Al Noren

Al Noren grew up in the Rice Street area just east of Northern States Power.  Al has seven children. He moved to Como Area in 1965.  Al has been a long standing member of the North Dale Booster Club, and was also a member of the building committee for the new building which is North Dale Recreation Center which opened in June 2003.

Al has been flooding the rinks at North Dale since 1985 when one of his fifteen grandchildren took up the sport of hockey. Al is 75 years old and worked for Super Markets National Foods he ran the Tom Thumb store (known now as D&L) on Dale and Larpenteur for eight years. Al will tell you that he certainly does not do this work on his own. According to staff at North Dale; “Without Al I don't know what we would do here at North Dale - he takes a lot of pride in his work.  He has gotten down on bended knees to paint lines - he has painted logos into the ice - he literally comes in two times a day to flood and on the weekends comes and grooms the ice for the public as well as skating organizations.

North End Improvement Club

The North End Improvement Club was founded in the spring of 1922 by the citizens of the North End neighborhood. Its purpose was to foster the growth and prosperity of the North End by advocating for the neighborhood so it would receive capital improvements such as sewers and sidewalks. In 1928 the organization built the building at 1079 Rice Street, currently the Klub Haus. Over the years the Improvement Club and made numerous contributions to the North End, at one time being the sole sponsor of the Rice Street Festival. The hall was the site for many meetings, events and dances. In the 1930’s The Austrian Hungarian Society held meetings and Whoopie John, the well-known polka band director would perform, bringing a trailer carrying a barrel of sauerkraut and wieners. The Improvement Club continues to meet and continues their good work for the North End and other communities.

Kevin Barrett Dar’s Double Scoop

Dar’s Double Scoop opened in July of 2005 selling coffees and ice cream; you noticed the shop by the large ice cream cone displayed on the sidewalk. Dar’s Double Scoop moved next door last year, decorating in a retro style and included pizza. You can buy by the slice. Dar’s also sponsors ice cream socials for area schools, clubs and churches. Kevin has co-sponsored the Car Show for the last four years and is an active participant in the Rice Street Festival. Dar’s Double Scoop and owner Kevin Barrett is an asset to Rice Street and our neighborhood.