St. Paul Voice August 2023

Sample St. Paul

Page 6

Bodybuilder takes gold at age 60

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Sevenyears ago, Larry Burt, a highly decorated professional bodybuilder from the West Side, announced his retirement from the sport, at age 53. Yet as the years passed by, he couldn’t shake the urge to compete. One day last year, Burt marked his calendar for the International Pro Elite (IPE) Pro North American contest, held this past May in Bloomington, and began to train in secret, rather than at his regular gym in West St. Paul. Twenty weeks of a strict regimen – four weeks longer than his pre-retirement years – clearly paid off. He captured gold in the pro masters event and silver in the pro open bodybuilding event despite being older than most of the competitors. The gold winner in the latter event was 38, and in the IPE event, Burt took first place over the person who had won the event the previous four years.

“I call it muscle maturity from consistency and never really quitting,” said Burt, explaining his success. “I just kept with it [bodybuilding] through all the years…. I’m probably one of the longest standing bodybuilders, and I contribute that to being drug free.”

Burt retired in 2016 after taking bronze at a competition in New York. At that time, he felt his age may have been affecting his performance, but in the following years it became clear to him that he had to end his successful and storied career with a win. He

Policy changes and staff turnover at area schools

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Withsummer reaching its halfway point on August 7, the thoughts of many parents will soon be shifting to the coming school year. Here’s a look at what has been happening at area schools this summer and what to expect for the new school year.

School District 197 - ISD 197 approved its 10-year facilities maintenance plan at its June board meeting and intends to address deferred maintenance projects throughout the district this year. The work is funded by about $2 million secured through the District’s local property tax levy. The funds may be used only for deferred maintenance projects and health and safety projects.

The school board recently approved a new middle school schedule to be implemented in the 2024-25 school year. The board will be exploring further details this year. Under the new schedule, grades 5 and 6 will have a 6-period day and will no longer have recess. Those grades may have less instructional time of core subjects to provide more time for electives. All grades will have “flex time” to allow for building relationships, physical education, music and art.

The District recently completed its wellness triennial assessment report, which reviews its progress toward wellness goals. The report shows that the district is meeting its goals in nutri-

ISD 197 is ramping up efforts to promote Smart Snacks that meet federal guidelines.

tion promotion and education, physical activity, school-based activities to promote student wellness, and having nutrition guidelines on all foods and beverages on the school campus. One goal that has only been partially met relates to the marketing of foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snacks criteria established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The board also approved a joint powers agreement with Dakota County to secure a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement

WSP City Council suspends the sale of smokeable marijuana

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Asof August 1, it’s legal for adults age 21 and older to purchase recreational marijuana in the state of Minnesota. However, you won’t find any for sale in West St. Paul, at least for now. On July 10, the West St. Paul City Council adopted an interim ordinance restricting businesses from selling products with smokeable marijuana flower until January 1, 2025.

This is in response to the passing of the recent state law legalizing the sale and use of recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and older in Minnesota, which was signed by Governor Tim Walz on May 30. The suspension gives the city more time to decide if or in what ways it will regulate how businesses sell cannabis flower. Medical cannabis and any other cannabis products, such as gummies and other edibles infused with THC, that could be sold legally before July 1 of this year are not prohibited by the moratorium.

While the moratorium has an end date of more than a year away, it could be lifted sooner. In July 2022, the City Council adopted a similar interim ordinance following the legalization of edible cannabis products containing up to 50 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in marijuana. By November, it had lifted the moratorium and approved an ordinance that established several conditions

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. 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.

Maureen Hartman

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.

Larry Burt / Page 2

Moratorium / Page 3

Back to School / Page 4

Larry Burt

said the recent IPE event was one of the most fun competitions he has ever been in and that preparing for it was like hopping back on a bike.

Burt began weightlifting at age 10 under his father’s guidance and entered his first bodybuilding competition at 18. He competed 37 times in the following 32 years and placed in the top five in all but one of those events. Some of his biggest wins include the 1999 Gopher State, 2003 Mr. Midwestern and 2003

Mr. Minnesota. In 2006, he took first at the Mr. Natural USA Overall and earned his professional status.

