowermn.org/­call_your_city_council_member.

To host or attend a communityeducation event on this issuevisit www.communitypow­ermn.org/powerconvo.

Summer Solstice Ceremony: XopantlaFriday, June 13, 9 p.m. (AllNight Vigil)3547 Cedar Ave. S.Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. (AztecDance)Corcoran Park3334 20th Ave. S.Xopantla is our annual ceremonyto celebrate the daily growth oflight. Hosted by KalpulliKetzalCoatlilcue Aztec Dancers(a community­based groupwhose mission is to create safecultural spaces for the transmis­sion of Mexican traditional cul­ture to inner city youth),Xopantla is a unique opportuni­ty to share with the dance com­munity and our friends and fam­ily the ancient cultural heritageof Mexico. We welcome one ofthe oldest dance traditions ofsouthern Mexico to create thefestive mood and inspire theaudience, the “Chinelos SanPablo Apostol” dancers fromAxochiapan, Morelos. Free andopen to the public.

Northern Spark All­NightArts FestivalSaturday, June 14, 9:01 p.m. to5:26 a.m.Various locations throughout theareaThis year Northern Spark and its50+ cultural partners have com­missioned 100+ emerging andrenowned artists fromMinnesota and beyond.

On the second Saturday in Juneeach summer, tens of thousandsof people gather along theMinneapolis riverfront andthroughout the city to exploregiant video projections, play intemporary installations in thestreets and enjoy experimentalperformances in green spacesand under bridges. From dusk todawn the city surprises you:friendly crowds, glowing groupsof cyclists, an unexpected paththrough the urban landscape, themagic of sunrise after a night ofamazing art and experiences. Formore info visitnorthernspark.org. No admis­sion fees and open to the public.

BBQ & Music FestivalSaturday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.3700 block of Chicago Ave.The Arts on Chicago Initiativecontinues with three unique artsactivities: Peter HaakonThompson’s “Temporary TableTennis Trailer,” Esther Ouray’s“In the Pursuit of Happiness”and video from David Luke’s“Upstream Animated.” Theseprojects will be displayed at thefestival. This event will includemusic from Joel Schaan &Friends, Bozza Jazz band, Project55407 and The Anchorman, plusspecialty food trucks, children’sactivities and snow cones at thisnormally busy intersection,which will be closed for the day.

The Greater LongfellowNeighborhood Garage Sale Friday & Saturday, June 20 &21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Over 80 households will be sell­ing what they no longer want orneed in the Longfellow, Cooper,Hiawatha and Howe neighbor­hoods—from the train tracks tothe Falls and from HiawathaAvenue to the River. Go tolongfellow.org to see a map.

How­to’s of EdibleLandscapesWednesday, June 25, 7 p.m.Epworth United MethodistChurch3207 37th Ave. S.Garden Club with DarrenLochner. Meetings are free andopen to everyone.

Join the Great Nokomis East NeighborhoodwideGarage & Yard SaleSaturday, June 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Do you live south of theParkway and East of Cedar Ave.?Then this event is right up youralley or front yard. If you wouldlike to have your address addedto the list of sales that day andbe on our map then call NENAat 612­724­5652. Last year, over139 separate sales were heldwithin Nokomis East. Individualsellers have the right to changetheir hours or expand days ofsale. All sale locations are run bytheir respective sellers, and arefully independent of NENA.There are no fees for the listing.Rain or Shine.

Table of the LGBT Pride FestivalSaturday & Sunday, June 28 & 29

Loring ParkLGBT Pride is our biggest out­reach effort of the year. Visit ourinfo table while you are there orvolunteer to help staff the tableat the time of your choice. Tovolunteer, email us at info@anti­warcommittee.org.

Very Berry Urban ForagingSunday, June 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Bryant Unity GardenE. 40th St. and 3rd Ave. S.Summer is berry season in theTwin Cities and soon sidewalkswill be spattered with purplegoop as plump berries burstupon the ground. Rather thanletting those delicious fruits goto waste, get together with theNorth Country Food Allianceand harvest them! Juneberries,mulberries and raspberriesshould be in season. Suggesteddonation is $5. Class size is limit­ed. For questions or to register,please email foraging@north­countryfoodalliance.org.

