Monday, October 30th, 2000
Day 4
Today's Contact Person: Mindy Ahler-Olmstead-651.783.9609 or mindylu@bitstream.net
Webreporter/photographer- Peg LaSota
| Schedule of Activities | |
 Youth at schools with
hosts today 9:00 am: Arrive at SJA to load the
van. 9:30 am: St.
Paul Cathedral, 226 Summit Avenue, St. Paul 10:30 am: Casa de
Esperanza, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul 12 pm?: Lunch at
El Burrito Mercado, 175 Concord St, St. Paul, (651)
227-2192 1:30 pm: State
Capitol Tour and meeting with Rep. Mary J McGuire, 75
Constitution Ave., St. Paul. Meet in Rotunda(All are welcome!) 6 pm?: Take out dinner at SJA 7 pm: TNII/SJA Committee Meeting in
Library |
 |
From the steps of the Cathedral we drove on to
meet with the staff at Casa De Esperanza. This organization is
a resource center in the Twin Cities for elimination of
violence against women and children in our communities. Several
of our delegates are members of a similar facility "Women's
Ministry Program" in Guatemala. They were very interested in
what the staff had to say. We were warmly greeted as we
gathered together in conversation discussing the function of
Casa de Esperanza. Lupe Serrano, the director, also spoke to
the delegation regarding their financial support system. She
discussed the advocacy and support they receive as well as the
programs they offer and their statistics. The delegates shared
their own personal experiences and how they deal with violence
and abuse. They find their conditions a bit more primitive and
less developed. They do recognize the need to further education
and continual support. The awareness is slowly becoming more
accepted in their country. They were furnished with resources
and materials to closer connect them with Casa de Esperanza.
They were most appreciative.
Afterwards, we traveled across the river to
West St. Paul for lunch at El Burrito Mercado. We spotted a
Snoopy statue and got a quick Charles Schultz history lesson.
Of course, they ALL knew who Snoopy was! This Latino community
happened to be in Tica Hanson's old stomping grounds. She grew
up down the block and remembered when El Burrito was a small
market. With it's growth over the last 15 years El Burrito has
expanded to be THE most popular restaurant and mercado
featuring a full menu and appetizing bakery! The food was 'muy
rico' . The youth delegates met up with us and they assured me
it was 'tipico comida'!
The State capitol was next with a tour presented
by state representative Mary Jo McGuire. The tour included a
trip to the top to see the golden horses and then a seat in the
Chamber to learn the functions of the legislature.
Representative McGuire explained the procedures of voting,
representation of districts, and party representation. She even
explained some history behind the paintings and murals on the
wall. For example, Abraham Lincoln's portrait over the
Speaker's seat represented the time period when Minnesota
became a state. Mary's coverage of government was a good
overall for all of us!