“I had gotten booked to guest pose at the Mr. Minnesota in 2007 and I thought it’d be cool to involve my dad in my choreographed routine,” said Burt. “The audience just went crazy because I had him in the front row and then he – at age 65 – ripped off his shirt and did some poses and copied my poses on stage…. I was really thankful for that opportu-

nity because he started me in the sport years and years ago. Even though I wasn’t competing there it was my favorite time in my whole bodybuilding career.”

Burt’s father passed away later that year and one of his last wishes was that Larry compete on the pro circuit, which he went on to do for nine years before making his recent comeback. Competing at middleweight – 176 pounds – for most of his career, Burt said his motto is to train intensely, eat nutritiously and rest adequately. He also credits his faith as a source of strength.

“I’m passionate that the sport is mind, body and spirit,” said Burt. “I always give God all the glory and honor.” One way he brings his faith into bodybuilding is by performing his choreographed routines to Christian rock music.

Burt has witnessed the sport evolve over the years. Since his retirement, several new divisions have become commonplace at competi-

tions across the country, including men’s physique and men’s classic physique.

Likewise, the women’s bodybuilding division is now called women’s phy-

sique, and bikini and figure divisions were added. Each division has events for various age groups and specific metrics for scoring.

Judging is done by five officials who rate the athletes as they perform 12 mandatory poses on the stage, making a quarter turn between each pose. The high and low score for each athlete is discarded to help ensure fairness. In the past, entrants were required to perform a choreographed routine with music – as Burt did with his father in 2007 – but now that is optional. Burt, himself, began judging in 2000 and typically works three or four events per year.

“I tell the young lifters at the gym to stay away from anabolic steroids because it’ll cut your life short,” he said. “Some of the folks I competed with in the ’90s that used them have either passed away or have health issues today. I’ve been injury free and perfectly healthy my whole career.”

Burt’s biggest regret related to his sport is tanning for the last 40 years, both outside and in tanning beds. Last year he was diagnosed

Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack

Copy Editor: Leslie Martin

Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom

with skin cancer and had two spots removed from his leg. He said he used a spray tan the night before the recent IPE competition and that it worked well, so now he’s recommending that the younger generation do that instead. Teaching others is a passion for him. Each February since 2002 he has helped organize a free bodybuilding and fitness seminar in Bloomington. He said overtraining is a big problem for many, especially younger competitors, and that his biggest gains came when he cut back to working out just four times a week, concentrating on two different body areas per day.

Burt, who has spent his professional career in corporate security, has no plans to stop hitting the iron, although he’s considering retiring again after competing at the 2023 Pro Masters Worlds Championships held this October in Peoria, Ill. His first order of business is celebrating his recent victory – as well as his 34th anniversary with his wife – with a relaxing weekend and his signature cheat meal: “a nice hot, cheese pizza.”

Marketing Manger: Jake Spitzack

Contributor: Roger Fuller

Delivery: Independent Delivery Service

Burt strikes a pose at the recent IPE event.

Moratorium

from page 1

for businesses to sell those products, such as requiring them to get a license with the city and restricting them from packaging THC products in ways that market the products to youth.

The state law regarding recreational marijuana goes into effect August 1. Under the new measure, Minnesota residents can possess two ounces of marijuana flower

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

in public and two pounds at home; grow up to eight marijuana plants on their property; and use cannabis products in private areas. It also automatically expunges the criminal records of people with low-level marijuana convictions, establishes a review board to determine eligibility of expungement for high-level offenses, and establishes the Office of Can-

nabis Management, which oversees the regulation and sale of cannabis products in Minnesota. A few restrictions were also laid out. For example, residents cannot consume marijuana while in a motor vehicle, and people must abide by any additional restrictions of each municipality.

Currently, any retailer in West St. Paul can get a license to sell THC-infused edible cannabis products but there can only be two THC “specialty stores” operating

in the city. A specialty store is defined as one that receives 10% or more of its revenue from the sale of THC products or that has 10% or more of its retail space dedicated to THC products. Restaurants can be licensed to sell edible THC products if they have a liquor license or offer indoor dining but they may not serve alcohol and THC products at the same time, and no more than two servings of THC products can be served per hour. Opened THC products may

not leave the premises and a retailer that sells THC products to a minor may be charged with a misdemeanor and have their license suspended or revoked.

