St. Paul Voice Jan. 2024 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

The St. Paul

Kick off to winter fun Page 8

School Choice Guide Page 16

Volume 58 | Number 1

SPPS launches new literacy initiative Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

eginning this year, St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is launching a new initiative – SPPS Reads – designed to help students who are struggling with reading. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, only a third of students in the district are proficient readers, and that number is down slightly from 2019. Like other districts across the state and nation, learning was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to school closures and distance learning. To help students get back on track and improve proficiency in the long run, the district is implementing a new scientifically based reading curriculum for grades K-2 that emphasizes phonetic comprehension. It’s also providing more resources for parents to help their children practice reading at home, and hosting community events to raise awareness on the importance of literacy. According to the National Research Council and the National Early Literacy Panel, shared book reading is one of the top three ways to foster early literacy skills. The others are phonological awareness and speech-to-print connections. In December, Humboldt and Central High Schools each hosted a screening of “The Right to Read,” an award-winning documentary created by LeVar Burton, longtime host of “Reading Rainbow, the former PBS television series. Also, a list of 10 ways SPPS Reads / Page 3

Your Community News & Information Source

January 2024

Winter Carnival events ramp up with the new year

Photo by St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation

The popular ice carving competition returns to Rice Park. Carnival held Jan. 25-Feb. 3 Tim Spitzack Editor

ith the turn of the calendar, hearty St. Paulites will turn their attention to the city’s most popular celebration, the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The frosty fun begins January 1 with an ice fishing contest and continues through February 4, although the official dates of the carnival are Jan. 25Feb. 3. Events are held at various venues

including Landmark Center, Rice Park and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Most events are free, but some have fees. Purchase a 2024 Winter Carnival button for discounts. The Winter Carnival is presented by the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation and is said to be the oldest winter festival in the nation. In a typical year it attracts an estimated 250,000 visitors who shell out a combined $2-$3 million. Here’s a guide to the events. The information was accurate as of press Winter Carnival / Page 10

Eco Chico opens at Signal Hills Center Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

f you have rapidly growing kids, you’ll be pleased to discover that you can find affordable clothing – and sell your kids’ outgrown apparel – all in one place in West St. Paul. Eco Chico, now open in Suite #7A at Signal Hills Shopping Center, 1201 S. Robert. St., buys and sells gently used children’s clothing, accessories and equipment. Most items sell for 70% less than retail prices, and those selling to the shop can expect to be in and out with cash in the bank within 20 minutes. Owner Krystell Escobar-Theisen started the business to provide an economical shopping experience for families and to help save the environment at the same time. “The carbon impact of the apparel industry is pretty massive,” said Escobar-Theisen. “There’s 1213 pounds of carbon waste for every garment manufactured, so if you can go to even 30% or 50% of your items purchased thrift then that’s a huge chunk of carbon taken out of the ecosystem.” The business primarily stocks inventory for newborns through kids size 18, although it has some in-demand items for tweeners as well. Aside from clothing, including swimsuits, shoes and sports gear, you’ll find winter accessories, backpacks, nursing and feeding items, baby carriers and diaper bags. Large baby equipment such as strollers, Eco Chico / Page 2

South Metro adds furry friend to help firefighters and others Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

purebred golden retriever puppy named Hal has joined South Metro Fire as the department’s first-ever therapy dog. Still growing into his paws, Hal will undergo a year of weekly training sessions to learn how to identify people in need of comfort or assistance. In the meantime, his

handler, deputy fire chief Terry Johnson, will keep him at the fire station to serve as a bright presence for the firefighters. “One of my areas of responsibility and truly my passion is firefighter mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, and to me this is one more tool in the toolbox to help with that,” said Johnson. “The initial training is just obedience train-

ing but as it progresses, they teach the dogs to be able to key in on responders that may be struggling.” Hal was donated to the department by Soldier’s 6, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides trained therapy dogs to fire and police departments and other first responders as well as honorably discharged veterans. He was bred in northern Minnesota by a member of the

American Kennel Club and his brother, Riley, was donated to the South St. Paul Police Department at the same time. Soldier’s 6 will provide free training for the lifetime of both dogs. Hal has already helped some of the department’s 40 firefighters decompress following a few recent incidents, Johnson said, Therapy dog / Page 7

B usiness

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Eco Chico from page 1

bouncers and highchairs are also available. Name-brand items are in demand. Those selling popular brands to the store get a 50% bonus and will score another 20% bonus if they accept payment as store credit rather than through Venmo, CashApp or PayPal. All items must be clean and undamaged, and first-time sellers are required to provide a photo ID. Once selling prices are agreed upon, payment and a receipt is sent on the spot. “We’re all digital, so we’re cashless,” said EscobarTheisen. “That not only enhances safety, but it also helps us with being streamlined and truly more eco in many ways.” Parents looking for hot deals can keep an eye on the Eco Chico website and social media pages, where new high demand items can be purchased before they hit the sales floor.

“We know mom is really busy running around all the time, but if she wants that one item and is on the lookout, then as soon as it comes up [on the website], she can buy it on the spot and just come pick it up at the store at her convenience,” said Escobar-Theisen. “She knows she’s secured the item and doesn’t have to worry about somebody else coming in and snatching it up.” The website includes the store’s buying guidelines as well. A former West St. Paulite and current Mendota Heights homeowner, Escobar-Theisen is the mother of three young children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and husband Benjamin sold their brick-and-mortar insurance agency in West St. Paul and he began running the agency from their home while she stayed home to care for their kids. During this time she began seeing

many reports of her once luscious homeland – Tabasco, Mexico, which she and her family emigrated from when she was eight – being swallowed by rising sea levels due to climate change. Inspired to help make a difference, and looking to reinvest in a new business, her journey to opening Eco Chico began. She considered opening a Once Upon a Child franchise because she liked the business concept and was a regular shopper there after her first child was born. In the end, she opted to go independent so she could streamline operations and cater to busy shoppers. A buying event in early fall brought the store’s inventory to 10,000 items, which was enough to hold a soft opening at the end of October and a grand opening at the end of November. “Every piece of our inventory has been bought from local families,” she said. “The fact that we can buy so much keeps our inventory very fresh. We’ve already turned around about a quarter of

Escobar-Theisen hired West Side-based Electric Machete Studios to create whimsical murals to highlight her environmental theme. our inventory since our soft opening…. We’ve gotten really tremendous support from the community.” Eco Chico can buy a lot of items quickly, she said, compared to franchise thrift stores due to their different buying processes. Although

A Happy & Healthy New Year Begins Here Highway 62 & Dodd Road

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Eco Chico may not pay as much for some items, the overall percentage of eligible items it buys is higher because of how quickly it can process them. Eco Chico is in the space formerly occupied by Lavalash. Escobar-Theisen hired West Side-based Electric Machete Studios to create whimsical murals on the

walls to support her environmental theme. EscobarTheisen is looking for a clothing recycling partner so customers can pay a fee to have ineligible items discarded in a sustainable way. Store hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more information, call 651-300-0684 or visit ecochicoresale.com.

