The Northland Anti-War Coalition is collecting  donations of tools and building materials for Cuba as part of a nationwide challenge to the 50-year US blockade. The aid will help ongoing efforts to rebuild some 500,000 homes damaged during the 2008 hurricane season; and send a collective statement against Washington’s cruel and failed Cuba policy.

Provided our aid isn’t seized by US border agents, it will be received and distributed by a non-governmental council of Cuban religious leaders.

Pastors for Peace, the group sponsoring the blockade challenge, will visit Duluth on July 6. Between now and then, you can leave donations at the Duluth Labor Temple (2002 London Road) or Peace Church (1111 N 11th Ave E). We can use almost any new or gently used carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry tools/supplies, as well as new safety equipment (dust masks, etc). You can check out a complete needs list and details here.

A Winter Downpour is very excited to be hosting some excellent bands from Minneapolis on Friday over at Beaner’s Central. Dave Mehling and The Fontanelles will be sharing the stage with us and the Duluth debut of Minneapolis favorites  Communist Daughter. Hope to see you there.

Friday June 18th
Beaner’s Central
08pm | All Ages | $5
+ A Winter Downpour
+ Communist Daughter
+ The Fontanelles

Does anyone know if there is a place in town one could purchase laminating pouches and lanyards?

Thank you.
duluthdesigned @ gmail.com

International Explorations is bringing its Treasure Adventure to Duluth this summer from July 24 through August 8 and is looking for a variety of volunteers for this fun event on Duluth’s beautiful waterfront.

Volunteers are guaranteed to have a BLAST at this gig for kids of all ages featuring  real treasure from land and sea discoveries around the world!

Places everyone: We need people – from pre-event set builders and setup crew, to pirate-actor volunteers, technical event producers and guest services. There is definitely a place for you at Treasure Adventure.

Check out ZCWAVO.com for more details on Crew Descriptions and Volunteer Incentives or call 218/249-0737.

The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse in Superior will be offering advocacy training the week of June 21. This training is comprised of various sessions preparing volunteers to provide advocacy to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

CASDA is currently seeking candidates interested in volunteering in all capacities of our organization including the areas of on-site childcare, office assistance, client transportation, and on-call direct advocacy.

Individuals interested in serving as direct service advocates or with interest in volunteering in another capacity should contact CASDA volunteer coordinator Walter Raschick at 715-392-3136.

So yesterday, about 2pm, my husband is up on the roof cleaning gutters and I’m acting as a totally ineffective spotter. I look at the sky and I see six fighter jets accompanying, or being accompanied by, one really big plane. They were high up, like the same height that you see a passenger jet traveling, and they were heading I think southwest (but I’m really bad at that kind of thing).

Did anyone else see this? My two thoughts are: the Blue Angels were in Eau Claire last weekend, but why would they have been way the heck up here? And two, could it have been Air Force One or Air Force Two? Do they travel with that many jets?

Anyway, it was cool.

This weekend, June 12 and 13, I am having an Estate Sale from 9am to 4pm. On Sunday from 2-4pm I will be giving away what is left to anyone who says they saw this post on PDD.

Sale includes: Vintage furniture, clothing and costumes. As well as misc. household, garden, tools, and electronics. Sorry not a lot of kids stuff but we will be giving away whatever toys we do have.

1119 N. Sixth Ave. E. Just up from Grant School.

Cream colored electric stove for sale. In great condition, but one burner needs some minor re-wiring. Other than that it works fine. It’s yours for just $200!

Monday, 7:30 PM, Zelda Theater in the Depot

In 1954 the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the integration of segregated schools in America, including their events. In 1970 the town of Charleston, Mississippi, finally allowed black students into their one high school. White parents refused to integrate the school Graduation Dance, starting a tradition of separate, parent-organized White Proms and Black Proms. In 2008, it changed. “Prom Night in Mississippi” follows the disturbing, surprising, and hope filled steps to the first integrated prom at Charleston High School.

This is the second in the series of three “Free Movie Mondays” offered by the Duluth Art Institute. Tour the exhibit “National Geographic Greatest Portraits” for free from 6:30 to 7:30 then join everyone in the Depot’s Zelda Theater for a movie that provides a portrait of racism in our country today.