Downtown St. Paul Voice August 2023

Downtown St. Paul

Urban Explorer

Page 8

Amy Lee CapitolRiver Council is adjusting to the times

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The CapitolRiver Council (CRC) board of directors is updating its strategic plan and looking for new ways to partner with the City of St. Paul and other organizations, including the St. Paul Downtown Alliance. To support this effort, the council received a $5,000 grant from the St. Paul Jaycees in February to hire a consultant for the project. The strategic plan, last updated in 2016, is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

“Every district council does their work differently and we’re in a unique position with downtown because we’re dealing with a lot of key players and very diverse stakeholders and we need to know how to engage that wide variety of folks in a meaningful way,” said Amy Lee, who was recently hired as the consultant. “Some of our work has been identifying who is missing from the table, what are issues that the community is facing and who do we need to bring in that can educate our board

Retail Rebound

Grow Downtown assists two more businesses this summer; sets goals for its second year

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Nine new businesses have opened in downtown in the past year with sixmonth rent-free leases courtesy of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance’s Grow Downtown program and two more are expected to open this summer with help from the program: Pimento Jamaican Kitchen restaurant and House of Premier athletic apparel.

Grow Downtown launched last August to help fill vacant storefronts and revitalize the downtown retail environment. The most recent opening is Jack and the Pack, a dog equipment store that opened in mid-June at Wells Fargo Place. Located at 30 E. 7th St., Suite 220, near the Children’s Museum, the store offers dog sporting equipment, musher classes, dog food and more. Owner and St. Paul resident Alexandra Johnson began the business as an online operation in December 2021 after getting her “very active” dog involved in the sport of mushing. She now has six dogs, including a puppy she got in July, and jumped at the opportunity to get a brick-and-mortar storefront after learning about the Grow Downtown program.

“This [space] actually wasn’t even on the Downtown Alliance’s radar,” said Johnson. “We were just checking out other spaces downtown and I said, ‘how about that one’ and then they contacted the prop-

erty manager, so that was pretty sweet. I love the location. It has huge windows and is super bright…. I went to a lot of dog events last summer and when I host any of my beginner musher classes I need to bring a lot of equipment. I knew I could continue to do that but thought it would be really nice if people could bring their dog to me and have everything ready to go.”

The 4,300 square-foot store has space for trainers to work with dogs, and mushing classes are offered in fall, winter and spring. For more information, visit jackandthepack.com.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the first year of Grow Downtown,” said St. Paul Downtown Alliance president Joe

Page 6

Landmark Jewelers changes hands

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The15-year-old jewelry store in the historic Hamm Building that specializes in rare and vintage jewelry is under new ownership. Longtime employee Tamara Sparrow and her brother Jeff Sparrow purchased Landmark Jewelers in late May from Sara Kolar, who founded the business in 2008. Kolar, now retired, opened Landmark Jewelers when Bockstruck Jewelers, where she was a store manager, closed its brick and mortar stores in 2006. It proved to be a smooth transition for Kolar, as many of the employees she managed at Bockstruck – and their former customers – followed her to Landmark. Bockstruck, a 140-year-old family business that began in St. Paul, now sells exclusively online as RH Bockstruck.

Before joining Landmark, Tamara Sparrow worked for 15 years with Signet and Sterling Jewelers, one of the largest jewelers in the world. She climbed to the position of associate store manager but eventually became dissatisfied with the company’s stiff corporate environment. Looking for a smaller jeweler that would allow her to flex her creativity, she began a search. She didn’t know if Landmark was hiring when she walked in to check out the space, but immediately fell in love with its atmosphere and hit it off with Sarah’s sister Sally, who was working there. Now the rest is history.

“I’ve been here for 12 years and

New St. Paul Public Library director is focused on safety

Jake Spitzack

Staff Writer

Maureen Hartman, the new director of St. Paul Public Libraries (SPPL), has a lot on her plate in the coming months. Her first task is overseeing the creation of a comprehensive public services safety plan, called for in a 2024 needs assessment that was finalized in April.

Maureen Hartman

SPPL has hired SDK Communications and a team of

safety experts to help create the new plan and to define the duties of a new role within the library system: safety specialist. The project is funded through $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The creation of the plan is in response to various issues occurring in public spaces at libraries over the past year or more, including threats of violence, sexual

harassment, and unsheltered people experiencing crisis. Some methods to increase safety that have already been discussed or implemented include altering the interior design of libraries to increase sightlines, providing additional safety training for staff, and updating security technology.

“We expect the plan to be finalized this fall,” said Hartman. “We anticipate hiring

for the role of safety specialists this coming fall. We will hire 5-7 safety specialists to work in some of SPPL’s library locations across St. Paul. Some may travel to more than one location.”

