A pretty interesting interview about a guy who seems to never get tired, both of work and taking his shirt off.

Our last finalist for the Cities 97 Teacher of the Year award is Mr. Gasteazoro 4th grade teacher at Glacier Hills Elementary.  He was nominated by Windflower Waters.  Here's the nomination...

"I'm entering this contest on behalf of my daughter, who is 12. Here is what she has to say about her 4th grade teacher. ------------------- I nominate Mr. Gasteazoro for "Teacher of the year" because he makes every one's day a really fun one. He brings smiles to everyone's face with his jokes and humor. He always had something new planned for the day and makes everyone feel like they could be themselves with no worries of judgement. He always makes sure each of us students try our best and are treated equally. No one would ever be left out. He encouraged me and helped me through fourth grade and making sure we were all ready and prepared for fifth grade. He really cared about all of our education and pushed us to think outside the box. I got to do many fun things in his class, like smashing my face in jello. I could never wait until school started again the next day, always wondering what Mr. Gasteazoro would teach us or show us something. We did many experiments that were so fun. One was painting a base ball, one coat a day, everyone got a turn, and we would watch the base ball grow and grow, the painted base ball had gotten pretty big since the begining of the year. He put up chalk bored on every ones locker, so we could all write something nice on someone\'s locker. Truth is, I feel super lucky that he was my teacher for fourth grade. He has made a huge impact in my life and he is a teacher I will never, ever forget. If every teacher was like him the world would be a better place. Thank you, Mr. Gasteazoro."

Congratulations to Jane Hollister of Thorp Middle School!  She is our third finalist who could be the Cities 97 Teacher of the Year. 
Thanks to Danielle for the nomination.

" My mom went back to school to be a teacher when she was 35 in order to make an impact on children who come from difficult situations or just need a little assistance completing their homework. She has always found ways to get involved in her school and stand out, whether it be the close relationships that she develops with her students and their parents, the "Happy Birthdays" she sings loud and off-key for the entire middle school to hear, or her leadership as the Thorp Middle School Student Council Advisor. Her school district is located in an economically depressed county in Wisconsin, and she immediately recognized the fact that something needed to be done to help under-privileged students and their families in the area. My mom set up the Cardinal Closet, which serves as a "Goodwill" for the community. She has worked tirelessly to take donations of cash/items to set up a repository of toiletries, undergarments, and clothes for people of all ages. The Cardinal Closet is free to utilize, and she is open a few times/week to assist those in need. Her drive and passion for helping others is humbling, and I can confidently say that my mom deserves the Teacher of the Year Award as she deserves to be recognized for the HUGE impact she has made on her students and our community!"
-Danielle

Congratulations to Jackie Polloway, World Culture and World History teacher at Coon Rapids High School for becoming our 2nd finalist for the Cities 97 Teacher of the Year Award.

"I was never the best student in high school. I had a lot of teachers that didn't take the time to help or understand me and subsequently I struggled. I was just another face amoung the sea of students. I've seen Jackie spend coutless hours inspiring her students and taking a genuine interest in their lives. She will get to know them in order to better understand them if given the chance. I've seen her loan prom dresses to students who don't have the means, give parents rides in the ealry morning so they can see their children win awards at the school, and even meet with them after they've gone to college to help them succeed. She stays late to get them caught up and to come up with soultions to help them learn. She attends events to encourage her student athletes and talented drama students. She's has helped students get more involed through Amnesty International and through Feed my Starving Children. She is a constant inspiration that I feel deserves more attention for her kindness and hard work. If I had seen a teacher this interested I feel I would have been more inspired while in school.A perfect role model for students"
From Nomination,
Corey

Congrats to Jamie Ivey, she's our first finalist to become the Cities 97 Teacher of the Year.  She was nominated by Jodi, here's what the nomination said...

"It is hard enough to teach a child, let alone those that don\'t want to learn. Jamie has put in the so much time during and after school hours (tutoring) - helping those that don't want to learn & showing them how important education is so children want to learn. She incorporates themes, prizes, hands on projects and rewards for those that learn and want to continue learning. She also tries to get parents to help be involved in their daily studies and what the children are learning. This is pretty hard when the parents say - I did my part - now it's your turn. Jamie pushes those comments away, puts a smile on & positive attitude and still continues to help teach children how important education is. Wish more teachers were willing to put forth the effort to help teach even those children that are from troubled homes know there is a better place for them in this world. Keep up the Great work Jamie. :) "

Jackie is now in the running to win a $10,000 scholarship from the School of Education at Hamline University!

You can still register a teacher here!

Can't get enought of Darkness Dave of Darkness Radio?  Check him out on our sister station Twin Cities Newstalk.  Black eyed kids, ghost stories, aliens and more are a part of Darkness On The Edge Of Town! 

Also, you can join Darkness Dave at the Palmer House Hotel, get details here.

A good friend to Cities 97 for years now, Joe Spencer is the Arts & Culture Liaison for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. A Fancy title for sure, but the bottom line on Joe's gig is that he tries to make fun stuff happen in the Capital City. If it's happening in St. Paul, he fills us in on it every Friday, so if you're looking for weekend fun on the east side of the river - you'll find it here!

First week of Music in Mears next Thursday: Martin Devaney and Dan Isreal

Grand Old Day – Sunday

TU Dance at O’Shaughnessy – tonight through Sunday

Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival – Saturday

Ordway International Arts Festival

I love the latest release from Daft Punk and Keri has been obsessing with the Timberlake album for a while now. It must be time for a mashup!!!

Get Lucky / Suit and Tie - Daft Punk feat Justin Timberlake by moshigogo

If you need help with your two left-feet, here’s a video that lays out how to dance to ‘Get Lucky’