Downtown St. Paul
Volume 27 | Number 12
Ballet Co.Laboratory expansion includes new theater venue Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
T
he Ballet Co.Laboratory is undergoing a 3-phase studio expansion project that will culminate in the addition of a new theater at its home at 276 E. Lafayette Frontage Rd., St. Paul. “The theater will give us the opportunity to present on a more regular basis and let the community see what we have to offer,” said Artistic Director Zoé Henrot. “It will also give other small to mid-size performing arts organizations an affordable 200seat venue to share their art in.” Phase One, completed in October, included a new dancefloor. By the end of November, ballet barres and mirrors will be added to enhance practices and rehearsals, and the final phase includes adding seating and lighting. The company has nine professional dancers and presents classical and contemporary ballet performances. Each season features five productions and attracts approximately 4,500 people. Its artistic team also creates new works for the stage. In addition, Ballet Co.Laboratory presents demonstrations and workshops to promote the artform. Free performances of excerpts from the company’s repertoire are held at noon the second Tuesday of each month in October, November, February, March and April at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. Ballet Co.Laboratory also seeks to Ballet / Page 3
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Holiday Happenings Do you recall the 2020 holiday season? It was a time we were forced to slow down and enjoy time at home. People played games, watched Christmas classics and shared stories of days of yore. Yet for many the season was not the same without attending a holiday play, concert or some other traditional event. Good news! Things look a bit more normal this year. Venues in St. Paul and across the Twin Cities are once again welcoming patrons. Our Holiday Event Guide provides many opportunities that will put you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!
Holiday Events / Page 5
Your guide to holiday concerts, plays and festive events.
December 2021
New design ideas for Pedro Park Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
T
he ongoing saga of Pedro Park entered a new phase recently when a citizen-led work group developed three new design suggestions addressing the future size and amenities of the park, located near Tenth and Robert in downtown St. Paul. The group was organized by the CapitolRiver Council (CRC) and had been working since May to formulate the recommendations. They will submit their ideas to the city of St. Paul but as of press-time were unsure of when that would happen. The original design of the .45-acre park was created by St. Paul Parks and Recreation, and called for a water feature, an artistic focal point, concrete sidewalks and patios, play equipment, a shade structure, seating and more. Controversy arose in 2017 when the City vacated the Public Safety Annex building next to the park and planned to sell it to a developer. The citizen’s group Help Save Pedro Park stepped in to block that sale, saying the city had promised to demolish the building when it became vacant and use the land to enlarge the park. The CRC work group came up with the following options, each contingent on securing funding. According to the city’s original plan, if the Annex is sold, proceeds will be used for the “design and construction of the park.” Pedro Park / Page 4
A remarkable feat with their feet St. Paul couple walks every street in the city Tim Spitzack Editor
W
hen David Edminster and Katy Lowery hatched the ambitious plan to fully explore St. Paul by walking every single street in the city, they quickly realized they faced a logistical nightmare. The married couple assumed they would use their smartphone to map each route but
scrapped the idea because it didn’t allow them to have a physical record of their outings. Eventually they settled upon an old school resource: a Hudson’s Map Book of St. Paul, which in pre-GPS days was invaluable in finding any street in the city. “Our first official act was getting the map, which we ordered online,” said Edminster, 67. Once we had
the map it made it official.” Official, yes, but easy to accomplish, no. “There isn’t a good, organized way to do it without walking some areas twice,” admits Lowery, 70. They tried to make each route a loop to minimize that occurrence but nonetheless walked about one-fifth of St. Paul walkers / Page 2
Edminster and Lowery on a stroll near the Smith Avenue High Bridge.
