Downtown St. Paul Voice May 2024

BUSINESS

Choo Choo Bob’s Train Shop chugs into Union Depot

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

After navigating a few major detours, Choo Choo Bob’s Train Shop is on track to open May 3 at its most fitting location yet: St. Paul’s Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. Opening weekend, May 3-6, will feature half-price admission, a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, and live music on Saturday and Sunday.

The space – formerly home to Spinning Wylde cotton candy – is a little bigger than the shop’s previous store in St. Louis Park and is composed of several rooms through which a raised electronic model train will chug. Its play space features a dozen wooden train stations, six rideable train toys, a coloring area, dollhouse area, Hot Wheels station, karaoke and more. Cost for the play area is $10 for kids 1-10 and $2 for adults. Story time and live music are included with admission. Story time with Engineer Paul is held 10:30-11 a.m., Mondays and Fridays, and Rob Stokes will perform 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays. There’s no time limit on admission and visitors can get a stamp to come and go as they please.

Decorated party rooms that can hold up to 50 people are available for rent, as well as a few quieter private spaces. The shop also sells a wide variety of train-themed toys.

“It’s a perfect location,” said owner

St. Paul’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta returns May 4 with a parade

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The rich heritage of Mexican culture will be on full display during this year’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta on the West Side, held 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, May 4, on Cesar Chavez Street between Robert and Ada. This is the second year the West Side Boosters, a nonprofit youth sports organization, has organized the regionally renowned and community favorite event that dates to 1985. Formerly, it was orga-

nized by the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, which cancelled the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and chose not to revive it. Some 4,000-5,000 people are expected to join in on the fun. The colorful, lively parade is making a comeback this year, and Sunny Sauceda is traveling from San Antonio, Tex., to headline on the main stage. New this year is a dog show. A commemorative button designed by Bob Nash can be purchased

Sample St. Paul Page 6 DINING

Jackey’s Peg Leg dishes out tastes of the Caribbean

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Ahoy! A new Latin Caribbean bistro by the name of Jackey’s Peg Leg is now open in the former Hunan Garden space at 380 Cedar St. It launched this spring and boasts scrumptious dishes, wooden plank decor, and enough event space for a boatload of people. At the helm are the owners of Bullvino’s Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse in downtown St. Paul and Jim Carlson, general manager. Diners at Jackey’s will find a menu inspired by the Caribbean isles, Mexico and Brazil. Fried polenta and ceviche are among the appetizers, and tacos, sandwiches and a variety of filets make up the bulk of the entrees. Classic burgers are also offered, along with a full bar. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in Brazilian flan, key lime pie, tres leches and other desserts.

Entertainment is featured throughout the week and revolves around specific themes. Wednesdays are blues music, Thursdays karaoke, Fridays Latin music and Saturdays Brazilian night. The bistro is open noon-11 p.m., Monday-Thursday; noon-2 a.m., Fridays; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays; and 5-11 p.m., Sundays. Look for a Mexican theme the weekend of May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

“Cinco falls on a Sunday, but the parade and the West Side fiesta

Northern Light Art Studio unveils gallery and boutique

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Northern Light Art Studio has emerged from the former Creators Space, a nonprofit that closed last fall after five years of providing workspace and classes for artists at 218 7th St.

E. Studio owners Kassy Paige and Jordyn Piverson were members of Creators

Space and after the business closed they scrambled for a way to preserve the space in some capacity to hone their artforms. Fortunately, the landlord wanted them to stay in the building.

Prior to opening, considerable renovation was required to downsize the space. The pottery studio areas were moved to the main level, and volunteers knocked down several walls and completed a laundry list

of cosmetic updates, including painting several largescale murals. The space, which is only accessible to members, boasts 16 pottery wheels and two kilns, dozens of individual workspaces and personal storage areas, free materials and equipment for members, and eight private studios of various sizes.

A member lounge will also be made this summer and Saint City Catering bistro and coffeeshop – formerly Creators Cup Coffeehouse – is located on the other side of the main floor. The studio currently has about 50 members and can take on 25 more, although that number may be expanded in the future. Memberships start at $110 per month.

shops to the public. During the Spring Art Crawl, it will unveil its new art gallery and artist boutique.

mugs, ring holders, incense holders, and other things that are part of my core collection of goods.”

Today the studio has everything that painters and potters need to bring their ideas to life. It also regularly offers beginner-friendly courses and one-day work-

“The art gallery will start by featuring work from our members and eventually feature guest exhibitors as well,” said Paige. “Our artist boutique is going to feature mini shops – think of it as tiny storefronts for different members who’d like to sell their work…. I’ll have one where I’ll be selling my belly

During the Crawl, the site will feature the works of about 18 artists, and host two mini-workshops throughout the weekend: Paint-Your-Own Tote Bag, and Make-Your-Own Ceramic Slab Built Planter or

Choo Choo Bob’s / Page 5

Jackey’s Peg Leg / Page 5

Cinco de Mayo / Page 2

Photo by Pat Watson, Cinco de Mayo 2023

Festival Season is Back

by contacting the planning committee at info@westsidecincodemayo.com. A button is not required for admission to the fiesta. Proceeds support the West Side Boosters youth sports league. The following events were accurate as of press time but are subject to change. For updates, visit westsidecincodemayo.com.

