Downtown St. Paul Voice June 2021 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

Downtown St. Paul

Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 11-13 Page 6

Volume 27 | Number 6

Your Community News & Information Source

June 2021

Schubert Club Music Museum reopens

Three fitness studios now open at Treasure Island Center

Tim Spitzack Editor

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

ather than let its artifacts collect dust during the pandemic shutdown, Schubert Club used the downtime to spruce up its 4,500-square-foot museum, located on the second floor of the Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St. The newly renovated museum is scheduled to reopen June 10, featuring exhibits that explore the background of instruments from around the world and other facets of music history. The museum has two galleries and a recital room. The Keyboard Journey Gallery highlights the history and development of various instruments, as well as the stories of their inventors, builders and musicians. Instruments range from 16th century spinets to 20th century electro-mechanical keyboards. People can also make music themselves in the Music Makers Zone Gallery. The museum also houses the Thelma Hunter Recital Room, named in memory of an accomplished pianist and Schubert Club supporter. In addition to serving as a recital room and gathering space, the room features recordings of Schubert Club performances, demonstrations of early 20th century music players, and presentations from composers. Schubert Club presented its first public recital in 1893 and continues to host world class performers through its annual Music in the Park series, free weekly lunchtime Courtroom Concerts at the Landmark Music museum / Page 2

he announcement in mid-May that COVID restrictions are lifting was welcomed like a breath of fresh air. Today, optimism abounds, especially among those who bring us the events and funfilled activities that help us celebrate summer. While some events may look different this year, many are scheduled and our annual Summer Event Guide will put you in the know. From music and movies in the parks to the Great Minnesota Get-Together, there are numerous ways to have fun in the sun. Also, look for pop-up events that are sure to be announced as conditions improve. Events are subject to change. Be sure to call or check the schedules online before you go.

Summer is here. Enjoy it! Coverage begins on page 4

Conquer Ninja gym Springing into action at 400 Wabasha St. N., Suite 390, is a Conquer Ninja gym co-owned and operated by Minnesota native and NFL Super Bowl champion Ben Utech, a tight end with the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI. Conquer Ninja is a nationwide franchise dedicated to ninja warrior training, which uses an obstacle course environment to help people build strength, agility, and mental acuity. The gym is loaded with equipment such as monkey bars, warped walls, rock climbing walls and more, all of which help trainees burn off steam and master new skills. Helping aspiring ninjas reach their goals are certified trainers, some of whom have proven their skills on TV shows such as American Ninja Warrior. Trainers roam the gym giving tips on how to safely use equipment and perform specific techniques. Most equipment can be adjusted to alter difficultly level. Safety measures at the gym include padded equipment, spacing people out to avoid accidental collisions, and five minutes of mandatory guided stretching. COVID protocols are also in place. Open gyms are held 3:45-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, giving trainees the chance to have an hour of free reign over the equipment. The entire gym can be rented for events such as birthday parties Fitness center / Page 3

CRC study suggests ways to improve wayfinding Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

t. Paul’s sign ordinance is lengthy and complex and may be keeping people from finding their way around downtown, according to a recent CapitolRiver Council (CRC) study. The report, created late last year in conjunction with St. Paul Downtown Alliance and the University of Minne-

sota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), found that the city has the strictest ordinance of five large Midwestern cities, including Minneapolis, and suggests ways to make it more user-friendly. Based on feedback from cultural institutions, businesses, visitors and residents, CRC has found that there are several challenges to wayfinding in the down-

town area, in part because businesses are restricted in their signage. CRC Executive Director Jon Fure said the study is simply one step in an ongoing review of city ordinances to discover barriers affecting the vitality of downtown. No recommendations will be made to the St. Paul City Council at this time. “It’s going to take a lot of engagement with business

owners, building owners and other important stakeholders and groups to determine what to do about any of those barriers,” he said. CURA compared St. Paul’s sign ordinance to ordinances in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Madison and Cincinnati, and found that St. Paul’s was indeed complex and wordy, having twice as many words as the codes of the other cities. The study

shows that the biggest challenges many businesses face are understanding the ordinance’s complex language, getting permits in a timely manner, and being granted permits for temporary signs for specific promotions throughout the year. Interviewers also talked to David Eide, zoning inspector for the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections. Eide said the most

significant barrier to having a more manageable system in St. Paul is the permitting process itself. Currently, business owners may be required to obtain as many as three separate permits for their signs: a business sign permit, a sign variance and a temporary sign permit. Eide noted that the complex system can be difficult CRC study / Page 2

