All posts in the topic "Listing With Crime Block Party" at Dyna's (Short link)
Summary
- There are 26 posts — by 17 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Anissa Hollingshead at Aug 08 02:27 UTC
I wonder why Dyna thinks we would give barbecue to the criminals? I was not
talking about a CCP-Safe kumbaya "Can't we all just get along" doings. I don't
mind sharing my bulgogi with friends, but forget the feely touchy with
criminals. The idea is to move them along not make nice with them.
The Vets are a great idea. So is the Volvo "Safari" armed with cameras and cell
phones. In thinking about the "Convoy" I agree with the people who off-list
contacted me to ask WHY I did not include Toyota Prius in that group. Have the
Mayor lead that group. After all he claims, and takes pride in, ALL the
successful things he is doing to address the street crime that some think
afflicts these communities.
Dyna, the purpose is to bring attention to your block and to "HELP" your block,
NOT cure every problem you have. To suggest organizing success, and give people
an understanding of possibilities, not stay.
I think I still have a street barricade, so we can just have a street party in
front of Dyna's. Invite her to join us, but the party is for the whole block,
not just Dyna. We in Ventura Village have been successful in fighting our crime
epidemic, Whittier has had success. No reason we can't help Dyna's block or
blocks.
Last night I was at a party and sat with two ladies and discussed the success
that they have had on the West-Side of St.Paul ( Selby Dale was the Metro's
first drug war zone and just as bad as North Minneapolis.) Those ladies have
been very successful in their community. Why? Partly because they do not stop.
The one lady was assaulted and beat up two months ago but was still very active
with no thought of quiting. Their Cinco De Mayo and street car parade bring
hundreds of thousands of people into the community. Those ladies from St. Paul
are eager to come join the party.
I was thinking Friday August 22nd might be a good afternoon to have our first
annual "Good People Meet and Greet Barbecue". That gives us time to enlist some
other good activist for the party.
In addition to the people mentioned how about Nikki doing the "Volvo's", can't
forget Carol Pass, Barb Lickness, and anyone else we can think of. It doesn't
need a lot of organizing. Anyone think we should invite the politicians? Some
of them are "List Members". We could have the good people walk us around the
block and point out the "Bad" places that need "work" then set the Weber's up
at a friendly house, light the charcoal and have some good food and
conversation. A few Weber's burning corn or meat, coolers of brewskies or Pop,
and sit around and be neighborly for a few hours. Maybe have the "Critical
Mass" folks ride by. That would really bring a bunch of cops to Dyna's
neighborhood.
We could pick a different community each year to have the same party. Taking a
couple of blocks a year will not change the world, but it does plant the seed
that might grow. And besides, we need an excuse for a party anyway. Make a new
friend in another community. Nothing like sitting on someone's front porch,
sipping a brew and eating some Bulgogi or barbecue with the person who lives
there to make people want to keep that place as part of our larger community.
Who knows it might make you drive by ever so often with your cell phone ready
and report any criminal you see.
Remember, it is "Block By Block". We take the City one block at a time, and
hold it. That block becomes the center of empowerment for the areas that
surround it. Dyna claims her's is the worst in the area so it should be a great
one to have a party on. There is NO block that the good people of Minneapolis
can't take and hold if we want to. And that includes the one at 3rd and Fourth.
Hey Dyna, can you break out the bike and sidecar? Give some rides and point out
the "bad places". I have always wanted to ride in a sidecar.
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village
Wise sayings
We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be
A Cherokee Feast of Days
The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
- Thomas Jefferson
I am a fellow northsider, a few blocks away in the Jordan neighborhood, I live
at 27th/Newton. I am interested in helping and attending this meet and greet.
I think it would be fun, beneifical for all. I will definitely bring some good
food/beverage to share, but I can also help in the prep - I can photocopy and
deliver flyers, I can help to get the block closed off for the afternoon - I
can help get some Jordan peeps over to Hawthorne.
Is the date set for 8/22?
-Megan G.
Jordan
Count me in!
I am in as well. Rides in the side car sound like uber fun! We can bring
whatever is needed. Whoever is organizing, let us know the details
(time/location) and I will pass the word around on the Powderhorn group.
