Downtown St. Paul Voice April 2023

Downtown St. Paul

Sample St. Paul

Trinity House Coffee opens retail outlet

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

People strolling through the skyway near the Wells Fargo Center are likely to catch a strong whiff of coffee lingering in the air. The bold, awakening aroma is from Trinity House Coffee, which opened in January. After selling African coffee beans around the world for 13 years online, the owners decided to add a brick and mortar store after being contacted by the St. Paul Downtown Alliance.

“They told me about the opportunity to be part of a project…to rebuild downtown St. Paul, and I decided to begin searching for a spot in the area,” said Gerry Exom, cofounder of the coffee company. The search turned up an old McDonald’s that had been sitting empty for about 10 years. “I thought it would be a good place to start our first Trinity House…. We want to give back to the community and just offer a really fine product.”

Exom was introduced to the Alliance while participating in the St. Paul Neighborhood Development Council’s “Plan It” Entrepreneurship program, from which he graduated in 2021.

The shop’s organic coffee beans come straight from countries throughout Africa. It currently has beans from Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, and will have beans from Tanzania beginning this spring. People can order drip-coffee or try one of their signature drinks that were

Forecast calls for clouds of cotton candy

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New owners of AZ Gallery committed to promoting local art

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

TheLowertown arts community has faced an increasing amount of competition in the past decade but still has people fighting to ensure it remains a central hub for artists in the city. Two of those people are Beth Stoneberg and Amy Clark, who assumed ownership of the 2,000-square-foot AZ Gallery in February 2022. On April 1, they will launch the gallery’s second cycle of its “Defying Sameness” exhibit. An artists’ reception, which is open to the public and features live music, will take place 5-8 p.m., Saturday, April 29, during the Spring St. Paul Art Crawl.

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Asthe spring thaw gets underway, you can expect to see more fluffy white clouds floating in the sky – and clouds of a different variety drifting along the sidewalks of downtown St. Paul, stemming from the recently opened Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy Café.

Founder and owner Tevy Phann-Smith began the business in 2017, operating

from a school bus coated with chalkboard paint that she took to various events. Today, she is thrilled to finally have a large, permanent space.

The shop, which opened in December on the concourse level of Union Depot, is painted bright pink and exudes a playful, blissful atmosphere. It offers 75 flavors of cotton candy, ranging from blueberry mojito to strawberry pineapple to the surprisingly popular dill pickle. All varieties

“The environment in Lowertown has shifted a little bit,” said Stoneberg. “We were the initial hub of the St. Paul Art Crawl, which happens twice a year, but they [the St. Paul Artist Collective] sort of started spreading out the art crawl in 2013 or 2014…. It became so spread out that it really impacted the environment down here because it just wasn’t the event it used to be.”

Several changes occurred at AZ when the gallery transitioned from an artists’ cooperative to private ownership. As a coop, members paid yearly dues and helped with all gallery operations such creating exhibit themes, curating artwork, maintaining the space and more. Today, artists simply respond to calls for art and

Spring Art Crawl returns in mid-April with 10 art districts

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Hundreds of artists across the city will soon exhibit their best and newest creations across 24 sites in ten art districts, April 14-May 7. A handful of the venues will also provide food and music over the four weeks. Lace up your shoes and get ready to explore what each district

has to offer. Hours may vary but most sites are open 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. To stay up to date on each site, visit stpaulartcollective.org/art-crawlevents.

West Side

April 14-16

F.O.K Studios, 106 W.

Water St., will be open 5-9 p.m., April 14, but is other-

wise following normal hours. It will feature more than 40 resident artists showing work from their studios across three floors of the building, including the newly remodeled third floor. Guest artists will also be featured, and interactive art demonstrations will take place. Art includes paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, drawings and illustrations. Psychedelic rock band The Electric Honey-

comb will perform on the building’s new indoor stage, and food and drink will be available for purchase.

Cathedral Hill

April 14-16

House of heART 2, 763 Holly Ave., will feature the work of 26 local artists and three guest artists. Mediums include painting, pottery, photography and prints, and greeting cards. Artists

will be on the front porch as weather permits and light refreshments will be served.

The Milligan Studio, 459 Selby Ave., will be closed on Sunday. It will feature two artists showcasing glass and bronze sculptures, and giclee prints. Light food and refreshments will be available.

Virginia Street Church, 170 Virginia St., will open its doors at 5 p.m. on April 14 but is otherwise following

normal Crawl hours. It will feature 16 artists together displaying pottery, glassware, paintings, quilting, drawings and more. David Evens and Jon Elconin will kick off the event with live music on April 14, and Claire Lockman will perform 4-5 p.m., April 15. Other musicians who will perform over the weekend include Jeremy

Spinning Wylde / Page 4

Trinity House / Page 5 AZ Gallery / Page 3

Art Crawl / Page 2

Ben Smith creates a cone, which can come in one of 75 flavors. Since no dyes are used, each flavor comes out white as a cloud.

SPAC president building for the future

A rts & Culture Art Crawl

from page 1

Rose, Liz Zeno, Gordon Meyer and Susan Zeni.