CBD and THC are both chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, products with those chemicals may have medical benefits to those experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, eating and sleeping disorders, epilepsy,

post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

Minnesota is the 23rd state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana. It follows Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, as well as Washington D.C.

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

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.

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.”

Augustana Lutheran 1400 Robert St. S. West St. Paul 651-457-3373

augustana.com

B eth Jacob Congregation

1 179 Victoria C u rve M endota Heights 651-452-2226 beth-jacob.org

Cherokee Park United 3 71 Baker St W St. Paul 651-227-4275

c herokeepark u nited.org

Community Christ the Redeemer

1 10 Crusader Ave W West St Paul 651-451-6123 c credeemer.org

Crown of Life Lutheran Church & School 115 Crusader Avenue W. West St. Paul 651-451-3832 colwsp.org

Faith United Methodist 1530 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul 651-457-5686 faithumcmn.com

Holy Family Maronite 1960 Lexington Ave. S. Mendota Heights 651-291-1116

HolyFamilyEvents.org

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

M izpah River Ministries

1 530 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul 6 51 - 399-5783

O ur Lady of Guadalupe 4 01 Concord St ., St. Paul 6 51 - 228-0506 w ww.olg catholic.org

Riverview Baptist 14 Moreland Ave. E. West St. Paul 651-457-3831 www.riverviewbaptist.net

Salem Lutheran

1 1 Bernard St West St Paul 6 51 - 457-6661 w ww.salemluth.org

S pirit of Hope Catholic 2 035 Charlton Road S unfish Lake 6 51-760-8353 w ww.spiritofhopemn.org

S t. A nne’s Episcopal 2 035 Charlton R d. S unfish Lake 6 51 - 455-9449 www.s aintannesmn.org

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

St. George Antiochian Orthodox 1250 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul 651-457-0854

www.saintgeorgechurch.org

S t. Matthew Catholic 4 90 Hall Avenue St. Paul 6 51 - 224-9793 w ww.st-matts.org

St. James Lutheran 460 Annapolis St. W. West St. Paul 651-457-9232

www.saintjameslutheran. com

St. Joseph’s Catholic 1 154 Seminole Ave West St Paul 6 51-457-2781

w ww.churchofstjoseph.org

S t. Paul’s United M ethodist 700 Wesley Lane Mendota Heights 651-452-5683 stpaulsmn. org

S t. Paul Mennonite F ellowship 3 71 Baker St. W S t. Paul 6 51-291-0647 w ww.saintpaul m ennonite.org

St. Stephen’s Lutheran 1575 Charlton St. West St. Paul 651-457-6541

w ww.ststephenswsp.org

Back to School

from page 1

Program to create a water filling station at the Early Learning Center, provide outdoor classroom and recreation equipment to support programming at Garlough and Pilot Knob elementary schools, and for the creation of a staff lactation room at Somerset Elementary.

Four terms will expire this year on the school board and elections will take place in November. The filing deadline to run for school board

is August 15. An information session on school board responsibilities will be held 5-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug.

1, at the district office. For more information, contact Mary Amidon at mary.amidon@isd197.org or 651403-7002.

In December 2022, the Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors approved boys’ volleyball for emerging status in the upcoming school year.

Two Rivers will have both a varsity and junior varsity team, and Sam Heupel has been named head coach. Games begin April 17.

Moreland Arts & Health Sciences Magnet School

Principal Mark Quinn retired at the end of June after holding the position for eight years. Rob Sahli was hired to succeed him. Previously, Sahli was principal of Adams Spanish Immersion Elementary. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and a master’s in educational leadership from Saint Mary’s University.

Humboldt Secondary School , 30 Baker St.

E. - The school completed a nearly $2 million project

Host families needed

ASSE International Student Exchange is seeking families to host high school exchange students studying at local high schools this coming school year. Families may select boys or girls ages 15-18 from all over the world. The students have received a scholarship to cover

that added new artificial turf on the athletic field, polemounted lights, and made improvements to entryway security.

