St. Paul Voice October 2023

The St. Paul

Roller derby is back

Talkin’ trash for 50 years

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Rusty bicycles, broken microwave ovens and rotted deck boards are just a few of the items you might see any given day sticking out of the jammed-packed trunks of vehicles cruising down Plato Boulevard on their way to Twin City Refuse, 318 Water St. W. For 50 years, the company has lived up to its claim, used widely in its advertising: “we accept it all.” All but hazardous waste, that is.

If you visit on the weekend, especially during the spring or fall, you can expect to join a long line of people eager to get rid of their junk. And you’d be surprised at what some people bring them.

“We’ve seen everything from a human skeleton to a live homemade bomb,” said co-owner Jimmy Karas. “Greg [another owner] looked at it [the bomb] and said, ‘that doesn’t look right,’ so we ended up calling the fire department and they had the bomb squad come down. It turned out it was real.”

Jimmy and Greg Gubash are the sons of brothers-in-law Joe Karas and George Gubash, who founded the business in 1973. Both families have deep roots on the West Side and are proud to call the neighborhood home.

“We want to thank everybody on the West Side for the years of support,” said Greg. “We’re very proud to operate here. Both of our grandparents immigrated here, and we

Harvest in the City

Paddling with the pelicans

BankCherokee names new CEO

Tim Spitzack Editor

BankCherokee recently named

Andy Gesell as its new CEO. He succeeds his sister Heidi Gesell, who stepped down as CEO in February and remains as board chair.

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Earth’s bounty was on full display at the recent harvest celebration of the Capitol View Communal Garden and Orchard, located near the High Bridge at 386 Cherokee Ave. on the West Side. This is the garden’s second season, and celebration included live music, games and activities, educational displays, and – of course – free food. The site is run by dozens of volunteers from the West Side who are committed to making healthy food accessible to all. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the site’s produce, whether they have helped maintain the garden or not.

“What I’ve really enjoyed is that the

neighbors are so happy to see this lot used,” said founding volunteer Nick Cobbett. “Some folks who walk by join us, and some are just happy to see activity and know people are taking care of the land.”

The approximately 8,500 square-foot site housed a service station until 1994 and the soil was tested before the first gardens were seeded. Today, there are 18 planting beds that support everything from collard greens and cucumbers to artichokes and kohlrabi, as well as 16 fruit trees, including apple, cherry, pear and plum. This is a contrast to last year when the garden mostly supported tomatoes donated from the Minnesota Horticulture Society. The group raised more than $13,000 to buy

Andy is no stranger to the bank. He’s the third generation in his family to lead BankCherokee, now celebrating 115 years. The bank was founded in 1908 as Merriam Park Bank and changed its name to Cherokee State Bank in 1921 after moving to the Cherokee Heights neighborhood on the West Side. It was rebranded in 2005 as BankCherokee and today has three branches: the West Side and Grand Avenue in St. Paul and North Oaks.

The Gesell family has owned the bank since Russell Gesell joined it in 1923 and was named president in 1932. Andy’s father Jim Gesell was named CEO in 1966 and served in that role until 1999. Andy knew from an early age that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. His first job at the bank was far from glamorous

City of West St. Paul hires new Parks and Rec. director

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The city of West St. Paul has found a seasoned professional to serve as director of Parks and Recreation, a newly created position approved this spring by the city council. Previously, the department was under the supervision of city manager Nate Burkett and longtime assistant parks and recreation director Dave Schletty. Eric Weiss was hired as director

in mid-July and has been busy reviewing policies and creating systems to help increase the department’s efficiency.

ects, such as the completion of the approximately $2 million Marthaler Park Improvement Project, slated to be completed this fall.

Eric Weiss

Weiss said that he and Schletty will refine each of their duties in the coming months but that he’s currently taking the lead on policy work, community engagement and some new projects. Schletty is focusing on facility and capital proj-

Weiss is a certified city planner and holds a bachelor’s in urban studies from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and a master’s in urban planning from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has worked in the nonprofit, philan -

thropic, and private and public sectors, including as an outreach worker for the Frogtown and Summit Neighborhood Associations and as the long-range and parks planner for the City of Shakopee. Most recently, he led urban park and community schoolyard work for Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit that helps create parks and protect public land across the country.

“I love medium- to smaller-size cities where you can really get to know everyone and there’s not multiple lines of red tape or bureaucracy,” said Weiss. “West St. Paul is really in that sweet spot that I enjoy…. There’s a lot on the plate for the parks department and it was needing more staff capacity to move projects forward and

Twin City Refuse / Page 2

BankCherokee / Page 2

West Side garden / Page 3

Andy Gesell

The garden attracts young and old alike.

West Side communal garden holds harvest celebration

Twin City Refuse

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lived at the Flats.”

Greg, now 75 and still active in the business, has worked at Twin City Refuse since its founding and is a West Side native. He recounted positive memories of growing up on the Flats, a neighborhood which was razed in the early 1960s and soon replaced by an industrial park and a new flood wall to protect it.

“If you were lucky enough to be born on the West Side you had a million-dollar education already [provided by your family and neighbors],” said Greg, adding that locking your door back then was an insult to your neighbor. “That’s the stock that people

came from. I will be proud of where I was born until the day I die…. You could go anyplace you wanted when you were a kid. The biggest thing was respect and honesty.”

The company is now owned by six members of the Karas family and three from the Gubash family, each side holding 50%. The operation sits on a 1.5-acre site nestled between the bluff and Mississippi river and is open year-round. People can pay to dump their garbage there or rent roll-off dumpsters large and small to fill at home. Payment for dropoff service is based on cubic yards and the type of items

BankCherokee

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but taught him the value of hard work. At age 10, his father had him sweeping the sidewalk in front of the bank until it was spotless. After receiving his bachelor’s in economics from the University

of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Andy joined BankCherokee in 1988 as a personal banker. He served in various roles over the years and excelled in commercial lending.

One of the biggest chang-

being discarded. Unacceptable items include motor vehicles, paint, oil and hazardous waste.

Greg said the site is always monitored to ensure that unacceptable items aren’t dumped there illegally, and that his sister Sandy submits monthly reports to Ramsey County’s Pollution Control Agency to ensure they are meeting county regulations.