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{ THE FULLER FILES } written notice if they chose not to renew a lease. Valerie Jensen has resigned as director of St. Paul’s Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity after serving just one year. No reason was given for her decision. The department reviews the city’s vendor contracts and procurement. The Salvation Army has been awarded a $3.1 million yearlong contract with Ramsey County to manage the 100-bed Bethesda Shelter in St. Paul for single

U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson recently ruled that the City of St. Paul’s tenant protection ordinance, which went into effect on March 1, is likely unconstitutional. He ordered the City to cease enforcement of the law while the case continues through the courts. St. Paul’s S.A.F.E Housing Tenant Protections ordinance limited landlords in their ability to review potential renters’ credit and criminal histories, and evictions when screening applicants, and required them to give a

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adults experiencing homelessness. Bethesda provides a variety of other services in addition to emergency shelter. The proposed Gold Line rapid transit bus line, a 10mile route from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury, has received an improved rating from the Federal Transit Administration, from last year’s “medium low” rating to “medium high.” The new rating increases the chance of the FTA paying 45% of the cost. Sue Leaf, author of

from page 1 Center, chamber ensemble A ccordo in Minneapolis venues, andde thesinceridad” Hill House Chamber Playersat the historic James J. Hill House Desde in 1927St. Paul. Schubert Club has also hosted music education programs since 1911. Today, it reaches Ken B.annually Petersonthrough concerts, workshops and free 2,000 youth Owner-Director music lessons, and provides scholarships for music studies. Museum admission is free. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Johnson-Peterson Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and noon-7 p.m. Thursday. Casa Funeria y Cremación Museum will 612guides So. Smith Ave.offer tours upon request. Tours outside of 651-222-3220 regular hours may be scheduled by contacting Kate Cooper at kcooper@schubert.org. For more information, www.johnsonpeterson.com call 651-292-3266 or visit https://schubert.org/museum.

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nonfiction; Anika Fajardo, “What if a Fish,” middle grade literature; Sawai Strong Washburn, “Sharks in the Time of Saviors: A Novel,” novel and short story; Danez Smith, “Homie: Poems,” poetry; and Laura Zimmermann, “My Eyes Are Up Here,” young adult literature. Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is hosting the following events this spring. Volunteers will remove invasive species and plant native flowers 5:30-7:30 p.m., June 8 and 24, and 9-11 a.m., June 12. A walk along Phalen Creek from Lake

Phalen to the sanctuary will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 19. The fountain at Rice Park and the stream at Mears Park will both flow this summer. Each was closed last year due to the pandemic. Drinking fountains in St. Paul parks are expected to remain closed this summer. The Minnesota Historical Society is reopening three area historic sites. The Sibley House and historic site will open on May 29, the James J. Hill House on June 3, and Fort Snelling on June 4.

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“Minnesota’s Geologist: The Life of Newton Horace Winchell,” received the Emilie Buchwald Award for Minnesota nonfiction at the Minnesota Book Awards ceremony this spring. Other winners were: Daniel Bernstrom, “Big Papa and the Time Machine,” children’s literature; Jonathan Slaght, “Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World’s Largest Owl,” general nonfiction; Brian Freeman, “The Deep, Deep Snow,” genre fiction; Carolyn Holbrook, “Tell Me Your Names and I Will Testify: Essays,” memoir and creative

from page 1 to navigate, particularly for small business owners who cannot afford to hire outside help. The study recommends that St. Paul include more “blanket” exemptions to allow for a wider variety of sign types, and that the city require businesses to work with a licensed sign contractor rather than navigate the system themselves. It also suggests creating a less restrictive policy that allows for A-frame style sandwich board signs or other similar promotional signs. The A-frame style, most often placed at street level, is especially popular during summer months.