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E ducation

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SPPS Reads parents can help their children learn to read at home can be found at spps.org by searching “family reading resources.” Geared toward kindergarten and elementary students, the list includes telling them stories about people important to them, exploring the SPPS virtual library to find books that

interest them, and asking them open-ended questions about what they’re reading. It also provides links to free read-aloud videos, apps for literacy and learning, and more. “It’s an everybody-issue and we’re coming at it with everybody, all to support kids in their ability to read

in the information age,” said Craig Anderson, executive director of SPPS Office of Teaching and Learning. This initiative follows new legislation that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed into law in May 2023 that requires teachers to complete training in evidence-based reading instruction practices over the next two years. About $70 million in state funding will be distributed across the districts to make

Optimist essay contest

older. To register, call 651403-8300. Gary LaRue: Rat Pack Favorites, 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24. LaRue will perform the classics of the Rat Pack legends. Dessert included. Register by Jan. 17. $8. Conversational Spanish for Absolute Beginners, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 3-Feb. 14. $40 for seven sessions. Paint Like the Masters, 1-3 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 8-Feb. 26. $99 for six sessions. No class January 15 and February 19. Discussion with Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9. Peterson will share insights on protecting our food supply, preserving natural resources and nurturing our agricultural economy. Free. Trivia Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Jan. 10, 17, 31. $6 for three sessions. The Supreme Court: Past, Present and Future, 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 11. $5. Fighting Food Insecurity in Dakota County: The Open Door Food Pantry, 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11. Free.

Prohibition: An Epic Misstep in American History, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16. $9. Nature Sense: Embrace the Cold, 1:30-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16. Includes a hike and hot chocolate. Register at least one week in advance. $10. British History: Viking Britian, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9. Register at least five days in advance. Wish Of A Lifetime – Be the catalyst for dreams, 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23. Free. Antisemitism – Unearth the deep-seated roots of antisemitism, 10 a.m., Jan. 2931. $12 for three sessions. CPR for Bystanders, 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30. Learn hands-only CPR compressions with practical tips and adaptations. $5. Great Decisions group, 1-3 p.m., Monday, Jan. 8. Engage in thought-provoking conversations and unravel the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy and the ever-evolving global landscape. $10 annually. Men’s Topics & Toast, 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29. Buttered toast and toppings provided. $10 annually. Driver safety courses, noon-4 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 1. Register at

from page 1

The Optimist Club of West St. Paul is accepting submissions for the annual Optimist International essay contest. High school students are invited to submit a 700- to 800-word essay on the theme “Optimism: How it Connects Us” and email it to optimistcheryl@gmail.com by January 16. For more information, visit optimist.org/member/ scholarships3.cfm. The Optimist Club of West St. Paul will award the top three winners with medallions and cash prizes. The club’s highest-scoring essay will be sent to the district level where the winner of that contest will receive a $2,500 scholarship. The Optimist Club of West St. Paul also coordinates the ISD 197 Spelling Bees, West St. Paul Sings and Optimist of the Year award. The club meets at Dunham’s, 5-6 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month, except for July. Visitors and new members are welcome.

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

The St. Paul Voice is published monthly and delivered to 16,500 homes and businesses in St. Paul’s West Side, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Lilydale & Sunfish Lake. Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom

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this possible. SPPS is already ahead of the curve, as it has trained more than 100 teachers in those practices since 2021. Trained teachers have been providing daily small group reading lessons to students in grades K-3, and as a result the number of students in those grades meeting grade level standards has jumped from 45-58%. “If you’re still learning how to read words at fourth grade

it slows you down and that makes it harder to comprehend what you’re reading [in all subjects],” said Anderson. “I taught sixth grade for 10 years and when kids couldn’t read, they would try to hide by faking it or looking at the pictures or coming up with other ways to get attention. It really holds them back if they don’t have strong reading skills by the start of fourth grade.”

Progress is measured by a statewide annual test for students in grades 3 through 8, and 10. SPPS has also had an internal screening program since 2017 that evaluates students’ skill levels in a variety of subjects three times a year. If a student isn’t meeting grade level standards, parents are contacted twice a year to help determine ways to intervene. For more information, visit spps.org/reads.

888-234-1294 or driverdiscountprogram.com. $24 for a 4-hour course.

Student notes

Virnig wins seat in District 52B

Library events The following events are held at the Riverview Library, 1 E. George St. The library will be closed January 1 and 15. West Side Writers, 2-3 p.m. each Wednesday. Participants bring in pieces of their written work, offer each other feedback, and discuss the craft of writing. Teen Wednesdays, 3:305:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Games, snacks, art and more for ages 12-18. Chess Club, 6-7 p.m., each Thursday. Open to players ages 8-18 of all skill levels. Watercolor painting for ages 7-11, 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 4. Learn basic painting techniques, including brushwork and color mixing. All materials provided. Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m. each Friday. Includes stories, puppets, songs, rhymes and other activities. Riverview Book Club, 6-7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 8. The title is “The Plague of Doves” by Louise Erdrich.

Georgia Institute of Technology graduate: Noah Hagen, master of science in computer science Minnesota State University, Mankato graduates: Bernadette Igo, bachelor of science in biology; Tyneisha Stowers, bachelor of science, RN baccalaureate completion; Flor Castro de Moreno, bachelor of science, RN baccalaureate completion; Jessica Johnson, bachelor of science, RN baccalaureate completion; Janessa Mulder, bachelor of science in social work, magna cum laude; Briana Naughton, bachelor of science in biology; Sophia Schmid, bachelor of fine art, summa cum laude

DFL candidate Bianca Virnig emerged as the winner of the December 5 special election to fill the vacancy in Minnesota House District 52B. Former State Rep. Ruth Richardson resigned September 1. She accepted a job as CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States last year. Virnig received 58% of the vote, Cynthia Lonnquist (Republican) 40% and Charles Kuchlenz (Libertarian) 1%. The remaining votes were for write-in candidates.

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year! Let the Back in Balance team help get you back on track to better health. We use the most advanced techniques to diagnose and treat a wide variety of injuries and ailments. Your health and safety are our biggest concern. We've taken every precaution to make our clinic safe against COVID-19.

