Leon Oman retires after 28 years in Community Education at Andersen Elementary
By Harvey Winje
Two hundred people greeted and cheered Leon Oman on his last day of 28 years as a Minneapolis Schools Community Education Coordinator at Andersen School in the Phillips Community. His years as a community educator brought together his passion for education, his seven years experience as a social worker, as well as, his involvement in citizen participation in the Rice Park neighborhood. Five presenters reminisced about years spent, experiences shared and generally agreed that there were no skeletons about which they could “roast” Leon. However, they altered a shared experience while on a car trip in order to be sure we all knew Leon had made at least one mistake in his career.
The Webster Open School Cafeteria was gaily decorated setting the mood for an upbeat celebration that included several of Leon”'s family members, Phillips Community residents, community leaders from many neighborhoods, past interns, students, current and former colleagues and many, many friends. Paul Boranian attended the event. He was the founder of Community Education in Minneapolis, its director for many years and was the person who hired Leon 28 years ago. Community Education”'s current Director, Jack Tamble also paid a tribute to Leon.
The program was one and a half hours long as attendees shared personal experiences and examples of Leon”'s gentle demeanor whether he is handling parking or curriculum issues, interfacing with the day school, student conduct, or sustaining relationships with many community groups in South Minneapolis.… Read the rest “Leon Oman retires after 28 years in Community Education at Andersen Elementary”
Memories of Leon: Being with Leon, you are the focus
by Jonathan Miller
Without Leon Oman I would probably be unemployed right now. No, Leon didn”'t personally give me a job, but the strong impression he left on me during my internship with The Alley Newspaper did steer me away from the career path I was on”“Magazine journalism. We all know how swimmingly that industry is fairing right now and in part because of Leon, I realized that believing in what I do is very important to me and I moved into non-profit communications.
Leon was my mentor and advisor during my first internship with The Alley Newspaper way back in 1999. The focus of the project was to get children and teenagers involved in the paper, so Leon was the natural choice for two reasons: 1. He worked at Andersen School. 2. He knows EVERYONE in Phillips and EVERYONE knows him and respects him. Leon was always able to make time to provide guidance or give me background on the complex dynamics of the Phillips Community even though he was constantly being pulled in different directions.
But the advantages that Leon provided were more than just his connections. When you talk to Leon, he has a real knack for connecting with you.… Read the rest “Memories of Leon: Being with Leon, you are the focus”
What”'s Up at the Franklin Library: October 2009
By Erin Thomasson
All ages
Bats: Truth vs. Fiction
Fri., Oct. 2, 3Â p.m.
Are bats vampires in disguise or harmless flying bug eaters? Learn the truth about these creepy mammals of the night and make an origami bat to take home.
Family Read: The Best Pet of All
Fri., Oct. 9, 4”“5Â p.m.
Join us for an hour of reading fun with Minnesota author and illustrator David LaRochelle, whose other books include “The End.”
Children”'s Programs
Sheeko Caruur Af-Soomaali ah/World Language Storytime: Somali
Tues., Oct. 6 through Nov. 24, 6:30”“7:30Â p.m.
La wadaag bugagga, sheekoyinka, jaan-gooyada maansada iyo muusikada Soomaalida.
For children ages 2 and up. Experience the world in other languages.
Preschool Storytime
Wed., 10:30-11:00Â a.m.
For children ages 4 to 6. Help your preschooler get ready to read. Enjoy stories together and build language skills.
Cuentos y Canciones/World Language Storytime: Spanish
Fri. through Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m.
Para niños de 2 años en adelante. Comparta y disfrute con sus niños libros, cuentos, rimas y música en español. For children ages 2 and up. Share books, stories, rhymes and music in Spanish.
Sonajas de Sol/Sun Shakers
Thurs., Oct. 15, 3Â p.m.
Registration required. Register online or call 612.630.6800. For kids in grade 1 and up.… Read the rest “What”'s Up at the Franklin Library: October 2009”