The Downtown St. Paul Voice is published monthly and delivered to every apartment, condominium and skyway drop in St. Paul’s historic urban village, as well as other locations throughout downtown St. Paul. Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom

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Fitness center from page 1

and team-building events. Guests have access to a private room and may bring in catered food. Ninja summer camps are also offered for youth ages 5-13. Pricing and scheduling can be found on the gym’s website. Aspiring obstacle course racers will be happy to hear that Conquer Ninja gyms will provide kids ages 6-13 the chance to join a recreational league. There are currently four other participating gyms in the Twin Cities area and the St. Paul gym is looking to get involved this year. The recreational league is eight weeks long. Other programs include competitive team practice and obstacle racing for multiple age groups. Dan Delano, a 3-time contender on American Ninja Warrior, is one of the course designers who makes sure competitions are unique and meet league standards. In affiliation with Utecht’s new nonprofit UNCOMN Champions, the St. Paul

gym aims to fundraise in the future to provide free field trips and other events for under-resourced youth in St. Paul. Utecht said he is passionate about providing a fitness program that isn’t merely performance-driven but instead focuses on nurturing teamwork, confidence and self-esteem. Conquer Ninja has gyms in North Dakota, Arizona and Minnesota. The St. Paul location opened in early May.

Finish Line Wellness Group When James Midboe was 16 he received the devastating news that he’d never play football again. Determined to prove his doctors wrong, he put in the hard work to recuperate from his injury and eventually returned to the playing field. He went on to play at Bemidji State University, starting all four years. He has since dedicated his life to helping others overcome their own physical

James Midboe and Ben Utech, partners at Conquer Ninja gym. challenges. After graduating from Bemidji State, Midboe earned his doctor of chiropractic from Northwestern Health Science University in Bloomington. He has been practicing for nearly 10 years with the Finish Line Wellness group in Savage. He purchased the clinic in

February 2015 and has now opened a second clinic in the Treasure Island Center, Suite 390. The clinic provides chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutrition and detox therapy, sport psychology and more for all ages. Midboe said their goal is to improve the physical and emotional

health of every client, whether suffering from an injury or chronic ailments. An important part of the practice is finding a baseline for each client before doing treatment. He said this helps the practitioner and client work together to establish health goals and post-treatment expectations.

developed the idea while working his way back to the NFL following an injury. After establishing a children’s training program on a community field in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn., he partnered with former teammate and NFL

superstar Peyton Manning to purchase an 8-acre tract for the first D1 Training center. The company quickly grew into a nationwide franchise that helps more than two million people annually, including more than 1,000 professional athletes. Today,

The newly opened D1 Training fitness center at 400 Wabasha St. N., Suite 380, is helping people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels train like Division 1 athletes, who follow some of the most finely tuned exercise programs in the country. No matter if you’re a rookie, a college-bound athlete, an injured pro or are renewing your passion for physical health later in life, D1 Training can provide exercise routines to help you reach your fitness goals and perform at peak level, according to owner Kris Nelson. Part of a nationwide franchise, the facility has stateof-the-art equipment that provides science-based progress reports for each client. Nestled in the heart of downtown is their 8,000-squarefoot gym featuring a variety

of training equipment, including squat racks, rowing machines, a 60-yard turf field, laser-triggered timing devices, weighted sleds and more. The program rotates clients through the various equipment so that no two days of workouts are the same. They also have a body composition analyzer that allows members to measure their bodyweight, skeletal muscle mass and more. The center matches members with a nationally certified trainer, who helps customers exercise safely and get the most out of each workout. Trainers adapt their style to each person’s specific needs, and daily training sessions can be done individually or as a small group or team. Staff stays current on training methods through collaborative efforts with a panel of Division 1 coaches from Louisiana State Uni-

the company has 60 locations nationwide. The St. Paul center opened in early January. Hours are 6 a.m.8 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more information, visit www.d1training.com/saintpaul or call 615-560-7403.