Summit-Grand

April 14-16

Grand Hand Gallery , 619 Grand Ave., will feature 200 artists showing paintings, ceramics, illustrations, photography, jewelry, woodwork, sculpture, lithography and more.

West 7th

April 21-23

Schmidt Artists Lofts , 900 W. 7th Pl., will be open Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday noon-7 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. It will feature more than 50 artists showing paintings, ceramics, illustration,  jewelry, photography, block printing, glass, digital work, fiber arts and more. Work will be on display throughout the basement, first floor and fifth floor, and in the atrium. The community pottery studio and painting studios located between the basement and first floor will also have work on display. The nearby Rok eatery will have a music event Saturday evening.

Friedli Gallery, 973 W. 7th St., will feature five independent artists showing paintings, ceramics, book arts, textiles, literary arts and more. Food art by indigenous crafters, including homemade waffles cooked on demand by Simone Rendon of Edible Arts, will also be present. The gallery is also hosting its 2nd Annual Book Arts Exhibition

and gift shop.

Raymond District

April 21-23

Dow Art Gallery & Framing, 2242 University Ave., is open 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday and is closed on Sunday. It will feature 40 local artists showcasing painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, metalwork and more. There will be live music and painting demonstrations on Friday and Saturday.

The Bindery Building, 708 Vandalia St., will feature 6-8 artists showcasing paintings. Papa Gallery on the fourth floor may also have art on display, and Balam Studio may display stone sculptures. E & L Bindery will be open on the first floor and visitors can see the working hardcover bindery. Wine, beverages and snacks will be available.

Paul Gaston’s Pottery Studio & Gallery , 2147 University Ave. W., will feature five artists displaying paintings, photography, ceramics and multimedia. Outdoor spaces will be set up weather permitting. Food and family activities will be present.

Kala Vandanam dance, 2327 Wycliff St., Suite #214 in The Wycliff, will be open but specific days and hours were not available as of presstime. The site will feature several performing artists from Kala Vandanam studio. Some light snacks may be available.

Lowertown April 28-30

Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative, 255 Kellogg Blvd. E., will feature 30 artists showing their work in galleries on the top three floors of the building. Artwork includes painting, photography, graphic art, illustration, ceramic, jewelry and more. Performances will take place in the atrium on the third floor.

Union Depot , 214 4th St. E., will feature 30 artists exhibiting paintings, quilts, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking and more. Art will be in the Head House, and the site will also

feature the Guinness World Records largest Lite-Brite, a scavenger hunt throughout the building and more.

Northern Belle Tattoo, 132 10th St. E. in the Rossmor building, will feature five artists showing paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more. The site will have outdoor exhibits if weather permits.

Creators Space, 218 E. 7th St., will feature paintings, photography, fiber arts, wood, glass, metal, sculptures, jewelry and more. Other details were not available as of presstime.

Master Framers, 262 4th St. E., will feature five artists showing painting, pottery,

fabric art and more.

Calendula Gallery , 275 E. 4th St., Suite #130 in the Northwestern building, will feature 26-30 artists with large-scale displays in the gallery and another 10 exhibiting at an adjacent site. Mediums include digital art, drawing, painting, textiles, weaving, photography and more. Some artists living in the building will open their studios to the public.

Art of Counseling, 275 4th St. E., on the third floor of the Northwestern building, will feature 11 artists showing paintings, fabric art and mixed media. Light refreshments will be available.

Mary’s Pence, 275 4th St. E., did not have details available as of presstime.

The Lost Fox, 213 E. 4th St., will feature a performance by The Tender Years 9 p.m., Saturday. No other details were available as of presstime.

Lowertown Underground Artists, 308 Prince St. in the lower level of Northern Warehouse building, will feature 14 artists showing work from their studios and in a shared gallery. Mediums include photography, painting, metal, wood, fiber art, quilting, digital creations and more. The entrance to the gallery is shared with Nautilus Music Theater. Weather permitting, an interactive art event will be set up near there.

Downtown

April 28-30

George Latimer Public Library, 90 W. 4th St., will feature two artists in the first floor Bremer Room. It will also have space for members

of the Library’s Workforce Innovation Lab to show works they have created in the lab. Light snacks will be available.

Merriam Park

May 5-7

Spatial Effects Gallery, 1759 Selby Ave., will feature 25 artists showing paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, drawings, carved gourds, glasswork, woodcarvings and handmade furniture. Refreshments will be available.

South Como

May 5-7

Front Avenue Pottery, 895 Front Ave., will feature seven artists showing ceramics, jewelry, handbags and other sewn accessories. Its signature event, “Firing It Up in South Como,” is a free clay workshop in the site’s clay studio. Participants should expect to get their hands dirty. Neighborhood musicians will perform throughout the weekend and refreshments will be available.

Mark Granlund Studio, 1022 Burgess St., will feature landscape and still life paintings and more. Other details were not available as of presstime.

Payne Phalen

May 5-7

ArT @ 967, 967 Payne Ave., will feature 8-12 artists exhibiting paintings, photography and more. Artwork will be in studio spaces as well as in a shared storefront gallery. The site will have a Mother’s Day theme.