St. Croix Lutheran Academy, 1200 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul - This year, the school will offer dualcredit math and computer programming courses. It also updated its cell phone and attendance policies. Construction over the summer included dormitory shower renovations, main parking lot resurfacing, parking lot security and signage improvements, locker restoration, locker room updates, and interior wayfinding and lighting improvements. New staff this year include several dormitory supervisors

their expenses. For more information or to apply, call Tammy at 715-497-6696 or visit www.host.asse.com.

and math instructor Heidi Paulsen.

St. Thomas Academy , 949 Mendota Heights Rd., Mendota Heights - STA alumnus Brian Ragatz was recently named president (formerly titled Headmaster) of the academy. He succeeds Headmaster Kelby Woodard, who is now president at the Cristo Rey Network of Schools. Greg Vannelli, physical education teacher and co-head hockey coach of six years, has retired from teaching but will remain the golf coach. Commandant of Cadets Colonel Neil Hetherington has also retired, and Captain Nick Honan has been named interim commandant. The Rev. Mark Pavlak was appointed

to St. Paul Seminary and the Rev. Timothy Combs has assumed his duties as chaplain. Casey Erickson was promoted to director of college counseling. This year, the school is beginning Leadership Pathway, a program designed to give students a college-like experience through a “pre-major” track in a field of study they plan to pursue in college. Construction over the summer included a remodeling project in the cafeteria to reconfigure a serving area, add a self-serve food station and expand meal preparation space. The school’s $10 million aquatic center replacement is expected to begin next March.

Night to Unite

Preescolar basado en la colegiatura para mayores de 33 meses de edad Nuestro programa está diseñado intencionalmente para fomentar equidad, comunidad y conexiones con la naturaleza

Night to Unite is Tuesday, Aug. 1. Events designed to promote safe neighborhoods will be held across the city. Many feature food and visits from public safety profes-

sionals. To find a gathering near you, contact your city hall.

Safe Summer Nights

The St. Paul Police Department is collaborating with the Safe Summer Nights organization to offer free hot dogs and hamburgers, beverages and outdoor

SUBTEXT BOOKS

activities at parks and recreation centers throughout the city. Events are Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. The schedule is: North Dale Recreation Center, 1414 N. Albans St., Aug. 10; and Duluth and Case Recreation Center, 1200 Duluth St., Aug. 17. For more information, visit www.stpaul.gov or call 651266-5485.

Student Notes

St. Norbert College

dean’s list: Alexis Bonfe

University of NebraskaLincoln graduate: Maxwell Heuermann, bachelor of science in animal science

Minnesota State University, Mankato dean’s list:   Lendale Bui, Charles Groebner, Briana Naughton. Honor list: Charles Groebner, Brian Moua, Margaret Schmid. High honor list: Janessa Mulder, Sophia Schmid

College of the Holy Cross: Aidan McSweeney earned a bachelor of arts, magna cum laude, dean’s list. Cecilia Baillon, dean’s list.

Benedictine College dean’s list: Elizabeth Hall, Paul Wilkin, Timothy Rosno, Juliana Stokman. President’s list: Ellen Menke, Mary Menke

Salve Regina University

graduate: Maxwell McFarland, bachelor of arts in environmental studies, magna cum laude

Gonzaga University president’s list: Mckenna Krey

Iowa State University dean’s list: Thomas Buell, Dain Dolan

College of St. Scholastica graduates: Gabriel Delmont, bachelor of arts in biology; Sarah Miller, bachelor of arts in biology; Alyssa Stone, master’s in social work. Miller and Ka Yang were named to the dean’s list.

St. Cloud State University graduate- Daniel Murphy, bachelor of arts in film studies; dean’s list.