A few third-generation Karas family members are working there nowadays, and a few more Gubashes may join down the line as well. The center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., weekdays, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays. For more information, call 651-227-1549 or visit twincityrefuse.com.

es he has seen during his career is the ongoing digital transformation in the banking industry.

“While embracing technology and offering digital services, BankCherokee remains committed to maintaining personal connections and providing a human touch,” he said. “We

recognize the importance of blending innovative solutions with the warm and personalized experience that distinguishes community banks. By staying adaptable and responsive to changing customer needs. BankCherokee aims to remain relevant and at the forefront of

community banking. At BankCherokee, we have deep roots in the community. Our BankCherokee family is as much a part of the community as we are a part of it. We value local small businesses because we know they are the backbone of our community, and when they

succeed, the entire community thrives.”

Beyond his role at BankCherokee, Gesell serves on various boards and committees focused on economic development and community welfare. He lives in St. Paul his wife Sthitie and has three adult children.

James Karas, John Karas and Gregory Gubash

and plant the trees and install several benches around the garden, which students from Open World Learning helped paint. This year, some of the funds were used to build a tool shed.

The garden was spearheaded by Cobbett, siblings Gabe and Ellowen Pfeiffer, and a few others living on their block. The West Side Community Organization helped make it possible by signing a license agreement with the City of St. Paul and putting the garden under its liability insurance coverage.

Approximately 10 volunteers tend the gardens throughout the week, but Thursday evenings see as many 30 who gather between 6 p.m. and sundown to pull weeds, water and tend to the plants. Volunteers receive an email each week stating which vegetables are ready for harvesting, which beds need work, and whether an educational presentation will be given that week.

“Typically, I hop on my

bike and ride down about three blocks to the garden,” said Cobbett. “It’s informal, so nobody is checking in or taking attendance. You just show up and see what’s going on, and maybe ask somebody who looks like they know what they’re doing what needs to be done. Our decision-making strategy is to ask two other people to get verification on what you’re thinking. If you get the go-ahead, then do it…. Typically, there’s just as much socializing going on as there is work.” He noted that somebody recently brought watermelon for the group to enjoy, and they killed a half-hour just chatting and spittin’ seeds.

The Pfeiffers, who both attended Adams Spanish Immersion School in St. Paul, have enlisted a number of Spanish-speaking residents from the neighborhood to share their knowledge of gardening and farming.

“We’ve got African American and Asian American folks too. It’s a very di -

verse group,” said Cobbett. “There’s diversity in age, too. People bring their little kids who run around, help out, and eat cucumbers off the vine. And we’ve got folks who are in their 70s who are out there breaking their backs pulling weeds.”

Each week during the summer, gardeners donate a collective 25 pounds of produce from the site to the free farm stand at Parque Castillo on the West Side. Anything that is spoiled is composted along with the weeds. The garden is watered with a hose that hooks up to a nearby fire hydrant, which required a special adaptor from St. Paul Public Works.

Cobbett said the pumpkins didn’t take this year but that there are plenty of squash and other produce

still available during October. The group is looking into hiring a beekeeper to create an apiary there next year. “I think the fact that the food is locally grown means something to people, because you know where it came from, you know no pesticides or herbicides have been used on it, and you even know the people who grew it,” said Cobbett. “There are people who live in apartments or condos who don’t necessarily have the op-

portunity to have a garden but have interest, and they now have access. It’s for the people who don’t have the space or don’t have the means.”

The West Side is often referred as a “food desert” because of the considerable distance it takes to get to a large grocery store, especially on foot. This garden is one of four gardens on the West Side that are members of Growing Resilience on the West Side (GROWS), a coalition established last

Now Accepting Applications

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spring which works to make healthy food accessible for everybody. Others are the Robert Street Garden, the Icy Cup Garden and the Garden of Good Hearts. The communal garden’s informal motto is “Work when you can, take what you need.” To discover more, stroll by and scan the QR code on their new banner, or visit their Instagram page.

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

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do more community engagement.”

Perhaps the biggest project Weiss is stepping into is the creation of a new parks

system master plan, which will guide the department’s priorities for the next 10 years. Community engagement events were held over the spring and summer to gather feedback on ways the community uses the city’s parks and what types

of amenities and programs residents want added. Now, city staff and Mend Collaborative, the city’s consultant on the project, are putting the finishing touches on several recommendations for the master plan. Weiss said he expects the plan to be completed by the end of the year and hopes to have one more round of community engagement before presenting the options to the city council for approval.

“We’re hearing from the community that the parks

are great, but they can be even better,” said Weiss, who noted increasing accessibility to parks will be a large part of the master plan. “One of the biggest barriers to people spending more time in our parks and on our trails is the heat because there’s not enough shade... It’s definitely going to be a top priority for the parks department.”

New and upcoming projects include partnering with more community arts organizations, addressing aging city facilities and increasing

tree canopy in the city. The department recently submitted two grants to the State of Minnesota, totaling $1 million, that would be used to update its tree inventory from 2014 as well as create and implement an emerald ash borer action plan. Weiss said they hope to learn in November if they are awarded the grants.

Weiss knew from a young age that he wanted to be involved in city planning and said becoming director of parks has brought him full circle.

“I grew up living right next door to a park – or so it was called,” he said of the park near his childhood home

in Milwaukee, Wis. “It was about an acre of blacktop and had a couple of basketball hoops, a 12-15-foot chain link fence and maybe two trees…. Things were rough and there were definitely issues with crime and safety.” One incident at that park involved a 10-year-old child who was killed in the crossfire of a gun. Weiss was also 10 at the time and the story lingers with him to this day. He said that the park was renamed in memory of the child, but no other changes occurred for years despite his mother and other community members calling for it. Eventually, the park was transformed into a place with a playground and many more trees. Weiss said this experience has always inspired him to listen to and work with the community to meet its needs.