New SPAC president works to rebuild membership

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

WhenDiane McNew

was named president of the St. Paul Art Collective (SPAC) in January, she hit the ground running because the annual Spring Art Crawl was just months away. SPAC has organized a semi-annual Crawl since 1977 and the event requires much planning and collaboration with the City’s many art districts. She and the board have also been hard at work to stabilize the organization’s future. They recently created several new committees (development,

strategic planning, historic preservation) and began recruiting people from each ward in St. Paul for an advisory board. Five members have joined the SPAC board

in the past year, bringing the board’s strength to nine and leaving just two positions yet to be filled.

“We’ve done and accomplished a lot in a short time,” said McNew, who succeeded David Evans as president.

“Our source of revenue is currently membership driven. In the end, our goal is to create more momentum by building membership, promoting artists, seeking sponsors and patrons and writing grants for operations…. The kind of commitment that everybody has put into this is pretty remarkable. People have really invested themselves because they believe

in this.” Evans, who served as president for 10 years, retired in November.

During the pandemic, SPAC lost its executive director and canceled three consecutive crawls. In fall 2021, McNew helped organize the Crawl’s return in Lowertown and continued that role for both Crawls in 2022. Last August, she was named SPAC board secretary. McNew said she and three other board members have chalked up an estimated 8,000 hours of volunteer work in the past two years to keep the organization alive in leu of an executive director.

“SPAC has depended heavily on volunteerism over the years,” said McNew. “We think it’s great that artists and St. Paul’s neighborhoods are willing to invest their time generously. However, it is necessary to secure paid staff, such as an executive director and website manager, so SPAC will be focusing on securing resources from those interested in maintaining the vitality of the Collective and future St. Paul art crawls…. The art collective is a city gem and cornerstone of St. Paul arts and culture that has been important to St. Paul’s public image, tourism, civic pride and cultural

exchanges.”

McNew, a Grand Rapids, Minn. native and artist, has a master’s degree in social work from St. Cloud State University and worked as a sorority housing director for 17 years while operating an art studio in San Jose, Calif. After moving to downtown St. Paul in 2018, she attended SPAC board meetings and showed her work during the Crawl for two years before the pandemic hit. SPAC plans to host a fundraiser in conjunction with artists awards during the 2023 fall art crawl. For more information on SPAC, visit stpaulartcollective.org.

Diane McNew

“Desiree Dreaming,” oil painting on linen, by CeCeile Hartleib. Her work is on display in studio #410 of F.O.K. Studios, 106 W. Water St., April 14-16.

AZ Gallery

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Stoneberg and Clark take care of the rest – taking a commission from each sale to keep the nonprofit’s gallery doors open.

Clark had been a member of the gallery since 2004 and Stoneberg since 2008. In those days, they said, there were only six to eight members in the coop at any given time, so people saw much less artwork when they visited the gallery. Now, AZ issues six calls for art each year and displays the work of dozens of artists of all experience levels.

“It’s definitely driving more traffic into the gallery,” said Stoneberg. “Since the pandemic, we’ve probably connected with close to 400 artists and supported them in their artistic journeys. Our receptions have, like, 150 people now whereas pre-pandemic we were lucky if we had 10 people in here…. If you come in here you might see an $8,000 painting of an established artist hanging next to a $100 painting of an emerging artist. The diversity in here is pretty incredible.”

Unlike many other galler-

ies, artists can submit their work to AZ for free. This decision was made to provide equitable and accessible exhibit space for everyone, which is their mission statement. None of their four annual exhibits have a theme because the owners want artists to submit their very best art. The exhibits are juried to ensure each one is as diverse as possible. AZ’s two annual signature exhibits are “Rejected,” which displays art that was not accepted to the State Fair fine arts competition, and “Tiny Art Show,” a wintertime holiday exhibit featuring small pieces that cost $100 or less.

Clark curates each exhibit. The first cycle of “Defying Sameness” had 56 artists, each with one piece of work. The second has 74 pieces from 74 artists.

Stoneberg and Clark have a lot on their plate as they both work full-time jobs before staffing the gallery in the evenings. But each is fueled by the community around them. Clark teaches at Visitation School in Mendota Heights and Stoneberg is a merchandising manager at

Target Corp.

“Right now, we’re also concentrating on reaching out to other businesses,” said Clark. “Gambit Brewing did a tasting here and we’ve worked with Big River Pizza, too. We also do Beers and Books, where local authors do readings here. The Saints are also very into supporting the artists. It’s a good community to be a part of…. I think all the other businesses are excited that we’re working together to keep Lowertown thriving as a community.”

Stoneberg and Clark, both residents of St. Paul, each have one piece on display at the gallery.

Although the duo plans to stick with the 26-year-old gallery for the unforeseen future, they hope to eventually pass ownership to somebody who shares their passion for the arts.

“Eventually we’re going to go away and we want this gallery to stay so the next generation of artists can take over,” said Clark. “What’s exciting is that each artist brings in, like, 10 different people, so then you get all these other people supporting the gallery and it becomes a vital hub of the neighborhood and a destination to go see other

artists. These artists get to know each other and their supporters, and this intermingling helps artists get new support networks. It’s this vibrant community of artists helping artists and pa-

trons and other supporters helping each other…. We’re nurturing this great group of artists. It’s just so fun.”