University of Wisconsin-Madison dean’s list: Samuel Novillo, Kerry Salisbury, Kate Thompson, Andrew Walsh, Nicholas Apitz, John Harms, Robin Moody, Veronica Morse, Neil Pursley, Joseph Schwirtz, Charles Skadron, Karissa Tschida, Brendan McFadden

University of WisconsinRiver Falls – Graduates: Mikayla Frank, bachelor of science, animal science; Anne Ganzer, bachelor of science, horticulture, magna cum laude; James Kinzer, bachelor of science, business administration; Maggie Klinger, bachelor of science, accounting, magna cum laude; Emily Tschida, bachelor of science, communication sciences and disorders, senior merit. Dean’s list: Carlie Davies, Anne Ganzer, Marni Lynch, Lily Sullivan, Madeline Ticiu and Emily Tschida

University of WisconsinOshkosh dean’s list: Angela Bornhoft

University of WisconsinStout graduate: Ryan Hoyt, bachelor of fine arts, industrial design

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire dean’s list: Katie Schlinger, Charles Rogers, Julia Thompson, Kathryn VanNatta, Holly Ball

University of WisconsinLa Crosse dean’s list: Olivia

Tomassetti and Anahi Ibarra

University of Mississippi

honor roll: Kaitlin Wilhoit

University of Minnesota-Duluth dean’s list: Bridget Kelly, Miles Drugge, Camilla Millett, Jacob Boehm, Cole Jacobs, Serena Nelson, Madisen Tuhy and Lauren Youness

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota graduate: Justine Cobbett

Wartburg College dean’s list: Meadow LaDuke

South Dakota State University dean’s list: Delaney Lynch and Zakary Olafson

Marquette University

dean’s list: Sarah Dyrhaug. Luke Williams, Tim Lawder

Montana State University graduates: Kristin Cooper, Claire Knutson, Dylan Rosso, Edward Shaw, Hope Walz

Simpson College dean’s

list: Ari Ziegler

University of Iowa dean’s list: Justin Wheeler

Eastern Connecticut

State University dean’s list: Natasha Frisch

Loras College dean’s list: Margaret Rosen

Bemidji State University

dean’s list: Liam Joyce

Georgia Institute of Technology graduate: Scott Paintner, master of science in analytics

Emerson College dean’s list: Rivkah Chaouat-Kelley and Chen Chen

University of Tampa graduate: Abigail Krummen, bachelor of arts in English

Hamline University

dean’s list: Ari Newfield, Edward Cina, Hugh Fleming, Madyn Dupaul, Carol Wood and Bao Chee Yang

Drake University graduate: Jack Libbesmeier, bachelor of arts in biochemistry

Wartburg College graduate: Daniel Petersen, bachelor of arts in business administration, cum laude

Normandale Community College - Graduates: Pierce Rowley, associate of arts, liberal education with art emphasis, high honors, dean’s lsit; Pierce Rowley, associate of fine arts, high honors; Lisa Baladi, certificate, community health worker and navigator; Patrick Okonek, associate of science, computer science, with honors; Lunetta Osterhaus, associate of fine arts, creative writing, high honors,dean’s list; Elijah Pentecost, associate of science, accounting.

Dean’s list: Bianca Klopper, Angela Flores Remuto, Jolin Tibayan, Jaqueline Velez Gonzalez.

University of Dallas honor roll: Kip Knippel

South Dakota State University graduate: Alisha Marie Hebl, master of science, food and environmental sci-

Power walking Powerhouse

West Sider Eugénie de Rosier had a strong showing at the National Senior Games, held July 7 in Pittsburg, Pa. Competing in the 75-59 age group, she finished in 7th place in the 5000-meter power walk with a time of 43:09:80 and 8th place in the 1500-meter power walk with a time of 13:06:32.

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.

Landmark Center

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

landmarkcenter.org

Music on the Cortile: Jeff Ray, noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, July 26.

The Landmark Center is offering 60-minute guided walking tours Wednesdays at 10 a.m. through August. The following tours are

free, but reservations are required: “Rice Park,” July 26 and Aug. 23; “St. Paul’s Origins,” Aug. 9; and “The Great River,” Aug. 16. For more information, visit www.landmarkcenter.org or call 651-292-3276.

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 about emotions, memory and imagination through interactive and digital experiences.

“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 limited. The next free date is Aug. 6.

MN History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul

651-259-3000 mnhs.org

The Life & Art of Charles

HANDYMAN

MR. LARRY FOR HIRE

I do painting, repairs & cleaning of homes and apartments

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

Tuesday, August 1, 6-8 pm

Come celebrate with us at Saint James Lutheran Church. You'll meet many friendly and caring people who will make you feel welcome!