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Midboe acknowledges that it’s common for people to dismiss minor injuries but says it’s important to treat an injury immediately to prevent future problems. For example, he has worked with patients who neglected treatment only to reach the point where they could no longer pick up their children. He added that oftentimes patients are unaware of how limited their movement had become until after receiving treatment. The St. Paul clinic, which opened in mid-May, offers membership options that include access to their fitness center and other services. Individual consultations are available in person or over the phone. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information, visit www.finishlinewellness.com/ or call 952-746-4162. Midboe is also a co-owner of the Conquer Ninja gym, located in the same suite. For more information, visit www. conquerninja.com or call 952-378-1285.

versity, the University of Southern California, the University of Alabama and other colleges. Classes are currently co-ed and are offered in-person or virtually. Since about 40% of the members are ages 7-11, the company places a high emphasis on character-building. Daily programs include Rookies (ages 7-11), Devos (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 1518), and adult classes (ages 18+). The company also offers adult female-only classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 p.m., and plans to begin a Junior and Prep female-only strength and conditioning class this summer. Sport-specific programs, such as quarterback camp, are provided throughout the year. D1 Training was originally founded in 2001 by professional football player Will Bartholomew, who

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S ummer Fun

Your community news and information source

Music & Movies St. Paul’s Parks and Recreation department will host outdoor concerts and movies in the parks but the schedule wasn’t available as of press time. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset. Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring food and a blanket or lawn chair. For more information, visit www.stpaul. gov or call 651-292-6508. Lowertown Sounds will present free concerts of live, local and original music, 6-9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 10-Aug. 26, in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are invited to bring blankets and chairs. The schedule includes June 10, Lady Midnight, Allie McIntosh and Chris Holm; June 17, Sarah Morris and Gambler’s Daughter; July 8, Flamin’ Ohs and Kiss the Tiger; July 15, The Shackletons and Henry Invisible; July 22, Annie Mack and Maudlin; July 29, Salsa del Soul and Atlantis Quartet; Aug. 5, Jeff Arundel and Good Morning Bedlam; Aug. 12, Dan Israel and the Cultivators and Chemistry Set; Aug.

Bands on the Boulevard - Local acts from the First Avenue music scene in Minneapolis will be featured at the “Bands on the Boulevard” outdoor concert series this summer at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. Free concerts will be held 6:30-8 p.m. every Tuesday in July. The line-up is yet to be determined. Food and activities open at 5:45 p.m. Visitors may bring a lawn chair and a picnic. For more details, visit www.mnhs.org or call 651-259-3000. 19, The New Standards and Lucy Michelle; Aug. 26, Heiruspecs, the Fragrants and Saint Small. For more information, visit www.lowertownsounds.com. The City of West St. Paul

Page 4 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - June 2021

is also hosting outdoor movies this summer. Scheduled are, “The Croods: A New Age,” on June 18 at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W.; “Trolls World Tour,” on July 16 at Harmon Park; and a

title yet to be determined (by a community vote) on Aug. 20 at Southview Park, 275 Westview Dr. Movies begin at 9 p.m. For more information, contact the city of West St. Paul at 651-552-4100.

Como Zoo Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., features flora and fauna from around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, li-

ons, tigers, the ever-popular polar bear and more than a dozen botanical gardens. Please note the changes due to COVID. Advance reservations are required for members and nonmembers, and a one-way walking path takes visitors through Como Zoo, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the gift shop. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Admission is a suggested donation of $3. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory. org or call 651-487-8201. Groovin’ in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday in July at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The line-up is yet to be determined. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Lawn games will be available. Guests are invited to bring blankets and chairs. Free concerts also take place June 1-Aug. 31 at the Como Lakeside Pavilion. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org. Como Harbor opens June 3. This $21 million renovation of the sea lion exhibit includes a newly shaded amphitheater and below-water-

S ummer Fun level viewing zone, a large saltwater pool that allows the seals and sea lions to be outdoors year-round, updated restrooms, Pier 56 — a new outdoor café — and more. For reservations or more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org. Cafesjian’s Carousel opened May 21 for its 22nd season. This historic carousel features 68 horses and two chariots that have been fully restored to the way they looked when new in 1914, and a fully restored organ that plays waltzes, marches and popular tunes. Summer hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Tickets are $3; infants under age 1 ride free. For more information, visit www.ourfaircarousel.org or call 651-489-4628. Como Town amusement park reopens on May 29. You’ll find kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, such as the Soaring Eagle zip line, which travels 420 feet across the park, peaking at 85 feet. The park is open 11:30 a.m.-5:20 p.m., Wed.-Sun. Reservations are required. Tickets are $15, free for children ages 2 and under. For more information, visit www.comotown. com or call 651-487-2121.