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St.Paul walkers from page 1
the city twice, by their own estimate. Another invaluable resource was Donald Empson’s book “The Street Where You Live, A Guide to the Place Names of St. Paul.” Edminster had picked up a copy
and found it intriguing. Soon it was filled with nearly a hundred sticky notes marking places he wanted to visit. The walk began on Nov. 23, 2018, with a trip to Ames Avenue on the East Side to see Ames Lake, a
Submitted photo
Lowery on Etna Street, one of few unpaved streets in the city of St. Paul.
wetland that was destroyed in the 1950s in the name of urban progress. It was filled in and paved over to make way for the Phalen Shopping Center, but constant issues with groundwater led to the center’s demise. In 1999, the community helped develop a plan to demolish the shopping center and reclaim the wetland. Today, it is once again a natural sanctuary. Walking several miles a day for about 22 months, the couple braved all types of weather — blistering sun, bone-chilling cold, snow, wind and rain — as they zig-zagged their way up and down every street and byway of the city. When it was over, they had logged about 2,300 miles and worn out a few pairs of hiking shoes — “and our hips,” said Lowery with a grin. “My motivation was to see places I’ve never seen before,” said Edminster, a native of Milwaukee, Wis., who moved to the Twin Cities in 1978 to attend the University of Minnesota. Now retired, he worked at Travelers Insurance in downtown St. Paul for 40 years and often walked to work.
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He has lived on the West Side for 35 years. “The greatest thing about the whole walk was that we got to see places we never would have seen before and some obscure places you wouldn’t know about,” he added. He most appreciated the architectural gems and oddities sprinkled throughout the city, including one home in the Highland neighborhood that resembles a hobbit’s house. Lowery enjoyed seeing the various components that make a city tick: neighborhoods, parks, commercial corridors, and even the industrial areas. “There’s a lot I learned about St. Paul,” she said. “You find out all it takes to make a city. I love traveling by land at low speeds. We tried not to make it a forced march.” A native of Minnetonka and graduate of Macalester College, Lowery spent her career in nonprofits, mostly working on social justice issues.
Joint effort The couple estimates they walked about two-thirds of the city together and the rest
Submitted photo
David Edminster at the “finish line.” individually or with a friend. Each street in their Hudson map book is highlighted with a specific color to designate who covered it. Not surprisingly, they completed the West Side first. “The West Side is interesting because there are a lot of streets that aren’t continued in other parts of the city,” said Edminster. Lowery
noted that it is a nice, quiet neighborhood that is “not as trendy as the rest of the city.” While covering downtown streets, they marveled at the numerous developments that have sprung up in recent years and the artistic creativity that can be seen throughout the district. What they didn’t enjoy seeing on their outings was
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Page 2 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - December 2021
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the abundance of trash. “When there’s litter, it really affects how you feel about a place,” said Lowery. “St. Paul is a friendly place, but it’s not on top of its litter problem.” Overall, they found each of St. Paul’s neighborhoods to have well-maintained homes, streets and sidewalks, and to be safe. “We were never threatened
at any time [by people or animals],” said Edminster. Their biggest difficulty was navigating icy conditions. “There were a couple of times when the sidewalks were totally slippery,” he added. As one might imagine, they saw many interesting sights along the way, most of which can be categorized as lawn art. For example, one
yard had a large Angus cow made of cement. Another had a 5-foot-high ball made of stone, which, remarkably, was in a different location the next time they saw it. They also discovered a few streets that are not paved. “We had lots of fun studying houses, yards and lawn ornaments and got some photos of the quirkiest
ones,” said Edminster. Lowery added, “It’s not a cookie-cutter kind of city. I love how the city is connected through its trails… and the [Mississippi] river. And the river connects us to the rest of the world.” The last street covered was Syndicate Street South, near Grand Avenue. Before traveling that street, Edminster
admitted to experiencing bittersweet emotions. “I was a little regretful,” he confessed. “I didn’t want it to be over.” After a brief celebration to commemorate their accomplishment, the couple turned their attention to their next odyssey, although they haven’t yet decided what that will be. The option
that currently has the most traction is hiking all the trails in the city’s regional parks. That would be a fitting adventure, considering their romance was kindled in one of these parks. Their first date was a stroll through Harriet Island Regional Park. They married in 2015 and have been walking hand in hand together ever since.
