Downtown St. Paul ‘The Waitress’ comes to the Ordway
Remembering the Black Dog Cafe
Page 4
Page 7
Volume 28 | Number 3
Brewing for a cause Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
M
etroNOME, Lowertown’s newest brewery, turned out its first batch of ale in late January and began offering it to the public a month later when it opened its taproom in the former Birch’s Lowertown Tap Room at 289 E. 5th St. The brewery is owned by Bill Eddins and Matt Engstrom, who are using a portion of the profits to support music education for youth in the Twin Cities. NOME stands for Nurturing Outstanding Music Education. “Any study you look at shows very positive and very profound effects upon a kid’s development when music education is part of that process,” said Engstrom. “For a lot of kids, that exposure is really hard to come by.” Eddins is a professional conductor and classical pianist who works locally and internationally. Engstrom is a former software salesman who played saxophone in his college years. They met about 10 years ago when their kids were on the same youth baseball team. Each was a home brewer, which sparked a friendship and led to talks about one day transforming their hobby into a commercial business. “We founded it [the company] in 2020 in response to the world scene,” said Eddins. “We were in the middle of a global pandemic
Your Community News & Information Source
March 2022
‘It all started with a cookie’
Mears Park losing 39 ash trees By Tim Spitzack Editor
Acclaimed chef opens Hepcat Coffee in the Osborn370 Building
T
Tim Spitzack Editor
H
ow did a guy who received a degree in construction management at the University of Minnesota come to own a company that caters to the sweet tooth? Well, it all started with a cookie, said Terry John Zila, owner of Terry John Zila Catering, johnjeanjuan Cakes and now Hepcat Coffee, which opened in early February in the Osborn370 Building on Wabasha Street in downtown St. Paul. The cookie that changed his life was the Russian tea cake. One bite into the powdery treat pleased his palate so much that he embarked on a mission to learn how to make it. That experience led to more time in the kitchen perfecting other recipes. Eventually, his passion for pastries led him to scrap his career in remodeling and design and start building a future on the foundation of great food. During the past 20-plus years, Zila has worked in construction, as well as in restaurants across the country, as both server and chef. While he has a boatload of degrees from the University of Minnesota, in construction management, English literature, Spanish and Chinese, he received his culinary training by reading books and experimenting in the kitchen. “If you want to learn, you just cook,” he
MetroNOME / Page 2
Submitted photo
Terry John Zila said. “I’d go home after a shift [at a restaurant] and bake. I was obsessed with it.” He tried enrolling at a culinary school in New York City, but after an interview and submitting bakery items for the application process was told to save his money and keep cooking on his own. “They told me I’d be bored [with the program] and that what I submitted was what Hepcat / Page 3
he sound of buzzing chainsaws will fill the air around Mears Park in February and March as the City of St. Paul works to remove 39 ash trees infected with the emerald ash borer. The vast majority — 37 — are behind the bandshell and the other two are in the southern section of the park. An additional 28 trees are being treated to stop the spread of the insect and its devastating effect. Following stump grinding, 21 trees of four different species will be planted this spring. They include five new horizon elm, five hackberry, six great wall tree lilac and five sienna glen maple. City Spokesperson Clair Cloyd said fewer trees are being planted to support healthy undergrowth and a mature canopy. Planting multiple species wards against loss of large numbers of trees in the future. In the past, municipalities often planted just one species in public places, which proved to be poor policy. In the mid-1900s, elms were the tree of choice, then Dutch elm disease hit and wreaked havoc on communities across the nation. In Minnesota, it was first discovered in 1961 in St. Paul, and by 1977 the disease had wiped out nearly 200,000 elms in the Twin Cities alone. Ash trees were widely used to replace the elms, but in recent years the emerald ash borer is threatening to repeat a similar scenario. According to the Minnesota Mears Park / Page 3
After many delays, new supper club and lounge scheduled to open soon Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
B
rian Ingram, the nationally acclaimed chef and owner of Purpose Driven Restaurants, will open his third eatery in St. Paul this spring. It’s been a longawaited process due to the difficulty of getting equipment and supplies during the pandemic. However, the design of the new space is finished and the establish-
ment is scheduled to open in late March or early April at the Seven Corners Gateway site, located on West 7th street across from the Xcel Energy Center. The building will be divided between the Apostle Supper Club and the False Eyedoll Voodoo Lounge. “We wanted something for everybody,” said Ingram. “If you’re going to a game, you can get in and out with a drink, or you can spend the
evening and enjoy the 1950s and ’60s supper club experience.” About two-thirds of the nearly 8,000-square-foot space will be dedicated to the supper club, which will feature a dining room that surrounds an open kitchen and live piano music. You’ll likely find Ingram behind the counter crafting culinary creations, including specialties such as prime rib. The restaurant will seat about 600.
The other third of the building will be transformed into the lounge, which will be similar to a tiki bar with a Minnesota flair. Décor will be inspired by hockey masks and the superstitions involved in hockey. The lounge will be connected to an outdoor patio featuring live music in the summer and an ice-bar in the winter. The lounge and bar will have a combined capacity of about 500.