Live music | Deluxe bouncy house | Ice cream treats, hot dogs, watermelon, snacks, and ice-cold bottled water and pop | Visit from members of the West St. Paul Police and the South Metro Fire Department

Do you like to read?

Pick out a free book from our book table.

LEGOS Derby Car Race

September 16, 9 am-1 pm

Kids in grades K-8 are invited to build and race a LEGO car. LEGO chassis and LEGOS provided.

Saint James Lutheran Church

460 Annapolis Street West, West St. Paul 651.457-9232 | www.saintjameslutheran.com

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.

and values.

Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather 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.

MN Museum of American Art

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

HANDYMAN

MR. LARRY FOR HIRE

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

I do painting, repairs & cleaning of homes and apartments

ROGERS MASONRY

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

Quality brickwork & tuck pointing of buildings, stone foundations and chimneys licensed, bonded, insured

Since 1976 651-224-6985 www.rogers-masonry.com

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.

“Im/perfect Slumbers” is on display through Aug. 20 in the M’s window galleries and skyway entrance. Guest curated by M artist-in-residence Katya Oicherman in collaboration with Curator of Exhibitions Laura Joseph, this multidisciplinary series of installations captures the historical and contemporary state of sleeping and being in bed.

The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz is now on display at the Minnesota History Center. Explore Schulz’s roots in Minnesota and his role as the inspiration and artistic talent behind the “Peanuts” comic strip.

Im/perfect Slumbers Community Day, 10 a.m.3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12. This event for all ages features workshops and activities throughout the day, including Poetry with Yuko Taniguchi, Dream Pillow with Amoke Kubat, curatorguided tours of the Im/perfect Slumbers exhibit, Rest as Resistance Poster Screenprinting with Peng Wu, and An Un-Making with Rachel Breen. Most events have limited capacity and registration is required.

“Colonial Traumas ,” is an installation in Skyway 28 over Wabasha Street at 4th Street in downtown St. Paul. Created by Luis Fitch, the mural features colorful, vinyl cut-out skulls that represent the complexity of identity, place and belonging for people of mixed-race descent.

“Off the Deep End,” a digital mural printed on vinyl, is on display in the Jackson Street skyway bridge between 4th and 5th Streets through Mar. 15, 2024. The artwork was created by 19 students from the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and explores the theme of metaphorical rising sea level.

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.

Science Museum of Minnesota

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. Free for children ages 3 and under.

Sensory Friendly Sunday is the first Sunday of the month. Visitors can ex-

perience 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

Whathas five humps, stands 50 feet tall and is the color of a sunkissed 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 Get-Together, 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

Caregiver support group

DARTS offers “The Breathing Space,” a free service that gives caregivers of adults with memory loss a much-needed break while ensuring their loved one is engaged in a safe and stimulating environment.

“The Breathing Space” is a group respite program that offers four hours of activities that stimulate the brain. With locations in West St. Paul and Eagan, participants gather weekly for a range of activities, including games, nature walks and meaningful conversations. For more information or to register, call 651-455-1560 or visit dartsconnects.org/ thebreathingspace.

DARTS also needs volunteers to mow lawns for area seniors. The nonprofit encourages groups of friends, families and coworkers to adopt a yard for the summer to help a senior remain independent for as long as possible. To sign up or to learn more, contact DARTS at volunteer@darts1.org or call 651-455-1560.

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.

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

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.

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. Cre-

ate 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.

MH parks celebration

The City of Mendota Heights is hosting its parks celebration Aug. 11-13. Friday features a food truck festival at Mendakota Park, 2111 Dodd Road, with eight trucks and two bands (Teddy Bear Band, 5-5:45 p.m.; Revved UP!, 6:30-8 p.m.). On Saturday, join staff from the Mendota Heights Police and Fire departments for a recreational round of golf at the Par 3 golf course, 1695 Dodd Road. Light refreshments will be provided. Cost is $10. Registration is required. The Family Fun Fest, held noon-2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Mendakota Park, includes the opportunity to meet city staff, learn about different departments within the City of Mendota

Heights and play bingo. It also features more than 10 activities for kids, from bounce houses to a foam party. A pickleball tournament is held 8-11 a.m. on Sunday at Marie Park, 1780 Lilac Lane. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call 651452-1850 or visit mendota heightsmn.gov.