For the past decade, SPPL has annually spent about $135,000 on safety and security. Most of that money has been directed toward the George Latimer Central, Rondo and Rice Street

libraries. SPPL has used both contract security and offduty uniformed police officers throughout the years.

In 2019 SPPL hired library community ambassadors to replace police officers, and now the safety specialists replace contract security. Other safety investments include employing a social worker and operating a library staff safety committee.

CRC / Page 5

Landmark / Page 2

Grow Downtown / Page 3

Alexandra Johnson, owner of Jack and the Pack.

New artistic feature at Rice Park

Landmark

of people getting engaged, then their children growing up and getting engaged, and then their children’s children doing the same.... Sarah took me under her wing and taught me a lot and when it came time for her retirement it just made sense [that I take over].”

of MN is seeking volunteers age 55+ in your area to provide companionship to older adults or mentor school-age children.

Volunteers commit to regular weekly hours for a tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement. Please contact Brinn Krabbenhoft at 651.310.9455, or Brinn.Krabbenhoft@ lssmn.org for more information and to make an impact in your community.

The shop is best known for its bountiful collection of vintage estate pieces. Many heirlooms have been meticulously restored to their original splendor. Sparrow said some estate collections have just a few pieces of jew-

“Ours is a Service of Sincerity”

Since 1927 Michael P. Dougherty

Johnson-Peterson

Funeral Home & Cremation

www.johnsonpeterson.com

elry while others may have hundreds, and that their history makes them oneof-a-kind. Visitors can also find new and custom-made engagement rings, gemstone and diamond jewelry, and timepieces. Most recently, Sparrow began offering artisan knives created by a local bladesmith, and she plans to bring in a designer to expand the watch collection.

“We’re constantly doing partnerships with our jewelry designers and our neighbors,” said Sparrow. “We’re trying to do some sort of fun event at least once per month.”

Landmark will host a 1920s themed event, 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10, in partnership with the neighboring Meritage restaurant and Heimie’s Haberdashery. It will feature giveaways and prohibition-style refreshments, and visitors are encouraged to dress in formal attire.

ebrations in life,” she said.

“Lo nuestro es un servicio de sinceridad”

HANDYMAN

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Desde 1927

I do painting, repairs & cleaning of homes and apartments

Johnson-Peterson

Casa Funeria y Cremación

Window Washing Gutter Cleaning and Repairs Insured 651-399-4304

“The excitement of Landmark Jewelers making it through the pandemic was so inspirational for me and I wanted to be able to continue providing service to the families and people who have already chosen us to be part of their beautiful cel-

“We’re in the happy business. People come through the door and they’re celebrating and want to pick something out for a wedding, baby shower, engagement, or any of the other many occasions to celebrate with jewelry.”

Tamara Sparrow manages the day-to-day operations while Jeff Sparrow is responsible for behind-the-scenes

duties such as website management and advertising. In addition to buying and selling jewelry, the store offers repair and appraisal services, and free inspections and cleanings. The store is located at 402 St. Peter St. and offers validated parking in the neighboring Lawson ramp for its customers. For more information, call 651-222-2282 or visit landmarkjewelers.net.

Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack

Copy Editor: Leslie Martin

Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom

Marketing Manager: Jake Spitzack

Contributor: Roger Fuller

The For questions regarding news or advertising, call 651-457-1177

1643

Downtown St. Paul's Independent Bookstore 6 West Fifth Street, St. Paul 651-493-2791 subtextbooks.com

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Michael P. Dougherty Owner-Director 612 So. Smith Ave. 651-222-3220 www.johnsonpeterson.com

Grow Downtown

from page 1

Spencer. “In our first year, the goal was to fill five to 10 storefronts and we ended up filling 11 (with the two opening this summer). We plan to aim for that same number for year two.... Relative to similar programs around the country, this first year was a smashing success.”

According to the Alliance, about 45 restaurants and other retail businesses downtown and along West 7th closed between 2020 and 2022 due to a massive decrease in foot traffic stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Grow Downtown is an effort to woo some back. Four of the businesses that opened with the help of the program in the past year have extended their leases beyond the original six-month agreement, and two have closed.

The Alliance will continue operating the program as long as it can obtain necessary funding. The work is supported by $3 million secured through the American Rescue Plan Act funding, the

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and downtown businesses. Those funds are also used for a few other St.

Paul Downtown Alliance programs, including the Downtown Improvement District which employs a team of 18 street ambassadors to provide wayfinding for visitors, keep streets clean, and act as an extra set of eyes and ears for St. Paul police. According to Spencer, downtown foot traffic has increased 10% year over year since 2020.