Ballet from page 1
train the next generation of dancers. The new addition will allow the company to teach at least 50 more students. Currently it instructs approximately 200 students per week, ranging in age from 3 to 87. The company offers ballet and movement classes for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. “Our student base has been growing ever since we opened in 2018,” said Henrot. “Especially with social distancing, having the new space will allow us to safely teach even more people.” Ballet Co.Laboratory will present its holiday performance of “Nutcracker in Wonderland” at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 S. 4th St., Minneapolis. The show is a blend of two classics: “The Nutcracker” and “Alice in Wonderland.” The company describes it this way: the play tells the story of grown-up Clara home from college for the holidays. During her family’s annual party, she encounters her grade school friend Patty. Together they rediscover the magic of their child-
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‘Nutcracker in Wonderland’ blends two classics: ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ hood and realize the freedom possible within adulthood. In true Nutcracker form, nutty Uncle Drosselmeyer brings the Mouse Queen and King to life, along with other Wonderland creatures. Clara and Patty waltz through the Land of Snowflakes and meet the Wonderland favorites, including the
mischievous Cheshire Cat, the ever-late White Rabbit, the mesmerizing Caterpillar, and the spiteful Queen of Hearts. Shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 11, and 2 p.m., Dec. 12. Tickets start at $22. For more information on the company, call 651-313-5967 or visit www. balletcolaboratory.org.
The Downtown St. Paul Voice is published monthly and delivered to every apartment, condominium and skyway drop in St. Paul’s historic urban village, as well as other locations throughout downtown St. Paul. Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom
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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Church of St. Matthew 510 Hall Avenue, St. Paul
The Church of Saint Matthew invites you to share in this very holy season and offers the following services. We expect and welcome visitors. Your presence and your prayers will enrich our community. For safety of everyone Saint Matthew’s follows all Covid-19 recommendations. To learn more about us, please call the church office at 651-224-9793 or visit us at st-matts.org or www.facebook.com/churchofstmatthew.
Weekend Masses Saturday 4:15 pm and Sunday 10:15 am Thanksgiving Day November 25, 9:00 am Mass Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 8, 7:00 pm Mass Holiday Boutique and Pancake Breakfast December 12, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Communal Penance Service December 19, 2:00 pm Mass Christmas Eve December 24, 4:15 pm Mass Christmas Day December 25, 10:15 am Mass Feast of the Holy Family December 26, 10:15 am Mass New Year’s Day January 1, 2022 10:15 am Epiphany of the Lord January 2, 2022 10:15 am Downtown St. Paul Voice - December 2021 - Page 3
N ews Briefs
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{ THE FULLER FILES } Penumbra Theatre, 270 ceeds Jodie Tanaka, interim Kent St., St.Paul, will pres- executive director, and Bao ent its annual Christmas Vang, longtime president. show “Black Nativity” Dec. Previously, she served as as2-24. In March, Penumbra sistant deputy director of will present “Thurgood,” a the Wisconsin Housing and one-person play based on Economic Development Authe life of Supreme Court thority and executive direcJustice Thurgood Marshall. tor of the Hmong WisconApartments - Shafter sin Chamber of Commerce. Richardson developers plan She has a degree in American to build 174 affordable studies from the University apartments at Plato Boule- of Minnesota. HAP offers vard and South Robert St. job training, home owneron the site of the former ship counseling and other American Red Cross office social services to the Hmong building. The 5-story build- community. ing will include 10,000 Sew What! on the skyway square feet of commercial level of the Alliance Bank and community space, 1- to building has closed and will 4-bedroom apartments and not reopen. The sewing reunderground parking. Rents pair shop was a fixture on the a friendly flower and gift boutique will be targeted to families skyway for several decades. earning no more than 60% Customers may visit its other of the area median income. St. Paul location at 1818 St. Hmong American Part- Clair Ave. nership has selected May St. Paul Cathedral will yer Thao as its new presi- host a Festival of Lights Dedent and CEO. She suc- cember 15-19. It includes an
by Roger Fuller
indoor and outdoor show. A Christmas market will be held December 16-18. Holiday lights - Downtown parks will be lit during the Christmas season. St. Paul Downtown Alliance will be in charge of lighting Rice Park, and Friends of Mears Park will supervise the lights at Mears Park. Subtext bookstore at 6 W. 5th St. will host Brené Brown at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 2. She will discuss her book “Atlas of the Heart.” AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St., St. Paul, will hold a Tiny Art Expo Nov. 26-Dec. 31. It will feature works 10-by10-inches or smaller, all priced at $100 or less, and homemade ornaments made by local artists. CapitolRiver Council/ District 17 has elected new leadership. They are: Jess Grams, chair; Olga Nichols, vice chair; Will Travis,