Tour de Rec

The City of West St. Paul will host free games, activities and arts and crafts for youth ages 6-12 at Garlough Elementary, 1740 Charlton St., 1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1.

OLG fiesta

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 401 Concord St., will host “Fiesta 2023” August 25-26. The event includes food, kids games, multicultural entertainment, dancing, mariachi groups, raffles and silent auctions. Hours are 5:30-9:30 on Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday.

I am honored to provide my first column on behalf of Neighbors. It has been an incredible first few weeks since I joined Neighbors’ beautiful mission on June 12. I write today as our staff and volunteers are returning refreshed from a week-long holiday

LAWN SERVICE

Total Lawn Maintenance

Large or Small Landscaping Projects

Office: 651-207-5396

Cell: 612-328-6893

Since 1984 / Major Credit Cards Accepted www.kernlawnservice.com

LANDSCAPING

Volunteer

In Your Community

Lutheran Social Service 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.

break. This morning, we shared stories of wonderful times spent with family and friends, weddings celebrated, time spent in nature, and recharging downtime. We shared what an amazing and unique opportunity it is to collectively rejuvenate to bring even more energy and

Chair Re-glue

Repair and re-glue wooden furniture. Since 1960. Cilek Furniture Repair 651-699-4022

unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We wish to commend and thank the board of directors for their great support and caring of Neighbors’ staff and volunteers to allow us this time.

I would like to share a high-level overview of some of the wonderful opportunities I have experienced so far and a preview of some of the things we are excited about as we look to the future.

First, the support of our community is absolutely amazing. I have had the honor of meeting many wonderful people, including volunteers, community members, business people, local officials, chamber of commerce members and people we serve. I truly appreciate the warm welcome.

I cannot tell you how inspired I am.

I would like to shine a spotlight on one of the original founders of Neighbors, Virginia Milbert, as we had the absolute joy of celebrating her 106th birthday recently. Virginia inspires us every day to bring our absolute best. She continues to volunteer at Neighbors every week in our Clothes Closet Thrift Store. When asked, she shared her vision for Neighbors to continue to stay person-centered and focus on our amazing volunteers and their dedication to our mission. On behalf of Neighbors’ board of directors and staff, we wish to thank Virginia for her tremendous dedication and commitment to the agency she helped established 51 years ago. It is

NowApplicationsAccepting

Paraprofessional - Work with students in a classroom assisting teachers, before/after-school child care OR supervise groups of students. Full-time or part-time. Starting base wage $19.63/hr. (DOQ). Bus Drivers - Safely transport students to and from school. Paid training & CDL certification. Starting base wage $22.90/hr. (DOQ).

Nutrition Services - Prepare and serve breakfast and lunch for students. Starting base wage $16.50/hr. Custodian - Perform cleaning, event set-up/clean-up, and ensure safety of buildings. Full-time starting base wage $21.76/hr. Part-time and seasonal starting base wage $16.80/hr. (DOQ).

Kids Club Supervisor - Lead a school-age child care program in one of our elementary buildings and supervise paraprofessional staff. Full-time, 12-month. Starting base wage $21.50/hr. (DOQ).

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

Dodge Nature Preschool

"A

•

•

•

•

•

because of her and so many others who have given their time, talents and dedication, that we have the honor and privilege of serving the community today.

Second, it has been a wonderful opportunity to see Neighbors’ services and staff in action. Wow – where to even start. I am humbled by the incredibly long legacy and foundation of providing highly dignified, personcentered services across all of our programming. From our choice model food shelf shopping experience to our beautiful boutique-style Clothes Closet to our individualized free Financial Empowerment services, Neighbors’ staff and volunteers take our mission to heart to provide opportunities for our neighbors to

thrive.

As we reflect and honor the incredible foundation of Neighbors, we are excited to share that we are embarking on our next three-year strategic planning process. This is a vibrant time for our organization to reflect, energize and dream of the future.

I have enjoyed meeting so many of you. And for those I have not yet met, I look forward to meeting you soon. Feel free to reach out to me at dawn@neighborsmn.org, 651-272-1135, or just stop by. I would love to connect. Thank you again. I am honored to join Neighbors’ and be a part of a tremendously supportive community. Stay connected with Neighbors’ latest updates at neighborsmn.org.