Other businesses taking advantage of the program are Hepcat Coffee and Gallery Kitchen Fine Dining at Osborn370; Montebello Empanadas in the 401 Securian Building; Night Club art gallery at Victory Ramp; and Ramadhan Designs, Trinity House coffee, and Blue Hummingbird Woman, all in Wells Fargo Place. Petek Trading Co., located in the Hamm Building, was the first to use the program.

“Overall, the process was really easy and fast,” said

Melek Petek, owner of Petek Trading Co. “I reached out to them [the Downtown Alliance], they showed me a few places, I applied for one, and within a few weeks I had my keys…. I was over the moon! I was hoping to open a storefront eventually but had thought it was at least another two years away.”

Petek Trading Co. opened as an online operation in November 2020 and moved into its storefront in late September 2022. The store offers artisan-made goods and gifts from Turkey, including handmade kilim rugs, Turkish towels, handstitched leather loafers, mosaic lamps and olive wood kitchen goods. Petek is a native of Turkey.

Downtown Investment Strategy

The Alliance is also leading a new public/private development strategy to revitalize downtown. It will identify three to five priority development opportunities based on stakeholder input, community engagement, market analysis and an economic impact assessment. The Alliance’s

goals for downtown include adding 20,000 residents to its already 10,000-plus residents; adding 20,000 workers (now around 55,000); and increasing the number of annual visitors by 20%, to reach 10 million.

The Alliance has hired three consulting firms to develop the strategy by early 2024: James Lima Planning + Development, Perkins+Will, and NEOO Partners. Other partners include the City of

St. Paul, Ramsey County, St. Paul Port Authority, St. Paul Area Chamber, St. Paul Building Owners and Managers Association, Visit St. Paul, CapitolRiver Council, Knight Foundation, and the Metropolitan Council. For more information, visit stpdowntown.org/investmentstrategy. For more information on Grow Downtown, visit growstpl.com.

SPPL

from page 1

Hartman is also overseeing the renovation of three libraries, including Riverview on the West Side, which hasn’t been updated in more than 30 years. Its final design was completed by LSE Architects last October. The plan calls for creating a new main entrance and turning the existing one into a reading area; creating

an outdoor reading plaza and garden; and increasing accessibility. SPPL is working with the nonprofit The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library to seek city, state and federal funding and secure private funds for the project.

“The building’s design reflects the community’s desire for a safe, dynamic space with comfortable seating, small study rooms, a wellness room, a community room, and all amenities – as well as books and materials –

on one level,” said Hartman.

“It also includes intentional space for public art that will reflect the cultural fabric of the neighborhood.”

The other libraries scheduled for renovation are the Hamline Midway and Hayden Heights branches. For more information, visit sppl.org/transforminglibraries.

Other goals called for this year in the recent needs assessment include distributing 310 Chromebooks and

{ THE FULLER FILES }

Merritt Clapp-Smith has resigned as director of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, which oversees development on the State Capitol grounds. Past director Paul Mandell is serving as interim director.

Randi Illyse Roth has retired as executive director of Interfaith Action St. Paul after serving the nonprofit for eight years. Interfaith Action provides shelter for families, free legal assistance, and emergency services related to food and clothing. Roger

Meyer of Mighty Consulting is serving as interim director.

Steve Heckler has retired as director of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival after 25 years. He is succeeded by Dayna Martinez, who served as director of the Flint Hills Family Festival since 2012. The jazz fest is held in Mears Park each June.

Noel Nix , director of community directives for St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, has received a Bush Fellowship from the Bush Foundation to continue his educa-

by Roger Fuller

tion and study successful community-based mental health care models. He is pursuing a master of arts in counseling psychology at the University of St. Thomas.

Eleven members will be appointed to the newly formed St. Paul Recovery Act Community Reparations Commission, chaired by City Council member Jane Prince and social justice advocate Trahern Crews. The commission advises the mayor and city council on ways to generate wealth for

600 hotspots to community members; launching a new bookmobile; expanding substitute staffing in public services; filling two new roles: Hmong community specialist and Black community specialist; and expanding intercultural development support for staff.

Hartman, who has a bachelor’s in English from Macalester College and a master’s in library science from Simmons College, has much experience with SPPL.

American descendants of chattel slavery.

Starcade arcade has relocated to Keg and Case Market at 928 West Seventh St. from the Rosedale Center.

The arcade, which has more than 150 classic cabinet and console games and 25 pinball machines, is in the former Bloom restaurant space.

Laugh Camp comedy club, 490 N. Robert St., will present Tommy Thompson, August 4-5; Rob Ward, August 11-12; Reena Calm, August 18-19; and Nate Abshire, August 25-26.

Subtext Books, 6 W. 5th St., will present Gary Heyn,

She was interim director for six months following Catherine Penkert’s departure last September. Previously, she was SPPL’s deputy director for public services for five years. Before coming to SPPL, Hartman held a variety of roles at the Hennepin County Library, the Minneapolis Public Library and the Watertown Free Public Library in Watertown, Mass.