N ews Briefs

Student notes

Southern New Hampshire University president’s list: Amber Oestreich, Cameren Steinhoff

‘The 33 Little Pigs’ at St. Croix Lutheran

St. Croix Lutheran Academy, 1200 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul, is presenting “The 33 Little Pigs” children’s play at 2 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14. Tickets are $10, or $5 for ages 12 and under. Purchase online at StCroixLutheran. org/tickets. For more information about the play, ticket sales and St. Croix Lutheran Academy, visit StCroixLutheran.org or contact Kristina Lewerenz at KLewerenz@ StCroixLutheran.org or 651455-1521, ext. 1101.

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.

Two Rivers High School Tour, 3:30-5 p.m., October 3 and 4. Registration required.

Mindful Movement , 9:30-11 a.m. each Wednesday, October 4-November 22. Learn techniques to help manage your thoughts and emotions while overcoming barriers to exercise. Registration required. $60.

British History: Prime Ministers, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Tues., Oct. 10. Register by Oct. 5. $8.

Paint Like Bob Ross, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10. Registration required.

All materials provided. $50.

Meteorologist Mark Seeley presents “The Weather That Sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald and Other Gales of November,” 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11. $10. Register by Oct. 9.

TED Talks Discussion Group (Technology, Entertainment and Design), 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17. $10 annually.

LeDuc Estate: History, the Family, and the Paranormal, 1-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26. Registration required. $3.

Nature Sense with Eloise Dietz: Getting Ready Autumn Hike, 10:30-11:45, Tuesday, Oct. 31. Register by Oct. 24.

Covid Confidential , 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31. Filmmaker and journalist Alec Fischer will present “Covid Confessions,” an original documentary on the pandemic experiences of individuals in Minnesota. Registration required. $8. Neighbors Inc. Fall Food Drive, donations accepted 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday throughout October (closed Oct. 19). Curbside assistance 9 a.m.-noon on Monday.

Computer Center - Get help with your technology questions every Monday, 9 am-noon. Free.

St. Michael’s 50-year reunion

The St. Michael’s class of 1973 will hold its 50-year reunion 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, at Evolve, 260 Wentworth Ave. E., West St. Paul. The event features food, trivia, photos and reminiscing. A tour of the school building, now Community

of Saints, 335 Hurley St. E., is set for 3 p.m. Dress comfortably and bring your spouse or significant other. Donations are appreciated to cover costs ($25 suggested).

To register, email StMikesReunion73@gmail.com or call Tim Quigley at 763234-0455 or Deb Burgy at 651-353-4056.

Halloween events

Dodge Nature Center will host Halloween Extravaganza October 27 at its Shepard Farm property in Cottage Grove. Trickor-treat through the woods, ride on the hay wagon to look for ghosts, goblins and slithery creatures, and try your luck at games to win extra treats. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets are $8 if purchased online before noon, October 27; $10 at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are free. For more information, visit dodgenaturecenter.org.

Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul, is hosting BOOnion Depot 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29. The free event features trick-ortreat activities, pumpkin crafts, DJ and dance zone, and concessions. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/uniondepotfall.

Removing racial covenants

Several homes in the St. Paul Voice distribution area have racial covenants in their deeds that were originally created to restrict people of color and others from owning the property. While these covenants were outlawed by the Fair Hous-

ing Act of 1968, they were not required to be removed, and the current homeowners may not be aware they exist. Here’s how to find out if your home has a restrictive covenant, and instructions for removing it.

The University of Minnesota has created a map showing properties with racial covenants. To view the map, visit mappingprejudice.umn.edu. Scroll down to the map and zoom in on your city and neighborhood, or type your address in the search bar located in the upper left-hand corner. If your parcel is green, your property has a racial restriction. Click on the parcel to view the covenant language, legal description, and source, as well as the date of the document. To remove the covenant from your deed, visit mn.gov/commerce and search form 40.10.1. Fill out the form and return it to your county. For more information, contact the Ramsey County Recorder’s office at askcountyrecorder@ramseycounty.us or 651-266-2030, or Dakota County Property

Taxation and Records at Records@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-438-4355.

STA names head basketball coach

St. Thomas Academy (STA) has promoted Jacob Sand to head basketball coach. Sand served as assistant head coach under Khalid El-Amin for the past two years. During that time, he helped build the Cadets’ offensive and defensive structure, which facilitated the team’s conference championship in 2022-2023. Sand also serves as the academy’s assistant athletic director. In this role, he has helped change the department’s organization, structures and procedures to better support the coaches and athletes.

ISD 197 forum

The Optimist Club of West St. Paul will host Talk N Tacos 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Dunham’s Food and Drink, 173 Lothenbach Ave, West St. Paul. This free event allows community members

to hear from the candidates in the ISD 197 school board race. Each candidate will have 15 minutes to present their platform and answer questions from the audience. Dunham’s tacos will be available and other food and beverages will be available for purchase. There is a room capacity of 49. Donations are appreciated.

DARTS

DARTS is looking for volunteers for its group respite program in West St. Paul and Eagan. Respite volunteers spend time with elderly people with dementia so caregivers can have a break. For more information, contact Linda at volunteer@ darts1.org or 651-455-1560.

The DARTS 12th annual Party It Forward will take place at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19. The happy-hour party features an online auction, games, food, desserts and more. Anyone can participate in the online auction. To register or learn more, visit partyitforward. givesmart.com.

Landmark Center

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

landmarkcenter.org

History Play - War, Resistance, and Protest: The Trial of the “Minnesota 8,” 7-9 p.m., Oct. 5-6, and 2-4 p.m., Oct. 7. This play reenacts the 1970 trial of eight students from the University of Minnesota who were arrested for breaking into draft offices in an attempt to destroy draft records for the Vietnam War. $10.

Japanese Taiko drumming , 1-2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15. Free.

Ballet Tuesday , noon1 p.m., Oct. 17. Ballet Co.Laboratory performs excerpts from its upcoming season. Free.

Eric Peltoniemi & Dean Magraw perform guitar , 7:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Oct.

20. A cocktail hour with complimentary refreshments and a cash bar begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Consortium Carissimi

Concert: Madrigals of Northern Italy , 3 p.m., October 28-29. This classical music concert will feature a selection of madrigals, a form of secular vocal music composition that originated in Italy during the 14th and 16th centuries. $10-30.

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 Jan. 21, 2024. Experiment with velocity, gravity and acceleration

through interactive stations.