Sara in Powderhorn
Good show Megan and Barb,
I think the 22nd will do nicely. Start at about 5:30 or 6:00 and go till
whenever. That way we can use Saturday as a backup rain day if necessary. I
will call the St.Paul girls to make sure they have that date set aside. I am
sure Guy and many more List members will be there also. But no matter what
Dyna, some of us will be there if the creeks don't rise. (if they do we will be
there Saturday)
Megan, go ahead and get the block closed off, but we will have to leave room
for the bicycles and that side car ride. (I know what gas costs so I will bring
along a gas can for the bike.) I will also check to see if I can get some of my
neighbors who have a rock band to come. They got like $1500 to play a set at
the lumber jack thing but they might do this one for the party. I think there
music is a "little" above 85 db so someone might call the police. LOL
I will also bring my Weber, five, six (or more), pounds of bulgogi (Korean
barbecue), a case diet cola and a case of undiet Modelo. Probably a bunch of
corn to throw on the fire au-natural after the meat.
So Nikki, how about the "Volvo Marauders" convoy from your area? I'll bring
some good chilled white wine and cheese if it can come. If no one actually owns
a Volvo I will send a son in mine and bring you. (you can have some bulgogi and
a Modelo and we won't tell)
You know Dyna, you are just going to have to smile and have fun. Your block got
picked so you might as well make the best of it, cause we are going to have a
party.
In fact this would be fun to do each Spring and Fall. Like the "Ten Most
Wanted" we identified each month to go after when running drug dealers off of
Franklin we identify the "Two Most Wanted and Needed" blocks each year and have
a party to celebrate the greater effort that will be made to secure them for
the City of Minneapolis. I have been to some of Don Samuel's "vigils" for slain
North Minneapolis people. Those are sad affairsand speak of failure of our
City. It is about time we start having celebrations about the re-birth of our
Minneapolis communities instead. National Night Out is great and we should all
participate in our home community, but it is general in nature and sometimes we
need to focus a few times a year on the places that needthe support,so people
know that all of Minneapolis cares about ALL of our communities.
Remember Dyna, it might not fix the whole thing but the walk of the longest
mile starts with a single step. Let's light that one little candle and take
that tiny step forward towards the light. And have a party doing it!
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village
Words of Wisdom:
"Advances are made by those with at least a touch of irrational
confidence in what they can do."
"You may never know what results come from your action.
But if you do nothing, there will be no result."
We're in on it. Dyna are you in town the Third week in August? Hawthorne has a
grill I'm out of town this week and most of next week.
Will check email when we get back.
Joan Thom
Hawthorne
I have it on my calendar - 8/22 early eve. I am not suggesting a
barbecue will fix the problem, but I will go if it is on Dyna's block. I
think it would be worthwhile just to meet and socialize with the folks who
have participated in this discussion online.
I just looked her house up on HennCo and did the aerial view. There are a
lot of likely spots for it. Since she lives on the freeway frontage, she
doesn't have a long 2-sided avenue block, but she does live across from
public housing on the short street block, and there are plenty of houses all
around. Next door is what appears to be a vacant lot, maybe part of her
property, and we can have it there. Dyna - let us know...
If we get this pinned down, I will make a little invitation and go
door-to-door that afternoon if I can get some back up. Maybe I should do a
little recon in my VW Dasher (no Volvo) before I commit to that.
Nikki Carlson
Linden Hills
I will be there....if Dyna's area is as bad as she says I'll offer a
sincere apology and then help her out.
Hey, let's get the "Top 10" list from courtwatch and see if we recognize
anyone.
I may have missed it, but did Dyna ever say okay? Last post I saw had
her on her way out of town.
Jessica Wicks
Sheridan, NE Mpls
Although i am new to the list and this is my first time commenting, I have been reading 75% of the posts and i think that it would be excellent if this BBQ event was coordinated with the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council. They MAY BE ABLE to provide you with their grill aka "the mobile block party" free of charge and POSSIBLY some money (i.e. reimbursement) for food form their General Mills neighborhood fund, but you HAVE TO TALK TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION. ATTN: Bryan Worra, Communications Director http://www.hawthornecommunity.org/ 2944 Emerson Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-529-6033 Office 612-529-0218 Fax <email obscured> There are several board members who live in Dyna's area and I'm sure that they would love to partner with you. They are also having a NNO event on 4th and 6th near a board members house, so come on over and join in the fun! I've added the e-mail address for HNC executive committee so that they are aware that i at least mentioned the above options to you. I wish you luck with your event, I will be on vacation in Chicago so i will not be able to attend, but it's nice to know that there are neighbors all across the city who are willing to come to the aid of another like this. I don't agree with the majority of the assessments that have been put forth with regards to the nature of the Hawthorne neighborhood or North Minneapolis in general. However i am pleased that folks are banning together in order to DO SOMETHING about a situation that they previously felt powerless to deal with on their own. Terra Cole Hawthorne (Former Hawthorne Board Chair, MPLS EZ Board Member and Northside Marketing Task Force Board member)
Count me in - I will bring the spanakopita!