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St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 3

N ews Briefs

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{ THE FULLER FILES } Little Brazil Market and Café has opened at 230 Spring St., near Upper Landing Park. It’s located in the former Caribou Coffee space. The menu includes Brazilian-inspired sandwiches, savory treats and coffee. The restaurant seats 22 and has a 24-seat patio. The market features a wide range of Brazilian products and foods. The St. Paul City Council’s first meeting of the new year marks a historic moment: all members of the new council are women and six are people of color,

making it the most racially diverse council in city history. Newly elected Anika Bowie (Ward 1), Saura Jost (Ward 3), Hwa Jeong Kim (Ward 5) and Cheniqua Johnson (Ward 7) will join Rebecca Noecker (Ward 2), Mitra Jalali (Ward 4) and Nelsie Yang (Ward 6). In the recent election, voters also approved a 1% increase in the city’s sales tax by a 6040 margin. The State Emblems Redesign Commission has suggested a new seal for the state of Minnesota that features several iconic state im-

by Roger Fuller

ages: a loon (the state bird), waves in the water, wild rice and pine trees. The commission received more than 2,600 entries and reduced the number to five before making a final selection. The design will be sent to the Legislature for approval. The Minnesota Wild are considering making upgrades to the Xcel Energy Center, the 18,000-seat arena that serves as its home ice. Completed in 2000 at a cost of $170 million, the center hosts about 150 events a year, including sporting events, concerts and high

school state tournaments. The St. Paul City Council approved agreements between MUSC Holdings and Snelling Midway Redevelopment for privately owned and maintained parkland next to Allianz Field soccer stadium. The project includes a 1-acre sculpture garden near Snelling and University avenues and a .35-acre playground with 25 structures on Simpson Street, between Central and Shields avenues. A plaque recognizing the number of people who died as a result of the CO-

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program includes Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 (“The Classical”) and Schumann’s cello concerto with soloist Amit Peled. Zeitgeist and No-Exit of Cleveland will perform music with surrealism at 7:30 p.m., January 12 and 13 at Studio Z, 275 E. Fourth St., Suite 200. Books and Bars will discuss “Who is Maud Dixon” by Alexandria Andrews at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23 at Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St. Ramsey County Historical Society will present Stefan Aune, author of “Indian Wars Everywhere,” by Zoom at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18. To participate, visit rchs.org. The skyway walking group meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at US Bank, 101 5th St. E. The group travels a mile and a half through the skyways at a casual pace.

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VID-19 pandemic has been installed in the Great Hall at the Ramsey County Courthouse. The St. Paul Farmers Market will host a chilicooking event 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 30 at the downtown market at 5th and Wall streets. Chili fests will continue each Saturday. Camp bar and cabaret, 490 N. Robert St., will present comedians Ellie Hino January 5-6 and Joe Hill January 26-27. AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St., will host its Tiny Art Expo through mid-January. All items are $100 or less. Minnesota Sinfonia will host a concert at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12 at Metropolitan State University. The

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Augustana Lutheran 1400 Robert St. S. West St. Paul 651-457-3373 augustana.com Beth Jacob Congregation 1179 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights 651-452-2226 beth-jacob.org Cherokee Park United 371 Baker St. W. St. Paul 651-227-4275 cherokeeparkunited.org Community Christ the Redeemer 110 Crusader Ave. W. West St. Paul 651-451-6123 ccredeemer.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 Mizpah River Ministries 1530 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul 651-399-5783

Our Lady of Guadalupe 401 Concord St., St. Paul 651-228-0506 www.olgcatholic.org Riverview Baptist 14 Moreland Ave. E. West St. Paul 651-457-3831 www.riverviewbaptist.net Salem Lutheran 11 Bernard St. West St. Paul 651-457-6661 www.salemluth.org Spirit of Hope Catholic 2035 Charlton Road Sunfish Lake 651-760-8353 www.spiritofhopemn.org St. Anne’s Episcopal 2035 Charlton Rd. Sunfish Lake 651-455-9449 www.saintannesmn.org

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

St. Joseph’s Catholic 1154 Seminole Ave. West St. Paul 651-457-2781 www.churchofstjoseph.org

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

St. Paul’s United Methodist 700 Wesley Lane Mendota Heights 651-452-5683 stpaulsmn.org

St. Matthew Catholic 490 Hall Avenue St. Paul 651-224-9793 www.st-matts.org St. James Lutheran 460 Annapolis St. W. West St. Paul 651-457-9232 www.saintjameslutheran. com

St. Paul Mennonite Fellowship 371 Baker St. W St. Paul 651-291-0647 www.saintpaul mennonite.org St. Stephen’s Lutheran 1575 Charlton St. West St. Paul 651-457-6541 www.ststephenswsp.org

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C ommunity

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Neighbors, Inc. Dawn Wambeke President & CEO

As we usher in the New Year, it is humbling to look back and reflect on all that occurred at Neighbors in 2023. We are reminded of the true beauty that occurs when the collective strength of humanity joins together to bring hope to those who need it the most. Because of our incredible community and all who contribute in profound and inspiring

ways, Neighbors continues to be a pillar of support and unity and is well known as a place for individuals to turn to for help. Here is a snapshot of the impact made possible by community support during our last fiscal year (July 2022-June 2023). Our stability services ensure that families are connected to the comprehensive array of social service

Postscript

Christmas remembrances I tend to be a Christmas maximalist. At least that’s what my husband Peter would say. Peter would dispense with the tree, the presents and most of the outings. He’d hang a few ornaments on a houseplant, have a nice meal and go to bed early. But Peter cares for me a lot and he knows how much I love

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EOE

Page 6 - St. Paul Voice - January 2024

programs available, have access to affordable highquality clothing for their entire family, and have the joy of opening gifts over the holiday season. Our trained staff provide meaningful referrals to partner organizations daily to ensure that families’ comprehensive needs are met (i.e. childcare, transportation, emergency assistance, housing resources and more). Our boutique clothing thrift store provides a warm and welcoming shopping experience that is available to the public. More than 500 families received over $23,400 in free clothing and merchandise last year. Our holiday gift program received tremendous support as well. In December 2023, our community supporters provided approximately

900 children and 100 seniors with gifts to bring happiness and cheer. Our Hunger Relief Services experienced a 300% increase in demand over the past several years. With the rising cost of living, the need is so great and there is no decrease in sight. Neighbors provides nutritious food including meat, eggs, milk, bread and shelf-stable items such as canned goods. We offer a variety of options on site at Neighbors including a choice model food shelf, emergency packs and supplemental weekly “express options.” For those who are unable to get to Neighbors due to lack of transportation, illness, injury or limited mobility, we offer home delivery and off-site food distributions at apartment

residences. Nearly 25,000 (duplicated) households were served and approximately 65,000 (duplicated) individuals. More than 901,000 pounds of food were distributed. Our financial empowerment services were launched to help improve the financial wellbeing of our community. These services offer free personalized, one-to-one coaching and education such as advice on managing money and debts, budget development and obtaining a copy of and understanding credit reports and scores. We also offer financial educational materials and workshops, digital literacy education, connect people to home ownership services and offer career counseling. Our financial empowerment

services provided 349 visits (duplicated individuals). Neighbors wishes to honor and thank our wonderful staff, board of directors and the 600-plus volunteers who contributed nearly 22,000 hours of service. You bring our mission to life every day! As we look to the new year, we are committed to deepening our impact as we build upon Neighbors’ beautiful foundation. In January, we will share more information about the launch of our new strategic plan. We wish everyone a new year filled with peace, joy and happiness. As always, I’d love to connect. You may reach me at dawn@neighborsmn. org, 651-272-1135 or just stop by. Stay connected with Neighbors’ latest updates at neighborsmn.org.