“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 October 1.

History Center

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

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

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

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.

History Theatre

30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323

Historytheatre.com

“The Boy Wonder” is presented on select dates

Photo by Ron Wilbur

Minnesota Roller Derby opens its season 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Tickets start at $12.50.

S ample St. Paul

October 7-29. This musical explores the work and life of Harold Stassen, a progressive leader elected as the youngest governor of Minnesota in 1938, as well as the birth of the United Nations. Tickets start at $30, with discounts for students.

MN Museum of American Art

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

“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.

“It’s Okay to Laugh” is an installation in the skyway windows above Robert Street. Created by Jose Dominguez, it features colorful vinyl creatures that play hide and seek with passersby.

“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

Eunice Kim plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30. Tickets start at $12.

Pat Metheny performs

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct.

4. Tickets start at $74.73. Behind the Curtain: Ever After in Concert, 7:30-8:45 p.m., Oct. 6-7. This special concert event features original songs for an upcoming musical that’s based on the film “Ever After.” Tickets start at $39.

Express Concert: Haydn’s Evening Symphony with Abel Selaocoe, 7 p.m., October 12 and 14, and 11 a.m., October 13. Tickets start at $12.

Anthony McGill Plays Mozart’s Clarinet Concer-

to, 11 a.m., October 20, and 7 p.m., October 21. Tickets start at $12.

RiverCentre

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

Health & Fitness ExpoMedtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend , 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sept. 29, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 30. Free.

Twin Cities Bridal Show, noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 8. Tickets are $15. Three time blocks are available: noon-2 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Minnesota Roller Derby, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Tickets start at $12.50.

Immerse Artists Experience dance convention, 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15. $15-25.

Schubert Club

302 Landmark Center

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

Museum Mini: Mark Dover (clarinet), 10:30

a.m., Monday, Oct. 2, on the Schubert club website. Learn about the clarinet in this short interactive event. Free.

Stile Antico, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Landmark Center. $33.

Sphinx Virtuosi: Generations, 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Ordway. Ticket prices were not available as of press time.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano), Lisa Batiashvilli (violin) and Gautier Capucon (cello), 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Ordway. Ticket prices were not available as of press time.

As of this season, kids and students may now attend any concert for free.

Science Museum of Minnesota

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

STEM Adventure Saturdays is a new program featuring themed activities in the galleries and interactive presentations from community members. The theme though October 16 is Backyard Science.

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: “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.

The blockbuster “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is featured at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29.

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 experience a lights-up, sounddown Omnitheater show at 10 a.m. The program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Admission is free

for personal care attendants when visiting with a client.

Tickets are $9.95.

Xcel Center

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

xcelenergycenter.com

Peter Gabriel , 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 3. Tickets start at $65.

Luke Bryan, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14. Tickets start at $53.

Rod Wave, 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20. Tickets start at $44.50.

Queen + Adam Lambert, 8 p.m., Oct. 27-28. Tickets start at $109.50. Tool, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31. Tickets start at $54.50.

Fall Art Crawl returns Oct. 6-8

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

West 7th

St.

Paul artists have spent the summer crafting countless new artworks of all shapes and sizes and now is the time to admire their masterpieces and perhaps find the perfect piece of art to fill that empty spot in your home or office. The St. Paul Fall Art Crawl returns Oct. 6-8, and crawlers have the chance to view and purchase art at 23 sites across the city. A handful of the venues will provide food, music and activities. Sites are open Friday, 6-10 p.m., Saturday, noon-8 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For more details, visit stpaulartcollective.org/art-crawl-events.

West Side

F.O.K. Building , 106 W. Water St., will be open Friday, 5-9 p.m., Saturday,

noon-8 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. More than 40 artists will show their work from studios and other spaces across three floors of the building, including in the third-floor gallery which was remodeled last spring. Mediums include painting, ceramics, photography and videography, and drawing and textiles. The site will also feature food vendors, performing artists, a takeand-make art activity and more. Free parking.

Lowertown Calendula Gallery, Suite #130 in the Northwestern building, 275 E. 4th St., will be open Friday, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Two dozen artists will exhibit paintings, sculptures and ceramics in the open gallery and adjoining dance hall on the first floor. “Oscillations Urbaines,” an interactive

exhibit that explores urban networks, will also be onsite. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the weekend.

Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative, 255 E. Kellogg Blvd., will showcase the work of 30 artists and three guest artists in its galleries on each of the top three floors. Mediums include paintings, drawings, bookmaking, weaving, jewelry, sculptures, printmaking, collages, soaps and woodworks. The site will also feature the following performances: Judit Neilsdottir (dance), 7-10 p.m., Friday, in studio #303; April Hanson (voice) and Marc Jaros (piano), 4 p.m., Saturday, in the third floor atrium; and Matt Vinge (guitar and ukelele), 1 p.m., Sat.-Sun. in the third floor atrium. The site has a wellmarked entrance in the alley behind the building.

Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. #300, will be open Friday, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. It will feature more than 30 artists showing paintings, quilting, pottery, photography, mixed media, jewelry, candles and more. All art will be indoors, and the site will have giveaways all weekend.

Lowertown Underground Artists, in the lower level of the Northern Warehouse building, 308 Prince St., will feature 12 artists in the central gallery and in artists’ studios and surrounding spaces. Mediums include photography, fiber arts, oil and acrylic paintings, ink drawings, sculptures and dance performances.

Creators Space, 218 E. 7th St., is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and noon-5 p.m., Sunday. It will feature around 25 artists selling paintings, pho-

Haunting History

tography, ceramics, mixed media art, jewelry, clothing and more. All art will be on tables in the first-floor common area, and the site has events planned for each day.

Friday: gallery opening reception with live music, 4-8 p.m., and building tours all day. Saturday: pancake breakfast and live music, 8-11 a.m.; yoga, noon-1:30 p.m.; painting and pottery demonstrations, noon-5 p.m.; walk-in portrait photoshoots, noon-6 p.m.; live music, noon-8 p.m.; silent auction, noon-8 p.m.; and dance party, 8-10 p.m. Sunday: live music noon-5 p.m.; painting demonstrations, 1-4 p.m., and all-day building tours.