The owners are always seeking more volunteers, interns and community

members to help support the gallery. AZ is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, call 651-224-3757 or visit  theazgallery.org.

Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack

Copy Editor: Leslie Martin

Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom

Contributor: Roger Fuller

Delivery: Independent Delivery Service

advertising, call 651-457-1177

AZ Gallery owners Amy Clark and Beth Stoneberg

Spinning Wylde

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are made with cane sugar rather than processed bleach sugar, therefore it’s vegan, organic and gluten free. Additionally, no dyes are used, so each flavor comes out white as a cloud. That said, the shop has a wide array of

colorful toppings that can be added to the whimsical snack. Also on the menu are soft serve ice cream, cakes and beverages.

“When people ask me what I do I still kind of giggle,” said Phann-Smith. “What we’ve built has never felt like a business. We’re working in a joyful job. People come in and they’re extremely excited… A lot of people from the older generation have a lot of nostalgia around cotton candy and the younger generation enjoy not only the sugar but

also the magic around making it.”

Phann-Smith’s creations are different from traditional cotton candy.

“Even at the State Fair you don’t get to see cotton candy made the way we make it, which is in a vertical flow,” said Phann-Smith. “It all comes on a colorful straw that’s fun and dainty compared to traditional cones. We also package cotton candy for people. We call them our puff tubs. People like those for gift-giving or if they want to get more at one time.”

Phann-Smith’s husband Ben and her father did all the work to convert the former office space into the colorful shop and she plans to install

a play area for children later this year. They also have an adjacent room that is used for private events, such as “sugar lab,” where kids can mix their own flavors of sugar, decorate a tub, and watch their cotton candy be made.

The business originated from Phann-Smith’s desire to recoup money on a cotton candy machine she purchased for her niece’s birthday party. In St. Paul, she opened her first popup booth at the Little Mekong Night Street Market. While there, a curator for the Mall of America discovered her and invited her to do a 3-month pop-up event at the mall. It was there that the owner of Keg and Case Market in St. Paul saw them and invited them to open their business at its food hall. She accepted and had a successful year there but ultimately decided to look for a different permanent location.

“At Keg and Case we were part of a food hall and so I felt like decisions had to be based on a whole,” she said.

“We just kind of wanted a little more autonomy for our business and we wanted a really big space because we do cotton candy catering. At Keg and Case we constantly had people who wanted to hold small birthday parties at the shop.”

While operating at Keg and Case, the business was invited to apply as a vendor at the State Fair. Phann-Smith had her first booth there last year and was accepted to return this summer. At the Fair, the company also sells fresh pressed watermelon juice, which they may begin selling this summer at the St. Paul Farmers Market.

Phann-Smith is a native of Cambodia. Her parents immigrated to St. Paul when she was about three years old. Her husband Ben Smith is a Wisconsin native and son is named Wylde, hence the company’s name. The couple operated their chalkboard bus while living on the West Coast for Ben’s career before moving – with the bus – to Minnesota.

“We knew we wanted to stay in St. Paul,” said PhannSmith of her decision to open at Union Depot. “I’ve lived in a lot of neighborhoods in Minneapolis and as much as I loved it, St. Paul just felt a little more comfortable. As a refugee, I’ve always had a feeling of displacement. I’ve never felt truly home in a lot of places. I have a real soft spot for train stations and airports… It’s a historic and beautiful building.”

On a related note, PhannSmith opened the Green Room by Spinning Wylde in the suite neighboring Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy Café at the end of March. Geared toward adults, the room can be arranged in a variety of ways and be rented for private events, meetings, activities and more.

Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy Café is open 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 651-493-7784 or visit spinningwylde.com.

Holy Week Schedule

Grow Downtown accepting applications for free business rental space

The St. Paul Downtown Alliance has announced the expansion of its successful Grow Downtown program into 2023 and is now accepting applications. Grow Downtown connects landlords and tenants to offer short-term lease opportunities to small businesses. Selected tenants occupy vacant storefronts for six months rent-free, with the potential for long-term occupancy.

“The lasting vitality of downtown is the final goal of this effort,” said Joe Spencer, president of the Alliance. “Not only do these entrepreneurs benefit from having a free space to launch their business, but the entire downtown community benefits by having once-vacant spots filled with life and activity.”

Trinity House

from page 1

concocted through rounds of trail-and-error by three experienced baristas. The Lowertown Latte is a strong caffeinated drink with white chocolate, and the fan favorite Minnesnowta Mocha is a caffeinated hot chocolate with marshmallow whipped cream and marshmallows on top. The shop offers packaged pastries and plans to

add more products in the future, such as biscotti, parfaits and fruit cups.

The company was founded in 2010 by Gerry and his wife Regina Exom, whose parents operate coffee bean farms in Africa. Regina is the face of the company. Born in Kenya, she was one of few girls her village

elders chose to financially support through college. In 1995, she graduated from the University of Nairobi with honors and spent the next five years working as an international trades advisor. Later, she studied at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul. The company sends a portion of its sales to her Kenyan village to help other girls to continue their education. For more information, visit trinityhousecoffee.com.