Christmas. I want a live tree. If I can’t chop it down myself, I’ll haul it home from the hardware store. I want lights on the balcony and a little present for everyone. I want fancy new wrapping paper and pretty, old ornaments and a holiday setting on the table. I want to light too many candles, bake too many cookies and end up with a floor covered with ribbon and powdered sugar at the end of the night. Peter is very patient. And I want to get dressed up. Some of my best memories of Christmas involve my Auntie Jo. She and her family

would drive up north to my grandparents on Christmas Eve with a car packed with presents and cousins and a mischievous dog. Thinking back on it now, I’m sure it was stressful for my Auntie Jo. But my memory is of the car pulling in, and Auntie Jo hugging everyone, her arms full of bags of unwrapped gifts and luggage. This was, for me, the official start of Christmas. Auntie Jo would head downstairs to wrap presents and, at some point, the dog, Twinkie, would make a mad dash out the door. We’d all scour the neighborhood until we found Twinkie. Then Auntie Jo would go to change her clothes and emerge more resplendent than the Christmas tree. It was always a treat to see what my Auntie Jo would wear at Christmas. I knew there would be glitter or sequins, and probably both. It would be the sort of outfit a person would wear only for a very special day, and seeing Auntie Jo dressed up made it

a special day for me. I understand that getting dressed up is not for everyone, and decorating a tree is a lot of work. Holiday preparations shouldn’t be a burden, something on the must-do list when there are more important things to do. But every year, I think back on my Auntie Jo, who had such a long drive and so much to do (and such a naughty dog!), and how she would step into the living room, her splendorous get-up reflecting the Christmas lights. I received a lot of nice presents and we had wonderful meals but seeing her dressed in her Christmas finery was always a highlight for me.

I am still lucky enough to see my Auntie Jo at Christmas. Although I will never wear sequins as well as she did, I do my best because dressing up is part of how I participate in Christmas. It helps to make this time of year memorable. When I light the candles on my mantle and string lights outside, it’s a recognition that the darkness of winter will pass. Like my aunt, I want to mark this passage of time. I want to make this day different from other days. Dressing up for Christmas reminds me that we need some extra sparkle in this darkest time of year. Till next time.

Mary M. Garcia (Mauricio) Mary died peacefully on 11/29/23 at 92 years old. Preceded in death by husband Raymond Garcia Sr., 2 sets of twin boys, 3 more sons: Ray Jr., Gilbert and Paul. Survived by sons: Vic (Michelle), Nick (Donna), Joe (Laura), Ed (Laure) and Dan (Dawn), 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Private internment at Oak Hill Cemetery and a Celebration of Life, April 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m, at Croatian Hall.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Restore fee-for-service for Medicaid patients When a Medical Assistance patient has fee-forservice (FFS), they can go to any doctor (no networks) and have that caregiver be paid directly by the state. Procedures or specialists recommended by this caregiver would be covered without delays in approval or denials. The Freedom to Choose bill (HF 816Mary and SF would restore the right of all people M.404) Garcia on Medical Assistance to choose FFS instead of the (Mauricio) networks of Managed Mary of South St. Paul Care Organizations (MCOs). In July, the died peacefully New on York Times published an investigation ofatMCOs 11/29/23 the agebyofthe federal government’s Office ofPrivate the Inspector General that found a high number 92. internment will at Oak Cem-that led to the summation that of be delays andHill denials etery. A Celebration people on Medical of Assistance were receiving substanLife, April 14, 11 a.m.-2 dard medical care. MCOs consistently resist generally p.m, at Croatian Hall. principles to check that their accepted accounting income and expenses are legitimate. However, there’s no accountability problem with FFS; its finances are on the public record (or are plain to see in the public record). Please call your state representatives and senators to support the Freedom to Choose bill: HF 816 in the State House and SF 404 in the State Senate. To find out more, contact oak7@centurylink.net. Carol Mellom West Side

C ity Government

Your community news and information source

Therapy dog from page 1

including a stabbing and a house fire. Once trained, Hal will accompany firefighters at community and public education events and respond to specific calls where large numbers of people are displaced, such as an apartment fire. Likewise, Riley will be a calming presence for victims giving statements at the South St. Paul Police Department. “It’s the accumulation – this chronic exposure to people in their worst situations [that is challenging],” said Johnson regarding the stress that first responders face. “Sometimes it’s traumatic, like gunshots and stabbings and bad car accidents, and you’re seeing carnage, and other times you’re going to people who don’t take care of themselves or are dealing with mental health issues and chemical dependency issues…. For me and many other responders, your view of society becomes warped because you’re dealing with this so much… You feel like everyone is like this and that’s not the case.” In addition to Hal, the department supports the staff’s mental wellbeing with the Par360 program, which provides each person with an annual one-on-one meeting with a psychologist. The psychologist also provides training on mental resilience. The department and MnFIRE,

a nonprofit statewide advocacy organization, also offer peer support groups. “I received a text yesterday from a firefighter who retired on mental health disability with PTSD,” said Johnson. “He said, ‘I heard the news [about Hal] and it’s awesome. I wish we would have had this when I was there. This is a great thing for the department and its responders.’”

New study explores adding third station South Metro is a joint venture between the cities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul and has a station in both cities. The department responded to some 7,600 incidents in 2022, a 4.3% increase over the previous year and a whopping 38.9% increase compared to 10 years ago. Of those calls, 5,819 were for emergency medical services and 92 were for fire incidents. The

increase prompted the cities to hire Citygate Associates, a fire protection and emergency services consultant, to conduct a study of the department and its response times. It was completed in mid-November and found that the department can be expected to reach 85.7% of its service area within 5 minutes. While that’s a good response time, the recommendation for urban and suburban departments is a number closer to 4 minutes. Citygate recommended that the department consider creating a third station if it can’t consistently maintain a 5-minute response time on average.

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In other news, South Metro is encouraging homeowners and business owners to register on its Community Connect website and provide special details about their property, such as that the resident is in a wheelchair, there are pets, or there’s oxygen in use. The website was created last year to help ensure firefighters are as prepared as possible when responding to an incident. To register, visit communityconnect.io/info/ mn-southmetro. For more information, call the West St. Paul station at 651-5524176 or the South St. Paul station at 651-554-3250, or visit smfdmn.org.