Tilsner Artist Lofts , 300 Broadway St. N., will feature 5-10 artists selling paintings, drawings, mixed media, collages and photography. Works will be located near the main entrance, in several artists’ studios and throughout hallways on various floors. The site will also have music, storytelling and other performances.

Master Framers, 262 4th St. E., will feature the work of a dozen artists in its open gallery and studio. Mediums include paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, textiles, marbled paper art and cards. The site will also host printmaking demonstrations each day, gliding demonstrations by Master Framer owner Andrew Webster and puppet shows. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be available.

The Lost Fox, 213 4th St. E. #100, is open 8 a.m.-11 p.m., all weekend. Five artists will display their work at the restaurant. Mediums include painting, photography and glass art.

Downtown

George Latimer Public Library, 90 W. 4th St., will be open Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. Six artists will exhibit their work in the Bremer Room on the first floor, and a table will display works created by library staff. Mediums include ceramics, watercolors, video art, laser engraved wood, prints and paintings. Hot apple cider will be available inside and a smores station will be set up beside a campfire in the library courtyard. Craft activities will be offered in the Innovation Lab, along with tours of the Lab and maker space. Saturday features a drumming class in the youth services area, 11 a.m.-noon.

Schmidt Artist Lofts , 900 7th St. W., will be open Friday, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, noon-7 p.m., and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Approximately 75 artists will show their work throughout galleries, studios and other spaces across the first floor and lower level. On display will be paintings, ceramics, photography, fiber art, jewelry, woodcrafts, printmaking, digital painting and illustration, clothing, yarn, paper and more. Painting demonstrations will take place on the roof throughout most of the weekend, and a free Viennese waltz dance class is offered Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Food will be available from El Burrito Mercado on Friday, Red Rocket Pizza on Saturday and Sunday, and Egg Roll Queen all weekend.

Friedli Gallery, 943 7th St. W., will be open Saturday, noon-8 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Around five artists will be present, selling paintings, photography and ceramics in the main gallery space and outside. A painting exhibit by indigenous artist Shaun Chosa will be on display in the main exhibition space.

Great River Gallery , 1163 7th St. W., will be open Friday, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Five artists will showcase paintings, fine art photography, ceramics and jewelry. Art will be in the gallery and in an outdoor tent. The site will feature live music throughout the weekend as well as complimentary refreshments and snacks from Mojo Monkey Donuts and Break Bread.

Cathedral Hill Virginia Street Church, 170 Virginia St., will feature 15 artists displaying paintings, ceramics, quilts and glassworks. The site will also have folk, jazz and accordion music, and food.

The Milligan Studio , 459 Selby Ave., will exhibit photography, and glass and bronze sculptures created by two artists. Food will be available, and live music will take place Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Merriam Park

Spatial Effects Gallery, 1759 Selby Ave., will be open Friday, 6-8 p.m., Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It will feature 28 Minnesotan artists displaying furniture, paintings, drawings, photographs, stone and metal sculptures, ceramics, glass objects and other pieces such as carved

gourds. Art will be in two indoor gallery spaces, and light refreshments will be available.

Raymond District

The Dow Art Gallery, 2242 University Ave. W., will be open Friday, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Forty artists will sell works in the first-floor gallery. Mediums include photography, sculptures, metalworks, drawings, prints and a wide variety of paintings. Light refreshments will be available and there may be music. The gallery is across the street from the Raymond Station on the LRT Green Line and there is free parking in the nearby Wright Building lot.

Midway

The JAG Studio & Gallery, 2147 University Ave. W., will be open Friday, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, noon-7 p.m., and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. Ten artists will showcase ceramics, textiles, paintings, and mixed media installations in an open gallery. Light refreshments will be available.

South Como

Mark Granlund Studio, 1022 Burgess St., will feature paintings and drawings by Mark Granlund. Light snacks will be available.

Front Avenue Pottery and Tile Co., 895 Front Ave., will host “Firing it Up in South Como,” Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nine local artists will sell pottery, paintings, fiber art and jewelry from inside a studio. The event will feature live music on Friday night and clay throwing demonstrations all day on Saturday. There will be designated kid zones, and free food and refreshments will be available.

Of Ink + Insight, 1410 Pascal St. N., will host an open studio on its front porch, noon-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Owner Cynthia Berg will display her Scandinavian-inspired mixed media paintings, which include vintage paper collages within them. A variety of sizes of works on paper and wood panels will be available.

Payne Phalen

ArT @ 967 Payne, 967 Payne Ave., will feature around 10 artists exhibiting paintings, photography and more. Art will be in studio spaces as well as a shared storefront gallery.

Neighbors, Inc.

Dawn Wambeke President & CEO

Community Events

By Heidi Satre, director of community engagement

Alittle more than 16 years ago, the idea of holding a rubber duck race on the Mississippi River as a fundraising event for Neighbors was born. Since that time, our annual Great Neighbors’ Duck Races event has evolved from one

race down an extremely long chute at the top of the banks of Kaposia Landing down to the river, to a series of races conducted on an oversized tank and chute system at the corner of 9th Avenue and Southview Boulevard during South St. Paul’s On The Road Again street festival.

Throughout the years there have been a variety of

Postscript

Up North with Mom and Dad

I’m staying “up north” with Mom and Dad, and that is always good.

My mom and dad have built a life that is pretty much exactly the way they like it. They have rituals and habits they do almost without thinking. But the amazing thing – to me – is that just about every one of these daily routines ends up giving them a healthier and much happier life.

At this point, my dad would snort, and my mom would say I was making them sound like saints, and

Warrior Hall of Fame inductees

Independent School District 197 and Two Rivers High School has announced the inaugural class of the Warrior Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes individuals who have excelled in various fields, including athletics, fine arts, academics and philanthropy. The inductees are:

Ann Bancroft, class of 1974. Bancroft is a nationally renowned explorer, educator, speaker and philanthropist. She founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation in 1991, which works to provide girls with support, inspiration and resources to help them achieve their dreams. Bancroft is a spokes-

grand prizes – everything from a motorized scooter to a yearlong lease of a Fury Motors Jeep to a destination dinner. There has also been a variety of weather conditions for the big day. While organizing this event, I have worn everything from a tshirt and shorts to a jacket and stocking hat the first weekend in October. (My least favorite weather conditions are when it rains, although I don’t think the rubber ducks mind!)