Connie Nompelis
Central Neighborhood
Greetings,
How big do we want to make this thing? I am thinking that maybe here is a
chance
for us to really get to know each other and appreciate some perspectives that
we don't
always get to hear and maybe don't listen to closely enough.
I am thinking, specifically, of three groups of people; ex-offenders, veterans
and those
who are or have been homeless. I think that mis-perceptions of one another keep
us
apart and impede both understanding and collaboration. Maybe this is a chance
to
do something new and different and for all of us to help in a way that will
make all of
our lives better. That is what interests me.
Guy Gambill
(Northeast)
I really hate to be the stick in the mud here, because I think this
gathering is an awesome idea, but last I heard Dyna was leaving town
and had nixed the idea as anything that would work. So let me ask
again, has anyone confirmed with Dyna that it is okay to have a
barbeque at Dyna's place?
Jessica Wicks
Sheridan, NE Mpls
If Dyna doesn't want to do this then we find a park or similar venue nearby and
do it
anyway. This still is a chance to do something. For the first time in 5 years
we have
a bunch of people, many of whom usually disagree with one another, agreeing to
come together to maybe figure a few things out in a better way. We can still do
that,
with or without Dyna, can we not?
Guy Gambill
(Northeast)
This whole idea came about because Dyna constantly complained about her block
in so lugubrious a fashion as to set teeth on edge. But if Dyna doesn't care
enough about her block to be there for an event designed to help her and her
neighbors take the block back for those who are not involved in murder and
mayhem, then it was not a cry for help, just a request for maid service.
Right on Guy! When I first made the suggestion, and said I would be there, I
think I said it was for the community - not just Dyna. We need to do this for
Minneapolis. Dyna and her block are a part of that "Minneapolis". In a later
post I suggested that we on the Issues List might consider doing this a couple
of times a year in different impacted neighborhoods. The effort is not just for
Dyna, though I certainly hope she is there, the effort is for our City, our
community, and for "US".
It also seems a great excuse for a fun "Meet and Greet" party. We do not need
to do it in a park. We should do it on the street and side walk in front of
real homes. The idea is to take the caring to the neighborhood - to the places
we live.
Still, I sure hope Dyna comes with her motorcycle side-car. I have always
wanted a ride in one of them things. Come on Dyna, it is not a surprise party
and you should be there for your community. But if you cannot make it we will
understand and have fun anyway.
Tonight I was reminded of just how much a community could change. If onlypeople
had the courage to change it. I watched and talked to a Native painter, Lisa
Brown, while she painted a wonderful piece of art at a site where a serial
killer murdered and raped a Native woman several years ago .
This huge mural is to be unveiled at the Ventura Village Art Fair on Franklin
Avenue on August 17. Lisa had shown her concept to the family of the victim's
to make sure they approved of the concept. That work is a cultural bridge that
allows others from different cultures to come to some understanding of the
values and historical culture of the Ojibwe people.
The art work also symbolizes another "bridge". The bridge from a time when fear
stalked the streets along Franklin to today. To a time when aneighborhood has
changed itself so much through the cooperative efforts of its own people that
it is sometimes called the "Miracle on Franklin". List readersmight want to
stop by and watch Lisa work, and to hear her tell the "story" or her work. It
is at 18th Street and 16th Avenue.
Sometimes we need a catalyst to spark that change. Bringing people from all
over Minneapolis to show they care might just be that spark. Through that small
connection it also gives an added commitment to that community, and to all of
Minneapolis.The reward for each person participating may only be a good time,
but itmight also be rewarding to know that you are one of that band of good
people who care enough to make ALL of Minneapolisinto "OUR" community. We CAN
make Minneapolis a "Quality" community.
Guy, the Vets, the homeless, and even some of us ex-offenders (whether
adjudicated or not) are all a part of OUR community, and ALL good people should
be welcome. Heck, I might even invite some police officers and politicians. A
bunch of them are even "Good People".By golly, I tinksome are even List
Members!
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village
"We measure the quality of our community by the way we provide for our
children, our elders and our handicapped. It should beour intent to build
community by laying a foundation on such principles and to organize its
structure to guarantee the safety and happiness of our most vulnerable."
- Gem
A reminder on the date and location would be appreciated. If I can make it,
I'll show up my sidecar rig too.
I just spent last night on my sidecar rig in St. Louis Park driving McGruff
the Crime Dog (a police Explorer in a McGruff costume) to 27 block parties
in three hours. There they call it "Neighborhood Night Out".