Douglas Flanders & Associates 818 W. Lake St.612­791­1285www.flandersart.comParadise, Paved: An Oil Painter’sExploration of the Suburbs by ScottLloyd AndersonAnderson was awarded aMinnesota State Arts Board –Artist Initiative Grant in 2012.He has been working on a seriesof paintings of mostly suburbanlocations that will challenge yourdefinitions of beauty, traditionallandscape painting and “artisticcorrectness.” This exhibit is theculmination of work the granthelped to make possible.Through July 5

Gage Family Art Gallery22nd Ave. S. at Riverside Ave.612­330­1524Augsburg.edu/galleriesThe Last ResortA photographic documentationof mom and pop resorts in theBrainerd Lakes Area ofMinnesota. The imageryexplores the decline and aban­donment of the closed and neg­lected resort properties.Through August 17

Intermedia Arts2822 Lyndale Ave. S.612­871­4444Intermediaarts.orgCreative Dissent: Arts of the ArabWorld UprisingsThis touring exhibition isdesigned to immerse visitors inthe creative vitality of the contin­ually evolving uprising move­ment commonly referred to asthe “Arab Spring.” Drawn intothe exhibit by songs and the calland response chants so common­ly associated with these populistmovements, visitors will experi­ence freedom of speech mergedwith artistic expression—captur­ing the anger, elation, frustrationand hope of these revolutions inthe form of graffiti, video, car­toons, music, photography,

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posters and even puppetry.Through August 23

Patrick’s Cabaret3010 Minnehaha Ave. S.612­724­6273www.patrickscabaret.orgAfrican Night 2014A diverse lineup of local artistswill gather and share workaround the theme. AuntieBeverly serves as the storyteller,or Griot, for the evening, weav­ing a tale through the night’svarious performances by Voiceof Culture Drum and Dance andBill Cottman, among others.Tickets are $8 in advance fromartists, $10 at the door, cash orcheck only.June 20, 7:30 p.m.

The Bakken Museum3537 Zenith Ave. S.612­926­3878www.thebakken.orgGarden PartyJoin us for Free Second Saturdaywith garden tours, lawn gamesand a botanical art demonstra­tion. Other great activities willalso be available throughout theday.June 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mill City Museum704 S. 2nd St.612­341­7555www.millcitymuseum.orgRiverfront Quest Family TourTry out questing with a family­focused tour of the Minneapolisriverfront. A Quest is a commu­nity treasure hunt that guidespeople through and teachesthem to see, a unique part oftheir community. This questincludes solving rhyming riddles and searching for hidden boxes with pictures toplace in a quest journal that participants can make beforethe tour. Journal materials andadmission are included in thetour cost. The tour is designedfor ages 6­11 but can be enjoyedby all ages. Adults and seniorsmust accompany a child. Adults, $11; Seniors, $9;Children ages 6­17, $10. June 21, 1 p.m.

Guthrie Theatre818 S. 2nd St.612­225­6238www.guthrietheater.orgCrimes of the HeartIn this deeply touching SouthernGothic screwball comedy, threeyoung Mississippi sisters gatherin their hometown to await newsof their hospitalized grandfather.With troubles in life and withthe law, the Magrath sisters navi­gate their pasts to seize thefuture in an imaginative andmoving story.Through June 15

Interact Theater212 3rd Ave. N., Suite 140

612­339­5145www.interacttheater.comBased on the 15th­ century alle­gory by Sebastian Brant, thisplay considers the foolishness ofhigh society and the brilliance ofthe underdog—all in the topsy­turvy language and style ofmask theater. Come aboard asthe Interact artists with andwithout disabilities play along­side The Bricklayers in this hilar­ious voyage into humanity’squirks and treasures!June 13 ­ June 28

Jungle Theater2951 Lyndale Ave. S.612­822­7063www.jungletheater.comThe HeiressBased on Henry James’ memo­rable novel “WashingtonSquare,” this Tony­Award­win­ning play examines the conflictbetween painfully shy CatherineSloper and her stern, inflexiblefather. When she falls in lovewith a handsome suitor, herfather threatens to disinherit her,convinced that the young mancould only be interested inCatherine’s fortune. This dramat­ic and suspenseful play featuresone of the greatest female roleswritten for the stage.June 20 ­ August 10

Volunteer Tutors Needed inAdult Education ClassesMinneapolis Adult Educationneeds volunteer in­class tutors inwriting, math, computer basics,and ESL/English. Volunteerswork with students 1:1 or insmall groups, in free classestaught by licensed teachers. One­and two­hour tutor times areavailable M­F in the morning,afternoon and evening. A librari­an is needed Wednesdays from5­6 p.m. Experience is not need­ed. Training is provided. Formore information visithttp://abe.mpls.k12.mn.us/volun­teer or call 612­668­3984 or [email protected]­.mn.us.

Senior Nutrition ProgramMonday through Friday theVolunteers of America host afree/reduced price lunch for areaseniors aged 60+. The suggestedcontribution is $3.50.However, they just ask people topay what they can afford. Noone is ever denied a mealbecause they cannot pay. Mealsare at 1 p.m. at Holy CrossLutheran Church, 1720 E.Minnehaha Pkwy. For more infocall 952­945­4157 or 612­729­6668.