Parade

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Wabasha and Cesar Chavez and travels down Cesar Chavez to Ada. About 70 groups will participate, including local schools, organizations and businesses. Artist Jesse Ramirez was named grand marshal and will be marching behind the AM Vets Post #5, Korean War Vets and Latino Peace Officers. He is an avid volunteer for West Side organizations and has created several murals in the neighborhood. The parade hasn’t been held since 2019.

“When we started organizing this two years ago the parade was a big thing people asked about,” said committee chair Santino Franco. “It’s something special the community has been asking for and we’re going to be able to provide it.” It’s being coordinated by Tiffany Rivera-Prescott, who oversaw the parade when it was organized by the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation.

Entertainment

Four stages will be set up on the fiesta grounds. The Tex Mex Experience Mainstage at State and George will feature Saul y sus Tremendos, noon-12:45 p.m.; Dos Coronas, 1-1:45 p.m.; Prestigio del Norte, 2-2:45 p.m.; Los Rebeldes, 3-3:45 p.m.; and Sunny Sauceda y Todo Eso, 4-5 p.m. The R&B Stage at Robert and Cesar Chavez features Ray Covington, noon-12:45 p.m.; Jordan Johnston, 1-2 p.m.; Fresh and Fonky, 2:15-

3:15 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.; and DJ Saint, 3:30-4 p.m. The West Side Stage will feature Cuautli, 12:30-12:45 p.m.; Sheila Carbajol, 1-1:45 p.m.; Goro, 2-2:45 p.m.; Zen Rosalia, 3-3:30 p.m.; Lena Sol, 3:30-4 p.m.; and Ty Prophecy, 4-5 p.m. The Cultural Performances Stage features a jalepeno contest, 12:301 p.m.; Riverview School mariachi, 1-1:30 p.m.; Los Alegres Bailadores children show, 1:30-2 p.m.; elote eating contest, 2-2:30 p.m.; grito contest, 2:30-3 p.m.; and Los Alegres Bailadores pre-professional and professional group, 3-3:45 p.m. A Family Zone will be set up in Parque de Castillo featuring two bounce houses, activities with staff from the Science Museum, Ordway Theatre and St. Paul Fire Department, face painting, caricatures and more. An artisan market with 80 vendors and 25 food vendors will also be onsite.

Car show

Dozens of fine-tuned and freshly polished lowriders, hot rods, motorcycles and other custom cars will line the festival streets all day.

The car show returns to 179 E. Robie St., with more categories to win trophies, including best muscle car, truck and SUV. Last year’s show had about 50 vehicles and this year’s is expected to have more due to the expanded categories. Sign up starts at 9 a.m. and winners are announced at 2:30 p.m. Cost to register is $10 in advance or $20 on event day. There is no hydraulic bounce competition this year. For

more information, call Brad at 651-248-9811.

Softball tournament

An adult softball tournament will take place at Gilbert de la O Field behind the Wellstone Center throughout the day. Those interested in competing must register their team by April 26. Preliminary games are held on Friday, May 3 and teams will compete for the winner’s trophy on Saturday. The tour-

nament has been organized by the Boosters since 1988. Cost to register is $175 per team.

The cornhole tournament is not returning this year.

Dog show

The inaugural “Fun Dog Show” will be held 1-5 p.m., in the El Burrito Parking Lot near the intersection of Robie and State streets. Watch different types of bulldogs proudly strut their stuff

Photo by Pat Watson, Cinco de Mayo 2023 car show

Afor trophies in 25 different classes and the chance to win a $500 prize. Admission is free. Cost to register a bulldog is $25 and can be done in advance or at the event. For more information, call Santo at 651-404-9740.

Security

St. Paul Police will provide onsite security during the event.

“Our number one priority is to have a great Cinco de Mayo where everybody is safe and enjoying themselves,” said Franco. “To grow the event in the future, it starts with safety in 2024.”

Three shootings at the event over two years – in 2017 and 2018 – took some of the shine out of the fiesta, which in recent years regularly drew more than 60,000 people from the community and region.

Franco said the Boosters plan to organize the event for the foreseeable future and would like to see it return to a similar scale as it once was. The nonprofit was able to undertake this hefty event because of a $1.4 million grant they received from the state’s Explore Minne-

sota tourism department in summer 2023 to fund cultural events. In addition to making sure Cinco keeps thriving, they will use some of the funds for their annual Football Fiesta in September in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day.