Kevin Wynn, Dad
Minneapolis, MN
2005 Ural Tourist - "Tpehora"
Jim, you folks are of course welcome to request a permit for a block
party anywhere in the city. But please remember that after you leave
your BBQ in the 'hood for safer environs, anyone who lives here and
is associated with an anti-crime event may be the target of
retaliation from the criminals who outnumber us. Thusly I'd suggest
you hold your event at some neutral venue such as a park. Given that
our neighborhood group's leader has had his vehicle torched recently
and other activists have had their vehicles vandalized also, this is
a valid concern for those of us who can't go home to safer
neighborhoods after your couple hour long picnic.
As for my sidecars, they'll probably be in Starbuck if not the
Dakotas for the next few months, as will I be. Looking at last week's
crime map, I note a rape as well as a robbery of person on my block.
The rape is especially troubling, as the broken windows and
miscellaneous "fiddling" I'd found around my place is typical of the
"stalking" behavior of a career sex offender. MPD has not told us if
the rapist(s) are in custody, so I don't intend to be home to be the
rapist(s) next victim. We had a great time at Farmfest yesterday and
at the local DFL's on the farm picnic afterwards, made us wonder why
we ever come back to Minneapolis. Unfortunately we had to shuffle
some vehicles around after my Starbuck host's car died the other
night so I'm back in Minneapolis. Given that there's probably a
rapist AND a robber loose on my block, and maybe more than one of
each, I'm headed back to Starbuck tomorrow and probably won't be back
anytime soon.
And Guy, we have quite enough (ex) offenders in North Minneapolis,
no need to bring more. You're welcome to bring the vets though, and
it'd be great if some of them would move in and scare the criminals
out. In fact, what we need to save the Northside is not another feel
good event, but good folks coming up here and chasing the criminals
out. There are some great buys in foreclosed homes up here, and if
you're willing to do battle with the gangbangers and the city they'd
make a great investment. But it appears that most folks on this list
would rather criticize Northsiders for fleeing this crime infested
corner of Minneapolis than move up here themselves...
So have fun, and make sure you drag a few politicians to your
event... the police protection you'll need will usually follow the
politicians.
stuck in Hawthorne tonight,
Dyna Sluyter
The Date is August 22, 2008. The time 5:00PM until sometime later when people
get tired and go home. The place to be determined. If we have to we can use a
park, but perhaps we can a Dyna neighbor to invite us to do it on THEIR street.
Bring your Weber, something to put on it and a cooler with something in it and
get to know some folks. I personally plan on bulgogi and ears of corn, but
different strokes for different folks. (And a trash bag for the leavings)
I believe that if someone might be threatened that someone might 'splain to the
offender that someone catching even a small cold might result in the offender
catching a major case of pneumonia. Such a prognosis and explanation I have
found in the past to be very effective in helping with an "understanding". It
is sometimes amazing how helpful frank communication can be in reaching an
"understanding".
As for Kevin, please do bring the "side car". I would love a ride in one.
Several other people have expressed excitement to me, off list, at the prospect
of a ride in one. I am sorry that Dyna might not be able to be there with hers.
I have often admired Dyna and her side car as she shows up at events on her
bike. "I don't want a pickle, I just want to ride that moto-cycle"; side car
that is.
Some of the people who say they are coming are NOT going home to "safer"
neighborhoods afterwords. And Dyna, several, and I should say many, of us have
lived through years of what you have described. Myself,Carol Pass, Shirley
Hyer, Robert Cook, just to mention a few from my area, and many, many others
from around the City. One thing we all agree on, being afraid simply makes you
a victim and almost guarantees that your fears will be realized sooner or
later. Remember, the wolves only eat cattle when they run. Not even a lion
dares tackle a heard when it stands together and faces the threat. Human beings
learned this a couple of hundred thousand years ago. Mutual support is what
creates community, valuing each good person is what allows for a quality
community.
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village
We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be
A Cherokee Feast of Days
I strongly urge folks to contact the neighborhood organization. They have great resources and will be able to help. They have a HUGE grill and may be able to provide reimbursement for food and what not. I can guarantee you that once you come over here especially to the park you will be pleasantly surprised. Hawthorne is not a "war zone" and our park is more than utilized. The communications director is: ATTN: Bryan Worra, Communications Director http://www.hawthornecommunity.org/ 2944 Emerson Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-529-6033 Office 612-529-0218 Fax <email obscured> Again I would suggest that if an event does take place that folks talk with the Hawthorne neighborhood organization. They could help with the grill and reserving the space at the park as well as provide you with a forum for conversation and support. I know that the New ED would come out as well as executive committee and board Members and they have the pull to possibly get Diane Hofstead and maybe Don Samueles to come out if they don't have a full schedule already. There are a lot of wonderful things going on in Hawthorne and while there still may be places that are certainly a challenge, the HNC is working very hard with the 4th prescient, our elected officials and with neighbors on the ground to make this a better place for all residents. Terra Cole Hawthorne (Former Hawthorne Board Chair, MPLS EZ Board Member and Northside Marketing Task Force Board member)
Terra,
I believe you when you say the park is more than utilized. However, I agree
with Jim Graham, and the others. The idea is to help people feel safer on
their own block, in their own yards. Criminals need to see that they can't
take everything away from you, like the dignity of "living" in your own
backyard.