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Union Depot Train Days will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 5-6, at the Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. The event will include train tours, model trains, family friendly activities and more. For more information, visit www.uniondepot.org/ traindays or call 651-2022700. Drive-in movies will be held in Lot D, located near Kellogg boulevard. Shows include: “Jurassic Park,” 9:15 p.m., June 25; a title yet to be determined (Facebook poll), 9 p.m., July 23; “Moana,” 8:30 p.m., Aug. 27; and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Sept. 24, time to be determined. Each event features a chance to win a thematic prize basket. Concessions will be available. Tickets are $15 per vehicle. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.uniondepot. org/depotdrivein.

Fairs & Festivals The Flint Hills International Family Festival is hosting virtual and live performances, art workshops and more June 1-12 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington

St., and surrounding areas. Free virtual performances include Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Native Pride Dancers, Nunnabove and House of Dance. The Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers and Sonia de los Santos will perform a live concert at 6 p.m., Friday, June 4, and 11 a.m., Saturday, June 5. For tickets or more information, visit www.ordway.org/festival or call 651-224-4222. WaterFest, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., June 19-27 at Lake Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr. This free, family festival offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of water management, wildlife habitat, and the unique ecological features of the region’s watershed. The event offers self-directed learning opportunities and activities, such as a water parade, native plant giveaways and a fishing demonstration. It will also feature virtual activities shared by exhibitors. Volunteers can register at the link below to assist with self-directed activities. Those who volunteer five or more hours will receive a WaterFest T-shirt. For more information, visit www.rwmwd. org/get-involved/waterfest or call 651-792-7950.

The Flint Hills International Family Festival is hosting live and virtual performances June 1-12 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. The Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns. Normally held in Lowertown’s Mears Park, the festival was canceled last year because of the pandemic. This year’s festival will be a combination of live ticketed performances and outdoor streamed concerts June 24-27 at the Dakota (live streamed only) and two

stages at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. Headliners include award-winning tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi and his quartet, vocalist Kurt Elling, Jamecia Bennett, the Jazz Women All-Stars featuring Patty Peterson and Ginger Commodore, JazzMN Orchestra and Andrew Walesch. Tickets to

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S ummer Fun For more details, visit www. twincitiesjazzfestival.com. Lowertown Blues & Funk Fest will hold the following free outdoor concerts 5:30-9 p.m. at Dual Citizen Brewing, 725 Raymond Ave.: June 12, Erin McCawley’s Harrison St. Band and Hamilton Loomis; July 10, Codesweat Entertainment and The Good, The Bad, and The Funky; Aug. 14, The Kendra Glenn Band and Bernard Allison Group. For more information, visit www.lowertownbluesfestival.com. The Summer Beer Dabbler will take place 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday Aug. 14 at CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St. Sample the brews of more than 130 craft breweries while listening to live music. Food and other activities will be featured throughout the day. For more information, visit www.thebeerdabbler.com. The Minnesota State Fair is held Aug. 26-Sept. 6, at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave. Grandstand

Your community news and information source concerts include Miranda Lambert, 7:30 p.m., Aug 26 ($40-$65); The Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary tour featuring Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John Mcfee, with special guest Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 7 p.m., Aug. 31 ($50-$65); Tim McGraw with special guest Midland, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 1 ($60-$88); NF—The Search Tour, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 2 ($35-$50); Darci Lynne & Friends—Fresh Out of the Box Tour with special guest Okee Dokee Brothers, 4 p.m., Sept. 6 ($25). For more information, visit www.mnstatefair.org. IndiaFest plans to hold a hybrid event Saturday, Aug. 14., at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The time and activities are yet to be determined. Past events have featured performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, exhibits, cultural displays and an Indian

Postscript

The Last Box

“Oh my gosh. I don’t want to open that box.” Moving furniture and books and clothing is easy. It’s moving memories that is hard. I’m going through the last of my boxes for a pending move. I used to say I wasn’t a packrat. I thought I was more like my mother than my dad. My dad might tuck a piece of wood away, thinking it would find a use someday. My mother would say it’s easier to buy a board when (and if ) it was needed. Generally, it wasn’t.

