You missed it.

Last night was the first night of Reel Politics: Cinema and Civics in my park around dusk. This lovely little educational community get together is taking the place of the much beloved Stevens Square Music and Movies in the Park this summer. Because of a cut in funding for the program an appeal went out to all residents of the neighborhood early this spring jointly from Stevens Square Community Organization and the several families/businesses that provide our rental housing in the neighborhood for donations that would be matched up to a certain dollar amount. As the result of this support from both landlords and residents and of course the SSCO Reel Politics: Cinema and Civics was born.

The music is taken care of by local djs – last night Danny Sigelman entertained the every growing crowd with his record collection despite technical difficulties – and open mic time. The civic portion of the evening is being provided by a panel of candidates for city office (library, mayor, park board) with questions from SSCO and attendees. Last night Peter McLaughlin and Dean Zimmerman were the two white guys whose names I remember - terrible of me to have forgotten already the women on the panel. Movies are being provided by Minnesota Film Arts Search and Rescue Program. They have compiled some very interesting shorts – some educational, some cartoons, some super cheesy and all downright entertaining. The community is encouraged to bring potluck items (evidently last night there was a blueberry rhubarb tart not to pass up) and hot dogs and sodas are being sold by the SSCO.

So you missed it this week – but make sure to be there next Wednesday.