treasurer; Judy Miller, secretary; Lee Knutson, internal affairs officer; and Joe Baierl, external affairs officer. Organizational members appointed to the board include Merritt-Clapp Smith, Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board; Tom Erickson, Buildings Owners and Managers Association; Bridget McCoy, Visit St. Paul; Olga Nichols, Model Cities; John Smith, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce; and Tati Terfa, George Latimer Central Library. Joey Meatballs has opened at Keg and Case West Seventh Market, 928 W. 7th St., St. Paul. In addition to meatballs, it serves pasta with different sauces and toppings. St. Paul Union Depot will have a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on the North Plaza during the Christmas season. The 25-year-old tree was donated by the Miller family of Shoreview. The Depot will host North Pole
Express trains during the first two weekends of December. Participants travel a short distance in vintage railroad cars to visit “the North Pole.” St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell announced that he will not seek reappointment when his 6-year term expires in June. An examining committee will review candidates and send a list of qualified candidates to the mayor, who will make the appointment. Axtell joined the force in 1989 and was appointed chief in 2016 by then-mayor Chris Coleman. Springboard for the Arts has moved into its new home at 262 University Ave., St. Paul, in the former Saxon Ford building. For the past three decades it was located on the second floor of the Northern Warehouse building in Lowertown. The organization was created to support artists by connecting them with arts resources and business skills training
opportunities. Bike sharing - St. Paul and Minneapolis are planning a joint effort to bring bike sharing back to the Twin Cities. Nice Ride Minnesota and Lime Bike previously provided bike sharing in St. Paul. The two cities will offer a joint request for proposals from vendors that provide bike and scooter services. Purple Line BRT – The Ramsey County Board approved spending $39.9 million for the development phase of the proposed Purple Line bus rapid transit route between downtown St. Paul and White Bear Lake. The funding allows the Metropolitan Council to seek entry into the federal capital investment grants program. Projected cost of the project is $457 million to $474 million. The Federal Transit Administration has determined that the line will not have a significant harmful impact on the environment.
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Page 4 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - December 2021
from page 1
The City Lite Plan includes a scaled-down version of the city’s original plan, with more grass and trees, and potentially a community garden. It does not include a water feature. This option assumes the Annex will be sold and redeveloped. The Half-Block Plan ad-
dresses two scenarios. If the Annex is demolished, the park would be expanded on its footprint. If it is not demolished, the park would be expanded to the south, requiring the removal of a daycare center and parking lot. Both cases include a larger version of the original or
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Lite plan and would include now stands, donated the retaining walls and terraces land in 2009 to be used as to level out the park. park space. The Pedro buildThe Full-Block Plan re- ing was demolished in 2011 quires the demolition of the and three years later the city Annex and the acquisition of worked with Public Art St. the daycare center and park- Paul to create an urban flowing lot. If this were to occur, er field on the site. the group recommends that The further development the City create a completely of Pedro Park would satisfy new design for the park. requirements of the FitzgerThe Pedro family, which ald Park Precinct Plan, had operated the Pedro Lug- which calls for a park in that gage Center where the park area1of the city. That plan SPV-GCNov2021V-Eng.qxp_Layout was adopted in 2006 and is part of the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. For more information, search “Pedro Park” at www.stpaul.gov. To provide comments to the work group, contact CRC at 651-221-0488 or office@ capitolrivercouncil.org.
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H oliday Event Guide
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Festival of Lights at the Cathedral of St. Paul “The Beginning” is a free 12-minute light show that uses the Cathedral’s 150-foot-tall eastern façade as the backdrop to tell the Christmas story. View from Cathedral Hill Park or on the Cathedral’s Facebook livestream. The show continuously loops from 6-10 p.m., Dec. 15-17, and 7-10 p.m., Dec. 18-19. “Starry Night” is an immersive, indoor presentation that will surround guests in dynamic images accompanied by a musical score. Hours are 6-10 p.m., Dec. 15-17, and 7-10 p.m., Dec. 18-19. Tickets are $15 per person or $40 for groups of up to five people, and can be purchased at eventbrite.com or the website below. The Cathedral will host a holiday market Dec. 16-18. For more information, call 612-414-9661 or visit www.cathedralheritagefoundation.org.