“We asked ourselves how we can embrace and infuse the two worlds of Minnesota and tiki while being mindful,” said Ingram. “It’ll be our own version of a tiki bar. For example, one of our logos is a giant beach with palm trees but the ocean is frozen and there’s somebody skating on it rather than surfing.” Ingram also operates Hope Breakfast Bar and the Gnome Craft Pub in St.
Paul. He is currently opening another Hope Breakfast Bar and an Apostle Supper Club at the Radisson in Duluth. He founded Purpose Driven Restaurants in 2019 with the goal of helping the community by donating a portion of their sales to various causes. Last year the company gave away almost $1 million for meals during the pandemic, funeral expenses for several Supper Club / Page 2
B usiness MetroNOME
Your community news and information source
from page 1
and had the fires and riots due to the murder of George Floyd and I just got upset because I wanted society to be better. Being a musician, I immediately thought about why people aren’t doing more music. It brings us together. Why aren’t we funding things like music education? It brings kids together.” MetroNOME was founded to do just that. The partners had a threeyear plan to sell their product to liquor stores and restau-
rants, then later open a taproom. That plan was flipped upside down when they discovered that the former Birch’s Taproom space — and all its equipment — was available. They signed their lease in September, hired a professional brewmaster to refine their recipes, and started making the space their own. They still plan to get into distribution in the future. In preparing to open, the duo cleaned all the equipment, repainted the space
Supper club from page 1
youths who were victims of gun violence, and donations supporting programs
of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. “My wife has a back-
St. Matthew’s 33nd Annual
DRIVE UP TO GO
and upgraded technology. The taproom can accommodate groups small and large. It features old-school games such as a pinball machine, live music regularly, a room for private events, and food. They have 10 taps and also offer seltzers, mocktails and soft drinks. “We want it to be a fun place where people can come and hang out,” said Engstrom. “I totally see people coming down here to watch whatever is on TV with a group before or after a Saints game, or just to grab a beer.” For more information, call 651-317-9080 or visit www. metronomebrewery.com.
ground in nonprofits and we wanted to combine her love of nonprofits with my love of restaurants,” said Ingram. His wife, Sarah, manages their nonprofit, Give Hope MN, and was recently recognized by Children’s Minnesota for her contributions. Ingram grew up flipping burgers and pouring java in his family’s coffee shop and eatery in Anchorage,
Volunteers Age 55 and Older Needed
Every Friday March 4-April 15 Serving Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Baked and/or fried fish, potato, vegetable, cole slaw, roll and dessert.
Grilled cheese or spaghetti available as non-fish option
Meals are $13 each Cash or Card
Please enter order lines off of Humboldt Ave. onto Robie St. Maps address 497 Humboldt Ave., St. Paul
A safe way to enjoy a delicious, affordable meal!
Earn a tax-free stipend, travel reimbursement, training, recognition and pride knowing you are making a difference in your community by assisting older adults in remaining independent and active. Opportunities also exist working with children in schools as a Foster Grandparent. To learn more, contact Jacqueline James at 651.310.9455, Jacqueline.James@ lssmn.org.
St. Matthew’s Social Hall www.st-matts.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
Marketing Manger: Caitlyn Fekete Contributors: Roger Fuller Tara Guy Delivery: Independent Delivery Service
For questions regarding news or advertising, call 651-457-1177
ST. PAUL PUBLISHING COMPANY
1643 So. Robert St., West St. Paul, MN 55118 651-457-1177 | info@stpaulpublishing.com | www.stpaulpublishing.com Downtown St. Paul Voice assumes no responsibility for the opinions expressed by contributors and for the validity of claims or items reported. Copyright Downtown St. Paul Voice 2022. All rights reserved in compliance of Federal Copyright Act of 1978.
Page 2 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022
Submitted photo
Co-owners Bill Eddins and Matt Engstrom with head brewer Kevin Welch.
Alaska. This instilled in him a love of the industry and inspired him to want to own his own restaurant one day. He received his professional training at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and went on to work with some of the largest hospitality groups in the country, including MGM Resorts International. He relocated from New York to St. Paul
‘The greatest things in my life have happened over a meal,’ said Ingram. in 2012 and opened a New Bohemia themed restaurant that he is no longer affiliated with. He opened the Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Paul in 2019 and the Gnome Craft Pub in 2020.
“The greatest things in my life have happened over a meal,” said Ingram. This, he said, includes meeting his wife and spending time with their three children.
SATISFY YOUR CURIOSITY SHOP IN STORE OR CALL FOR CURBSIDE PICK-UP Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. noon- 5 p.m.
Find your favorite titles at www.subtextbooks.com
New online ordering system! Find out what's in stock, and order for pick-up or delivery.
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!
SUBTEXT BOOKS
Downtown St. Paul's Independent Bookstore 6 West Fifth Street, St. Paul | 651-493-2791 | subtextbooks.com
Learn new skills. Make media. Share your story.