Delbert, our beloved duck mascot costume, has also undergone cosmetic changes since the event’s inception. When the event first started, the yellow duck costume was bare. We eventually added a logo to it and have performed countless “cosmetic” surgeries to repair his webbed feet, re-paint his

beak and add cooling units to keep him comfortable. Last year, with a generous donation from the Vulcan Charities Council, we were able to replace the original duck costume with an exact match. Delbert will live on for many years to come.

This year, we are making adjustments to our duck tank. The wooden chutes we have used for a dozen years will be replaced by more portable, lightweight aluminum ones. Be sure to stop by and check them out!

Regardless of where the event has been held, what the weather has been or how our racing system has been set up, there has been one constant throughout the history of the duck races: the support of our community and volunteers. I have always been impressed at how the community em-

braces this event as its own and takes pride in explaining it to others. Whenever our mascot Delbert is out in public, he is met with highfives and selfie requests. There aren’t many nonprofits that have as popular a mascot as Neighbors – or even a mascot at all. But what makes this event truly unique is the number of dedicated volunteers who make it happen year after year. Volunteers have done everything from building the duck racing structure to distributing promotional posters to keeping us organized by writing numbers on thousands of rubber ducks. From the beginning, volunteers have played an important role in the success of the duck races and continue to help sustain this event. Some 25 to 30 volunteers make the event happen

each year.

While the duck races are a fun and light-hearted event, it is important to keep in mind why they were created and who they support. The duck races are a fundraiser to support the programs and services that Neighbors provides to our community – including hunger relief, financial empowerment counseling and education, essential needs items such as clothing and household items, and stability services. All proceeds raised from this event are used to support our neighbors in need. Please consider generously buying ducks this year to help us meet the increased need in our community. For more information about the Duck Races, visit: neighborsmn. org/event/great-neighborsduck-races.

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

they’d shake their heads in unison and say that I like to exaggerate, and so I guess you’ll have to take my word for it.

My dad turns 90 at the top

of next year, and my mom isn’t far behind. They still live in the beautiful home they designed and built together more than 30 years ago in the Northwoods. The house isn’t large but it is perfectly suited to them. It sits high above the lake in the woods, so their nearest neighbors are squirrels and deer and raccoons, a variety of birds and the occasional bear. Loons fly over their home and land in the lake. My mother keeps dozens of pots of flowers blooming outside the house. My dad keeps enough wood chopped and split to keep them in firewood all winter, and they are out biking or walking or snowshoeing every single day.

“We don’t eat as much

as we used to,” my mother notes.

But what they eat is healthy. They’ve got a vegetable garden in town, as it is too shady in the woods to grow vegetables. Recently, they picked up fresh sweet corn and a cantaloupe from the farmers market.

And I feel as if this is the part of the story where I should tell you the really amazing thing about my parents. But, as I write this, I realize that the really amazing thing is not any one thing. It is all of it. As their needs and desires have changed, their habits have remained positive and healthy and filled with joy.

I think I’ve known for most of my life that I would

never be as consistent or disciplined or sensible as my parents. They were this way when I grew up, and they remain every bit as remarkable now that I am getting old. I’ve even thought, from time to time, that it was a lot to live up to. Their marriage, lasting many decades, was not one I could emulate in my first marriage. My moods fluctuate far more wildly. I require regular “reboots” to stay on track.

But I am no longer envious. I am now simply admiring. And I am grateful. I am so grateful they have taken such good care of themselves and so grateful that they are still here with me, active and happy and as practical as ever.

My dad says he’s slowed down a lot, and turning 90 certainly gives a person plenty to think about. But just as I learned how to paddle a canoe and ride a bike by watching him, I now watch him managing the perils of aging with grace and elegance. And I am, once again, learning. What I’ve just written, my father will dismiss. He’ll say he wasn’t so elegant the other day when he tripped over the doorsill and cut his hand open while bringing the laundry in from the line. He’ll say he’s doing nothing out of the ordinary, nothing worth writing about. And that’s why you’ll have to take my word for it. Till next time.

person for the Learning Disabilities Association, Wilderness Inquiry and Girl Scouts of the USA. She serves on the board of Youth Frontiers, co-chairs the Wilderness Inquiry capital campaign, and is a judge for the NuclearFree awards and the National Women’s Hall of Fame inductions. She also serves on the advisory board of the Melpomene Institute and Medica.

Helen Fisk, class of 1975. Fisk has been a teacher and administrator in private, public and charter schools for the past 43 years. She is a Sibley debate team State and National Tournament award winner and former Henry Sibley principal. She

began her career teaching social studies and English for four years at Coon Rapids Junior High School then taught history and geography at St. Paul Academy and Summit (SPA) for the next 11 years. At SPA, Fisk was also a successful debate coach, bringing home a state championship. She went on to become the Upper School director at Mounds Park Academy, a private college preparatory school. In 2001, she began work in the public charter school movement by becoming the first principal of two Minneapolis schools founded by the East African immigrant community: the Twin Cities International Elementary School and the

Minnesota International Middle School. After leaving the international schools, she became principal at Henry Sibley (now Two Rivers).

In 2008, Fisk co-founded a new K-8 charter school called Global Academy, an authorized International Baccalaureate site serving a diverse immigrant population of 50 students. Global Academy recently celebrated its 15th year and has been a leading school in closing the achievement gap in Minnesota. Fisk served as executive director of Global Academy for 15 years until her retirement this past June.

Tom Gustafson taught and coached in ISD 197 for 33 years. He is also the

recipient of the Breaking Barriers Award from Girls and Women’s Sports Day.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Gustafson moved to Australia to coach and teach for two years. After that he served in the Peace Corps in Samoa, then returned home and began his teaching and coaching career at ISD 197. He taught physical and adaptive physical education and coached girls and boys cross country with 13 conference titles and 16 trips to state. He also coached girls basketball, Nordic skiing and track and field. He now lives in Biwabik, Minn., and is still coaching.