The program is focused on activating vacant downtown retail space with both traditional and nontraditional users, from artists and entrepreneurs to retailers and service providers to restaurants and food vendors. Since launching in May 2022, Grow Downtown has matched 10 businesses with property owners, filling more than 18,000 square feet of empty retail space across downtown St. Paul. One business has since signed a long-term lease, and four other businesses have already extended past their initial 6-month agreements.

“Thanks to the Downtown Alliance, I was able to experiment with a brick-andmortar location for my Turkish goods

store,” said Melek Petek, founder and owner of Petek Trading Co. “It was a fantastic opportunity to enter the St. Paul community and grow my business. I’ve now signed a year-long lease in the same location.”

Lee Krueger, former president of the St. Paul Port Authority and current principal of Krueger Real Estate Advisors, along with D’Angelos Svenkeson and his team from NEOO Partners, were hired by the Alliance to lead the program. As experts in retail attraction and community businesses, the two companies worked to connect the right landlords with the right tenants. Landlords have been key to the success of this initiative, as they are waiving rents and modifying contracts in other ways to accommodate program tenants.

“Grow Downtown is a creative, innovative approach to activating downtown by addressing the current challenges of the retail leasing community,” said Krueger. “Retail tenants can test new concepts and get exposure to a new marketplace with less risk than a traditional retail lease agreement or incubator concept. They experience minimal upfront investment or costs while increasing the visibility of their business.”

To view the list of Grow Downtown tenants or for an application for the program, visit growstpl.com/#growdowntown.

LENTEN AND EASTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Church of Saint Matthew • 510 Hall Avenue, St. Paul www.st-matts.org • (651) 224-9793

Here the love of Christ shall end divisions. All are welcome.

Weekend Mass Times

Saturdays 4:15 pm and Sundays 10:15 am

Saint Matthew’s Fabulous Fish Fry

Dine-in or take-out ALL Fridays during Lent

4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Stations of the Cross

Mondays during Lent - 7:00 pm (in-person)

View anytime on St. Matthew’s YouTube channel*

Palm Sunday

Saturday, April 1 - 4:15 pm (in-person)

Sunday, April 2 - 10:15 am (in-person and online)

Holy Thursday - April 6

Celebration of the Supper of the Lord - 7:00 pm (in-person and online)

Good Friday - April 7

Please join us for prayer & reflection on this most sacred weekend.

Holy Thursday - April 6

Mass of the Last Supper, 5:30 p.m.

Good Friday - April 7

Stations of the Cross, 3:00 p.m., followed by Celebration of the Lord's Passion

Holy Saturday - April 8 Easter Vigil, 8:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday - April 9 Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

St. John Vianney Church

840 - 19th Ave. N., South Saint Paul 651-451-1863 | www.sjvssp.org

Stations of the Cross - Noon (in-person)

Good Friday Service - 3:00 pm (in-person and online)

Easter Vigil, Saturday - April 8 7:00 pm (in-person)

Easter Sunday - April 9 10:15 am (in-person and online)

You may participate online: * YouTube (www.youtube.com/churchofstmatthew) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/churchofstmatthew) or

The Church of St. Matthew is a Catholic community that is a visible expression of God’s love.

Owner Gerry Exom

wishes you a most blessed Easter full of joy!

Fitzgerald Theatre

10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 651-370-2953

first-avenue.com

Metropolitan Ballet presents “Sleeping Beauty,” 2 p.m., Sunday, April 2. Tickets start at $37.

Minnesota

History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 mnhs.org

Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition is featured through April 2. Visitors can learn about areas of forensic science and engage in inter-

Our Home: Native Minnesota includes historic and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts. Visitors learn how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.

Other exhibits include Minnesota’s Greatest Generation, Then Now Wow, Grainland, Weather Permitting and the online exhibit Votes for Women. The Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sun. 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.

sel Heart,” the play follows Carter Jr. through the 1950s and ’60s as he grew up in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. Tickets start at $20 for adults.

“The Defeat of Jesse James” is presented April 29-May 28. Set in 1876, this mix of honky-tonk cabaret and wild west show reenacts the infamous outlaw’s rise and fall, with a grand finale set in Northfield, Minn. Tickets start at $48 for adults.

Landmark Center

75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225 landmarkcenter.org Skylark Opera perfor

the company repertoire. Free.

Urban Expedition Scotland is held 1-3 p.m., Sunday, April 16. Learn about Scotland’s culture through music, dance and crafts. Free.

Bandwidth Community Band Festival, noon-6 p.m., Sunday, April 23. Performances include Capital City Wind Ensemble, 12:10 p.m.; Fridley City Band, 1:05 p.m.; Brio Brass, 2

p.m.; Roseville Community Band, 2:55 p.m.; St. Louis Park Community Band, 3:50 p.m.; and Lex Ham Community Band, 4:45 p.m. Free.

Tea at the Castle , 1-4 p.m., Sunday, April 30. This event is geared toward children. Guests can choose from two teas or juice. Snacks are provided. Seating is limited. $5.

MN Children’s Museum

10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

Framed: Step into Art is featured through May 7. Step into the 3D world of four well-known paintings, view famous prints and parodies of the Mona Lisa, and replace Mona Lisa’s face with your own.

The Okee Dokee Brothers will perform April 22 at the Ordway Center.