Become a member today. Visit us at spnn.org or 550 Vandalia St Suite 170 Saint Paul, MN 55114
B usiness
Your community news and information source
Hepcat from page 1
Mears Park from page 1
Department of Natural Resources, ash trees account for 60 percent of the trees in some communities in the state, and Minnesota forests have about a billion ash trees. A 2019 state report says Minnesota has more ash trees than any other state in the nation, and that one in five
trees in public spaces are ash. The emerald ash borer arrived in Minnesota in 2009 — again in St. Paul — and is now in 30 of the state’s 87 counties. In the past decade, St. Paul has lost more than 19,500 boulevard trees and 3,000 park trees to infestation. To learn more about St. Paul’s plan to control the emerald ash borer, visit www.stpaul.gov/ eab or contact 651-266-6400 or forestry@ci.stpaul.mn.us
they were trying to teach,” he said. What began as a hobby has now mushroomed into a career that keeps him on the run. Since 2015, he has provided culinary creations for private dining, weddings and other individual and corporate events. He also offers inhome cooking classes. Additionally, he has appeared on the Food Network’s “Bakers vs. Fakers,” DIY Network’s “Curb Appeal,” and appears regularly on KSTP’s “Twin Cities Live” and “The Matt McNeil Show” on AM 950 KTNF radio. Nothing goes better with sweets than a great cup of java, so it was only natural for Zila to open a business that melds the two. Hepcat is located in the building’s lobby space, formerly occupied by Beaningful Coffee, a social enterprise that provided on-the-job training and leadership opportunities for participants of Neighborhood House, a West Sidebased social service agency. After Beaningful closed, the
owners of the building approached Zila to encourage him to open a restaurant in that space, and it didn’t take him long to say yes. “I was attracted to the building and the owners, who are treating me more like a partner,” said Zila. Hepcat is more than a coffeeshop. “We’re food-focused,” said Zila. You’ll find fresh-baked croissants, brioche rolls, muffins, scones, biscotti, quiche, puff pastry tarts, soups, salads and a variety of sweet treats, including pound cake and cookies. Beverages include coffee, cappuccino, tea and a wide variety of soft drinks. There is space for more than 50 people to enjoy their meal or treat while sitting on oversized chairs that surround low, coffee-style tables. There will also be patio seating in the summer. Zila ascribes to the “eat dessert first” philosophy, and a quick peek at johnjeanjuan.com will likely sway you over to his way of thinking. There you’ll see his artistically designed cakes, pies, tarts, pastries, cookies, bars, confections and macarons. Some of those treats are also available at Hepcat, which is
open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on Hepcat, visit www.hepcatcoffee.com. SPV-FLFeb2022V-Eng.qxp_Layout 1
NOW PLAYING!
CUT LOOSE
to the rockin’ rhythm of its super-charged Top 40 score! Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test required. Mask use required.
952.934.1525 800.362.3515 ChanhassenDT.com
2022
Church of St. Matthew 510 Hall Ave., St. Paul
Ticket Discounts
OsmanC
at
ircus.com
ENTER: V
OICE in coupo n code
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions. All are welcome.
LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE Weekend Masses are celebrated on Saturdays 4:15 pm (in-person) Sundays 10:15 am (in-person and online) Masses are streamed online on Facebook (www.facebook.com/churchofstmatthew) or YouTube (www.youtube.com/churchofstmatthew) Ash Wednesday Masses Wednesday, March 2 8:00 am and 7:00 pm (Distribution of Ashes with COVID precautions in place) Stations of the Cross View anytime on Facebook or YouTube Saint Matthew’s Fabulous Fish Fry Take-out Only ALL Fridays in Lent 4:30 pm-7:30 pm Communal Penance Service Sunday, April 3 2:00 pm
OUR 98th YEAR
FREE PARKING!
$5 O Brin
g th
Mar. 24-27 THURS., MAR. 24 10:30 am & 7 pm
per
is ad
ticke
t
ff for
FRI., MAR. 25
10:00 am, 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm
SAT., MAR. 26
10:00 am, 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm
SUN., MAR. 27
10:30 am and 3:00 pm
For more information, please visit www.st-matts.org or call (651) 224-9793. The Church of St. Matthew is a Catholic community that is a visible expression of God’s love.
Online tickets & info at www.OsmanCircus.com Click on the happy elephant and enter coupon code: VOICE
Proceeds are for the benefit of Osman Shriners activities, payments not deductible as a charitable donation.
Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022 - Page 3
Lo
S ample St. Paul
Fitzgerald Theatre
10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 612-338-8388 www.first-avenue.com
“Watch What Crappens” will be presented at 8 p.m., Thursday, March 3. Tickets start at $35. Twin Cities Ballet presents Pink Floyd’s “The Wall: A Rock Ballet,” Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50.
HANDYMAN
MR. LARRY FOR HIRE I do painting, repairs & cleaning of homes and apartments Window Washing Gutter Cleaning and Repairs
Insured
651-399-4304
History Theatre
30 10th St. E. St. Paul 651-292-4323 www.historytheatre.com
“Not for Sale” is presented at 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through February 27. Late 1950s and early ’60s Arnold Weigel, a rising star in the Twin Cities real estate business, puts his career on the line when he begins to represent families of color as they attempt to buy homes in all-white neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul. MR. LARRY Tickets start atFOR $35,HIRE with discounts for seniors, those I do painting, repairs under 30 years old and stu& cleaning of homes dents. An online streaming and apartments option is available February Window Washing 21-27. Individual streaming Gutter Cleaning tickets are $25. and Repairs “Parks: A Portrait of a Insured Young Artist” is presented 651-399-4304 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-
HANDYMAN
Your community news and information source
Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 19-April 10. Gordon Parks, age 14, left home for St. Paul after the death of his mother in 1926. He lived with his sister, until her husband kicked him out of the house and into the streets. While struggling to survive, his mother’s words would echo in his head, “Make a good man of yourself, ’cause you have a choice. You always have a choice.” Inspired by Parks’ book, “A Choice of Weapons,” the play takes the audience into the world of young Gordon Parks, who chose to use a camera to fight hatred and discrimination, and became an internationally renowned photographer, composer and filmmaker. Tickets start at $35, with discounts for seniors, those under 30 years old and students. An
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
“The Waitress” will be presented March 8-13 at the Ordway Center. online streaming option will be available April 4-10. Individual streaming tickets are $25.