“We have some grand ideas and being able to have this grant money helps with whatever we want to do,” said Franco. “Maybe we’d love to see it [Cinco de Mayo fiesta] be a two-day event. We plan on growing it and eventually having some great musical acts and being a draw for other communities to come see…. The [West Side Cinco de Mayo] team is special. It’s pretty much all West Siders and everybody is committed to bringing Cinco de Mayo West Side for the West Side.”

The celebration, always held the weekend around May 5, once attracted more than 100,000 attendees over a full weekend of events and had been called one of the top 10 largest Cinco de Mayo fiestas in the nation. It was first organized by the former Concord Street Business Association (later renamed the Riverview

Economic Development Association) and grew from a small community festival to a regional attraction. However, it became too much for the small nonprofit to manage and in 2009 the event was transferred to the St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, which also organizes the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The foundation eventually reduced the festival to one day then stopped organizing it after cancelling

for two years because of the pandemic. In 2022, a small Cinco de Mayo event was organized on the West Side by Reis Romero, a former volunteer with the traditional Cinco de Mayo West Side St. Paul. Cinco de Mayo (May 5) commemorates the unlikely victory at the Battle of Puebla, in Mexico’s state of Puebla, of a struggling Mexican army over Napoleon III’s massive French

army in 1862. This was the first time the French Army had been defeated in decades. Although the French regrouped and overtook Mexico City, the Puebla battle is remembered for the euphoria it created, as well as the hope and patriotism, not just in Mexico but among Mexicans living in California at the time. The Union Army was keeping a close eye on the Mexican wars during this time for fear

that the French would assist the Confederacy during the Civil War.

The West Side Booster Club was established in 1970 and provides athletic opportunities for youth of all abilities and financial statuses. To volunteer at the fiesta, call Ana at 612-219-5203. For more information, visit westsidecincodemayo.com.

B

Wall Vase. Both are $20. The studio will also feature a scavenger hunt, and those who find all the clay animals will be awarded a handmade gift. The studio will be open for the Crawl 6-9 p.m., April 26; noon-8 p.m., April 27; and noon-5 p.m., April 28.

Kassy said the studio’s most popular workshop is the two-hour Intro to Wheel Throwing, where beginners learn to make a pot using a pottery wheel. The most popular course is Pottery 101, a five-week course that allows students to create a piece from start to finish. On the painting side, figure drawing with a live model is a popular offering held two Sundays per month, and new watercolor courses are now open for registration. Pottery 301 courses will open this

summer, featuring specialty projects such as mugs, lidded jars and “throwing big.”

“We’re also doing some really fun specialty workshops that are usually more themed events,” said Paige. “The most recent one we did was our International Women’s Day Vase Decorating and Floral Workshop, which was a huge hit. It was so amazing. We had over 20 people come out and paint vases that we had handmade in the studio. Then we had a gorgeous, huge bloom bar where everyone got to make their own bouquet and share about the important women in their life.”

The grand opening event at the studio in November featured zany activities like blindfolded pottery and a one-minute-mug challenge,

and you can expect similar activities to take place at future events.

Paige, a Washington native, has lived in St. Paul for about 12 years since relocating to attend college. She’s a lifelong photographer who had always been interested in pottery but was deterred by the expensive equipment necessary to work with it. However, within a year of joining Creator’s Space she fell in love with the art form and took on the role of pottery studio manager.

“Setting up a home studio is cost- and space-prohibitive, so a community studio is the best option for many, many potters,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of other benefits [of community studios] too. You might have access to additional equipment that you wouldn’t be able to have in your home studio, and I think the more important one for me is that

you get to be a part of an amazing community… Our members are so kind and they

make such amazing and diverse work. Getting to be around that is really a wonderful gift and you can learn techniques that you never would otherwise.”

Lucy Lamosse, Northern Lights director of education, gave a pottery demonstration during the studio’s grand opening event.

Jackey’s Peg Leg

from page 1

happens on a Saturday so there’s a good chance that instead of doing a Brazilian night we’re probably going to do a Mexican band that day,” said Carlson. “We’ll be an after-party so to speak…. We’ll have music going on and have tacos and other food. On that Sunday, I will probably have another band or at least a DJ.”

The restaurant seats about 150 in the dining area with expanded seating available into the event space, and the bar seats 25. The space has already been reserved for a few corporate events and can be used to host weddings, quinceañeras (a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday that is common in Mexican and other Latin American cul-

tures) and other events.

Carlson, who is in charge of the entertainment, is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Minnesota in 1982 to attend Macalester College, where he earned a bachelor’s in economics and business and Latin American studies. He has worked in the event industry for 30 years, 10 of which have been with Premier Latino Event, a company he founded. His company has organized parties at venues throughout the Twin Cities and most recently he’s managed anniversary parties, Cinco de Mayo celebrations and other events at La Doña Cerveceria in Minneapolis.