Dean Verdoes was a math

teacher, coach and athletic director at Henry Sibley High School for 20 years. He started the soccer program and was head coach for 10 years. He was also head boys basketball coach for seven years and an assistant for six years, and head coach of the golf team for 10 years. In 1986 he became the school’s athletic director, a position he held for 12 years. He was named the Region 3AA Athletic Director of the Year in 1988 and 1995, and was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 2011. Today, he serves on the ISD 197 Education Foundation and volunteers his time in the district office.

ommunity

Dakota County’s 15 oldest restaurants, bars and saloons

With the oldest restaurant in Dakota County about to celebrate 150 years in the same location, I was asked by a local convention and visitors bureau if I could help them identify Dakota County’s 15 most historic restaurants, bars and saloons. Aided by some helpful crowdsourcing from loyal patrons and eager researchers, particularly with respect to the bar and saloon categories, I assembled the list below.

Surviving economic downturns, world wars and even pandemics is no simple task, and you will notice some of these historic businesses have changed names or owners a time or two over the years, but one thing has not changed: the hardearned success and customer loyalty that comes as a result of old-fashioned service, quality, value and hard work. This is particularly true here in northern Dakota County,

where 11 of these 15 local favorites are located.

1. King’s Place Bar and Grill , Miesville (1874). Home to 115 different burgers, King’s operates in an historic building that first housed a saloon and restaurant in 1874.

2. Jersey’s Bar and Grill, Inver Grove Heights (1906). Previously known as Duke’s, this two-time winner of the Twin Cities Burger Battle attracts customers far and wide for great food and live music.

3. Polish National Alliance, South St. Paul (1909). Not just one of the oldest

but also one of the most unusual, this throwback bar is tucked away in a basement and is sometimes referred to as “Dakota County’s best kept secret.”

4. Tapper’s Pub, West St. Paul (1914). One of the bartenders offered this quick pitch for Tappers: “People love the lack of parking, the surly bartenders, the pulltabs, and the homemade pizzas.” The Coney Island Pizza – a combination of sliced-up hot dogs, onion and mustard – has won neighborhoodwide acclaim and is also an Atkins family favorite.

5. Croatian Hall, South St. Paul (1919). Croatian immigrants who settled in South St. Paul founded the Hrvatski Dom, which means Croatian Home. It quickly became the place for social events such as dances, dinners, weddings, and even funerals.

6. Southview Country Club, West St. Paul (1919). Initially called the Louogden Club to recognize South St. Paul meatpackers Lou-

is Swift and Jonathon Ogden Armour, the original 16 members of Southview pitched in both cash and backbreaking work. They built the golf course with their own labor and that of any volunteers they could persuade to pick rocks, rake sand and cut trees.

7. Al’s Corral Bar and Grill, South St. Paul (1922). A proverbial hole in the wall, seekers of cheap beer, good company and solid food will feel right at home at this hidden gem.

8. Wiederholt’s Supper Club , Miesville, (1929). Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Wiederholt’s transports diners back in time at Minnesota’s most old-school supper club.

9. Jameson’s Irish Bar, West St. Paul (1933). Formerly the elegant Cherokee Sirloin Room, this relatively new arrival opened as Jameson’s just in time for St. Patrick’s Day in 2021.

10. Gallagher’s Bar, West St. Paul (1934). Myrtle Gallagher, a widow with three

young children, founded Gallagher’s (a/k/a The White Elephant) in the depths of the Great Depression and grew it into a Twin Cities favorite. It remains in the family to this day. This is also where Grandma Atkins would occasionally go when she was raising three kids as a single mom and needed a break. As the story goes, Grandma would say she was going to pick up some eggs... then come home with no eggs.

11. Axel’s , Mendota Heights (1941). Formerly the Parker House, it became Axel’s when it was purchased by Linda Young and Charlie Burroughs. Linda’s parents, Janette and Axel, both worked at the Parker House.

12. Castle Rock & Roll Bar and Grill, Castle Rock (1944). Good, affordable food, with a great fish fry and limitless popcorn makes it the best restaurant and bar in Castle Rock… and the only one.

13. Vasatka-Goers WWII VFW Post 6680, Mendota

(1946). Founded in April of 1946, the VFW post was named in honor of the first soldier and airman from the area to perish in World War II. The building itself went up in 1950 and provides everything you’d expect –inexpensive beer, a popcorn machine, old-fashioned bar fare, and a friendly bunch of regulars.

14. Bogey’s Lounge , Lilydale (1956). Originally known as Dandy’s then Sibley Lounge, Bogey’s is home to the most impressive wall of police patches in Dakota County and features an impressive blues jam on Monday nights.

15. Bugg’s Bar, South St. Paul (timeless). We could not find the date Bugg’s opened, but it has been around a really long time. Please pop in to these mostly mom-and-pop spots to keep them going, and help ensure that more generations have the chance to enjoy their exceptional quality, value and service.

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

Joe Atkins Dakota County Commissioner

H ome Improvement

People renovate their homes for a variety of reasons. Some want to increase the value of their property, or make their home safer or more comfortable. Others want to stay current with design trends or give their home a new vibe. While kitchens and bathrooms often get the most attention, every room and space in a home may need renovation at some point. Here are five things to consider.

1. Age - The National Association of Home Builders says 50% of U.S. homes are over the age of 40. Age alone can dictate a need to renovate, particularly if some materials are original to the home. For example, asphalt roofs typically last 25 to 30 years, while window frames can last 20 to 50 years, depending on how well they’ve been maintained.

2. Inconvenient layout - Living with an awkward floor plan is frustrating and is often a major driver of renovations. Improvements can be made to floor plans but are often beyond the scope of the do-it-yourselfer. It’s best to enlist the help of a licensed contractor for any project you don’t have the skills, tools or knowledge to do yourself.

3. Outdated look - Because trends change quickly, a home can look dated even if it is a relatively recent build. For example, dark, cherry cabinets that were popular not long ago are out and cabinets in lighter color palettes are in. Following current trends will spruce up your home and help with resale value, if you are looking to sell in the near future.