“I’m extremely excited to continue to build together

with the team the next chapter of St. Paul Public Library and welcome more community members back to library services and programs,” she said. “Libraries are continuing to evolve based on the needs of our residents. The next few years are exciting opportunities to invite all St. Paul residents into our libraries and help more of our community members learn about the wide variety of services in our public spaces.”

author of “Standing at the Grave,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Ramsey County Historical Society will present Chad Montrie, author of “Whiteness in Plain View,” at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10 at the East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St. The presentation is also available via Zoom.

The Alexander Ramsey House, 265 Exchange St. S., is open to visitors for the first time since 2020. The 11,000-square-foot house is the former residence of Ramsey, the first Minnesota territorial governor and the

second governor of the State of Minnesota. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month.

The St. Paul Saints will have fireworks at CHS Field on August 11 and 18. Other special events include golf night on August 8, women in sports on August 10, and police and fire night on August 18.

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. During good weather, the group often walks outside.

We’re Listening

Win FREE Saints Tickets!

We’ve been covering the downtown beat for nearly 30 years, keeping you informed of community issues, business openings, arts and entertainment happenings, residential and commercial developments, and more. Downtown has changed much in recent years and we want to make sure we are addressing the issues that matter most to you. If you have a suggestion for something we should cover, email us your thoughts. We welcome leads on societal issues, downtown residents with a fascinating background, businesses that are celebrating milestone anniversaries, etc.

Contact us at info@stpaulpublishing.com.

Everyone who emails a suggestion will be entered into a drawing for four free tickets to a St. Paul Saints home game in August. Winner will be notified by email.

Downtown St. Paul Voice

from page 1

so it can better address how to close some of those gaps.”

Lee has already guided board members in ways to reevaluate the CRC’s mission and vision statements, and to engage the community to ensure all opinions on various topics are equally represented. She has 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, doing everything from knocking on doors in grassroots efforts to working for an international nonprofit. She is also volunteering as the CRC’s community development and resource director until the board officially adopts its new strategic plan.

Lee’s first introduction to the CRC was as a skyway committee member. From there, she was elected to

the board of directors about five years ago and served two terms, first as a resident and the second as internal affairs officer. After her second term ended she left the board but continued to serve in a consulting role.

“In the last year or so we’ve been talking a lot about the direction of the CRC, so that’s when we had the conversation about getting a grant to bring me on as a consultant to help with community engagement and strategic planning,” she said.

“They were trying to do it [create the strategic plan] internally for a while but eventually realized they needed a facilitator.”

One of Lee’s main recommendations for the strategic plan is for the CRC to create a planning committee that would organize a fun, annual event downtown. This would allow stakeholders to

learn more about other businesses and organizations in the community, give the CRC a new way to gather feedback about various issues and topics, and give area businesses some extra traffic.

“The goal is to have an annual event that celebrates downtown,” said Lee. “What we’re hoping to do is really open up the excitement of downtown and use it as an opportunity to bring the community together in a very intentional way. We’ve talked about nonprofits coming down and each having a vendor booth… and just making it a fun opportunity for all ages.”

One of the main challenges the CRC is facing – and has been for a few years now – is maintaining the skyway system. The City of St. Paul established the Skyway Governance Advisory Committee in 1997 to address

issues in the skyway system and delegated it to the CRC in 2006. In recent years, the Committee has had trouble getting some of the building owners and businesses associated with it to adhere to skyway policies. Although the skyways are city-owned thoroughfares, building owners must provide cleaning and security services for the sections in their buildings. Lee said many building owners stopped providing those services when the pandemic began because the foot traffic was too low to warrant it. Others, she said, are not adhering to the hours posted on skyway entrances, which impacts accessibility throughout the city, especially for those with disabilities. Safety has also been an increasing concern in the skyways.

“While there is violence, we also understand there

HOUSING

are young people who don’t always have access and resources to things that we may have had, like community centers and summer programming,” said Lee. “Postpandemic there’s a learning curve of understanding what young people are doing now, and for some reason that’s hanging out downtown in the skyways… As residents, while we may feel there are more safety concerns, we have to look at the fact that outside of safety there are other issues that need to be addressed.”

A St. Paul native, Lee has a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a master’s in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She currently works as development contractor with the Hmong American Partnership.

“We’re really looking at what the vision for CRC

is and through that what is the strategic plan,” said Lee.

“In particular, we’re looking at having a board that’s reflective of our community; understanding our whole community’s needs, including those who may not legally reside as residents in an official capacity; redefining how CRC does community engagement; and having meaningful relationships with those who have been systematically marginalized and underrepresented.”

To learn more about the CRC, visit capitolrivercouncil.org.

