NNN Charrette on Saturday
I live in the Near Northside neighborhood and am looking forward to the charrette this weekend regarding the $20,000 grant we received from the Community Foundation and the Knight Foundation to make improvements.
However, I was a little dismayed--perhaps discouraged--by Tu-Yuen Tran's article in the paper today. I don't know if it's me misunderstanding his tone, or whether it's the person he interviewed, but the article made the neighborhood I live in sound as if it was Dresden after the war.
There are a few run down houses with junk in the yards--something the inhabitants of that particular house need to deal with. But the majority of the homes--even those that are rentals with college-age tenants--are inhabited by people who genuinely seem to care and want the opportunity to improve.
Peeling paint is a small problem that is easily fixed. Paint is cheap, but labor, however, is not.
What I did like about Tran's article is that he mentioned how many of the residents can't physcially perform the work and can't afford the cost of paying someone to do it for them.
I also am interested in hearing what my neighbors think would be a good idea for the neighborhood--some people suggest we need a community hub. Some have indicated that something similar to the LaGrave Center would be ideal; however, I'm not certain if that meets our demographics of NNN.
There are a number of vacant lots that the community could build on--but a $20,000 grant isn't going to be enough to do it--so we would have to consider renovating or repurposing an older, preexisting building.
Wilder is an obvious option, but I don't want to see the elementary school disappear. Perhaps, we could allocate just a few classrooms . . .
But I am getting ahead of myself. I want to hear what others think before I start flapping my jaw too much! :)
Hope to see all my neighbors at the Town House this Saturday. And with our hectic schedule (getting the kiddo out the door), I'm glad that they're providing breakfast, too!
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 5/15/2008 at 9:30 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
What does an old paint and venison have in common?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Dakota Department of Health a studying the risk of consuming wild game harvested with lead bullets.
The study is set to begin on May 16 and will test the blood lead levels, comparing blood lead levels of people who eat venison with the lead levels of those who dont. Anyone may participate, whether they eat wild game or not.
You'll recall that the Herald and WDAZ reported that the ND Department of Health required food banks to discard donated venison for fear of lead contamination.
In a press release today, Dr. Terry Dwelle, State health officer noted:
This study is an important opportunity to help us understand whether swallowing lead bullet fragments causes increased levels of lead in the blood.Were hopeful that the study will give us information on which we can base any future recommendations.
During the study, which will be conducted on the GF Public Health Dept. (151 S. 4th St. Suite N301) May 16, and May 19 through 22 from 8 a.m. 12 p.m., CDC and the Department of Health researchers will conduct 10 minute interviews and take blood samples to test lead levels. Participating in the study is free of charge and all participants will receive their results in the mail. Preliminary results of the study are expected to be acquired prior the fall hunting season.
Information: Department of Health
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 5/13/2008 at 9:16 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Basset hounds, ear infections and no sleep
Anyone know how to kick a stubborn ear infection?
I've been battling with Buddy's double-ear infection for six weeks now--scrubbing his ears with a special wash, swabbing out the funk, using special medicated drops--all while he struggles and squirms and whimpers and whines until the whole ordeal is over and my socks are soaked with nasty ear-cleaning solution and wax.
I know bassets can be prone to ear infections (long ears always dragging in everything), but this is a real pain. At the vet's this morning, he was a real jerk as he wriggled from their grip while they, too, tried to clean out his nasty ears. He wanted to kill me (figuratively speaking)--I could see it in his big sad eyes. So I bought him some animal by-product chewy thing as a treat afterwards.
The vet's own rottweiler saw the treat on the counter and instantly became jealous, her big brown eyes looked longingly at the woman behind the counter until Dr. Gossard gave in and let her have her own. Cute dog.
Anyway, so after the vet's office, I got to go home and get ready again for work, since I was covered in muck from the visit--matted clumps of fur and wet slop--ugh.
On a brighter note (not really), I'm exhausted today because we went to Fargo to visit my folks for Mother's Day. Emerson, who is 9 mos. old now, doesn't do well with any shift in her schedule, so I found myself driving her around the Prairiewood Golf Course and nearby neighborhoods for about an hour Friday night--or should I say morning, as it was 3 a.m.--trying to get her to fall asleep.
I didn't get much sleep later that day, as my sister Jennie and brother-in-law Dusty moved into their new home in West Fargo, so we wanted to go over there and help out where we could. They have their work cut out for them as the house--which is very nice--needs a fresh coat of paint everywhere and a good deep-cleaning to get rid of the smokey smells from the family who used to live there.
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 5/12/2008 at 10:57 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Two great shirts every child should own
I must admit, I love to read the zany news on the Onion from time to time. . .
After visiting the site today, I found two T-shirts that I would love to buy for Emerson:
The first would be great for this November, and as Emerson has taken a stronger interest in fuzzy animals, the second seems to really strike a chord.
:)
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 5/09/2008 at 4:39 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
National Tourism Week = Gas Hog
I encourage you all to discover the great American traditions as a part of this year's National Tourism Week, which is sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America.
Though I am only traveling a mere 70 miles to Fargo this weekend to visit my family, I will be celebrating this great American tradition! (Wasting my hard earned money on the ever increasing cost of fuel).
Don't get me wrong--Craig and I love to travel, but I think it's interesting that there is this national campaign at a time when many families feel strapped and can't afford to enjoy the great culture that is out there.
Back in 2001, Craig and I drove his little Saturn coupe from Fargo all the way to Bar Harbor, Maine and had a blast stopping at all the little towns along the way. Once, when we lived near Denver, we drove non-stop to Dayton, Ohio to visit his family and had fun stopping at greasy diners and gift shops.
It may not have been Route 66, but you get the idea.
Even though I wouldn't want to travel (by car) that far with an infant (Emerson), I think it will be a long time before we ever make such a strenuous trip again.
Craig and I received our economic stimulus today, and we nearly have it spent already--on a few bills, mother's day gifts, and yes--a full tank of gas. Sheesh!
Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 5/09/2008 at 3:05 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