Ice Castles will return to Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton this January, after taking a year off due to the pandemic. The frozen experience features tunnels, caverns, towers, fountains, slides, and crawl spaces built entirely from icicles that are grown on site, harvested and hand-placed by a team of about 20 professional ice artisans. This season’s winter playground will also include an ice sculpture garden and a winter light grove. Ice Castles typically opens in early January, depending on the weather, and remains open until early March. Work to build them began in November. Presale tickets to visit the frozen fortresses will be available in December at icecastles.com. For more information, call 817-366-5285. Holiday Events / Page 6
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H oliday Event Guide Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar In-person shopping returns to the Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul, when it hosts its 43rd annual old-fashioned holiday bazaar
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Dec. 2-4. Customers will find homemade products from local artisans including jewelry, decor, woven and wearable art, children’s toys and clothes, handmade lotions, soaps, food items
and more. Continuing this year is “twilight shopping” from 4-7 p.m., Thursday and Friday. Shoppers will receive a complimentary refreshment to enjoy while they browse. In
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addition to shopping, guests can enter to win prizes donated by the vendors, and enjoy festive music. Hungry shoppers can also purchase treats from vendors. The bazaar is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is $5 for adults, children 12 and younger are free. For more information, call 651292-3230 or visit www. landmarkcenter.org/oldfashioned-holiday-bazaar.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’
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“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is presented Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 2-24 at the Saint Paul Hotel. This performance features actors and sound effects to help guide your imagination. Tickets start at $89 and include a 3-course meal. Performances are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., and 1
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“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” p.m. and 6 p.m., Sundays. Friday, Dec. 24 will only feature the 1 p.m. show. To reserve tickets or for more details, call 651-228-3860 or visit www.saintpaulhotel.com.
sky glider rides and much more. GLOW will host several “partner” nights, and $1 from each ticket will benefit a local charity, including Second Harvest Heartland, Salvation Army, National Kidney Foundation and Outfront MN. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Entry times are reserved every hour. Participants can enter at any time within the hour for which their ticket was purchased and stay as long as they like. Those who miss their window will be free to enter at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.75 for adults, $12.75 for children ages 5-12, and must be purchased in advance at www.glowholiday.com. A food court is also offered. For more information, call 612-930-3665 or visit www. glowholiday.com.
GLOW Holiday Festival More than a million holiday lights, a 100-foot illuminated tree, icicle and art installations, a gingerbread house, and many other attractions are featured at the GLOW Holiday Festival. This great Minnesota holiday get-together is being held now through Jan. 2 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Participants walk through the fairgrounds to view the bright and festive seasonal displays. GLOW features a 3-story ice palace, sELFie Plaza for taking pictures, bike-powered tree, live music by local church choirs,
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H oliday Event Guide
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Holiday Flower Show
Union Depot - Hub for the Holidays Union Depot, 214 4th St. E., St. Paul, will light its Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, followed by a fireworks display outside and a screening of the movie “Elf ” inside. Festivities began at 4:30 p.m. Free. The 8th annual European Christmas Market is held on the East Plaza Nov. 26-Dec. 19. Guests may shop at more than 40
vendor kiosks and purchase European-inspired food and delicacies. Entertainment includes live music, dancers, Storytimes with Santa and a visit from Krampus. Hours are 4-9 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays. For more information, call 651-202-2700 or visit www. stpaulchristmasmarket.org.
The annual Holiday Bake Sale is held 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, featuring cookies, candy and other items from more than 30 local bakeries and food vendors, and live entertainment. The first 300 receive a free gift bag. “North Pole Express” returns Dec. 3-5 and 9-12. Attendees will be able to see
special workshops, Santa’s house and elves preparing toys for the big day. Ticket schedules and costs are available at www.261.com. Frozen movie night is Saturday, Dec. 18. Activities start at 3 p.m., followed by a showing of Disney’s “Frozen II” at 5 p.m. Free. For more information, visit www.uniondepot.org.
The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s annual Holiday Flower Show is presented Dec. 4-Jan. 9 at the Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul. Novelty poinsettias will fill the Sunken Garden. Several new varieties include Orange Glow, the first truly orange poinsettia, and Christmas Mouse, a red poinsettia with rounded bracts that resemble the shape of mouse ears. Admission is free, although reservations are requested. For more information, call 651-487-8201 or visit www.comozooconservatory.org.