Nokomis Library5100 34th Ave. S.612­543­6800http://www.hclib.orgRegister online or call for allevents.** Crafty Minnesota: Button BoxSaturday, June 14, 3 to 5 p.m.For adults, buttons are not onlyfunctional, but also beautiful,whimsical and decorative. Dig

through our treasure trove ofbuttons and learn techniques tomake your own button acces­sories to showcase these tiny bitsof art. Materials provided. ** Art Out of the Box: EyeWonderMonday, June 16, 2 to 3 p.m.Entering grades 2­5. Discoverartists’ secrets and uncover illu­sions meant to trick the eye bylooking closely at art from theMinneapolis Institute of Arts(http://new.artsmedia.org/).Museum­trained teams will helpyou make art to hide your ownsecret messages. Materials pro­vided.** Act Out for Adults: Be Heard!Monday, June 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Do you want to be heard? To bemore easily understood? Learntips, exercises and practicalapplications from an experi­enced Guthrie teaching artist onhow to speak with a more moti­vating, inspiring and command­ing voice.

Roosevelt Library4026 28th Ave. S.612­543­6700http://www.hclib.orgRegister online or call for allevents.** Learn Together: A Sense ofScienceTuesday, June 17, 3 to 3:30 p.m.Entering K­grade 2. Explore yourfive senses with fun games andhands­on experiments.** Used Book SaleSaturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Bargain hunters and book loverstake note: the Friends of theLibrary will hold a sale of hun­dreds of adult and children’s fic­tion and nonfiction books in

hardcover and paperback. Mostbooks are withdrawn from theHennepin County Library sys­tem or donated by the public.Funds raised will benefit thelibrary.** Learn Together: StorybookTheaterTuesdays, June 24 ­ July 29, 2 to3:30 p.m.Entering K­grade 3. Actor, musi­cian and theater arts educator

Edward Paul will teach this sixweek workshop where partici­pants choose a picture book toadapt into a play. Write, directand act out parts in a specialperformance on the last day!

SOUTHSIDE PRIDEJune 2014 13

•COMMUNITY CALENDAR•Southside Pride | NOKOMIS EDITION

You�can�have�all�three�editionsof�SSoouutthhssiiddee PPrriiddee deliveredfree�to�your�inbox�each�month

by�emailing�[email protected]�writing:�subscribe�ssp

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MUSIC

Gamut�Gallery�will�be� transformed� into�a�graphic�communications�hub�through�the�display�of�editionedscreen�prints�by�many�of�the�Twin�Cities’�finest�poster�designers.Sometimes�the�easiest�way�to�advertise�a�garage�sale�or�a�concert�is�to�staple�flyers�to�telephone�poles.But�in�many�U.S.�cities,�it�is�illegal�to�post�handbills�on�public�or�private�property.�These�local�ordinancesare�similar�to�anti-graffiti�laws.�Wheat�pasting�posters�is�considered�vandalism.�Property�owners�complainthat�flyers�look�“messy.”�And�yet,�our�visual�landscape�is�already�cluttered�with�corporate�advertisementson�billboards�and�bus�shelters.�If�grassroots�flyering�is�forbidden�by�law,�how�is�someone�supposed�to�findtheir� lost� cat?� How� should� political� activists� communicate� their� messages� supporting� social� change?Where�is�the�place�for�artists’�expression�in�the�public�space?From�the�psychedelic�animal�art�of�Chuck�U,� to� the�politically-charged�prints�of�alternative�arts�veteranRuthann�Godollei,�“Post�Mo’�Bills”�is�a�feast�for�the�eyes.�The�interior�of�the�gallery�will�feel�urban,�with�awall�designed�to�resemble�the�multiple� layers�of�overlapping�handbills�and�postcards�found�on�outdoornotice�boards.�Visitors�to�the�gallery�are�encouraged�to�add�their�own�messages�to�the�existing�flyers�onthe�bulletin�board.�This�will�be�a�participatory�exhibit,�one�that�challenges�civil�authorities’�warnings�to�“postno�bills.”Friday,�June�20,�7�to�11�p.m.–Opening�Night�Reception;�Exhibition�runs�through�July�16

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www.gamutgallerympls.com�•�1006�Marquette�Ave.�•�612-293-6497

BY ELAINE KLAASSEN

In mid-June, 48 childrenfrom 11 countries are landingin the Twin Cities for Songs ofHope, a unique, long-standingsummer education program.For the first three weeks of theirsix-week stay, they will plungeinto a grueling rehearsal sched-ule. The rest of the time, theywill bring outstanding musicalshows to communities through-out Minnesota and Iowa as wellas to Twin City parks and nurs-ing homes.Shona Kramer-LaBorde, a