Substantial work was done to the space prior to open-

Choo Choo Bob’s

from page 1

Jennifer Moberg. “It’s an operating train station so I look out these big, beautiful windows and you can see trains going by right outside.”

ing, including demolishing a large wall so the dining and event areas are one big room. Tables have also been transformed into pirateship-themed benches, the bathrooms remodeled, the kitchen revamped, carpet removed and the plumbing brought up to date.

“[Co-owner] Marcio and I are heavy on St. Paul,” said Carlson. “I live on the West Side and I think St. Paul is going to be a good market for us. I think there’s growth in St. Paul. I think a lot of people are coming back to work in downtown…. The event space we have created will allow us to bring music to downtown. There’s not a lot of that going on right now, especially after KJ’s Underground closed. We’re speaking with some of the people who used to play there to see if they want to play our location

think it’s important

a couple other movies filmed in the Twin Cities, and operated Choo Choo Bob’s as a passion project.

Some may be familiar with Choo Choo Bob’s Train Show, a short-lived television series filmed by Medcraft shortly after opening the business. It can be streamed on Peacock or at choochoobobshow.com. Moberg is encouraging Medcraft to revive the show but his fulltime job in the TV industry keeps him plenty busy and was the reason he sold the shop in the first place. He worked on “Mall Rats” and

It’s been a winding journey for Moberg to get to where she is today. The business was founded in 2005 by Bob Medcraft, originally located at Marshall and Cleveland in St. Paul, and Moberg purchased it in 2019. The next year she was forced to close due to the pandemic. In 2021, she opened a popup location in St. Louis Park over the holidays and business was so well-received that she extended her lease another year and a half. She planned to continue operating that shop after opening at Union Depot but closed it after the building was sold and the new landlord quadrupled the rent.

Medcraft lives in St. Paul and will likely make an appearance or two over the grand opening weekend, which happens to coincide with another train-related event. The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour rolls in 3-8 p.m., Friday, May 3. The event features the 2816 Empress steam locomotive, a mobile exhibit that highlights the history and future of the railroad, and activities on the South Lawn, including the Puffer Belly Express, a miniature version of the 2816 Empress. The event is free and concessions and vendors will be available

in the Waiting Room. In early June, the Depot will host Train Days complete with train tours, a vendor marketplace, model trains, family friendly activities and more. Choo Choo Bob’s will take part in the Depot’s free kids events held on Tuesdays throughout the summer.

Moberg, a former account manager in the advertising field, is from Maple Grove and has a master’s in business administration. After bringing in some extra cash from selling her first home, she was looking to put her degree to use and began looking for business opportunities. Choo Choo Bob’s caught her eye because she had brought her son there about a decade earlier and remembered thinking it

was very cute but could have used a little sprucing up. The rest is history. The shop is open 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondays and

Fridays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 612201-3089 or visit choochoobobstrainstore.com.

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support local artists.” For more information, call

651-352-2807 or visit jackeyspegleg.com.

Customers at Jackey’s Peg Leg grand opening event, held this spring.

Moberg outside her shop at Union Depot.

MN Children’s Museum

10 7th St. W. St. Paul

651-225-6000

mcm.org

“Wild Kratts: Creature Power” is the featured exhibit through May 12. Explore the secret lives of animals in habitats around the planet and go on a mission to foil a villain’s nefarious plans.

Other exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.”

Tickets are $14.95. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required, and tickets are limited. The next free date is May 5.

MN History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul

651-259-3000 mnhs.org

“Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow” is a new exhibit featured through June 9. It features art, artifacts and photographs highlighting Black resilience and resistance from the end of the Civil War through World War I.

“The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz” is featured through June 9. Explore Schulz’s roots in Minnesota and his role as the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip and its beloved cast of characters.

“Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic

and contemporary photographs, maps, and artifacts that show how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.

Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather Permitting.” Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17.

History Theatre

30 E. 10th St. St. Paul

651-292-4323

Historytheatre.com

“Blended Harmony: the Kim Loo Sisters” is showing May 4-26. Starting at a young age, this quartet from Minneapolis gained popularity

during the swing era and performed across the country, on the silver screen of Hollywood, and overseas at USO shows. This new musical is an homage to family, love, their Chinese Polish American heritage, and the bond of these talented sisters through their lives on and off the stage. Tickets start at $30, with discounts for students.

Landmark Center

75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225

landmarkcenter.org

BandWidth Community Band Festival, noon-6 p.m., Sunday, April 28. Volunteerbased ensembles in Minnesota perform marches, concert band classics, pop, Broadway and jazz. Free. St. Paul Civic Symphony’s Annual Mother’s Day

Concert, 1 p.m., Sunday, May 12. Free.