‘Blizzard’ at Circus Juventas Circus Juventas, 1270 Montreal Ave., St. Paul, will present “Blizzard,” Dec. 10-19. Shows are at 7 p.m., Fridays, 1 and 7 p.m., Saturdays, and 1 p.m., Sundays. When a trio of careless elves, The Big Book of Holiday Stories and a blizzard meet up, winter chaos is set loose on the North Pole. This performance will take a trip through some of the most beloved holiday stories. Tickets are $40 for adults, $30 for children and seniors. For more information, call 651-699-8229 or visit www.circusjuventas.org.
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Saint Paul College is an inclusive campus for all learners. We welcome you to be your most authentic self while finding those who share your passions, goals, and background. You’ll feel connected to and supported by a community of instructors, staff, and students all helping to achieve your best. Go full or part-time. Day, evening and weekend course options are available. Create a schedule that works best for you! Spring Semester starts January 10.
Toast the Holidays with us! Full Service Bar
Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner Fresh Bakery Items Desserts & More A downtown tradition since 1973
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Second meal must be of equal or lesser value. Please mention this ad or bring in coupon. Valid Monday-Friday only. Exp. 12/31/21. Key's Robert Street Cafe.
KEYS Robert Street Cafe 504 North Robert St., DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL 651-222-4083
Enroll at saintpaul.edu Check out our upcoming Information Sessions in December by visiting saintpaul.edu/infosession.
Document available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by contacting 651.350.3008 or AccessResources@saintpaul.edu. Saint Paul College is an Equal Opportunity employer
Saint Paul College, A member of Minnesota State
Downtown St. Paul Voice - December 2021 - Page 7
S ample St. Paul
Fitzgerald Theatre
10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 612-338-8388 www.first-avenue.com
City and Colour with Lucie Silvas will perform at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1. Tickets start at $37.
History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org
“Sinclair Lewis: 100 Years of Main Street” - Discover the legacy of Sinclair Lewis, the Nobel Prize-winning Minnesota author whose literary works and social critiques of American life ring true today.
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“Extraordinary Women” - Discover several extraordinary Minnesotan women who changed their communities. “Our Home: Native Minnesota” - Learn how Minnesota’s Native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values, and an essential connection to home. Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow” and “Weather Permitting.” The Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., ThursdaySunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students and $8 for children ages five to 17.
History Theatre
30 10th St. E. St. Paul 651-292-4323 www.historytheatre.com
“Christmas of Swing” is presented through Dec. 19. In this reimagining of the History Theatre’s holiday classic, the Andrews Sisters read letters from men and women serving overseas during World War II. Tickets start at $45. The performance will also be streamed Dec. 6-19. Streaming tickets are $25 for individuals and $40 for a household.
Landmark Center
75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225 www.landmarkcenter.org
The Landmark Center will host its 43rd annual
Photo of The Andrews Sisters, courtesy of History Theatre
“Christmas of Swing” is presented through Dec. 19 at the History Theatre. The Andrews Sisters read letters from men and women serving overseas during World War II. Old-fashioned Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 2-3, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 4. The event features 75 booths of handcrafted items, including jewelry, paintings, soaps and more, and fes-
tive music. Food will also be available. Tickets are $5. “Twilight shopping” is 4-7 p.m. both days. During this time attendees receive a free refreshment (wine, hot cider, etc.) with admission.
Storyteller J.B. Eckert will stream a reading of an original Christmas story on Dec. 2 and 19. Free. “Santa’s Workshop” is held 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12. Have your picture taken with Santa,
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S ample St. Paul play games, make gifts and enjoy readings of classic children’s Christmas stories. Free. Star of the North will perform its holiday concert at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15. Free. Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus will perform its “There Will Be Light” concert at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16-17. Tickets start at $50. Dan Newton and Friends will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17, at the F. K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium. Tickets start at $20.
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tures, Imaginopolis and the Tip Top Terrace. “Reducing Inequality Through the Power of Play” is a free virtual event held noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 30. In this panel discussion, three child development experts will address the play gap that many children of color experience and discuss ways to overcome it. Registration required. The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.-Sun. Tickets are $14.95.