2014 graduate of South High,has been involved in Songs ofHope since she was 11. Shestarted as a regular participantand now has graduated to vari-ous levels of responsibility as astaff member. Shona’s mom isthe program’s pianist, CherylKramer. Her mom has beenreceiving tapes (now CDs andmp3s) and transcribing musicfor the shows “forever,” saysShona.The beauty of SOH, accord-

ing to Kramer-LaBorde, is thatthe program gives childrenfrom vastly different culturesthe opportunity to know eachother as individuals and toform a unique global culture/-community. She referred vari-ous times to Songs of Hope as a“culture.” Throughout the year,the majority of kids keep up,she said, and their worlds getsbigger. “If there’s a riot inTurkey, stereotypes and percep-tions don’t apply. It’s not just astory on the news. It’s not justwhat affects you, but what

affects your global friends.” The key word, she says, is

“together.” The fact that they domusic and theater is kind ofarbitrary, she feels. For exam-ple, they could be gatheringhere to learn about globalcuisines, to study ecologicalsystems of the Mississippi, or tobuild geodesic bird houses, butthe main thing is to work onsomething together. Kids don’tneed previous musical experi-ence to be accepted.Kramer-LaBorde likes living

“like a family” with Songs ofHope participants. Since thechildren are underage, theytravel with adults, who partici-pate in the educational experi-ence. Many of the adult com-panions are former “Hopers.”And many former adult com-

panions are now on staff. All ofthem (including founders/-directors Jeanne Junge andTom Surprenant) stay in adorm at St. Thomas University.They share chores, eat togetherand hang out during their sparetime. A cook on staff preparesfood for them, but everyonetakes turns doing dishes. Withaccess to Skype and a plethoraof new friends, nobody gets toohomesick. Now, in 2014, mostkids speak English. Back in theearly years when they didn’t,they could rely on their adultcompanions, who served asinterpreters. Or, as Surprenantobserved, they had no troublecommunicating just naturally

as kids do, through sign lan-guage.“If exchange programs were

good for adults, why wouldn’tthey work for kids?” Travelingabroad was what gave Junge andSurprenant the idea to createSOH, in 1991. They knew howprofoundly their travels hadimpacted their world view.Everyone they ever met who’dbeen in an exchange programfelt that meeting people ofother cultures had changed andbroadened their outlook. So,Surprenant and Junge envi-sioned a kind of ideal educationfor the world of tomorrow.Junge was immersed in the-

ater, both as an actor and direc-tor. Surprenant had workedwith Outward Bound and knewthe value of experiential educa-tion. He’s also a lawyer whoknows how to write grants, notto mention how to run a soundsystem as well as build sets andprops (out of recycled materi-als, of course). Their back-grounds merged. Their visionwas clear: To make a differencein how people can interact.Besides being talented, the

two work hard, they are organ-ized (Tom, busy on his comput-er during the first half of ourinterview, explains, “The granthas to be in at 4:30, not 4:35.”)and they are problem-solvers.They also exude a lightness ofbeing and have the ability toconnect with the right people.Their success is, therefore, notsurprising.The program continues to

grow. This year there are nearlytwice as many countriesinvolved as the first year.Altogether over the 23 years ofSOH’s existence, 35 countrieshave been represented. SomeHopers are talking about start-ing SOH’s in Singapore, Turkeyand New Orleans. SOH hasbeen a five-time semifinalistconsidered for a National Artsand Humanities Youth Program

Award. The parent organiza-tion, Sounds of Hope, Ltd., hasother offspring, the latest ofwhich is the GLOBAL REACH™Arts & Cultural Camp, a new,two-week program for youngteenagers, which opens inAugust.Seventeen concerts are

already scheduled for this sum-mer. (Times and places are list-ed at Songs of Hope’s website.)Local musicians such as vocaldirector Melvin Carter III, gui-tarist David Burk, percussionistAngel Diaz, and keyboardistCheryl Kramer, from thePowderhorn neighborhood,will again run the rehearsals,create arrangements, learn themusic shared by the childrenand help the others learn it. “It’sa collaborative effort,” saysKramer. Usually, the music thechildren bring is traditionalfolk music, but once in a whileit’s something like Turkishtechno funk. All the music issecular. About half the songsare from the countries repre-sented and half are songspicked by music-lovers Jungeand Surprenant.Shona says there is “nothing

like it [Songs of Hope]. It’s oneof the places where I’m mosthappy and consistent. Evenwhen I’m stressed, I’m neversad.” She says that within twoweeks everyone becomes reallygood friends.The most difficult part of the

program is saying good-bye. Aglobal family has been created.Participants and their familiesbecome friends and sometimeshelp each other with travelexpenses (SOH has scholarshipsto help with tuition but notwith airfare). Because email andSkype now make it so easy,Surprenant and Junge keep intouch with many “Hopers”throughout the year.See www.soundsofhope.org

for more about this singularentity.

Songs of Hope sharpens cultural perceptions

Shona�Kramer-LaBorde

SOUTHSIDE PRIDE

HOME IMPROVEMENT & MORESouthside Pride | NOKOMIS EDITION

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