MN Museum of American Art

350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571

mmaa.org

“Hazel Belvo: For Love,” an exhibit in the Nancy and John Lindahl Gallery, features more than 60 pieces from Belvo’s 70-year career

Photo by Rich Ryan

S ample St. Paul

as an artist. It is on display 10 a.m.-4 p.m., ThursdaySunday, through May 26.

“Together,” is a new exhibit on view through October 13. It consists of mixed media artwork created by 10 Minnesota artists with the help of their children.

“El Vaiven,” is a skyway installation in windows above Robert Street in downtown St. Paul. Created by Zamara Cuyún, it’s a dreamscape based on a real Mayan landscape in Guatemala and features a series of characters including Gucumatz the feathered serpent and Ixchel the moon goddess.

Ordway Center

345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 ordway.org

Minnesota Opera will present “La Bohème” May 4-19 (from $40) and “NOOMA,” an opera for babies, May 31-June 1. $5. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts: Coleman’s Afro-Cuban Concerto, Saturday, May 4; Schubert’s The Great C Major Symphony with Richard Egarr, May

10-11; Julie Albers plays Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D, May 17; Richard Goode plays Mozart’s Piano Con certos Nos. 18 and 23, May 24-25. All concerts start at $12.

TaikoArts Midwest p.m., Sunday, May 12. En ergetic performances that combine music, dance, cul ture and pure athleticism. From $27.

“Accordo with Silent Film,” 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14. A laid back evening of silent movies with original live music. From $32.

Davina and the Vaga bonds, 7 p.m., Friday, May 21. From $39.

Science Museum of Minnesota

120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444

smm.org

“Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” is on display through September 4. Pre sented in English and Spanish, it features more than 200 authentic artifacts, hands-on activities, lifelike simulations and more.

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Share your favorite stops along the Riverview Corridor at riverviewcorridor.com

The first proposed project of the newly created Capitol Mall Design Framework is the addition of a garden, benches and picnic tables to a community commons area on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., which runs directly in front of the Capitol building. The 179-page document was created by Sasaki Architects to determine how to make the State Capitol Mall more welcoming for all visitors. All projects must be approved by the Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board.

The City of St. Paul’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Metropolitan Council have

issued a request for proposals for improving the 1.6-acre block housing the light rail Central Station, bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Minnesota and Cedar streets. The city is seeking plans for a mixedused, high density development that would add vitality to that area of the city. Each entity owns parcels in that area are offering them to be used for one development opportunity.

Zeitgeist music quartet has left its longtime rehearsal and performance space at Studio Z at 275 E. 4th St. The group now rehearses in Red Wing but will continue to perform in the Twin Cities.

KJs Hideaway , a jazz club in the lower level of the Historic Hamm building since 2021, abruptly closed in mid-March. In a social media post, owners Jeremy and Kristen Siers cited “unexpected emergent personal matters” as the reason.

Tina Curry has been named interim director of Ramsey County Social Services. She assumed duties in mid-March when former director Michelle Basham resigned after just four months in that role.

Winners of the Minnesota Books Awards will be announced during a ceremony at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7 at the Ordway

{ CALENDAR OF EVENTS }

Thompson Park Activity Center

Unless noted, all activities take place at Thompson Park Activity Center, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul.

Events are for ages 55 and older. To register, call 651403-8300.

Paint Like the Masters, 1-3 p.m., Monday, May 6, 13 and 30. Paint your personal rendition of a landscape, still life, floral or portrait. $50 for three sessions. An additional supply fee of $30 is due at class. Registration required.

Right Size Your Home, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 9. Discover how to find the perfect family-centric location, “right size” your living space, ensure safe accessibility or how to transition to senior housing. Registration required. $3.

Nature Sense with Eloise Dietz: Birds on the Move, 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesday,

May 14. Witness the seasonal return of migratory birds to Minnesota and explore Thompson Park’s woodlands, prairies and lake. $10.

Alive and Kickin’ , 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. An hour of ’70s music. Registration required. $10.

DIY for the Environment: Landscaping for Clean Water, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 23. Learn about the design and implementation of rain gardens, native gardens and shoreline restoration using native plants.  Registration required. $5.

Thompson Lake CleanUp, 11:30 am-12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 23. Help clean the trails and shorelines in the park then enjoy a light lunch. Free.

Dakota County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue presentation , 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, May 29. Discover some of the latest equipment and techniques that help residents stay safe

and secure throughout the summer. $3.

Hand & Foot card club, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays, May-August. Registration required. $15.

Bean Bag Toss, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, May 1-June 26. $7.

Bocce Ball, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Mondays, May 6-August 26. Registration required. $15.

Libraries

The following events are held at the George Latimer Central Library, 90 W. 4th St. When registration is required, call 651-266-7000. The library will be closed May 26 and 27 for the Memorial Day holiday. Visit sppl.org/events for more information.