MN Museum of American Art
MN Children’s Museum
350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571 www.mmaa.org
The featured exhibit is “Storyland,” with play space designs based on children’s literary classics. Other exhibits and activities include The Scramble, The Studio, Creativity Jam, Sprouts, Backyard, Our World, Forces at Play, Super Awesome Adven-
The following exhibitions are only on view from outside the Pioneer Endicott building, installed in the windows on Robert and 4th streets, and in the Ecolab entrance in the skyway. “Sutures” is on display until Jan. 29, 2022. The exhibit displays work from artists creating photo- and film-based art that expands upon
10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 www.mcm.org
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still and moving images. “Transformation: Art from the Inside” will also be on display until Jan. 29. The exhibit features artwork by incarcerated people that reflects their personal transformations and restorations.
Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul www.ordway.org 651-224-4222
“Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee” is a 45-minute video show and sing-along aimed to help reclaim the Cherokee language. It can be streamed through Nov. 30 from the Ordway’s website. $10. “Fiddler on the Roof ” will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 30-Dec. 5 and Dec. 7-12, and 2 p.m., Dec. 4-5 and 11-12. Tickets start at $48. Jim Brickman will perform “The Gift of Christmas” at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3. Tickets start at $33. “Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas” will be presented at
7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 15. Tickets start at $23.
recently expanded Dinosaurs & Fossils gallery.
Cantus presents “Christmas with Cantus: Three Tales of Christmas” at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17. Tickets start at $12.
“Ultimate Dinosaurs” is on display until April 10, 2022. Learn about dinosaur discoveries and scientific research that shows how continental drift altered the landscape of the ancient world.
“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 28-31, and 2 p.m., Dec. 30.
Park Square Theatre 20 W. 7th Pl. St. Paul
www.parksquaretheatre.org
Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society will perform at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 29. A livestream is also available.
Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org
“Days of the Dinosaurs” is now on display. View dinosaurs and fossils from around the world in exhibits, movies and the
Current Omnitheater films are “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” and “Oceans: Our Blue Planet.” Theater tickets are $9.95, with discounts for children and seniors. Museum tickets are $19.95, with discounts for children and seniors.
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240 www.xcelenergycenter.com
James Taylor and his All-Star Band will perform at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 29. Tickets start at $59.50. Radio Station 101.3 KDWB is holding its annual Jingle Ball concert at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6. Tickets start at $28.
Disney On Ice presents “Let’s Celebrate” at 7 p.m., Dec. 9; 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 10; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 11; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Dec. 12. Tickets start at $20. WWE Monday Night RAW will take place at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13. Tickets start at $25. Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 27. Tickets start at $36.50. Thomas Rhett will perform at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31. Tickets start at $55.
Roy Wilkins Auditorium
175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-265-4800 www.rivercentre.org
“St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show” is held 1-8 p.m., Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 4, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 5. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12.
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Postscript
Old Friends
I spent yesterday with old friends. It used to be that I would follow the use of “old friends” with the disclaimer that they were not really old. This no longer feels necessary. If they are old friends of mine, I now have to say, objectively, they are pretty old. The occasion, if you want to call it that, was driving my oldest friend, Andrew, to his colonoscopy, which certainly sounds like an old person’s activity. I had been badgering him for months. After he finally capitulated,
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
it took him months to get an appointment. Then he asked if I would drive him, and I could hardly say no after all of that. Of course, I wouldn’t
have said no under any circumstances. He is my oldest friend, after all. I was going to have to wait for Andrew so I contacted Clay — another old friend whom I hadn’t seen in ages — for pizza and a chat. Clay is funny and came up with a number of catchy names for a get-together organized around Andrew’s colonoscopy, none of which would be polite to repeat in a family newspaper, so I will let you imagine. We met at a pizza place at a time when no one else was remotely interested in eating, far too late for lunch and much too early for dinner. I discovered that the time it takes to have a colonoscopy and recover from it is just about ideal for