“A survey is only good if it asks good questions, and if we can get a significant number of people to respond whose voices have often been ignored,” Lee added. “We can only develop good questions if we have engaged the people we need to hear from.”

New artistic feature lights up Rice Park

If you’ve visited Rice Park at night recently, you’ll have noticed a new splash of color around the park’s fountain. The glow comes from LightWave, a new installation that features decorative strands of LED lights mounted in metal panels around the perimeter of the fountain’s inner and outer concrete bench. The metalwork incorporates images from water and plant life and other components of the Rice Park landscape. The animated, color-changing display is intended to draw visitors to the park and provide a higher level of safety for nighttime visitors.

Fit in.

The installation was created by Jeff Bartlett, an award-winning stage lighting designer. He has developed lighting projects for prominent Minnesota buildings, including Landmark Center, and his design work has been recognized with a 2021 Minnesota State Arts Board grant, a 2015 St. Paul Cultural Star award, a 2014 Knight Arts Challenge Grant, 2010 and 2005 Sage Awards for Dance, and a 2003 McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship.

LightWave is the final project of the $1.2 million Rice Park revitalization, largely completed in 2019.

Fitzgerald Theatre

10 Exchange St. E. St. Paul 612-338-8388 first-avenue.com

Comedy performances: Bored Teachers, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11. Negin Farsad, Hari Kondabolu, Mo Rocca and Cristela Alonzo, Friday, Aug. 18. Tickets start at $35.

MN Children’s Museum

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

“Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out” is featured through Sept. 4. Learn

“The Backyard: Mud Zone” is an outdoor exhibit. Mix dirt and water to create different types of mud, mix up a gourmet muddy meal in the mud kitchen and use catapults and air cannons to launch mud at various targets.

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

MN History Center

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

The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz is featured through June 9, 2024. Explore Schulz’s roots in Minnesota and his role as the inspiration and artistic talent behind the “Peanuts” comic strip and its beloved cast of characters.

“Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts. Learn how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.

S ample St. Paul

Permitting.” 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.

The Minnesota Historical Society offers Historic West End Walking Tours Aug. 5, 12 and 19; and Summit Avenue Walking Tours July 29-30, Aug. 6, 12-13, 1920 and 26-27. Tickets range from $14-20 and must be purchased online.

Ordway Center

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

“ Ordway Inside Out: The Song Poet,” 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11, at Rice Park. View a video of “The Song Poet,” which was performed live in March at Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis. The performance tells the story of a Hmong family forced to live as refugees during war. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free.

Palace Theatre

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

first-avenue.com

Clutch , 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2. Tickets start at $47.50.

RiverCentre

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

rivercentre.org

Show Me Reptile Show, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 29. Learn about a variety of reptiles, amphibians and exotic mammals, shop reptile care supplies, and have the chance to purchase a pet. Tickets are $8-12. Free for ages 12 and under.

Colleges That Change

Lives (CTCL) Information Session & College Fair, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15. This

free event features information from dozens of CTCLmember institutions.

Science Museum

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

smm.org

“

Exquisite Creatures” is on display through Sept. 4. Explore the planet’s biodiversity by viewing preserved animal specimens arranged in intricate patterns.

STEM Adventure Saturdays is a new program featuring themed activities in the galleries and interactive presentations from community members. Themes are: Air and Space, through Aug. 4; Dinosaurs, Aug. 5-Sept. 1; and Backyard Science, Sept. 2-Oct. 16. Each theme will begin with a kickoff event featuring special activities. The kickoff for Dinosaurs is 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5.

Artist at Pine Needle

Gallery is a temporary exhibit featuring work from Jim Grafsgaard, last year’s artist-in-residence at the Pine Needles cabin on the St. Croix Watershed Research Station property.

Omnitheater films: “ Wings Over Water ,” through Sept. 4. Follow the migrations of winged creatures as they return home to raise the next generation of waterfowl.

“ The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness,” through October 18. Meet polar bears, Porcupine caribou and people who have called the vast arctic region their home for thousands of years.

Friday Museum Nights features blockbuster movie showings on the Omnitheater screen every Friday night at 7 p.m. through October. Upcoming shows: “Spaceballs,” July 28; Night at the Museum, Aug. 4; “Land Before Time,” Aug. 11; “Jurassic World,” Aug.

18; and “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” Aug. 25.

Stellar Tours Live Digital Telescope Show, Wed.Sun. at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Choose your own space adventure and experience the Omnitheater’s new Digistar 7 projection system. Omnitheater tickets are $9.95.

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.  Tickets start at $9.95.

Xcel Center 199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240

xcelenergycenter.com

Thomas Rhett, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 27. Tickets start at $98.

Paramore , 7 p.m.,

Wednesday, Aug. 2. Tickets start at $70.