I am not sure if I will be working at the time of the gathering, as I am
interviewing for a part time job today. Unfortunately, in these times of
economic stress, that has to come first right now. But if I am not, I would
like to attend, and give my support. I would also like, as has been stated, to
meet other list members.
If I do attend, is it possible to catch a ride with another list member? I am
without a vehicle, and would rather not take the bus. Thanks.
Pamela Taylor
CARAG
Dear All, ***DITTO*** Terra's suggestion tocontact the Hawthorne n'assn. If you have a chance, check out their web page: http://www.hawthornecommunity.org/ This group not only can facilitate arrangements with parks/citybut has the resources and contact lists to make events like these an on-going part of the neighborhood's livability strategy. Forum Participants can 'invent' this event without 'reinventing' the procedural wheel. A good opportunity to meet the people volunteering in Hawthorne. Could be 'the beginning of a beautiful friendship'. Who would be able to contact Hawthorne? best wishes, cheryl luger nokomis east ************************************** from Terra's post: The communications director is: ATTN: Bryan Worra, Communications Director http://www.hawthornecommunity.org/ 2944 Emerson Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-529-6033 Office 612-529-0218 Fax <email obscured>
I totally agree. I can't imagine organizing such an event without
cooperation and support and direction too from the neighborhood where
the event is being held. To do otherwise strikes me as mildly
offensive.
Jessica Wicks
Sheridan, NE Mpls
As a member of the neighborhood, and we have heard from a few others as
well, I fully support this concept and am very excited and willing to work
to see it come to fruition. Thanks to Terra and Nikki for taking the
initiative to send emails to the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council to try to
get them on board and involved as well. However, I don't think the
neighborhood organization has any monopoly on acting for the neighborhood,
and whether the organization is formally involved or not, I can offer
assurances that at least part of the neighborhood is already cooperating and
in support.
I have to say that the way this event has come together is wonderful in part
because it is not about formalized structures and entities, but rather
people interested in working with other people to address some of the issues
facing us all. That is not to belittle the importance of formal
institutions, or even to say that they should not be a part of this, just
that those institutions are not at the heart of this evening on a Hawthorne
block.
When I moved to Mississippi a few years ago, my mother in law was dying of
cancer and too sick to attend church. As the daughter of a pastor myself, I
thought nothing of calling the minister of the church she had attended for
several decades and sat on the Mother Board of, and asking him to pay her a
visit. He spoke to me and all seemed fine, but he never made that visit,
and I was circuitously informed that it was improper for me to have
contacted him directly, as all communications were to go through the deacons
who would then speak to the pastor. Institutional protocol and procedure,
even when innocuous, is all too often intimidating to those not already
familiar with its nuances, and can unknowingly discourage broader
particpation. Even well intentioned neighborhood organizations have
barriers to involvement, from not knowing what to expect, who to contact, or
when they meet, among other things, and are rarely fully representative of
all their residents. I would hate to see things get hung up on making sure
'official' representatives are onboard and offering input.
All that being said, I just recently met the current Chair of HNC (and made
some strides in figuring out how the organization is set up and maybe who to
talk to), and have sent him and Bryan Worra, the Communications person for
HNC, an email as well about this occasion. I am more than willing to offer
up my own block (although my husband is unenthusiastic and somewhat
antisocial but could be worked around), but I did also ask Peter and Bryan
if there's a site around or part of the Hawthorne Eco Village project that
would make a prime spot for such a gathering. I believe that's around 31st
and 6th, in an area facing a lot of challenges and plenty of open air crime,
that would be a good spot to help 'claim' back as part of the neighborhood's
work that is already trying to get started. I believe either the city and
or the neighborhood own some vacant lots in there already that may work.
In any case, I want everyone on the list to know that this neighbor supports
and welcomes this event in our neighborhood, and I share Jim's hope this can
become an ongoing thing and I can look forward to taking what we learn and
accomplish here to another neighborhood next time. I hope everyone stays
excited, and we can firm up an exact location in the next day or two so all
that are interested can make plans to attend this meet and greet and then
some.
Anissa Hollingshead
Hawthorne