Free creative workshops led by local artists are held 6-7 p.m. each Wednesday in May. May 1, Spoken Word, led by Desdamona; May 8, Poetry Belongs to Everyone, led by Sun Yung Shin; May 15, Songwriting, led by Kashimana Ahua; May 22, Spoken Word and Slam Poetry, led by Kyle Tran Myhre; May 29, 5-7 p.m., Open Mic Celebration where workshop participants

Center for Performing Arts. Awards will be presented in nine categories, along with the Book Artist Award, Hogander Minnesota History Award and the Kay Sexton Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for longstanding dedication in fostering books, reading and literary activity in Minnesota.

The St. Paul Saints will give free bobbleheads to the first 1,500 fans at the May 15 game at CHS Field.

The St. Paul Farmers Market is commemorating Mother’s Day by giving a small potted plant to mothers on Sunday, May 12. River City Rhythm , a non-profit musical group serving youth ages 16-23,

can celebrate their creations.

PJ Storytime , 6:30-7 p.m. each Wednesday. Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal or comfy blanket.

Baby & Toddler Storytime , 10:30-11:30 a.m., each Thursday. Includes reading books, singing songs and playtime.

Learn 3D Printing, 2-3 p.m. each Friday. Learn the basics of operating the Library’s Ultimaker S3 and Lulzbot Mini 3D printers.

Registration required.

Learn Laser Engraving, 2-4 p.m. each Saturday. Learn the basics of operating the library’s Universal VLS 3.50 laser engraver/cutter. Registration required.

Historical Building Tour, 4-5 p.m., Saturday, May 11. Enjoy a guided tour of George Latimer Central Library, designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style and completed in 1917. Learn to Sew, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4 and 18. Bring your own sewing machine or use one of the library’s. Some fabric and notions are available for you to use. Registration required.

Craft Circle, 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. Bring a project to work on, or start a new one with materials at the library.

Riverview Library, 1 E.

will host its 15th Anniversary Fundraising Gala 5-8:30 p.m., Sunday, May 5 at Bullvino’s Brazilian Steakhouse in Lowertown. The event will feature performances by all of River City Rhythm’s ensembles, fundraising activities and delicious food. Tickets can be purchased at rivercityrhythm.org or at the door.

Camp Bar and Cabaret, 490 N. Robert St., will host the following comedians: Brad Sativa, May 3-4; Mandee Mckelvey, May 1011; Vince Carone, May 1718; and Mike Brody, May 24-25.

Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., presents “Flex” through May 19. The play is about two high school bas-

George St. The library will be closed May 26 and 27 for the Memorial Day holiday. Visit sppl.org/events for more information.

West Side Writers, 2-3 p.m. each Wednesday. Participants of all skill levels bring in pieces of written work, offer each other feedback, and discuss the craft of writing.

Teen Wednesdays, 3:305:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Games, snacks, art and more for ages 12-18.

Chess Club, 6-7 p.m., each Thursday. Open to chess players ages 8-18 of all skill levels.

Family Storytime, 10:3011:30 a.m., each Friday. Songs, stories, fingerplays, puppets and more.

Riverview Book Club , 6-7 p.m., Monday, May 13. The title is “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” by Shehan Karunatilaka.

Union Depot

The following events are held at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/ event-calendar.

St. Paul Art Crawl, April 26-28. Shop local artists, listen to live music and enjoy specials and happy hour at Station 81 restaurant. Hours are 5-9 p.m., Friday;

ketball stars and their journey into adulthood.

AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St., will host its Collective Alchemy II exhibit through May 26, featuring 64 works by 64 artists.

The Flint Hills Family Festival will return to the Ordway Center for Performing Arts May 28-June 1. Student programs will be held May 28-29 and public performances May 31 and June 1.

The skyway walking group meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at US Bank, 101 5th St. E. The group travels a mile and a half through the skyways at a casual pace, and may walk outside during nice weather.

10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday; noon-6 p.m., Sunday.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour, 3-8 p.m., Friday, May 3. The event features the 2816 Empress steam locomotive, a mobile exhibit that highlights the history and future of the railroad. Activities on the South Lawn, weather permitting, include the Puffer Belly Express, a miniature version of the 2816 Empress. Free. Concessions and vendors available in the Waiting Room.

Riffs, Rails and Cocktails, 5-7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 2. Drink specials begin at 5 p.m.; live music at 6 p.m.

Lowertown Trivia Night, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 10 at Station 81.

Public tours of the depot, 11 a.m.-noon, May 9 and 23, and noon-1 p.m., May 18.

Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, May 18.

Free yoga classes are offered 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9-10 a.m., Saturdays.

Games galore, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. each Wednesday. Giant-size games are available or bring your own. Free. All ages.

of our elementary buildings and supervise paraprofessional staff. Full-time, 12-month. Starting base wage $21.50/hr. (DOQ).