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire , 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4. Tickets start $62.

Nickelback, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 7. Tickets start at $101.

Sam Smith , 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16. Tickets start at $25.50.

Pearl Jam , 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31. Tickets start at $162.

Outdoor music, movies, fairs and festivals

Music in Mears ParkFree concerts are held noon1 p.m. at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E., every Tuesday and Wednesday. The lineup features Mellifera, Aug. 1; Joan of Profile, Aug. 2; Capital City Wind Ensemble, Aug. 8; Dale & Kathleen, Aug. 9; TBD, Aug. 15; and The Fairlanes, Aug. 16.

Lowertown Sounds , a free concert series, is presented on Thursday nights in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Concerts run 6-9:30 p.m., and guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The lineup features Jaedyn James, Aug. 3; Salsa Del Soul, Aug. 10; Run Westy Run, Aug. 17; and Flamin’ Oh’s, Aug. 24. Food trucks will be onsite at each performance. For more information, visit lowertownsounds.com.

Summer Nights in Rice are free concerts held 5-7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St. The lineup features Pete Whitman Quartet, Aug. 10;

Natania & Ticket to Brasil, Aug. 24; and Jimmy “Primetime” Smith Blues Band, Sept. 7.

The City of Mendota Heights presents free concerts at 6 p.m. at Market Square Park, 720 Main St.

The lineup includes Helium for Liftoff trio, Aug. 9; Matt Graunke and the Crow River Rebellion, Aug. 23; and Skippin’ Stones, Sept. 6. Revved UP performs 6:30 p.m., Aug. 11, at Mendakota Park, 2111 Dodd Rd.

The City of West St. Paul will show an outdoor movie at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25, at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave. The title was unavailable as of press time. For more information, call 651-552-4100.

Union Depot will host a drive-in movie in Lot D, located near Kellogg Boulevard, on Friday, Aug. 25. The title is “The Incredibles.” The event features the chance to win a prize basket. Concessions will be available. Tickets are $15 per vehicle. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit uniondepot.org/depotdrivein.

The Urban Explorer

E xploring our regional amenities

Tim Spitzck Editor

A must-do summertime experience

What has five humps, stands 50 feet tall and is the color of a sun-kissed lemon? Since you glanced at the photo accompanying this article, you know the behemoth in question is the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair, one of the most iconic attractions of the Great Minnesota GetTogether, which begins this year August 24.

For more than 50 years, the slide has offered thrills for young and old alike. And there’s one thing for certain, you don’t see any frowns on the faces of the approximately 300,000 annual riders who zip down the 170-foot-long slide in a handful of seconds.

The ritual begins with purchasing a ticket for $4, grabbing a felt mat on which to slide, then climbing 100 steps to the top (which does make some frown and huff).

A recorded message repeatedly reminds those waiting

The Dakota County Fair takes place Aug. 7-13 at the Fairgrounds, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. Highlights include musical entertainment, demolition derby, midway rides, talent contests, grandstand shows, car and livestock shows, historic village and food. For more information, visit dakotacountyfair.org or call 651-463-8818.

IndiaFest is held Saturday, Aug. 12. This free event features performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, cultural displays, activities and games, along with an Indian bazaar. For more information, visitiamn.org or call 651-321-3421.

Irish Fair of Minnesota, is held Aug. 11-13, at Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, children’s activities, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays and Irish food and drink. Bands performing over the weekend include Gaelic Storm, Socks in the Frying Pan, JigJam, Doolin,

Screaming Orphans, Clare Cunningham and Wild Colonial Bhoys. Real Irish Comedy Tour will also perform Friday and Saturday. Hours are 3-11 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. Single day passes are $20, with discounts for youth and seniors. Weekend passes are $40, with discounts for youth and seniors. Free for youth under age 13. For more information, visit irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221.

Japanese Obon Festival is 3-9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 20 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The event features martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, food, lantern lighting and more. A shuttle will run from 1930 Como Ave. to the festival. The last drop off is at 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Cost is $5 for ages 13 and up, $3 for ages 3-12 and 65 and older. Free for children under 3.

Minnesota State Fair takes place Aug. 24-Sept. 4 at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave. The Fair showcases Minnesota’s

finest in agriculture, art and industry, hundreds of concession stands, a giant Midway, Grandstand concerts, giveaways, animal and product demonstrations, parades and much more. Grandstand concerts include: The Black Keys with special guest The Velveteers, 7 p.m., Aug. 24 (from $69); The Chicks with special guest Wild Rivers, 7 p.m., Aug. 25 (from $77); Keith Urban with special guest Lindsay Ell, 7 p.m., Aug. 26 (from $52); Boyz II Men and Chaka Khan, 7 p.m., Aug. 27 (from $34); Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills, 7 p.m., Aug. 28 ($33); Brandi Carlile with special guest Wynonna Judd, 7 p.m., Aug. 29 (from $79); Yung Gravy with special guest bbno$, 7 p.m., Aug. 30 (from $29); Duran Duran with special guests Bastille and Nile Rodgers & CHIC, 7 p.m., Aug. 31 (from $77); Jonas Brothers, 7 p.m., Sept. 1 (from $77); The Current featuring The

Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four, 7 p.m., Sept. 2 (from $27); MSF 50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest Finals, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 3; and Blippi, 3 p.m., Sept. 4 ($16). For more information, visit mnstatefair.org.