two old friends to reconnect and share a pizza. I highly recommend it. Clay told me about his father, who is not doing well, and I told him about my parents, who are. It seemed surprisingly effortless, talking to this person whom I really have not been in touch with for more than half my life. The years between our adolescence and yesterday afternoon seemed to melt away, leaving me with this curious feeling of stepping back in time. Clay is in touch with people I haven’t seen since high school, and it was fun to hear about them. He’s always had a good memory and a sharp eye for detail. Some of our mutual friends, he said,
seemed exactly the same — only their hair color appeared to have significantly changed — while others had aged more noticeably. Clay described seeing someone he’d not seen in years. “It was like I could see the person I knew, looking out from this old person’s face,” he told me. I knew what he meant, and I wondered where I fell on the spectrum. (I didn’t ask.) My memory is nowhere near as good as Clay’s, probably because I don’t spend a lot of time reminiscing. But visiting with Clay was a good reminder of how quickly the years are swallowed up, how much time has passed. New friends only know the person I am today. Old friends know
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all the previous versions of me, and sometimes that is a comfort. Other times it’s a little scary. Sometimes I like to think that I have always been exactly as I am, right down to my hair color. Andrew’s colonoscopy turned out well, although he has to go back in three years. I know he’ll forget, and it will be my responsibility to both remind him and get him there again. “We’ll have to get together again soon,” I told Clay. “Even before Andrew’s next colonoscopy!” Clay agreed, and I know we will. It’s nice to think we’ll have that to look forward to. Till next time.
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Waiting lists change and may be open. Please call the property to inquire. Albright Townhomes Minneapolis Chancellor Manor Burnsville Cornerstone Creek Apartments Golden Valley For developmentally disabled individuals. Dale Street Place St. Paul Diamond Hill Townhomes Minneapolis Elliot Park Apartments Minneapolis Franklin Lane Apartments Anoka Hamline St. Paul Hanover Townhomes St. Paul Haralson Apple Valley Hopkins Village Apartments Hopkins Lincoln Place Apartments Mahtomedi Oakland Square Minneapolis Olson Townhomes Minneapolis Park Plaza Apartments Minneapolis Prairie Meadows Eden Prairie Ramsey Hill St. Paul Raspberry Ridge Apartments Hopkins Slater Square Apartments Minneapolis Spirit on Lake Minneapolis Talmage Green Minneapolis Trinity Apartments Minneapolis Trinity on Lake Minneapolis Unity Place Brooklyn Center Vadnais Highland Townhomes Vadnais Heights Veterans and Community Minneapolis Housing - Sober Housing Brustad Place, aka Veterans East Minneapolis Visitation Place St Paul Page 10 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - December 2021
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Destination: Downtown & Lowertown A Guide to Shopping, Services and Entertainment
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The Chiropractor
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St. Paul Dental Center
Lancer Service
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Great River Dental
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Shop locally and support the businesses that support our community
Atlas Staffing G14 189 7th Place E., 651-222-5894 atlasstaffinginc.com Providing the BEST employees
Great River Dental J12 375 Jackson St. Ste. 200 651-222-0983 greatriverdental.com Providing complete dental care, including implants
Master Framers M16 262 E. 4th St., 651-291-8820 www.masterframers.com www.facebook.com/MASTERFRAMERS Custom picture framing and restoration since 1959 Subtext Bookstore K6 6 5th St. W. 651-493-2791 subtextbooks.com St. Paul’s independent bookstore
Kat-Key’s Lock & Safe St. Paul G16 249 E. 7th St. 651-292-1124, www.katkeys.com Repairs, replacements, safe sales, safe moving/delivering, rekeying, master key systems, door hardware/door closer installation and more.
The Chiropractor A12 523 Jackson Street, Suite 105 St. Paul, MN 55101 | 651-287-0935 www.thechiropractormn.com Chiropractic Adjustments Acupuncture | RockTape Techniques Massage Therapy
To advertise on this map, call 651-457-1177
Lancer Service F17 270 E. 8th St. 651-224-0267 www.lancerservice.com
Our promise is simple - continuously provide every customer with exceptional auto repair & maintenance solutions.
St. Paul Dental Center E7 30 E. 7th St., Ste. 101 651-227-6646 www.stpauldentalcenter.com We provide comprehensive family dentistry. Map Map base base courtesy courtesy of of the the Capitol Capitol River River Council Council
Downtown St. Paul Voice - December 2021 - Page 11
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