For more information and to apply: sowashco.org/careers

DOWNTOWN

Church of St. Louis, King of France

506 Cedar St. 651-224-3379 stlouiskingoffrance.org

• Church of the Assumption

51 W. Seventh St. 651-224-7536 assumptionsp.org

• Central Presbyterian 500 Cedar St. 651-224-4728 centralforgood.org

• First Baptist 499 Wacouta St. 651-222-0718 firstbaptiststpaul.org

• Church of St. Mary 267 8th St. E., #100 651-222-2619 stmarystpaul.org

WEST SIDE

Cherokee Park United 371 Baker St W 651-227-4275 cherokeeparkunited.org

• La Puerta Abierta UMC 690 Livingston Ave. 651-558-1896

• Our Lady of Guadalupe 401 Concord St 651-228-0506 www.olgcatholic.org

• St. Elizabeth Orthodox 125 Congress St E 651-424-0814 seocc.org

St. Matthew Catholic 490 Hall Avenue 651-224-9793 st-matts.org

• St. Paul Mennonite Fellowship

371 Baker St. W saintpaulmennonite.org

WEST ST. PAUL

Augustana Lutheran

1400 Robert St. S. 651-457-3373 augustana.com

• Community Christ the Redeemer

110 Crusader Ave W 651-451-6123 ccredeemer.org

• Crown of Life Lutheran Church & School

115 Crusader Ave. W. 651-451-3832 colwsp.org

• Faith United Methodist 1530 Oakdale Ave. 651-457-5686 faithumcmn.com

• Mizpah River Ministries 1530 Oakdale Ave. 651-399-5783

• Restoration Hope Church 121 Butler Ave. W. (Heritage Middle School) West St. Paul, 612-254-480 restorationhopechurch.com

Riverview Baptist 14 Moreland Ave. E. 651-457-3831 riverviewbaptist.net

Salem Lutheran 11 Bernard St 651-457-6661 salemluth.org

• St. George Antiochian Orthodox 1250 Oakdale Ave. 651-457-0854 saintgeorge-church.org

• St. James Lutheran 460 Annapolis St. W. 651-457-9232 saintjameslutheran.com

• St. Joseph’s Catholic 1154 Seminole Ave 651-457-2781 churchofstjoseph.org

• St. Stephen’s Lutheran 1575 Charlton St. 651-457-6541 ststephenswsp.org

SOUTH ST. PAUL

Luther Memorial Church 315 15th Ave N 651-451-2400 luther-memorial.com

• St Augustine’s Catholic Church 408 3rd St N 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org

• First Presbyterian 535 20th Ave. N. 651-451-6223 fpcssp.org

• Woodbury Lutheran Wakota Ridge Campus 255 W. Douglas St. 651-739-5144 woodburylutheran.org

South St. Paul Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist 140 6th Ave N 651-455-0777

• Grace Lutheran Church 149 8th Ave S 651-451-1035 grace-ssp.org

• Holy Trinity Catholic Church Catholic church 749 6th Ave S 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org

• Clark Memorial United Church 779 15th Ave N 651-451-7278 clarkgraceucc.org

• St Sava Serbian Orthodox church 357 2nd Ave. S. 651-451-0775 stsavamn.org

• Saint John Vianney Catholic Church 789 17th Ave. N. 651-451-1863 info@sjvssp.org

• Sf. Stefan Romanian Orthodox Church 350 5th Ave N 651-451-3462 sfantulstefan.org

• St Mary ’s Coptic Orthodox Church 501 6th Ave S 651-455-8947 stmarymn.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for men, especially Latinos, to mentor boys ages 7-12 in St. Paul. To volunteer, call 651-789-2400 or visit www.bigstwincities. org.

Ramsey County Community Human Services has volunteer opportunities for people age 16 and older. For more information, contact 651-266-4090 or visit ramseycounty.us/your-government/volunteer.

Science Museum of Minnesota is seeking volunteers to assist with visitor services and exhibits. Apply at smm.org/volunteer or call 651-221-9453 for more information.

CommonBond Communities seeks volunteers to assist children and teens with their academic skills, homework and discovering post-secondary school and career opportunities. For more information, visit commonbond.org/volunteer or contact volunteerservices@commonbond.org or 651-291-1750.

Minnesota Reading, Math Corps is seeking tutors to serve in St. Paul public schools. For more information or to apply, visit visit readingandmath.org/locations/ minnesota or contact 612-206-3030.

the food shelf, with tutoring, youth services and other areas. For more information, call 651-789-2524 or visit neighborhoodhousemn.org/volunteer/.

DARTS , a nonprofit organization serving seniors in Dakota County, offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. To volunteer, contact Angela Liedke at 651234-2254, angela.liedke@darts1.org or visit www.darts1.org/volunteer.

Dodge Nature Center, a nonprofit environmental education center in West St. Paul, is seeking volunteers to assist with community events, land management and environmental education. For more information, call 651-455-4531 or visitdodgenaturecenter.org.