Mystery on the Mississippi, 6:30 p.m., July 27, August 17 and Sept. 21. Who killed Buzz Masterson? Guests are invited to help solve the mystery aboard the Jonathan Padelford Riverboat during a 2-hour cruise. The interactive performance is set in the 1980s, so wear attire from that era. $30. The cruise departs from Harriet Island. For more information, visit parkconnection. org.

Summer Classic Block Party, 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at Keg and Case Courtyard, 928 W. 7th St. The event will feature performances from Heiruspecs, Maria Isa, and the Unknown Prophets, plus DJs, a car show, food, beer and other entertainment. For more information, visit heiruspecs. com.

in line of the proper riding position: sit up straight and keep legs straight out. Then the fun begins. The slide’s first wave elicits the most screams, which are amplified by microphones strung over the 30-foot-wide attraction. The remaining humps play tricks as well, especially on those who’ve already devoured too many cheese curds, Pronto Pups and other foodstuffs on a stick. And then, just like that, the thrill is over. Riders deposit their mats and walk away with either a new summertime experience, or another notch in their Giant Slide belt. Those who didn’t pay attention to the sliding instructions might even have their own special souvenir –a slight burn on their elbow, much like a carpet burn. No one seems to mind though. It’s simply a lesson learned for their next trip down.

Fred Pittroff introduced the slide to the Minnesota

State Fair in 1969 and it’s been a permanent fixture ever since. Rides back then cost 25 cents, and the mats were made of burlap. The California native grew up with a love for amusement parks and fairs. By age 15 he was selling hot dogs on a stick (in true State Fair style) at a park in Newport Beach, Calif. Ten years later he met a man from an amusement park in Santa Cruz and learned that his giant slide was the park’s most popular ride. That meeting changed

the trajectory of Pittroff’s career. Up to that point, he had worked in his family’s printing business and moonlighted at fairs on the weekends, selling hot dogs. Before long, Pittroff was manufacturing and operating giant slides across the country. His father-in-law, who owned a scaffolding business, helped him build his first slide, and from the late 1960s through the ’80s Pittroff built 42 slides. He also operated 10 of them for several years, eventually

selling most. The only ones under his control are at the Minnesota State Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair. The company no longer builds slides.

Pittroff’s business has always been a family affair. Fred, who still works each fair, has been responsible for manufacturing, sales and operations, and his wife, Beverly, managed administrative duties until her death in 2010. She passed away on the last day of the Minnesota State Fair and a

memorial bench has been placed near the slide in her memory. Today, their daughter Stacey and her husband Robert Barona manage operations. They met at the Fair in 1993 and, fittingly, were married at the top of the Giant Slide on opening day in 1996. In 2015, Fred Pittroff was named a Living Legend by the National Independent Concessionaires Association and in 2017 was inducted into the Minnesota State Fair Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

N ews Briefs

CALENDAR OF EVENTS }

George Latimer Central Library

The Central Library, 90 4th St. W., is hosting the following events. For more details, visit sppl.org.

Dungeons & Dragons Camp , 3-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2, 9 and 16. Build a character and join an adventure with a seasoned Dungeon Master. Ages 11-15.

Lightbox Photography, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2. Learn how to get well-lit images of your crafts, art, jewelry or other products using the lightbox in our Media Lab.

Drawing & Coloring Circle , 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2. All materials provided, including coloring pages and a variety of drawing tools.

Baby & Toddler Story-

time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Thursday. Ages 3 and under; siblings welcome.

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. Call 651-2667000.

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. Call 651266-7000.

Library After Dark: Game Night , 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9. Board and card games for all ages.

Saturday Vibe: Family Storytime, 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 12 and 26. Playful stories, rhymes and songs followed by creative play with puppets.

Postscript

So Much I heard him yelling before I saw him. Was there a fight? Should I be worried?

When I finally saw him, he was standing alone in front of the church, his possessions loaded into a shopping cart. It appeared he was trying to navigate the steep hill. And he was yelling. His face was flushed and his voice loud. I walked until I stood on the sidewalk in front of him.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

He stopped yelling immediately. He looked sur-

Historic Building Tour, 4-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12. Enjoy a guided tour of George Latimer Central Library, designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style and completed in 1917. Meet in the first-floor entrance lobby.