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St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 7

R ecreation

Your community news and information source

Kick off to winter fun Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

ooking for a new way to enjoy the quiet beauty of winter and get some needed exercise at the same time? Try kicksledding, an early-19th century activity that’s seeing resurgence as a recreational sport. Its rise in popularity prompted Melisa Christensen to open a new business that provides everything one needs to experience the sport. Brave the Snow opened in midNovember at 30 E. 7th St., in downtown St. Paul across from the Minnesota Children’s Museum. A kicksled resembles a chair on skis, called runners, with a handlebar on the chair back. The sled

is propelled by the driver standing on one of the skis and kicking backwards on the ground with the other foot. They were introduced in northern Sweden around 1870 and within 20 years were being used for racing. In Canada, sleds were modified to be pulled by dogs. Frozen lakes and multi-use trails are most suitable for the activity, especially when the snow is packed down. Brave the Snow offers three types of kicksleds imported from Finland, each with five size options. The most popular is made of sustainably finished birch wood and has a small seat. The lightest one is made of aluminum, and the most expensive is steel with suspension and other features

designed for better gliding. All models fold down for easy transport. Kicksleds run from $300-$400 and are designed to last for many years. Christensen also sells accessories including running lines (for use with dogs), brakes, crampons, apparel and more. Christensen’s first foray into the activity was three years ago at a Dodge Nature Center Winter Expedition event, where she loaded her two kids onto a kicksled seat and glided for miles around the small frozen pond and on trails throughout the property. “I thought it was so fun, and couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it before,” said Christensen. “I did a little research online and there

Winter Expedition Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1:00-3:00 p.m. $10. Preregistration required.

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Load up the kicksleds with supplies and head down the trail for an outdoor adventure! Look and listen for wildlife as you start a fire to stay warm and cook toasty treats. Winter can be cold, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in the outdoors.

Get rid of old tech in the new year. Drop off your old computers, gaming systems, electronic toys, batteries and more.

Find accepted items and more information at www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling zone or call 952-891-7800. 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan

Pull up. Stay in your car. And we'll unload. Page 8 - St. Paul Voice - January 2024

was no place locally to get one.” She found a company in Canada and purchased a kicksled, “but the shipping was really expensive,” she said, “and I had never had something that big delivered internationally so I was kind of nervous.” While enjoying her new sled, she was often stopped by others interested in what she was doing. That prompted her to create Brave the Snow as an online business, which she operated for two years before landing the brick-and-mortar space downtown. “I got into it kind of thinking everybody would be like me and want one to get exercise by pushing their kids, but that’s really not the majority of people who are buying,” said Christensen, a former St. Paul Public Schools art teacher. “It’s more people who have aged out of skiing but really like winter, so they want something more stable. There are also people who want a winter goal with their dog, and some families like me.” Christensen shares the shop with Alexandra Johnson, who operates Jack and the Pack, a dog sporting equipment and supply store that opened in June. The two met by happenstance through social media in early 2023. After a few meetings, they decided to open a storefront together and began looking for space. Jack and the Pack opened with the help of Grow Downtown, a St. Paul Downtown Alliance program that pro-

Submitted photo

Christensen demonstrates her kicksled. vides free 6-month leases in formerly vacant properties. Christensen waited to open until the late fall because her product is seasonal. Sharing a space is a natural fit for the stores, she said. “About a third of my customers are using their kicksleds for dog sports and those customers need to have a perfectly fitting harness for their dog so it’s safe for the dog. You really have to go into a store to try it on and AJ [Johnson] provides those and has that expertise. In that sense, it’s a really good one-stop shop for people who are looking for that.” Johnson also offers classes for those who want to kick-

sled with dogs. Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul is holding its Winter Expedition event 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, and kicksleds will be available to try for $10. To return the favor for exposing her to the sport, Christensen has donated kicksleds for the event for the past two years, and they’re raffled off to lucky winners each year. Christensen has let people try her kicksleds at events such as the Kites on Ice Festival in Buffalo, Minn., and the Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. For more information, call 612-405-3097 or visit bravethesnow.com.

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Minnesota Boy Choir concert, 1 and 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7. The choir will present two performances of its winter concert. Free. St. Paul Civic Symphony concert, 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28. The symphony will perform “Hot & Cool Classics” celebrating the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Free.

MN Children’s Museum 10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

“Ball-o-rama,” through Jan. 21, 2024. Experiment with velocity, gravity and acceleration through 10 in-

Your community news and information source

teractive stations. Other exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.” 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 Jan. 7.

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. Explore Schulz’s roots in Minnesota and his role as the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip and its be-

loved cast of characters. “Reframing our Stories” is a new addition to the “Our Home: Native America” exhibit. It’s on display through October 2025 and features dozens of recently discovered historic photos of Native Americans and stories about them as told by Native people. “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.” Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17.

“Recombination” is presented Friday and Saturday nights at the Ominitheatre. The film features the work of fractal artist Julius Horsthuis and seven of his favorite musicians.

History Theatre 30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323 Historytheatre.com

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A rts & Culture

Winter Carnival from page 1

time but is subject to change. For more information, visit wintercarnival.com. Ice Fishing Tournament, January 1-February 4. Bait a hook and drop the line for the chance to win prizes in 10 categories. Past Princess Soiree, 6-10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5 at Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center, 2200 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View. Honor the outgoing Wind princesses and support the

Past Princess Association. $55. Register online at pastprincess.com. Junior Coronation, 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, 11411 Masonic Home Dr., Bloomington. See the crowning of the 2024 Junior Royalty Court. $10 with a button, $15 without. Crowns and Gowns Fashion Show, noon-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7 at the

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Your community news and information source DoubleTree Hotel, 411 Minnesota St. Tickets from $45. Hosted by the Ambassadors of the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Order tickets at www.ambassadorsspwc.com. Candidate Gala, 6-10 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 411 Minnesota St. Meet the candidates for the Queen of Snows in this formal program that includes dinner. Tickets are $65. Klondike Kate Contest, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Inwood Oaks Event Center, 484 Inwood Ave. N., Oakdale. Each year up to 10 flamboyant females Photo by St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation stretch their vocal cords The large, frosty sculptures at the Vulcan Snow Park are always and performance skills in stunning to see and make a great photo backdrop. their quest to be named Klondike Kate. Tickets are way Tour is a 90-minute tour $25 through January 9; $30 the Royal Family, Vulcans, com/snow-stomp. Klondike Kate and the Royal Annual Queen’s Tea, 11 that explores crime and corat the door, or $25 with a Guard for an evening of food a.m., Sunday, Jan. 21, at ruption from St. Paul’s past. Winter Carnival button. "Es un honor ser su voz en la and fun. Reservations reRoyal Golf Club, 11455 Starts at Infor Commons, The Klondike Kate Cabaret quired. Call 651-455-3900. 20th St. N., Lake Elmo. 380 St. Peter St. $25. Secrets legislatura de Minnesota." is held at 7 p.m., Saturday, Cost is $35. Join former queens in hon- of Union Depot Tour offers Jan. 27, and the KlondikeState Senator Vulcan Snow Park Snow oring the 2023 Queen of a behind-the-scenes look Kate Artic Sizzle, 11 a.m.Stomp, Jan. 20-21 at the Snows, Jocelyn O’Neill. A at Union Depot and unex4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2. Both Fairgrounds. Volunteers are social hour with cash bar plained events that have hapevents are at KJs Hideaway, needed to stomp snow into begins at 11 a.m. and other pened there. $20. For tick408 St. Peter St. Tickets at blocks to be used for events begin at noon. $45. ets, visit cyncitytours.com. Paid large for by Pappas for Senate klondikekates.org. 909 Bayard, St. Paul, the snow carving contest. Tickets are available online Light the Park and Laser MN 55102 Fire and Ice Dinner, 6 Join the fun in this Winter at formerqueens.com/tea. Show, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, p.m., Friday, Jan. 19 at the unoClub, a ustedes para celebrar elvol- Gangsters and Ghosts Jan. 25 at Rice Park. The workout. To Pool Me and Yacht 1600 Carnival for more infor- Walking Tours, Jan. 25- lighting of Rice Park offiLilydale Rd., Lilydale. Join unteerdeorSan Carnaval de Invierno Pablo mation, visit mnsnowpark. Feb. 4. Gangsterland Sky- cially kicks off the carnival.