History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org
“Art Speaks” opens February 26. It presents more than 160 paintings, sculptures and photos collected
over the past 15 years and invites visitors to explore the intersection of art and the history of the state. “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.
Landmark Center
75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225 www.landmarkcenter.org
Ballet Tuesday is held
Fit in.
Stand out.
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!
Mar 8-13
ORDWAY.ORG 651.224.4222
SEASON SPONSOR
Page 4 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022
Enroll at saintpaul.edu Join us for an upcoming Info Session to learn more about our programs! 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
S ample St. Paul noon-1 p.m., March 8. Enjoy a free ballet performance and demonstration from the Ballet Co.Laboratory. “Courtroom Concerts” are presented Thursdays at noon. Clea Galhano and Rene Izquierdo perform Feb. 24. Leslie Shank, Merilee Klemp, Trudi Anderson, and Mimi Tung perform March 3. Rie Tanaka, and Jesse Nummelin perform March 10. “Urban Expedition” events are held 1-3 p.m. on Sundays. Learn about Greece on February 27 and Peru on March 20. St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration is held 10 a.m.5 p.m., Thursday March 17. “An Irish Day of Dance” is held 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday March 13. Experience all things Irish at this event featuring Celtic music, dancing and authentic vendors. $5. “Black Sea Odyssey” virtual event is held March 31. Experience the music, dance, language, foods, costumes and arts and craft traditions of several countries hailing from the Black Sea region of Eastern Europe. Produced in partnership with Ethnic Dance Theatre.
Your community news and information source
MN Children’s Museum 10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 www.mcm.org
The featured exhibit, “Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails,” is on display through May 8. Travel to the Island of Sodor with Thomas and his friends to solve a variety of challenges, climb into Thomas’ cab, load freight into train cars and fix Percy’s wobbly wheel. Other exhibits and activities include The Scramble, The Studio, Creativity Jam, Sprouts, Backyard, Our World, Forces at Play, Super Awesome Adventures, Imaginopolis and the Tip Top Terrace. The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.-Sun. Tickets are $14.95.
MN Museum of American Art 350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571 www.mmaa.org
The following exhibit is 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. “Mestizaje: Intermix-Remix” is on display March 19 through June 12. Determining one’s identity has been a constant and evolving concern for immigrants and descendants of Latin American countries living in the United States. Seven Latinx artists seek to engage people and community in conversation about the complexity of defining mixed identities through newly created artworks.
Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 www.ordway.org
“The Waitress” is presented March 8-13. Shows are at 7:30 p.m., Tues.-Fri., and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. “International Artist Series:” Isata Kanneh-Mason performs piano at 7:30 p.m., March 8, and 10:30 a.m., March 9.
RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-265-4800 www.rivercentre.org
The Twin Cities Bridal
Show is held at noon on Sunday Feb. 27. Tickets start at $15 and must be purchased in advance at www. theweddingguys.com.
Schubert Club 75 W. 5th St. St. Paul 651-292-3268 www.schubert.org
Maria Isa will perform a virtual concert at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Mar. 14. Free. A digital concert series is underway. One online presentation will be released each month until June and will be available for replay for one week. There are four concerts left. Cost for a single digital concert is $10. Accordo will be uploaded at 8 a.m., March 24.
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 brandnew exhibits, movies and the recently expanded Dinosaurs & Fossils gallery. “Ultimate Dinosaurs”
is on display through April 10. Learn about dinosaur discoveries and scientific research to show how continental drift altered the landscape of the ancient world. “Science is All of Us” is presented through March. Take a cultural and scientific look at race throughout history with paid and free virtual, hybrid and in-person learning opportunities at the museum. Science Fusion events: Native Americans in STEM runs until March 4. Latinx Americans in STEM runs Feb. 21-March 5. Asian Americans in STEM runs March 14-26. African Americans in STEM runs through March 31. Omnitheater films are “Dinosaurs of Antarctica,” “Dino Dana,” and “Not The Science Type.” Additionally, Omnifest runs through March 6 and includes the following films: “Deep Sea,” “Hubble,” “Galapagos: Nature’s Wonderland,” and “Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar.” Theater tickets are $9.95, with discounts for children and seniors. Museum tickets are $19.95, with discounts for children and seniors.
The MSHSL Girls State Hockey Tournament is held Feb. 23-26. The MSHSL State Wrestling Tournament is held March 3-5. The MSHSL Boys State Hockey Tournament is held March 9-12. Journey performs at 7:30 p.m., March 14. Tickets start at $45.50. Billie Eilish performs at 7:30 p.m., March 15. Tickets start at $76.50. Elton John performs at 8 p.m., March 22-23. Tickets start at $160.