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

This approach keeps my parents’ house very tidy, with the possible exception of one small room in the basement where my dad keeps his wood collection.

bazaar. Free. For more information, visit www.iamn.org or call 651-321-3421. Deutsche Tage, noon-9 p.m., Saturday, June 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, June 13 at the Germanic American Institute, 301 Summit Ave. The event features authentic German food and beer, musicians and dancers, family-friendly games and vendors. Admission is $5 (children free). For more information, visit www.gai-mn.org or call 651222-7027. Irish Fair of Minnesota, Aug. 13-15, Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays and Irish food and drink. Admission is $15$35. For more information, visit www.irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221. Japanese Obon Festival, Aug. 15 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The time is yet to be de-

termined. The festival will feature many activities that celebrate Japanese culture. Admission is $5; $2 discount for seniors and students. For more information, call 651487-8200.

It turns out, I am not at all like my mother. I have filed things away that will never find any purpose whatsoever other than to remind me of things I did and used to care about that I no longer do. For the last few days, I’ve been emptying the box. Photos from when we used to take real photos, letters from people who cared about me, certificates indicating I accomplished something or another, reviews that mentioned my name, currency from foreign countries I will never visit again, 100-plus-year-old spectacles (why?), a lovely handheld fan my former mother-inlaw gave me, clever things I wrote when I was in the fifth grade (really?), recipes in my

grandmother’s handwriting, and even (I am embarrassed to admit) my old teddy bear. My teddy bear feels crunchy. His exterior is badly corroded by time. I can’t imagine what has happened to his insides. All of it is in the last box, waiting to be emptied. Some of it is easy to understand wanting to hang onto. I am scanning some of the photos and my grandmother’s recipes, and they will move on to the great cloud in the sky. (That is where I imagine the cloud, not being savvy with computer matters.) They will likely get no more attention on the cloud than they did in the box but they will gather less dust and — most importantly — won’t need to be

Take a Kid Fishing Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 11-13. Ages 16 and older may fish for free without a license if accompanied by a youth or child age 15 or younger Great shore fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River, Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Pickerel Lake in Lilydale, and Thompson and Marthaler lakes in West St. Paul. For more information visit, www.dnr.state.mn.us/ takeakidfishing or call 651296-6157.

Historical tours The Minnesota Historical Society has reopened local historic sites and museums, including the Sibley Historic Site, the James J. Hill House and Fort Snelling.

Join our Tribe... Support Your Community Newspaper! A tribe is defined as a group of people having a common character or interest. In today’s day and age it has also come to mean supporters and we invite you to be one of ours. Since 1966, we’ve proudly and effectively covered the issues most important to our community. We ask our loyal readers to consider donating a small amount to help us continue publishing community news that informs, entertains and inspires. Could you send $10 a year...or more? Every dollar helps. To contribute, mail your check to St. Paul Publishing Co., 1643 S. Robert St., Suite 60B, West St. Paul, MN 55118, or call us at 651-457-1177 with your credit card number. Mailed subscriptions are available for $21.50 per year. Thanks for your support! St. Paul Voice • Downtown St. Paul Voice • South St. Paul Voice • La Voz Latina

St. Paul Publishing Company | www.stpaulpublishing.com | 651-457-1177 Page 6 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - June 2021

The Sibley Historic Site is open 1-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, May 29-Sept. 6 at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and older, $5 for children age 5-17, free for children age 4 and under. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/sibley or call 651-452-1596. Historic Fort Snelling is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, June 4-Sept. 6, and select weekends through October. Timedentry tickets are $8. Children ages 4 and under are free. Limited walk-up tickets will be available. For more information, visit https:// www.mnhs.org/fortsnelling. The James J. Hill House is open 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thurs.-Sun., starting June 3, at 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul. The site offers guided tours. Tickets are $8-12; free for children ages 4 and under. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/hillhouse or call 651-259-3003.