S ample St. Paul

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

The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays. 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 April 2.

Ordway Center

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

St. Paul Chamber

Orchestra concerts:

Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony with Richard Egarr, 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., March 31; 8 p.m., April 1; 2 p.m., April 2 (tickets start at $12); Sang Yoon Kim plays Crusell’s Second Clarinet Concerto, 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., April 14, and 9 p.m., April 15 (tickets start at $12); Steven Copes plays Brahms’ Violin Concerto, 8 p.m., April 28-29 (tickets start at $12).

St. Paul Public Schools

Honors Concert & Art Exhibition, 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 12. $5.

The Okee Dokee Brothers, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday April 22. Tickets start at $32.89.

Palace Theatre

17 7th Place W. St. Paul 612-338-8388

first-avenue.com

Snarky Puppy, 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 29. Tickets start at $35. Dawes, 8 p.m., Saturday, April 15. Tickets start at $35.

Park Square Theatre

20 W. 7th Place St. Paul 651-291-7005

parksquaretheatre.org

“The Revolutionists” is presented March 29-April 16. Four women, including an assassin, a spy, a playwright and Marie Antoinette, find themselves caught up in the French Revolution in this rebellious comedic romp that considers how to go about changing the world. Ticket prices vary by performance.

RiverCentre

175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651- 265-4800 rivercentre.org

Minnesota Roller Derby, 7 p.m., Saturday, April 29. Tickets start at $12.50.

Schubert Club

302 Landmark Center 75 W. 5th St. St. Paul 651-292-3268 schubert.org

Beatrice Rana, piano. 3 p.m., Sunday, April 16, at the Ordway Music Theater. Tickets start at $36.

Courtroom Concerts are held at noon on Thursdays at the Landmark Center. All are free. Upcoming concerts include Tres Trio, April 6; Speaking in Tongues, April 13; Dave Brubaker, violin, and Miryana Moteva, piano, April 20; and Stephanie Arado, violin, Ruth Marshall, cello, and Garret Ross, piano, April 27.

KidsJam: Traditional Jazz & the Spirit of New Orleans with Riley Helgeson of McNasty Brass Band & Friends, 10:30 a.m., April 18-19. Listen to the music of New Orleans, create an instrument and play with the band. $5 per child (suggested ages

5-12). Free for accompanying adults.

Virtual Concert: Bach Collegium Japan director Masaaki Suzuki (harpsichord) and Roderick Williams OBE (baritone), 7:30 p.m., April 20. Tickets are $10.

Science Museum of Minnesota

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

Exquisite Creatures is on display through September

4. Explore the planet’s biodiversity by viewing preserved animal specimens arranged in intricate patterns.

Omnitheater films - “Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker,” through April 9. Connect with some of nature’s most unusual, curious and playful animals in this quest to save one of the world’s endangered species.

Omnifest is held through April 9 and features four Omnitheater films: “National Parks Adventure,”

“Born to be Wild,” “Superpower Dogs” and “Amazon Adventure.”

Stellar Tours Live Digital Telescope Show, daily at 2 p.m. Choose your own space adventure and experience the Omnitheater’s new Digistar 7 projection sys-

tem. Omnitheater tickets are $9.95. Free for children ages 3 and under.

Sensory Friendly Sunday is the first Sunday of the month. Visitors can experience a lights-up, sounddown Omnitheater show at 10 a.m. The program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Admission is free for personal care attendants

when visiting with a client.  Museum tickets range from $9.95-$34.90, with discounts available for those with limited incomes.

{ THE FULLER FILES }

Nice Ride bike sharing services is suspending operations in the Twin Cities after 13 years. It was founded in 2010 in Minneapolis and served St. Paul for a few years. The decision was made after Nice Ride lost its primary financial sponsor, BlueCross BlueShield, and was facing a $2 million shortfall in its operating budget.

Chuck and Don’s pet supply store at 282 E. 6th St. has closed. It is one of nearly 100 stores closing due to bankruptcy. Chuck and Don’s was founded in 1990 in Eagan by Chuck Anderson and Don Tauer. The Lowertown outlet opened in 2019, the same year the company was acquired by Independent Pet Partners Holdings. While 93 stores are closing, 25 locations in Minnesota will remain open.

George Kappas, former owner of the Gopher Bar, 241 E. 7th St., has passed away. His wife Cheri Kappas now owns the business.

She has hired James Cosgrove, a cook at the former Japanese restaurant Kyatchi, and expanded the menu. The restaurant, famous for its Coney Island hot dogs, now also features pork belly ramen, Cuban sandwiches and other specialties.

St. Paul plans to renegotiate its contracts with five residential trash haulers. The new arrangement could include cart sharing in multi-family buildings and the ability for single-family homeowners to opt out if they have limited amounts of garbage. The contracts expire in September.

The Minnesota State Fair has named Renee Alexander as its new CEO. She succeeds Jerry Hammer, who held the position since 1997. Alexander served as deputy general manager for 13 years where she oversaw grandstand shows, marketing and educational programming.