WANTED Vintage Records, Turntables & Stereo Equipment Call
651-248-7274
Downtown bp Serving the downtown community for more than 90 years!
651-221-0026
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240 www.xcelenergycenter.com
• • • •
Quality bp gasoline Full-service auto repair ASE Master Technicians 36 month or 36,000 mile warrantly on all repairs • Convenience store
542 Robert St. N., St. Paul | www.downtownbp.com | Mon-Fri. 7 am-8 pm, Sat. 8 am-4 pm, Sun. 9 am-4 pm
GASOLINE
10¢ off per gallon (maximum 30 gallons)
Not valid with other offers. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 3/31/22. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
$20 OFF
Any Service over $100 Most vehicles. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 3/31/22. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
GASOLINE
10¢ off per gallon (maximum 30 gallons)
Not valid with other offers. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 3/31/22. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?
FREE computer scan for store codes Most vehicles. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 3/31/22. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
OIL CHANGE $1999 or $4999
Synthetic blend
Full Synthetic Most vehicles. Up to 6 quarts of oil, standard filter and chassis lube. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 3/31/22. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
ANY SERVICE 10% off
(maximum savings $100.) Most vehicles. Not valid with other offers. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 3/31/22. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
FREE Local Shuttle and Same Day Service on Most Repairs! Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022 - Page 5
N ews Briefs
Your community news and information source
{ THE FULLER FILES } Construction is scheduled to resume on the 120room, $30 million Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the Seven Corners Gateway Project near the Xcel Energy Center. Construction was halted last August when a fire destroyed the site. A nearby 144-unit apartment building was spared. The project, managed by the Kaeding Development Group, will have 14,000 square feet of retail space between the hotel and apartment building and feature a 40,000-squarefoot plaza. The opening is planned for next year. The Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board will hold a virtual hearing on March 14 to discuss new guidelines for the naming of
buildings on the State Capitol grounds. For details, visit www.mn.gov/caapb. The St. Paul City Council amended its zoning ordinance to make it easier to install clusters of cottage homes, mother-in-law apartments and townhomes. The changes end the 22-foot minimum width for singleand two-family homes, and ends restrictions limiting assessor dwelling units to properties spanning at least 5,000 square feet. Motherin-law apartments are no longer required to be in an owner-occupied building. Trellis property company will receive $832,000 in tax credits for its proposed $12.8 million rental housing development for low-income se-
Postscript
Out of the Jungle
In my dream, the jungle was thick and dark. There was a river running through it and I was on a small raft, careening down it. The current was flowing fast in the center and I wanted to steer closer to the banks, but the jungle was filled with monsters — prehistoric creatures that roared when they saw my little raft tumbling in the water. I never saw them clearly but could sense their presence. They reared their giant heads as I went by. The branches of the trees thrashed as they moved just out of sight.
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
Then, up ahead, I saw huge stones in the center of the river. I feared I would smash my makeshift raft to bits. I steered closer to the bank until my raft was close
by Roger Fuller
niors at 2319 West 7th Street. The building will have seven units for seniors who were previously homeless, and 15 efficiency units. Additionally, it will have a dozen onebedroom units for people earning less than 30% of the area median income and nine one-bedroom units for people earning less than 50% of the area median income. Ricardo Cervantes is stepping down after serving 11 years as director of safety and inspections for the City of St. Paul. The department employs 150 inspectors and oversees 4,000 residential and commercial buildings. Lee Krueger has resigned as president of the St. Paul Port Authority. He oversaw many downtown redevel-
opment projects during his six-year tenure, including the transformation of the former Macy’s department store on Wabasha Street into the Treasure Island Center. Krueger plans to work on commercial real estate and development. Chief Operating Officer Todd Hurley will serve as interim president. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Project exceeded its goal of $2.15 million for the holiday season and expects to reach its overall goal of $12 million for the season. Impact Apartments plans to build a 258-unit apartment building at Hemlo Avenue and Third Street in Oakdale near the proposed Gold Line bus rapid transit line. The seven-story build-
to the river’s edge. Suddenly, a huge arm reached out of the jungle. It was gray and covered in scales with long claws and I was easily within reach. I woke with a start. Peter was sleeping. I grabbed him. “What’s the matter?” he asked groggily. I tried to explain about the monsters that were like dinosaurs and the river that was flowing too fast for me to navigate the rickety raft and the rocks ahead. “Wasn’t I there?” he asked. “No!” He wasn’t there. But as he fell back to sleep, I knew he thought he should have been. If he had been there, we would have evaded those monsters. Next time, he would make a point of be-
ing on the raft. Being married comes with a lot of responsibilities they don’t tell you about. We are now in Mexico and, after weeks of feeling good, Peter’s back went out again last night. He felt worse than he’d ever felt before. I didn’t know what we should do. Stay where we were? Continue to our destination? Return home? “I can’t think clearly enough to decide. Let’s do what you think is best,” Peter said. “Let’s go!” I said. We packed up in minutes, caught a shuttle, and headed to our final stop, an hour and a half away. I explained to our driver, Ricardo, in my childlike Spanish that my husband
ing would have three stories of underground parking, a rooftop swimming pool and four two-story penthouse apartments. The Gold Line is expected to open in 2024 to serve downtown St. Paul, Woodbury, Oakdale and Maplewood. Minnesota Sinfonia will host its winter concert at 7 p.m., Friday, Mar. 11 at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave. W. Pianist Alon Goldstein will perform works by Mozart and the Sinfonia will perform Beethoven’s 4th Symphony. Gray Duck Tavern, 345 Wabasha St., has reopened with a more affordable menu, featuring appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, main dishes such as fish and chips, pasta and smoked ribs, and 21 beers on tap.
Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., will present “Thurgood” March 8-27. This one-person play is based on the life of U. S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. AZ Gallery is hosting the “Cultivate the Creative” community art show through March 30 at 308 Prince St. About 100 artists will participate. Subtext Bookstore, 6 W. 5th St., will host the Cookbook Club at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27. “The Vegetable Kingdom” by Brant Terry will be featured. Register at www.subtextbooks.com. The St. Patrick’s Day parade returns to downtown St. Paul after an absence last year caused by the pandemic. It will take place at noon Thursday, Mar. 17.
had “terrible pain of the spine,” and he looked on sympathetically. We had almost made it to our destination when Ricardo asked if we would like to stop at a pharmacy. The only thing that had helped Peter before was a short course of steroids. I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. So, I launched into my small-child Spanish again, asking the pharmacist if it was “possible to buy prednisona.” “What strength?” she wanted to know. “And how much?” This was beyond my abilities to communicate, so she just brought out the boxes and laid them on the counter. By nightfall Peter was feeling a bit better, and today he
is up and cooking beans. He will see another doctor when we get home because he cannot live like this, always in fear of monsters jumping out of the jungle. But I am so glad he is better today. “I am not very good at taking care of you,” I said, because I’m not. I have no experience caring for people who are ill or in pain. I don’t know what to say or do. I feel helpless and useless and frustrated, none of which makes me much of a Florence Nightingale. But I was able to speak enough Spanish to get some help. I got our raft a little closer to the center of the river and now we are picking up speed. Till next time.
NY firm to create design for the River Learning Center New York City-based W Architecture & Landscape Architecture has been select-
ed to design the River Learning Center at Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. A
INDOOR HEATED CLIMATE CONTROLLED
50% OFF
project of the City of St. Paul and the Great River Passage Conservancy, the center will provide year-round environmental learning, outdoor recreational opportunities, and
“Ours is a Service of Sincerity” Since 1927
First 2 Month's Rent
Ken B. Peterson
FREE DISC LOCK WITH ANY RENTAL!
Johnson-Peterson
For any unit 10'x18' or smaller
New rentals only. Not valid with other offers. Expires 4/30/22.
1200 North Concord St. • www.minikahda.com Call 651-450-1202
Page 6 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022
Owner-Director
Funeral Home & Cremation 612 So. Smith Ave.
651-222-3220 www.johnsonpeterson.com
serve as headquarters of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. The nonprofit Wilderness Inquiry is also expected to operate its Canoemobile from the center. Canoemobile is a floating classroom aboard “Lo Voyageur nuestro a 24-foot canoe, where students learn about es un servicio science, history, geography andde culture. sinceridad” W Architecture & LandDesde 1927 scape Architecture was one B. Peterson of 11 Ken firms to submit a proposalOwner-Director for the center. The firm has begun work on the Johnson-Peterson schematic design and expects Casa Funeria y Cremación to have612 theSo.final Smithdesign Ave. and construction estimates com651-222-3220 pleted by October. The City www.johnsonpeterson.com
and Great River Passage Conservancy is seeking $20 million in state bonding for the project. The River Learning Center is one of three major projects included in the City’s 2013 Great River Passage Initiative, which aims to connect people to the Mississippi River. The other projects are the River Balcony and the East Side River District. Work on the 1.5-mile river balcony is underway. The promenade will extend from Union Depot to the Science Museum and feature restaurants, retail shops, gathering spaces, sweeping views of the river valley, and connections to the river. In
September, James Corner Field Operations, a New York-based urban design and landscape architecture firm, was selected to design the balcony. The final design, cost estimates and construction timeline will be completed in June. The goal of the East Side River District is to “heal a compromised landscape,” connect people to the river and land, and protect sacred and significant sites. This area of St. Paul currently has a mixture of heavy industrial sites and open spaces, including the largely undeveloped Pig’s Eye Regional Park. Several sites in the area are sacred to the Dakota people.
C ommunity
Your community news and information source
Local poet reminisces about the Black Dog Café Filmmaker, poet and photographer Mike Hazard remembers the Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, which closed in mid-January after serving as a community hub in Lowertown for nearly 25 years.
