MEMORIES
JIM McDONOUGH, JR. August 1, 2015
http://sailor.mnsun.com/20115/08/01/column-remembering-elliott-royce-super-mensch/
Remembering Elliott Royce – Super Mensch
By Guest Columnist Jim McDonough, Jr.
I first met Elliott Royce at his home 15 years ago at a fundraiser for incarcerated women in federal prison who wanted to arrange for visits with their children at the facility in Pekin, Ill. My next encounter with Elliott was at the St. Louis Park Junior High School where he and fellow alphorn enthusiasts were giving a concert.
Elliott seemed to be everywhere! He was handing out samples and pleasant conversation at Byerly’s; he was providing orange juice to visitors at Park Nicollet’s emergency room; he was being named a Children First Asset Super Hero at Wolfe Park’s amphitheater; he was teaching seniors how to fall without injuring themselves and making headlines as “Elliott Royce – The Fall Guy,” and mostly he was seen pedaling around St. Louis Park on his three-wheeled bike with his Dr. Suess hat and bow tie with Mickey Mouse in tow.
He attended The Park Theater Co. production of Joe Minjares’ “The King of the Kosher Grocers” and reminisced with other senior north-siders about people and places in old North Minneapolis.
Whenever I greeted Elliott, his response was always the same. “Now where do I know you from?” After I reminded him of our past encounters, he would say, “See, now there’s an old friend I never knew I had.”
I last talked to him at the Jewish Community Center in June, told him about our current production – a musical – and reminded him that I had given him a complimentary ticket at the Children First Ice Cream Social at the Rec Center in May. He eagerly promised to see our musical as well as participate with us in the Parktacular parade June 19.
I also recently discovered that Elliott was the catalyst behind St. Louis Park’s “Gift of Music” Program, which has provided more than 350 St. Louis Park students with used and refurbished instruments at no cost to them. Elliott was everywhere, especially when people needed a smile and a warm welcome.
I’m sure that when I see him next, he will again ask, “Where do I know you from?” And I will respond with a laugh, “Elliott, on planet Earth, St. Louis Park, Minn., to be exact. That cape goes well with your wings.” Yes, folks, that’s Elliott Royce – Super Mensch!
Jim McDonough, Jr., is chair of the Park Theater Co. in St. Louis Park.
JIM McDONOUGH, JR. August 1, 2015
http://sailor.mnsun.com/20115/08/01/column-remembering-elliott-royce-super-mensch/
Remembering Elliott Royce – Super Mensch
By Guest Columnist Jim McDonough, Jr.
I first met Elliott Royce at his home 15 years ago at a fundraiser for incarcerated women in federal prison who wanted to arrange for visits with their children at the facility in Pekin, Ill. My next encounter with Elliott was at the St. Louis Park Junior High School where he and fellow alphorn enthusiasts were giving a concert.
Elliott seemed to be everywhere! He was handing out samples and pleasant conversation at Byerly’s; he was providing orange juice to visitors at Park Nicollet’s emergency room; he was being named a Children First Asset Super Hero at Wolfe Park’s amphitheater; he was teaching seniors how to fall without injuring themselves and making headlines as “Elliott Royce – The Fall Guy,” and mostly he was seen pedaling around St. Louis Park on his three-wheeled bike with his Dr. Suess hat and bow tie with Mickey Mouse in tow.
He attended The Park Theater Co. production of Joe Minjares’ “The King of the Kosher Grocers” and reminisced with other senior north-siders about people and places in old North Minneapolis.
Whenever I greeted Elliott, his response was always the same. “Now where do I know you from?” After I reminded him of our past encounters, he would say, “See, now there’s an old friend I never knew I had.”
I last talked to him at the Jewish Community Center in June, told him about our current production – a musical – and reminded him that I had given him a complimentary ticket at the Children First Ice Cream Social at the Rec Center in May. He eagerly promised to see our musical as well as participate with us in the Parktacular parade June 19.
I also recently discovered that Elliott was the catalyst behind St. Louis Park’s “Gift of Music” Program, which has provided more than 350 St. Louis Park students with used and refurbished instruments at no cost to them. Elliott was everywhere, especially when people needed a smile and a warm welcome.
I’m sure that when I see him next, he will again ask, “Where do I know you from?” And I will respond with a laugh, “Elliott, on planet Earth, St. Louis Park, Minn., to be exact. That cape goes well with your wings.” Yes, folks, that’s Elliott Royce – Super Mensch!
Jim McDonough, Jr., is chair of the Park Theater Co. in St. Louis Park.