4. Deterioration - Signs of water, storm or structural damage should be addressed as soon as possible.

5. Efficiency - Escalating utility bills are indicative of an energy-inefficient home. Homeowners should conduct an energy audit and then improve the areas where energy loss occurs, such as windows, doors, siding and insulation.

Here are some renovations that provide a lot of bang for your buck.

Countertops (and hardware): Replacing countertops and swapping dated cabinet hardware with new hinges, handles and pulls can provide a low-cost facelift to any kitchen.

Paint: Painting a space is an inexpensive improvement that adds maximum impact. Paint can transform dark and drab rooms into bright and airy oases. Paint also can be used to create an accent wall or cozy nooks.

Lighting: Do not underestimate what a change in lighting can do. When rooms or exterior spaces are illuminated, they take on entirely new looks. It’s worth it to invest in new lighting, whether it’s a dramatic hanging light over the dining room table or task lighting in dim spaces.

Weatherproofing: Improving windows, doors, weatherstripping, and insulation in a home can offer visual appeal and help save money. The initial invest-

ment may be significant, but the costs will pay off in energy savings.

Accent updates: Any space, whether inside or outside, can get a fresh look with new decorative accents. Invest in new throw pillows or slipcovers for living room sofas. Use new tile, or paint the brick on a fireplace, then update the mantel with decorative displays. Artwork can bring different colors into a room. Change the cushions on deck furniture and buy color-coordinated planters.

Low-interest loans

The West St. Paul City Council recently updated its contract with NeighborWorks Home Partners, a local nonprofit lender, so that more residents in the city can receive low-interest loans to buy, fix and keep their homes. Previously, only residents living north of Butler Avenue earning 80-120% of the area median income (AMI) could receive funds, and loan amounts were capped at $15,000. Now, all residents in the city earn-

ing 0-120% AMI are eligible to apply, and the maximum loan amount was increased to $25,000. NeighborWorks Home Partners was founded 42 years ago and operates programs in West

St. Paul, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, Shoreview, North St. Paul and Vadnais Heights. The home repair program in West St.

rior improvements, HVAC, electrical and plumbing improvements, and more. For more information, visit nwhomepartners.org or call

Paddling with the Pelicans

Tim Spitzack Editor

ComeOctober, the skies will be thick with migrating birds and waterfowl winging their way south along the Mississippi River Flyway, which follows the meandering course of the 2,340-mile river that bears its name. More than 325 species use the flyway on their annual roundtrip from breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to wintering sites near the Gulf of Mexico and points further south. While Canada geese are the most visible and vociferous during the fall migration, it’s the American white pelican that captures my attention this time of year.

I recall paddling the river one recent autumn and seeing nearly a hundred of them in one location, including a pair just yards from the bow of my kayak.

It was a cool crisp morning and wisps of fog hovered over the surface of the river. The sun was still low in the sky and duck hunters hunkered down in their blinds in grassy shallows, watching and waiting. After rounding an island and heading into the river’s backwaters, I spotted a pair of snowwhite pelicans in my line of vision. As I neared them, I expected them to take flight but surprisingly they stayed on the surface until I got within 30 feet. Finally, they exploded into action, and their nearby mates followed suit. I watched in wonder as the two near me raised and flapped their massive wings and hopped along the water’s surface until their momentum pushed them to flight. Once airborne, they glided effortlessly just inches above the water then climbed and soared off into the rising sun with the others.

Unlike flocks of Canada geese, which can resemble

an endless stream of slowmoving arrows shooting across the leaden sky, American white pelicans give the appearance they are in no hurry to reach their migratory digs. They simply move south, little by little, as northern lakes and rivers begin to freeze. And they are happy to put on an aerial performance wherever they may be.

Pelicans are gregarious birds that seemingly spend much of their time coasting and soaring among the thermals in beautifully choreographed movements. Their flight appears effortless, relaxed, even playful. Pelican flocks are called squadrons, which makes perfect sense to me as I’ve always thought they resemble B-52 bombers in flight. However, the only raids these shorebirds make are for nourishment.

Pelicans are easily recognizable in flight by the triangle of black feathers on the tips and lower edges of

their wings. They are one of North America’s largest bird species, with bodies up to five feet long and a wingspan of up to 9 1/2 feet. Their most distinctive feature, of course, is their pointed orange bill, which can exceed a foot in length and supports a pouch of loose skin. This gular pouch is used in feeding and can scoop up nearly three gallons of water – and whatever is in it – at a time. Their stomachs, on the other hand, can hold only about a third of that amount, which reminds me of a poem I heard my father recite when I was a child. In a corny dad voice, he said, “Ah the pelican, the pelican. His beak can hold more than his belly can.”

Pelicans feed in shallow water, mainly on rough fish, small and large. While I’ve not experienced it, watching them feed would be a treat. Apparently, they join forces at mealtime by gathering in a line or half-circle, then flap their wings and take turns dipping their bills into the

water to drive fish toward the shallows where they are more easily caught. Once fish are in the pouch, pelicans tilt their heads to empty the pouch of water then swallow the prey whole. An American white pelican eats 4 to 5 pounds of food a day.

Worldwide, there are eight pelican species, two of which are in North America. The brown pelican is the smaller of the two and lives near the ocean and saltwater lakes. American white pelicans inhabit coastal areas during the winter but normally nest inland.

While pelican sightings are common today in Minnesota, it was a far different story a century ago. A survey in 1904 found just one nest in the entire state. Today, there are more than 12,000 nesting pairs, according to a 2021 census count. However, the American white pelican is sensitive to environmental contaminants, which is one reason it is listed as a Special Concern Species in Minnesota, a designation applied

to species that are extremely uncommon in Minnesota or have highly specific habitat requirements. Several nesting sites have experienced substantial declines since peaking in 2011. One factor thought to have affected the decline is the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, resulting in the largest oil spill and environmental disaster in U.S. history.

Show some respect

Depending upon where they are observed, the pelican is the subject of both disrespect and awe by the casual observer. Some people may snicker when they see one standing on shore or a dock, and admittedly pelicans can look somewhat awkward and dorky while out of the water. But I’ve never heard anyone mock them while seeing them in flight. That spectacle only elicits oohs and aahs, or reverent admiration, as it very well should.

Photo: istock