St. Paul Issues Forum list members know me as the co-founder of Support Our Schools, a non-profit organization that supports public education in St. Paul and works for its improvement. My most recent post was an overview of the upcoming budget cycle in the St. Paul Public Schools as the district wrestles with a projected $24.3 million budget deficit.
I am also a published writer and will read from my newest short story, "What Christopher Wants for Christmas," to benefit an area food shelf. The reading will take place on Monday, evening, December 20, at the Hillcrest Recreation Center auditorium, 1974 Ford Parkway, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The reading is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Branch Library and The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. The reading is a benefit for Keystone Community Services food shelves, whose service area includes the western portion of St. Paul. Audience members are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items such as canned goods, macaroni and cheese, crackers, chips, rice and condiments. Nonperishable ethnic food donations are also encouraged. Audience members may also write check payable to Keystone Community Services, noting "for food shelf" on the memo line. "We are excited to be working with Roger on this event," says Roberta Reberts, basic needs program manager for Keystone Community Services. "Holidays always place increased demands on food shelves." "What Christopher Wants For Christmas," was published in the December 15 edition of the Highland Villager, a biweekly newspaper that serves neighborhoods in western St. Paul, Mendota Heights and South Minneapolis. The story is the seventh annual holiday-themed story about the fictional Bartholomew family of Pinehurst Avenue that I have published in the Villager. The first story appeared in 1997. I'll also be discussing the origin and evolution of the series. This is a case of life imitating art, Last year's story incorporated giving to a food shelf into the plot. This year, we're hoping that Villager readers and our audience will support those who need the help of this food shelf. I am also the author of The Treasure Hunt, a popular novel based on the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Pioneer Press Medallion Hunt. Copies of that book will be on sale at the reading with all proceeds going to the food shelf. Roger Barr Merriam Park _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