A
fter 23 years of operation, the cafe posted a simple note on its front door on January 2: “The Black Dog Café is closed. We are grateful for each and every one of you that has walked through these doors. We have loved you as best we could. We would be honored if you would join us for a dram or a drink and a goodbye on January 15, 2022.” To get over the shock of the news that the Black Dog has closed, I romanced the memories. When I lived in the neighborhood, the Black Dog was a home away from home. It was family. Searching my social media history, I found some 50 picture stories of, by, and/or about the Black Dog and Black Dog people. I loved the series of tabletop art shows I mounted at the Black Dog. Weird Wood, Local Color, Media Mike’s Mask Museum, Media Mike’s Menagerie, Cornucopia, et alia. When the Republican National Convention madness exploded, the Black Dog was an oasis. Al Jazeera was telecasting to the world. I met Hunter, a retired postal worker turned itinerant photographer, who traveled the world “to be where the action is.” I was inside looking out at a blizzard one Saturday morning when a dozen cop cars appeared. Trunks popped, cops pulled out machine guns, and marched toward the Union Depot. They surrounded the Depot parking lot. It turned out a 10-yearold with a toy gun was playing by himself in the storm. It was the go-to place to see the neighbors. I loved finding Dick Bancroft there on a Saturday morning, playing cribbage with Peter Leach. Both are deceased now. The buzz in the house was sweet as their waffles. I read poems out loud. I attended political talks. One by Paul Erlinder stands out. I watched a Mni Sota Wakpa mural develop. I bent [co-owner] Sara’s ear for hours with rants and riffs and ruminations. She never said “No” to any of my asks for exhibits and poetry readings. The jazz jazzed. Book launches for “St. Paul Almanac” brought
down the house. I received a great present there of a painting by Jim Denomie that my wife, Tressa, purchased. The Black Dog Café was the biomagnetic center of the universe that is or was Lowertown.
A family affair The Black Dog was dreamed up and operated by the Remke siblings, Andy, Sara and Stacy. I love these folks for the love they give.
Sara Remke “She has a passion for social justice and believes people should be authentic and do their part,” said Stacy. “She likes to meet people from all over and hear their stories. She is a fierce mama bear. She has mentored more girls than she or they know. Black Dog has been her dharma.” Andy added, “Sara is the most outgoing of the three of us. She is great at making connections with and among people. Sara enjoys meeting people and was always interested in finding out where they were from and what brought them to the Black Dog. She is a creative, idea person. She’s the one that says ‘Why not?’ Few things please her more than putting together an event or creating a ‘happening scene.’” What’s in the future for Sara? “I am going to go deeper into teaching meditations and energy work and start working with people one on one,” she said. “Most likely looking for a part-time job as well. For now I am in California having a stare at the ocean looking for a whale or two.” Stacy Remke “Stacy is a caring, compassionate, grounded teacher and wonderful nurturing baker and cook,” said Sara. “It is a real treat to have her cook for you. She has also helped me to process years of my life. A treasure.” Andy added, “Stacy is the one that keeps us moving forward together. She is the harness between Sara’s horse and my wagon. Stacy always counsels to keep the standards high, do the best you can, and don’t sweat the minutiae.
“The Black Dog has been ‘the home of Stacy’s cakes,’ cravaebly delicious but with a quintessentially homemade appearance. Stacy loves good wine and the finer things in life but knows that at the end of the day it’s the people you are with, and the intention of the preparation, that make a great gathering. Stacy understands the importance of ritual, tradition and gathering in life…the large and the small, the daily and the infrequent.” By social media, I was ever aware that Stacy was not only organizing wine tastings and baking for the Black Dog, but also racing all around the world with her teaching and social work. “I have over 25 years’ experience working in the field of pediatric palliative and hospice care,” she said. “Helping families cope with serious, life-threatening illness remains an important interest area of mine.” Her book “The Insider’s Guide to Grief ” is available on Amazon. “I also have a special interest in team functioning and wellness, especially the complex group process that evolves in work groups,” she added. Asked if they are grieving the loss of the Black Dog, Stacy said, “Well it is sad but also really felt like the right time, and Andy and Sara really felt done. So, grief but also peace. And it’s not over so maybe more grief to come when it hits, when something else occupies the space.”
Andrew Remke Andrew is a master at logistics and organizing, said Stacy. He “also needs time to work out a solution but then what a great solution it will be.” Sara added, “Andy is in the shadows but supported everything. Kind and smart as heck. He is an amazing writer and he will be looking for next steps for himself. He does not miss a beat and is unassuming but on the case. Self-taught whatever we needed to learn. A true pillar. So much love for him. A quiet but keen sense of humor.” The Black Dog is dead, long live the Black Dog. The Black Dog was my best friend. We have loved, love you.
Photo by Mike Hazard
Stacy, Sara and Andrew Remke
Car Care Specials We can help with all your automotive needs.
Maintenance Special
Tire Rotation
Includes oil, filter, lube and tire rotation. Synthetic oil $10 extra. Not valid with other offers. With coupon only. Exp. 3/31/22.
Lifetime tire rotation on BF Goodrich, Uniroyal & Michelin tires, plus FREE road hazard for 3 years. Not valid with other offers. With coupon only. Exp. 3/31/22.
2495
FREE
$
Brake Special
Second Opinion
Discount is on parts and labor. Not valid with other offers. With coupon only. Exp. 3/31/22.
Bring us a competitor's estimate and we'll take a second look for free. Not valid with other offers. With coupon only. Exp. 3/31/22.
10% OFF
FREE
Wide Selection of After Market Wheels
12 mo/12,000 mile National Service Warranty Complete Auto Care Rick's
Locally Owned & Managed!