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A rts & Culture The first 200 to arrive receive a glow wand. The evening includes the ice carving contest, music, food and beverages. Vulcan Reveal, 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at Landmark Center. Multi-block Ice Carving Competition, Jan. 25-27 at Rice Park. Teams work feverishly over 48 hours to create their masterpieces. Judging follows at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Snow Sculpture Competition, Jan. 26-28. Watch 3-person teams of snow sculptors transform large blocks of snow into whimsical creations. The winners are announced at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The sculptures will be on display through Feb. 4. Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display at the Landmark Center. See Winter Carnival memorabilia from ages past and learn stories from knowledgeable volunteers. The exhibit opens 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26 and will be on display Jan. 26-28 and Feb. 1-3. Hours vary. Royal Coronation, 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26 at St. Paul RiverCentre. Witness the crowning of the 2024 Royal Family and rub elbows with King Boreas, Aurora Queen of Snows and the four Wind princes and princesses. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. Rondo Night, 5-9:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 at Landmark Center. The event features music and art from BIPOC artists, food and drawings for prizes. St. Paul Scavenger Hunts. The North Wind Hunt has 30 clues that take you to 30

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places in St. Paul. The West Wind Hunt at Phalen Park is designed for families. The South Wind Hunt features 30 clues that can be solved from the comfort of your home. The East Wind Hunt is the most challenging and includes a collection of puzzles to solve from various St. Paul locations. Kids’ & Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Landmark Center. Kids will be able to play, watch performances, participate in art and craft activities, and more. Vendors will also be on site. Free. The jigsaw puzzle contest is at a new location this year. It takes place 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at Union Depot. Come watch teams of puzzle enthusiasts race to complete 500-piece puzzles in two hours, and 1,000-piece puzzles in three hours. There are pairs and family contests as well. Bring a gently used puzzle to swap or purchase a new one at the event. Concessions available. Vulcan Snow Park at the Fairgrounds. Visitors will find a snow maze, snow mountain playing area and the artistic creations of master snow carvers participating in the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competition. The large, frosty sculptures are always stunning to see and make a great photo backdrop. Vulcan Fun Day is Sunday, Jan. 28. Admission and parking are free. Fire & Ice Run/Walk 8-11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 28. Adults may enter the 5K, 10K, 15K or 20K and youth (typically ages 4-10) may enter the kids run. Also available: a NoK (pay not to run). Cost to register is $40 through January 23; $45 af-

Sample St. Paul from page 9

artists, Greta Oglesby. It is based on her book, “Mama ’n ’Nem, Handprints on My Life.” Tickets start at $25, with discounts for students.

MN Museum of American Art 350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571 mmaa.org

“Hazel Belvo: For Love,” is a new exhibit in the Nancy and John Lindahl Gallery. It features more than 60 pieces of artwork from Hazel Belvo’s 70-year career as an artist. It is on display 10 a.m.4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, through May 24.

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

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts: Assad, Janáček and Smetana, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13; Cassie Pilgrim plays Strauss’ Oboe Concerto, 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26-Jan. 27, and 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28. Tickets start at $12 for all concerts. The Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love,” January 27-February 4. When young villager Nemorino’s dream of

The buttons for this year’s carnival were designed by Kao Lee Thao. The cost is $5 for one and $19 for the collector’s 4-pack. A limited edition 4-pack with a commemorative glittery snowflake pin is also available for $20. Buttons may be purchased at Cub Foods and other local retailers, or online at wintercarnival.com. Each button card features a schedule of events and a new Winter Carnival Fun Pass that offers discounts at local businesses and the chance to win prizes. ter. $20 for the kids run. All participants receive a Winter Carnival hat, button and coupon book. The King Boreas Grande Day Parade begins at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. The route goes from West 7th at Smith Avenue, to 5th Street, to Washington, to 4th Street at Rice Park. Dozens of bands, floats and, of course, the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family will be there. Free cocoa at the Castle for Kids at Landmark Center after the parade. The Rock the Palace Dance Party begins at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at 317 on Rice Park, 317 Washington St. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at royalguards.org. Winter Carnival Cat

Show, January 27-28, at the Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children. For more information, visit saintlycitycatclub.org. The Orchid Society of Minnesota’s “Winter Carnival Orchid Show” is held Jan. 27-28 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. Judging is at 7 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. Vulcan vs. The Royal Guard Hockey Classic starts at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, at Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul. Cash donations are suggested; non-expired food items will also be accepted.

winning the beautiful Adina’s heart is on the rocks, he turns to a traveling purveyor of patent medicines and California citrus in search of a love potion. After drinking every last drop of an unusually zesty “elixir,” Nemorino feels his luck might just turn around. From $25.

Science Museum of Minnesota

RiverCentre

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

Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show, January 4-7. $13 adult; discounts for seniors and children. Minnesota Roller Derby, 7 p.m., Saturday, January 13. From $12.50. St. Paul RV Supershow, January 18-21. Free.

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

“Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” is a featured exhibit returning to the Science Museum for the first time since its debut in 2013. It’s on display through Sept. 4. Presented in English and Spanish, it features more than 200 authentic artifacts, hands-on activities, lifelike simulations and more. Virtual Reality Transporter, through December 2026. Use the VRT to hurtle through the cosmos at fantastic speeds, scuba dive into prehistoric seas, or join the astronauts of Apollo 11 as