“Sustainability” is one of those buzzwords that everyone seems to think is important but which often means different things to different people. For Dakota County, we define and measure our sustainability chiefly through an economic and environmental lens. Today’s column will explore these measures more closely.

Economic sustainability

- The tumult surrounding the raising of the U.S. debt ceiling – and what could have been a catastrophic national default – consumed the news for much of 2023. This got me wondering whether our nation has ever been debt-free. I searched back nearly two centuries to find a period of zero national debt. In 1835, President Andrew Jackson fulfilled a campaign promise to make America debt-free. It lasted one year.

The State of Minnesota has never been debt-free.

Borrowing money since its founding in 1858, the State first issued bonds to finance the construction of the Min-

Joe Atkins Dakota County Commissioner

nesota State Capitol. While the debt amount fluctuated over time, it has never been fully eliminated. Contrast this with Dakota County, which has now been debtfree since 2016. Indeed, we are one of the only county governments in the nation with zero debt.

One can argue over whether there is “good debt,” such as for items with long useful lives, like a maintenance garage or dam. However, there is no question that Dakota County’s run of seven years without debt places us in a more sustainable position than virtually any other gov-

P ostscript

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-

ernment entity. Not having to pay principal and interest on debt saves our taxpayers millions of dollars annually.

This has enabled the Dakota County Board to invest these dollars elsewhere – in roads, bridges, parks, public health and public safety, for example – while also holding county property tax increases to under two percent annually for the past decade. Mind you, Dakota County’s achievement is not simply due to prudent financial decisions. We also benefit from excellent partners, like local cities, with which we work closely to deliver necessary services. We are aided by an army of dedicated volunteers who provide more than $700,000 annually in donated service. Finally, we are extraordinarily successful at securing outside grants to fund projects and services. All of these diverse collaborations further strengthen our sustainability as an organization.

Environmental sustainability - On July 21, Dakota County received the nation’s

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.

top county award for environmental sustainability. While our selection for this prestigious award was largely driven by national attention surrounding our reintroduction of the American Bison in Dakota County’s Spring Lake Park Reserve, this hardly tells Dakota County’s full story on environmental sustainability.

More impactful will be when Dakota County’s upgraded turbines at the Byllesby Dam go online in a few months. The megawatts generated will add so substantially to our existing solar array that Dakota County will generate more than twice the amount of electricity that we use each year. I am not aware of any other county in the country that can make this claim. We also save more than $300,000 annually through efficient building design standards and operations and have dramatically improved the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of our County fleet, including everything from squad cars to

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.

snowplows, while simultaneously reducing emissions.

This is on top of an effort begun by Dakota County in 2002 to permanently preserve and protect top quality natural areas and wetlands countywide. To date, these efforts have resulted in nearly 12,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies permanently protected for current and future generations to enjoy. This has entirely been through acquisition from voluntary sellers, largely using outside grant funds and has been accomplished entirely without any use of eminent domain.

The County’s sustainability efforts also extend to environmental restoration. For example, one county project is underway in West St. Paul, where a lake and creek in the heart of the community will soon be fully restored and protected. Buried beneath the former municipal golf course and dumped on for decades before that, our Thompson Oaks Restoration project near Oakdale and Thompson will revital-

there was nothing more I could do.

We all carry so much.

ize green space, daylighting a long-buried creek and adding waterfall features, a boardwalk and looping trails to the County’s Riverto-River Greenway. This greenway stretches from South St. Paul to Mendota.

Lest anyone think the project is all for show, the largely grant-funded effort will also replenish groundwater, reduce downstream flooding and remove contaminated soil and waste, resulting in dramatic water quality improvements. This is key because the site handles 25 percent of West St. Paul’s stormwater. All told, various filtering features will prevent 45,397 pounds of sediment and 93 pounds of harmful phosphorus from reaching the Mississippi River each year, as well as untold amounts of trash, oils and trace metals that will also be filtered out.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting for the Thompson Oaks Restoration project is set for 4 p.m., Monday, Aug. 21, and all are welcome to join us.

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 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

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

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 o f 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. 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 $25 per year.

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.