1137 Robert St S. West St. Paul 651-450-0535
www.HometownTireAndService.net Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022 - Page 7
LOCAL JOBS Work Close to Home
Full-time | Part-time | Seasonal & Temporary
Immediate job openings near you...
Join our Team. Make a Difference. Now hiring for multiple positions!
Our talented staff includes nurses, certified nursing assistants, maintenance workers, housekeepers and culinary workers. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Current openings. View job descriptions at ourladyofpeacemn.org/employment
• RN Hospice and Home Care Home Health Aide Supervisor • RN, Home Health • Dietary Cook • Dietary Aide • Residential Nursing • CNA, PT, days or nights, no travel • LPN, PT, days • Maintenance Technician
Email your resume to carolej@ourladyofpeacemn.org Questions? Call 651-789-5031 Our Lady of Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer
2076 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul MN 55104
Now Hiring—Apply Today! Youth Program Leaders - $17 per hour, 3 open positions, PT. Deliver Scouting programs at schools, housing communities and community centers; mentor underresourced elementary school youth using our curriculum; 15-30 hours per week. Bilingual Youth Program Leaders - $17 per hour. Must speak English and Spanish, Karen, or Hmong. Work with youth at community sites delivering Scouting programs; your ability to speak English and another language will be invaluable as you provide positive experiences for Scouts and their parents! Camp Program Guides - $16 per hour, PT. Multiple open positions at Base Camp. Working directly with youth and adults to lead them through experiences that inspire active learning; with training from Base Camp leadership, you will provide each group with a valuable and unique Base Camp experience. Development Director, FT - Fundraising - $41K-$60K starting salary, DOQ; Development department team member working to reach fundraising goals and strategic priorities; manage donor and donor prospects, maintain good relationships. Communications Specialist, FT - $50K starting salary, DOQ; Coordinate, design, manage production of major digital communications’ campaign; lead photo shoots, video production, editing; Webmaster, social media coordinator - hands-on design, scheduling, and maintenance of our social presence. To apply, visit https://northernstarbsa.workbrightats.com/jobs/
Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Northern Star Council is an Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer
NOW HIRING
HIRINGÊ-Ê$50k+/YrÊ $57k+/yr ÊÊ Ê
Ê Ê
Start Your New Career in Recycling!
ÊÊAPPLY NOW
High quality employees are the backbone of Spectro Alloys. We keep good people because we treat them right. We offer competitive wages and salaries, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, clothing allowance, ongoing training programs, and even grants for education for our employee's family members.
Ê
We offer in-depth on the job training programs and a career track for everyone who aspires to go further. While we don't require any prior experience, we do require a strong work ethic and a commitment to our Core Values.
Ê Ê Ê Ê
Ê
Our Core Values
Great Benefits • • • • • • • • •
Paid training – no experience required Consistent hours with overtime opportunity Paid time off and holidays Generous medical insurance plans Company paid life, disability, vision and dental insurance 401k match, profit sharing Clothing allowance Attendance and referral bonuses Advancement opportunities – we promote from within!
• • •
•
•
We put Safety and People First We are Customer Driven We are Servant Leaders, Demonstrating Respect, Honesty, Integrity We are Committed to Sustainability, Growth and Continuous Improvement We are Each Accountable, and as One Team
Ê
NoSpectroAlloys.com/Careers Experience Necessary
We promote from within. Team members will average $70K this year, plus great benefits! SpectroAlloys.com/Careers EOE
Page 8 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - March 2022
Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Original building, renewed purpose. Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Original building, renewed purpose. OpeningOriginal in the previous Southview Animalpurpose. Hospital location, building, renewed Southview Sanctuary will be a dedicated space to serve animals Opening incare the previous Animal Hospital location, needing through Southview local animal rescure organizations Southview Sanctuary will be a dedicated space to serve animals Opening incare the previous Animal Hospital location, needing through Southview local animal rescure organizations Southview Sanctuary will be a dedicated space to serve animals needing care32 through animal rescure Westlocal Mendota Roadorganizations
Looking for a new career? Join our team! Inver Grove Heights, MN 55057 32 West Mendota Road Now accepting resumes! Inver Grove Heights, MN 55057 Do you love animals and want to be part ofRoad a growing, fast-paced 32 West Mendota Follow along on Facebook for updates on animalInver hospital Grove that provides excellent care? If so, we invite you Heights, Southview Sanctuary and toMN learn55057 more! to join our team. Due to expansion, Southview Animal Hospital www.facebook.con/SouthviewAnimalHospital Follow on Facebook for updates on hasalong the following positions available: Southview Sanctuary and to learn more! Follow along on Facebook for updates on www.facebook.con/SouthviewAnimalHospital Southview Sanctuary and to learn more! Care) Veterinarian (Associate, Overnight Emergency/Urgent www.facebook.con/SouthviewAnimalHospital Veterinary Technician
Tech / Kennel Assistant Customer Service Representative To apply, send resume to Kparish@southviewanimalhospital.com
Coming Soon
Southview Animal Hospital is opening Southview Sanctuary Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Clinic in early 2022, located at 32 W. Mendota Road, Inver Grove Heights. Follow along at www.Facebook.com/SouthviewAnimalHospital.