Keystone Community Services has named Adero Riser Cobb as its new presi-

by Roger Fuller

dent. She succeeds Mary McKeown who held the position since 2016. Keystone manages the West 7th Community Center at 265 Oneida. Cobb earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in organizational management and a master of business administration from Concordia University. She has held positions at Olu’s Homes and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. She will begin her duties in June.

St. Paul Saints will host its first home game of the season at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 4 against the Iowa Cubs. Tickets are $8-20.

Penumbra Theatre, 270 Kent St., will present a discussion on “Reclaiming Outdoor Spaces” at 7 p.m., Monday, April 3. A reception begins at 6 p.m. Ramsey County Historical Society will present a History Revealed program about Polish Immigration in Minnesota at 7 p.m., April 6, via Zoom. Visit rchs.com for details.

Sharon Chmielarz will discuss her book of poetry, “Duet in the Little Blue Church,” 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 11 at Subtext Books, 6 W. 5th St. Deborah Appleman will read from her book “Literature and the New Culture Wars” at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 13.

American Association of Woodturners will feature a demonstration by Bob Boettcher at noon, Sunday, April 16, at its gallery at the Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St. Books and Bars will present a discussion of “The Candy House,” by Jennifer Egan, 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, at Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott Ave.

Minnesota Sinfonia will present a concert at 7 p.m., Friday, April 21, at First Covenant Church, 1280 Arcade St. Gao Hong will play the pipa – a Chinese instrument – and perform selections from “The Seasons,” by Vivaldi. The Sinfonia orchestra will perform Beethoven’s

Second Symphony.

Laugh Camp comedy club, 490 Robert St., will present AJ Finney, April 7-8; Pat Tomasulo, April 14-15; Rachel Mac, April 21-22; and Luke Thayer, April 2829.

St. Paul Farmers Market will begin its summer market Saturday, April 28. Hours are 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sundays. The winter market will operate 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays through April 21.

The skyway walking group meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at U.S. Bank, 101 5th St. E. The group travels a mile and a half through the skyways at a casual pace.

Park Square Theatre cancels remaining shows

The staging of “The Revolutionists,” March 29-April 16, is the last opportunity to catch a show at Park Square Theatre this year. It’s board of directors has canceled all remaining shows this season as it attempts to adjust to the post-COVID era. Ticket

holders have been contacted regarding refund options.

“We have been forced to make some difficult decisions,” read an announcement on the theater’s website. “Our desire is to reimagine the theater in the context of post-COVID-19 realities to ensure a successful reopening.”

Stage performances “Between Riverside and Crazy,” “ANN,” and “Holmes/ Poirot” are canceled. SteppingStone Creative Learning camps and classes will continue as scheduled, and facility rentals with other production companies will proceed.

“We are particularly sensitive to the impact of these decisions on the artists and staff who were preparing to put on marvelous work for our audience,” the statement read. “If there had been any viable way to continue with the season as announced, we would have done it. Our challenge is to both address our current challenges as well as create the best plan for the theater’s future.”

A farewell message from the Pace family

When our father and grandfather Chuck and Dave Pace founded Pace 66 in 1960, little did they know the road that lay ahead for their fledgling service station. Over the years the shop has faced every economic challenge imaginable, from gas shortages and a recession to a global pandemic. Yet the shop continues to thrive because they built the business on hard work and a deep dedication to providing excellent customer service. It's a model that served them well and remains in place to this day. We've worked hard to honor their legacy and protect Pace 66's long-standing reputation of providing honest, dependable service at a fair price.

We've both worked at the shop since we were old enough to see over a bumper, and now we've decided to follow other career opportunities. It was a difficult decision, but one that is right for our families. We owe a world of debt to our loyal customers who have supported us these many years. It's been an honor to serve you and to get to know you as friends. As we leave, we take great comfort in knowing that the new owners from BLVD Autoworks will serve you well. They, too, are a family-owned business and provide the same high-quality, personalized service that you've always found from the Pace family.

Ken and Bob Pace

Bob and Ken Pace Pace Tire and Service Center 1247 S. Robert St., West St. Paul

P ostscript

Chia Pet moment

“You know, since I’ve been eating these chia seeds, I’ve noticed my beard has gotten heavier.”

My husband Peter was talking to my father downstairs. I sat up at attention. This comment about the chia seeds was news to me.

I knew Peter was eating chia seeds because he thought it might lower his cholesterol. He’s always reading articles

about health and I don’t usually pay a lot of attention. He reads scientific studies about a variety of things. The studies are rarely conclusive but if they indicate that eating chia seeds might be a good thing, Peter will start eating them the very next morning.

My cholesterol is low and I’ve never eaten a chia seed in my life. But this information about his beard caught my attention. For one full moment.

Then I realized this was Peter’s way of making a joke.

“You mean like a Chia Pet?” I hollered downstairs.

Peter started laughing and my dad groaned, and I was deeply disappointed. Because I was actually hoping it was true.

I had been hoping – for one long and optimistic moment – that chia seeds might help my hair. My hair is so wispy at this point that saying I look like a dandelion gone to seed is doing dandelions a disservice. I look at photos of myself taken a couple of years ago and can see that I used to have a lot more hair. I can see a trajectory and it’s not going in the right direction. I

wouldn’t mind one bit if I started to resemble a Chia Pet. It would be a big step up, as I see it.