Hot & Cool Classics Concert, 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28 at Landmark Center. The St. Paul Civic Symphony will present a free concert featuring song and dance music by Ruth Gipps, Rachmaninoff and Duke Ellington. Frozen Family Fun Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Landmark Center. The event features a meet-and-greet with Ana, Elsa and Kristoff from 6-7 p.m., story time and Frozen singalong, snow activities with junior royalty and more. Free. Winter Carnival’s Day of Good is Friday, Feb. 2. The day will have many opportunities to donate food, blankets or blood, and spread cheer into the community. The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation has partnered with the Winter Carnival ambassadors and their Cold Hands, Warm Hearts drive. The Northwind Titan Trooper will be parked at the Landmark Center to collect the donations for the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. Bring non-perishable food items and new or gently used mittens and hats. St. Paul Bouncing Team tryouts, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2 at Landmark Center. Free. The St. Paul Bouncing team is a nonprofit organization that performs aerial acrobatics at public and private social events throughout the year. This activity is inspired by an Inuit hunting tradition and is among the oldest performances in the Winter Carnival’s history. For more information, visit stpaulbouncingteam.org. The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade will

weave its way through the city beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3. The route is the same as the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, starting at West 7th at Smith Avenue and ending at Rice Park. After the parade, follow Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe to the steps of the Central Library for the ever-dramatic overthrow of Boreas. Stick around afterward for fireworks and music. The Vulcan Victory Dance is 7:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd. The band High and Mighty will perform beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Doggie Depot, 10 a.m.3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Union Depot. Stop by for the crowning of the Canine King & Queen, giveaways, interviews with pet experts and more. Free. Friday Night Party Zone, 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Rice Park. Join PJ the DJ for a dance party in the huge warming tent. Kids and Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Landmark Center. PickA-Prize Bingo is 1-3 p.m. BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 on White Bear Lake. Play a round on a course on the frozen lake. Proceeds benefit the White Bear Lake Food Shelf. Register at www.bearlyopen.org. Berners in the Park, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Rice Park. Friendly dogs of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities will join the fun for Kids’ and Family Day. Visitors may pet and play with them. Free.

they moonwalk for the first time. $9.95. 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 films. Tickets are $9.95. Free for children ages 3 and under. “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,” through Feb. 29. Follow the world’s most famous living ethologist as she inspires people to make a difference in the world around them. “Recombination,” 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights. The film features the work of fractal artist Julius Horsthuis and seven of his favorite musicians.

Sensory Friendly Sunday is the first Sunday of the month. Visitors can experience a lights-up, sounddown Omnitheater show at 10 a.m. The program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Admission is free for personal care attendants when visiting with a client. Museum tickets are $29.95 for ages 18+ and $19.95 for ages 4-17.

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St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 11

C ommunity

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Dakota County history: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

ounded in 1849, Dakota County celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2024. When I mentioned this to a local elementary school teacher, she asked where she could find a list of notable historic events, with a focus on northern Dakota County. Unable to locate anything shorter than hundreds of pages in length, I created and shared the list below with her class. Most students knew of fewer than half of the nearly 60 events on the list. If you want to see how your knowledge stacks up, keep track of the number of events of which you are aware. More than 30 makes you smarter than a 5th grader. More than 40 means you have probably been around for a while, like me. And if you got more than 50, I want to talk to you about filling an opening on the Dakota County Historical Society’s board. 10,000 years ago. The last glacier retreats from Dakota County, leaving rocks and sands covering the bedrock. Many of the rivers and lakes existing today arise from meltwater of the withdrawing glacier. Called “glacial drift,” this is now the geology we see across Dakota County…with one “shocking” exception. If you can’t wait to find out what it was, skip ahead to 2021 to see the startling discovery made here by a University of Minnesota geologist. 1,000 years ago. The Dakota tribe first arrives in what is now Dakota County. 1689. Fur trader Nicholas Perrot proclaims possession of Dakota lands for the nation of France without consent of the tribes. 1803. Dakota County becomes part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. 1837. The Kaposia band’s village moves east of the Mississippi River to what is now South St. Paul. 1840. Overhunting eliminates all bison in Dakota County. 1849. Dahkotah County is founded, one of nine original counties that predate Minnesota becoming a state in 1858. Extending 412 miles from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River, Dahkotah County includes what is now Minneapolis, but not Hastings. 1851. The Kaposia village site, together with millions more acres west of the

Joe Atkins

Dakota County Commissioner

Mississippi, are ceded to the United States in the Treaty of Mendota. Signed atop Oheyawahi (Pilot Knob), the site overlooks Fort Snelling and the present day St. Paul and Minneapolis skylines. 1853. The county seat is established in Kaposia, moves to Mendota in 1854, then permanently relocates to Hastings in 1857. 1857. The first baseball game ever played in Minnesota takes place in Dakota County. 1857. Dakota County legislator Thomas Wilson pushes for the right of Black men to vote. Fellow lawmaker Willis Gorman of St. Peter breaks his cane over Wilson’s head. 1858. Minnesota becomes the 32nd state. Dakota County’s boundaries shrink closer to present-day dimensions. 1865. Residents of Dakota County are the first to petition the State of Minnesota to allow Black men to vote. 1887. South St. Paul is founded. 1889. West St. Paul is founded, after splitting off from South St. Paul. An earlier City of West St. Paul formed in 1858 but ceased operations as a city within a few years. 1907. South St. Paul High School opens. 1910. The first remains of several mammoths and mastodons are found in Dakota County. 1912. “The Wreck of the Ten Spot,” the worst and most mysterious train crash in county history, takes place when Engine No. 10 plunges off a swing bridge in South St. Paul into the Mississippi River. 1919. Armour opens a new meatpacking plant in South St. Paul. It is the largest building ever constructed in Minnesota. 1919. Croatian immigrants who settled in

Page 12 - St. Paul Voice - January 2024

South St. Paul founded the Hrvatski Dom, which means Croatian Home. It quickly becomes and remains the place for social events such as dances, dinners, weddings and even funerals. 1920. Eighty-seven women in South St. Paul become the first women in America to vote following enactment of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 1922. The South St. Paul Public Library opens in the Fitzgerald Building on Grand Avenue. Replaced in 1927 by the building at 3rd and Southview, which closed on December 2. The next chapter takes place in a few weeks when a new county library opens in South St. Paul and 7th and Marie. 1926. The 4,119-foot Mendota Bridge connecting Dakota and Hennepin Counties becomes the longest continuous concretearch bridge in the world when it opens on November 8, 1926. 1930. West St. Paul’s Harold Stassen, 23, is elected Dakota County Attorney, before going on to become Minnesota’s youngest governor ever in 1938, at the age of 31. He resigned as governor in 1943 to take part in WWII, then played a key role in founding the United Nations in 1945. 1931. Cenex (now CHS) is founded in South St. Paul. It goes on to become a Fortune 500 company. 1933. The largest robbery in county history takes place outside the South St. Paul Post Office. The post office is renamed the Leo Pavlak Post Office in 2023 in recognition of the police officer killed that day. 1934. Ma Barker and her infamous gang spend upwards of a year at a hideout in an unassuming home in West St. Paul. Still standing at 1031 Robert Street, neighbors thought the men in the home were in an orchestra because they arrived home late at night carrying violin cases. 1934. Gangster John Dillinger, who is Public Enemy No. 1 on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, uses the Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove to elude police in high-speed chase, then kidnaps the Francis family of South St. Paul. After stealing their speedier car, Dillinger drops the family off unharmed in Mendota. 1935. South St. Paul High

