We had a wonderful dinner at Axel’s in Mendota on Jan. 26. We were seated for only a few minutes when 10 Vulcans entered the place. After they greeted all the guests, they were seated right next to us. My first thought was: “What will this be?”
Well, they were so respectful and absolutely quieter than many patrons are nowadays.
Being a retired teacher, I told them they deserved an “A” for behavior. They were on their feet, allowing their food to cool, and took a picture. When I said I was sorry I didn’t have our camera, the Fire King said, “We’ll mail you one.” Does it get any better than this?
Elaine and Jim Bryan, West St. Paul
Pushy parade-goers blocked kids’ view
TAINTED/SAINTED
The parents who, arriving at the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade too late to get curb space, placed themselves and their children on the street directly in the line of view of those who had arrived early.
My 7-year-old and the 3-year-old boy next to us, who had their little chairs parked safely on the curb for almost an hour before the parade, missed most of the parade because their view was blocked.
Most frustrating is that these self-centered adults will probably not recognize themselves as the objects of this tainting, and, sadly, their children are being taught to think only of themselves. Repeated attempts to get these families to move back were ignored and the parents proceeded to dance and yell and have a good time, while the two kids they prevented from enjoying the parade sat dejected as the other parents’ kids got all the handouts and a great view of the parade, even though they arrived only minutes before the start.
On the other hand, a sainting to the great city of St. Paul for hosting another super Winter Carnival — great fun and warmth to look forward to in the dead of winter.
Deb Costanzo, St. Paul
SAINTED
The gentleman who so kindly gave me a $10 gift certificate to Cub Foods. I was packing my groceries at the Woodbury Cub Foods, and this kind soul said he would not be using the card.
Who wouldn’t be pleased to get $10 off his or her grocery bill? I promise to take your kindness and pay it forward.
Kathy Hiner, Woodbury
SAINTED
On Dec. 29, we suddenly lost our 6-week-old son — Aiden James. We are greatly thankful to the East Side police, fire and ambulance crews for arriving at our home in less than two minutes. Very big thanks to the 911 operator (I didn’t get a name) who walked me through CPR until help could arrive.
Really big thanks to all who helped arrange and provided funds and their love and support for the funeral and burial of Aiden.
Cynthia Doria, St. Paul
SAINTED
The lady and gentleman who paid for our bingo prizes at the Maplewood Dollar Tree.
I lost track while choosing the residents’ favorite items and went over my budget. These nice people volunteered to pay for the rest of my items. Thanks again from the recreation department and the residents of Good Samaritan in Maplewood.
Tami Dodor, Somerset, Wis.
SAINTED
I had a bad accident on I-35E after hitting some black ice. My car did a 180 and hit the median, unfortunately striking two other cars in the process. It was rush hour, and people were on their way home after a long day of work. I was shaken. However, a woman passing by who witnessed the accident is the purpose for my letter.
Steph Howe, who I learned is married with three kids and works at Byerly’s, was my saving grace that evening. She stayed with me through my car being towed and the state troopers arriving; she reminded me to do things like keep warm (by offering her vehicle) and to get my garage door opener from my car. She even gave me a ride to pick up my daughter, delaying her own daily reunion with her kids.
Thank you, Steph, for showing me what the word “kindness” truly means.
Christine Rider, St. Paul
TAINTED/SAINTED
The “gentleman” who got into the car accident with my sister.
Black ice caused the accident, but after you acted in a threatening manner to my sister, she was more concerned about your well-being and that of your passenger.
And a sainting to the woman who stopped to help my sister after her car was totaled and she was very shaken up. You were kind enough to let her sit in your car while the “gentleman” ran his mouth, and then nice enough to get her over to my sister’s house. You have the gratitude of our whole family.
Bill Sarafolean, Forest Lake
SAINTED
Bert and Gayle Blyleven. Bert gave a talk at the Mounds View Diamond Club banquet on Jan. 25, and he and his wife, Gayle, showed up an hour and a half early to attend the silent auction preceding the dinner and mingle with players and attendees.
After his talk, Bert stayed, autographing photos he had brought until everyone was satisfied and then signed baseballs for the wait staff.
During this time, Gayle talked amiably with all who approached her. They stayed until 10:30, not leaving until the crowd had dispersed. They were very gracious and represented professional athletes, the Twins organization and themselves very well. Thanks again, Bert and Gayle.
Bruce Wynkoop, Shoreview
SAINTED
The West 7th Street Boys Club. This wonderful group of gentlemen have “adopted” many families over the years and have provided Thanksgiving meals, as well as Christmas gifts and meals.
Without the generosity of this group, many children would not have had gifts under the tree at this Christmas. They also have recognized other groups, such as my son’s baseball team, who after winning their city championship game, were treated to pizza for the whole team.
Sheri Steiner, St. Paul
SAINTED
Minnesota Nice on a cold day in Hugo: My son was involved in an accident while riding his snowmobile. Here is a shout-out to the off-duty paramedics, on their way to a snowmobiling vacation in Michigan, who stopped to aid him on their day off. Bless you.
Mary Ruzek, White Bear Township
SAINTED
Where else but in South St. Paul would a bank president and vice president be in the kitchen cooking chili all day to help a family in need?
Big thanks to Bruce Reucker and Ed Rosenberger from Key Community Bank for their efforts in the fundraiser for the Francis Family Fire Benefit on Jan. 16.
Because of their hard work and friendship, the event was a huge success. They really put community in their bank name.
Jimmy Francis, South St. Paul
TAINTED
I hate to taint somebody, but — to the driver of the big white, extended-cab Chevy pickup — you deserve it.
As a driver, no matter how loud and long you honk your horn at me, I am very unlikely to cut across opposing traffic at a stoplight to make a left turn. It is an offense called “failure to yield the right of way” and an expensive ticket. I am also very unlikely to make a turn with pedestrians in the crosswalk. Besides being a civic responsibility, it also is another expensive ticket I don’t wish to get. Perhaps the phone up to your face blocked your vision of these conditions.
I will assume that maybe you were just having a bad day and this is not your normal demeanor, and perhaps you would be embarrassed by, or apologetic for, your behavior.
Please drive carefully around St Paul. The families and people here will thank you.
M.J. Rook, St. Paul
SAINTED
My daughter and I were able to enjoy a swim meet at Woodbury High School on Jan. 20 because of the outstanding coordinating efforts of the Woodbury staff.
Her nephew — my grandson — was a Cretin-Derham Hall participant. We each have a walking handicap and are unable to watch such a meet from bleacher seating.
Thank you for the “royal” treatment, starting with a student opening an entrance door to the school for us. We were escorted to the ticket area and on to poolside for waterproof seating. Special thanks to Woodbury teacher Jo Lerud and to swim coach Rick Light, who helped to make it possible.
In this era of cynicism, it was refreshing to learn that Woodbury High School has staff and students who truly care.
Carolyn Paul, St. Paul
SAINTED
I want to thank St. Andrew’s Church and staff for the wonderful senior Christmas luncheon on Dec. 16.
The lunch was delicious, and we also enjoyed the entertainment by the Mahtomedi High School Chamber Choir, directed by Robert Pontius.
Also, a big thank you to HSI transportation and the St. Andrew’s volunteer bus drivers for the transportation to and from the church.
Mary Christianson, Mahtomedi
Copyright 2009 Pioneer Press.