“Yes!” Peter laughed. “I’ve started to look like a Chia Pet!”

Now, this is almost true. Peter has a lot of hair. His whole family has a talent for growing hair. But the idea of a real-life, Chia Pet-type cure stayed with me. That’s the trouble with getting your hopes up. When I was reconciled to being bald as a cue ball by 70, everything was fine. Get me hoping I might grow more hair – even for a moment – and I suddenly see this future filled with hair. I see luxuriant long tresses cascading down my back. OK, not really. But I imagine having enough hair where it would make a noticeable difference if I ran a comb over my head or not.

I’ve discovered, unsurprisingly, that there are a lot of folks who are happy to sell you products to grow more hair. Their advertising includes legions of photos of impossibly long, thick hair

that they take credit for. It’s a swamp of dubious information and misplaced hopes and snake oil. Yet, it was irresistible. I ordered some supplements.

“I’m just gonna give this a try,” I told myself late one night as I imprudently ordered enough product to get me through the next three months.

The product is “guaran teed or your money back,” but I know how that goes. Nobody wants to say they were suckered. Nobody wants to admit they got their hopes up. Nobody wants to come back and report that they now have almost no hair at all and would feel a lot better if they at least had the 30 bucks back that they spent, so they could buy a hat to keep their head warm, since their hair was no longer doing the job.

But now I have miracle supplements on the way and I’m resigned to giving them a try. I’m trying to recapture my Chia Pet moment – that 15 seconds when I thought anything was possible. Till next time.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Maundy Thursday, April 6

11:00 am Worship with Communion

7:00 pm Worship with Communion

Good Friday, April 7

5:30 pm Family Worship

8:00 pm Tenebrae Service of Darkness

This service uses the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross, followed by congregational hymns, Senior Choir anthems and instrumental music. This service is marked by a progressive dimming of lights and extinguishing of candles.

Easter Vigil, April 8 at 7:00 pm

At the Vigil of Easter, we gather around fire, word, water, bread, and wine, proclaiming through story and song that ours is a God who continuously brings life out of death. This multisensory service is welcoming to all ages!

Easter Sunday, April 9

8:30, 9:45, 11:00 Festival Worship, Sanctuary

11:00 Contemporary Worship, Fellowship Hall

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com 1400 S. Robert Street, West St. Paul augustana.com 651-457-3373

Betty’s Kitchen offers tastes of Ethiopia with an American twist

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Beth Woledemeskel and Yidnekachew Berta brought a taste of their native homeland, Ethiopia, to West St. Paul with the opening of Betty’s Kitchen. The restaurant opened February 1 in the former dance studio at 1049 Dodd Rd., West St. Paul and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Most of the items on the menu are traditional Ethiopian fare, but some have an American twist. For example, kitfo, made with ground beef, collard greens, and homemade cottage cheese, has been converted into a burger. The couple also owns Intoto Ethiopian Market and Takeout, a business they opened in Rosemount in January 2022.

“We moved to the United States in 2012 so we could have more opportunities,” said Beth. “I started school when we came here, and my husband has always been into business. We love eating out and it’s our hobby to try different foods so we decided to open a family restaurant where people can bring their children and enjoy private

time with their family.”

Not much remodeling work was needed before moving in, although a bar is expected to be installed by May. The restaurant shares its kitchen with Ghenet’s Bakery, which operates in the same building three days a week after Betty’s Kitchen closes. Ghenet owns the building and leases the space to Betty’s Kitchen.

Beth and Yidnekachew met Ghenet more than a year ago when they started purchasing her injera –Ethiopian flatbread – to use for meals at Intoto. Beth said they have since become friends with Ghenet and today serve her injera with spicy appetizers at Betty’s Kitchen. Yidnekachew began working full-time at Betty’s Kitchen after it opened. They have other staff handling operations at Intoto.

Families looking to enjoy a night out will be glad to hear the couple has taken extra steps to cater to those with kids. For example, at Betty’s Kitchen customers may reserve a 10-seat VIP dining room that is attached to a kids’ playroom. Guests are encouraged to bring their own toys. The restaurant also

has a 25-seat main room, and children receive crayons and coloring sheets in both spaces.

“We want things to be comfortable when parents bring their kids,” said Beth, “You don’t see that in most Ethiopian restaurants. None of them have that attention for kids, so we are trying to provide something extra.” The married couple fully understands what it’s like to dine-out with children. They have three of their own, ages 10 months to seven years old.

The name “Betty” is common in both Ethiopia and America and the couple chose it to make the restaurant easily recognizable to people from both countries. For more information, call 651-330-6629.

FOR SALE

MnDOT owned vacant land

Sale 139556, Conveyance 2016-0075: For Sale by bid - MnDOT owned property, 17,005 sf of vacant land located at Alabama St and the TH52 Bridge, St Paul, Ramsey County. To be sold by sealed bid on 4/11/2023 at 2:00 at Central Office, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul. Bid Form, www.dot.state.mn.us/row/propsales.html

Info LandSales.MN.DOT@state.mn.us

Jesus, the Lamb of God

Grace Lutheran Church

Owners Yidnekachew Berta and Beth Woledemeskel

Water Lily Montessori