Volunteers of America is looking for volunteers age 55 and over to assist children who are struggling with homework and reading. To volunteer or receive more information, contact 952-945-4 400 or visit voamnwi.org.

Hospice of the Midwest is seeking caring, responsible volunteers to provide companionship visits to patients throughout the Twin Cities. Also seeking music providers, veterans, and pet therapy vol-

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is looking for Safe at Home volunteers to provide home safety and accessibility modifications for low-income older adult or disabled homeowners in St. Paul and Dakota County. For more information, call 651-776-4273, email volunteerservices@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org. or visit rtmn.org/get-involved/volunteers/.

unteers. Hours are flexible and training is provided. Contact Jen for more information: jennifer.emerson@hospiceofthemidwest.com

Cerenity Senior Care–Humboldt is seeking volunteers to work with seniors in assisted living, memory care, transitional care, and nursing care. To volunteer, contact 651-220-1771, HumboldtVolunteer@ bhshealth.org, or visit www.cerenityseniorcare.org/volunteer.

Neighborhood House in St. Paul is looking for volunteers to assist in

Dakota County offers volunteer positions in community corrections, environmental resources, the Historical Society, library, parks, public health, the sheriff’s office and social services. For more information, call 651-438-4435 or visit www. co.dakota.mn.us and search “volunteer.”

Neighbors, Inc., a social service agency serving northern Dakota County, has a number of volunteer opportunities to assist local residents, including work with the food shelf and thrift store. For more information, call 651-455-5000 or visit neighborsmn.org.

Useful I had a discouraging day yesterday. I don’t expect anyone to keep track – heck, I can’t keep track half the time – but I got another rejection of my book from another editor with another publishing house.

I’ve read stories of how long it has taken well-known authors to sell their first novels. A publisher must put a lot of money into a new book and the odds are slim that a writer’s first book will ever earn that money back. Publishers know this so they are understandably cautious.

You’d think I would be used to rejection by now. Before I was even able to have my book read by publishers, I had to find an agent, and they are swamped with letters from writers who want the same thing I do: to see their book out in the world.

Now that I have my wonderful agent, Annie, she’s putting a lot of time into editing and working to sell my book, and she makes no money at all until the book

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

sells. It’s a long process. Everything takes months and months, and in the meantime, I keep writing, because that’s the only part of the process I have any control over at all.

So, when I got an “update” from Annie yesterday, I knew from the subject line of the email it would not be good news. The note read: “Hi Annie, Thank you for the opportunity to read Carrie’s work. She is a talented writer, and I love the premise for this, but I didn’t connect with the characters quite as strongly as I’d hoped. It is with regret

that I am a pass, but I hope you land the perfect home for this (or perhaps already have!).”

I added this rejection to a file I keep with the previous rejection letters. Sometimes I read the comments later and, generally, I don’t get too discouraged. But yesterday I did.

I was grumpy, and felt more than a little sorry for myself, so I took a day off. Instead of writing, I went for a long walk. As I was walking, I suddenly thought of my best friend, who died seven years ago. She was

only 50, and I never met a person who was more alive. I thought of how she would chew me out for wasting even part of one day feeling sorry for myself.

“Take a teaspoon of cement, Princess, and harden up!” she would have said. She was very good about saying things like that whenever I complained that what I was doing was too difficult. I miss her no-nonsense advice and her never-ending encouragement.

“I sure could use you now,” I thought.

At that moment I realized I had lost sight of a really important thing. I write because it makes me happy. but the reason writing makes me happy is because I think the stuff I write might be useful.

Maybe my writing will make somebody smile. Maybe someone will feel less alone. Maybe it will be used to line the bottom of a bird-

cage. But whatever happens, I’m hoping it will be useful in some small way.

It’s not really about me.

Or, as my beloved friend would say when I got too full of myself, “Buy some lumber, build a bridge and get over yourself!”

She was good at that, as I mentioned. She was good at reminding me of what matters and, seven years later, she is still so very useful.

Till next time.

Established in 1925, the 75-acre park offers a pristine beauty and strategic location that was recognized by our state’s earliest settlers. Pilot Knob, the plateau on which Acacia Park is situated, was an early 19th Century viewing point for such frontiersmen as Zebulon Pike and Josiah Snelling. Our beautiful cemetery is conveniently situated on the Pilot Knob plateau above the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in Mendota Heights. We are proud of our majestic scenery and natural environment that is uninhibited by upright monuments, which creates a stunning park-like setting. We have provided quality, personal service to families since 1925. We offer the following options to our families:

• Sections specifically designed for casket or cremation burial

• Convenient no-interest pre-payment plans for three years

• No-obligation information and tour of the cemetery grounds

• Markers, vaults, vases and urns for purchase • Newly developed cremation gardens • Serving all faiths