Walking tours

moved. Still, I worry that some of this — some potshard from my past — will be needed. It will be necessary to remember something I did or someone I knew or something that was important to me and, if I lose it, I will lose some part of myself. The fact that this is nonsense does not lessen the feeling. I’ve heard the mantra that we should keep only what “sparks joy,” and I cannot claim that anything in that box is sparking joy. In fact, the existence of that box is causing me a fair amount of angst. Instead, I ask myself, “Would I experience great pain if I threw this away?” Generally, the answer is, “No,” and the item is tossed.

But sometimes, for no logical reason, I hold something in my hand, and I feel I need it. I need the fan my motherin-law gave me, I need those 100-plus-year-old spectacles and, yes, it is possible that I might still need my teddy bear — even though he has gone all crunchy on me. Heck, I’ve gotten a little crunchy myself. It’s not a perfect system but the contents of the box are shrinking. The guilt for hanging on to so much stuff is dissolving, and I feel a sense of satisfaction, sending one after another of my grandmother’s recipes through the scanner. I just found her recipe for chocolate frosting. I’m going to make it sometime soon. Till next time.

The Landmark Center is offering free guided walking tours. The Rice Park tour circles one of St. Paul’s most iconic parks and observes the surrounding buildings that gave the park its central role in city events and celebrations. The tour is held at 10 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month, June 2-Aug. 18. It departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W. The Great River tour travels along the Mississippi, highlighting buildings and locations that helped make St. Paul the city it is today. This tour is held at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, June 9-Aug. 25. It departs from Upper Landing Park at Shephard Road and Chestnut Street. Advanced registration is required for both tours. For more information, visit www.landmarkcenter. org or call 651-292-3276.

Downtown St. Paul Voice - June 2021 - Page 7

Destination: Downtown & Lowertown A Guide to Shopping, Services and Entertainment

A12

Penfield/Lunds

The Chiropractor

St. Paul Dental Center

Lancer Service

F17

F Atlas Staffing

G16

G14

Kat Keys

G PARK SQUARE

I US BANK CENTER

J12 K

Great River Dental

K LOWERTOWN LOFTS & APTS.

Subtext Bookstore

CHS Field

WALL

SIBLEY

ROBERT

WACOUTA

M16 Master Framers

Shop locally and support the businesses that support our community

Atlas Staffing G14 189 7th Place E., 651-222-5894 atlasstaffinginc.com Providing the BEST employees

Great River Dental J12 375 Jackson St. Ste. 200 651-222-0983 greatriverdental.com Providing complete dental care, including implants

Master Framers M16 262 E. 4th St., 651-291-8820 www.masterframers.com www.facebook.com/MASTERFRAMERS Custom picture framing and restoration since 1959 Subtext Bookstore K6 6 5th St. W. 651-493-2791 subtextbooks.com St. Paul’s independent bookstore

Kat-Key’s Lock & Safe St. Paul G16 249 E. 7th St. 651-292-1124, www.katkeys.com Repairs, replacements, safe sales, safe moving/delivering, rekeying, master key systems, door hardware/door closer installation and more.

The Chiropractor A12 523 Jackson Street, Suite 105 St. Paul, MN 55101 | 651-287-0935 www.thechiropractormn.com Chiropractic Adjustments Acupuncture | RockTape Techniques Massage Therapy

To advertise on this map, call 651-457-1177

Page 8 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - June 2021

Lancer Service F17 270 E. 8th St. 651-224-0267 www.lancerservice.com

Our promise is simple - continuously provide every customer with exceptional auto repair & maintenance solutions.

St. Paul Dental Center E7 30 E. 7th St., Ste. 101 651-227-6646 www.stpauldentalcenter.com We provide comprehensive family dentistry. Map Map base base courtesy courtesy of of the the Capitol Capitol River River Council Council