Lab After Dark: Marvelous Magnets, 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16. Create fun magnets. Materials provided.

Saturday Vibe: Snake Discovery, 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 19. Learn about reptiles large and small, common and rare, and touch and hold the reptiles.

Riverview Library

Riverview Library, 1 George St. E., is hosting the following events. For more

details, visit sppl.org.

Curiosity Corner , 4-7 p.m. each Tuesday. Activities for ages 8 and up, including Legos, crafts and more.

West Side Writers, 2-3 p.m. each Wednesday. A group for creative writers of all levels to share their work and offer feedback.

Chess Club , 6-7 p.m. each Thursday. Open to ages 8-18, beginners and advanced players.

Comedy Magic with Brodini, 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 4.

Story Theatre with Children’s Theatre Company, noon-1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 12 and 19. Explore beloved children’s books through imaginative play, storytelling and music. Ages 2-6. Siblings welcome.

Riverview Book Club , 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16. The title is “My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante.

TPAC events

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.

Rooting for the Arts

Show, 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23. View artwork and enjoy a root beer float, live music and a dance talent show. Free. To display your art or dance talent, register by August 14.

Storyteller training, 1011 a.m. on four Thursdays in August. $20.

Introduction to watercolor painting , 1-3 p.m. each Monday in August. $66 for the class. Supplies may be purchased from the instructor for $40.

Nature Sense with Eloise Dietz: Minnesota Rocks and Fossils, 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Aug. 8. $12.

Greeting Card Making,

12:30-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10. Materials provided. $20.

Introduction to heat pumps, an energy-efficient, low carbon alternative to furnaces and air conditioners, 10-11:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 21.

Men’s Topics & Toast, 9-10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 7. $10 annually.

Falls Talk , 2:30 p.m.,Wednesday, Aug. 9. Meet one-on-one with a trained facilitator for a falls screening.

Mystery Book Club , 10:30 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Aug. 8. $10 annually.

Penny Bingo, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. $10 annually.

Technology Support Center, 9 a.m.-noon each Monday. Free assistance with technology questions for both hand-held and homebased devices.

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

prised, as if his yelling had been happening in a private place and he hadn’t expected anyone to notice. His eyes wild and his clothes torn,

he looked as though he had been living without a home for a long time.

“He said I was an animal!”

His eyes darted past the clump of trees that delineates the church property. I could see no one. Maybe there was someone just out of sight. Maybe there was no one. It probably doesn’t matter.

I looked back at him. He looked as if he might cry.

“Well, you’re not,” I said. He looked at me in a peculiarly intense way, as if to determine whether I could be trusted to tell the truth.

I’d seen this look from time to time in homeless people. Some won’t make eye contact at all. They look down or

away as if I weren’t there, or they speak over my shoulder, never meeting my eyes. This man looked directly into my eyes and watched me closely.

“You are absolutely not an animal,” I told him firmly.

I saw his shoulders drop as if he was setting down a heavy weight. The person or phantom behind the trees seemed to be forgotten. He continued to look at me.

I didn’t know what else to say, so I patted my heart and told him, “And I want you to know that I care.”

I held his eyes for a moment longer then headed home. He might have said something after that. It sounded as if he was trying to say something but I knew

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there was nothing more I could do.

We all carry so much.

All the way home and for much of that night, I thought about that lonely man with the shopping cart and his outrage at being called an animal. He was indignant and afraid and desperate for it not to be true and, maybe for just a moment, he was reassured it was not true because some random older woman on the sidewalk told him so. Life is so precarious sometimes.

Later that night, lying in bed, I told my husband, Peter, about the man and what I’d said.

“You are kind,” Peter told me.

I don’t know if that’s true or not but I know for certain that strangers have helped me when I needed help, and kind words have changed my day from terrible to something better, something more hopeful. I think of the many people I can never pay back and I hope I can pay forward some of the kindness I’ve been shown over all the years of my life.

More than anything, when I think about that lonely man fighting off his demons, I realize I have no idea how it feels to face anything as large or as terrifying as that man faces every day. And for that, I am terribly –and selfishly – grateful. Till next time.

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 651-291-0647 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

• 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

D1 Training G7

400 Wabasha St. N. Suite #380 651-615-1500 d1training.com/saint-paul

Strength & conditioning training. All ages. All abilities. Group, personal & team training.

Downtown St. Paul A8 651-287-0935

Adjustments, Auto Injuries, Headache/Migraine Relief, Sports Injuries, Work Injuries, Massage Therapy

Water Lily Montessori A 11 499 Wacouta St. 651-227-7483 wildflowerschools.org

A nurturing learning environment for children aged 33 months to 6 years. After care available.