School grad Stan Kostka signs the most lucrative contract in NFL history. A star running back at the U of M, Stan signed with the NFL’s New York team for a record $5,000 on August 25, 1935, following a bidding war among NFL team owners. 1936. NFL owners are so ticked off about having to battle to sign Stan Kostka of South St. Paul that they institute the first-ever NFL Draft. 1936. Sibley Junior High opens, eventually expanding as a high school to its current location in Mendota Heights and changing its name to Two Rivers in 2021. 1943. Fleming Field Airport opens in South St. Paul, named for Captain Richard E. Fleming (USMCR), a local aviator who died in the Battle of Midway on June 5, 1942. 1953. Nine Jerikovsky brothers from South St. Paul make history when the ninth brother returns home safely from the Korean War. Six served in WWII; three more served in Korea. No family in American history before or since has ever had nine siblings serve in the United States Armed Forces. 1955. The first Fortune 500 list debuts, with Armour & Co. of South St. Paul at No. 7. The next 10 smaller companies on the list are Gulf Oil, Mobil, DuPont, Amoco, Bethlehem Steel, CBS, Texaco, ATT, Shell Oil and Kraft. Armour employs 4,000 people at the plant and is the largest meatpacking facility in the history of the world. 1955. One of the nation’s first covered malls opens in Dakota County. The Signal Hills Mall in West St. Paul welcomed customers just in time for the holiday shopping season. 1957. The world record for the highest altitude ever reached by a human being is set by Air Force Capt. Joe Kittinger. Ascending from the South St. Paul Airport to a height of 96,784 feet in a balloon, Kittinger broke the previous record by more than 20,000 feet. The record-breaking effort was called “Project Manhigh” and was the first step in launching Americans into space. 1966. Planning Commission member Devona Weatherhead becomes the first woman elected to the

West St. Paul City Council. 1966. West St. Paul resident Richard Schulze opens the Sound of Music on Robert Street, which he expands to multiple stores and eventually renames Best Buy. 1967. Target opens in West St. Paul. 1970. Dakota County donates 485 acres to create the Minnesota Zoo. The large site transforms the zoo experience, beginning a nationwide movement to cagefree environments. 1974. Dakota County’s deadliest fire occurs in West St. Paul, claiming the lives of three firefighters and the caretaker when a propane tank explodes at an apartment building. 1974. Dakota County buys 62 acres in West St. Paul. Together with six acres donated by the City, the parcel becomes Thompson Park, the first county park. 1975. The Lafayette Freeway is finally completed through South St. Paul and West St. Paul from St. Paul to the northern border of Inver Grove. 1976. The Lawshe Museum, our county history museum, opens in South St. Paul. 1976. Volunteers launch Kaposia Days in South St. Paul, now one of the oldest and most popular city celebrations in Dakota County. 1977. Sen. Conrado Vega of South St. Paul takes office as the first Hispanic legislator in Minnesota history. He serves until 1987, retiring as Chair of the powerful Senate Energy and Housing Committee. 1981. Serial killer Joseph Ture strikes in West St. Paul. The death of Diane Edwards, a 19-year-old server who was walking home from her job at Perkins, rocks the community. 1982. South St. Paul’s Phil Housley is the only high school player – and only American – picked in the first round of the National Hockey League Draft. A 7-time All Star and Hall of Fame inductee, Housley was the top-scoring Americanborn player in NHL history when he retired in 2004. 1988. South St. Paul voters make election history again, kicking off an unprecedented 28-year run in Minnesota of three women mayors in a row. Katherine Trummer held the top job for four years, followed by Kathleen Gaylord and Beth

Baumann for a decade each. 2001. Dakota County kicks off construction of the River to River Greenway from South St. Paul through West St. Paul and Mendota Heights to Mendota. The Robert Street underpass completes the trail in 2021. 2002. Approved by West St. Paul voters in 1999, Dakota County opens the Northern Service Center on Mendota Road just west of Robert Street. 2003. Dakota County launches a natural area protection program that has now protected nearly 12,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands across the county. 2017. Dakota County becomes debt-free, making us one of the only counties in the country with zero debt. 2018. The Minnesota Vikings move their headquarters to Dakota County. 2019. A railroad seeks to ship 500 million gallons of the county’s drinking water to Arizona. County and state officials quash the plan, citing expectations for water quantity issues of our own here. 2021. South St. Paul High School grad Sunisa Lee wins gold in gymnastics at the Olympics. 2021. A University of Minnesota geologist makes a startling discovery in a 9square-mile area of northern Dakota County, finding shocked quartz, which is known to be produced only by the extreme shock and compression of a meteorite impact or nuclear explosion. This is the first identified meteorite site in Minnesota and one of fewer than 200 in the world. 2023. A bison herd is reintroduced in Dakota County. 2023. Out of over 3,000 counties nationwide, Dakota County becomes the only county in the country to have ever earned the top county award in the nation for public safety (2018), for public health (2020), and for sustainability (2023). Joe Atkins represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board, which includes South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Elected chair of the board in 2024, he welcomes feedback. To share comments, concerns or questions, contact him at Joe. Atkins@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-438-4430.

St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 13

E ducation

Your community news and information source

School Choice from page 16

Two-year or four-year home should be considered. school: At a two-year col- Does your student want to lege, students can earn an as- be close enough for meals sociate degree. At a four-year and laundry, and to visit college, students can earn a on weekends, or will they bachelor’s degree. Manyto nurture only come We collaborate with families the home minds on school students at a two-year breaks? years in an and spiritsbegin of children ages 33 months-6 college then transfer to a Campus setting: Many authentic Montessori environment. four-year college. students say that campus Public or private: Many size and feel was a big part students exclude private of their college choice. Visitcolleges because they think ing a college and talking to they’re too expensive. How- students is a great way to get ever, financial aid can some- to know a campus. Do most times make private colleges as students stay on campus or affordable as public colleges. do they commute to school? Location: The distance to Does the campus exude

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school spirit? Cost: For many families, cost is a big concern. To offset the price of college, students should apply for financial aid and scholarships. Most students get some financial help from the government or the college itself. Majors: Students often think they must choose their major before they start college. This isn’t true. In fact, many students change their major more than once. However, for the undecided, the school should have several majors of interest to the student.

rized from Andrew Campanella’s book, “The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child.” Campanella is president of National School Choice Week. Step 1: Think back to your own time in school. How you perceive education will help inform your school search for your children. Write down what you learned the most, liked the most, and who taught you the most. Also, write down the things you didn’t like, then put those experiences in perspective and remember that your child may have different experiences. Tips for choosing Step 2: Identify your a K-12 school National School Choice goals for your child. You Week is January 21-27. The know more about your child following seven steps will than anyone else, which is help you make an informed why you are more qualified decision on choosing the than anyone else to choose best school for your child. your child’s education. Take Jardín de niños apúblico few minuteschárter to think about The information is summa-

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your hopes, dreams and goals for your child, and your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Step 3: Decide what you need and want from a school or learning environment. What does that learning environment look like? Are there specific things you know your child will need, such as different instructional strategies or curricula? Maybe there’s a specific theme or subject that motivates your child, or perhaps your child thrives in a smaller school setting. Write all of these things down. Step 4: Make a list and research schools. To choose the right school or learning environment for your child, you need to know what options are available. Research school choice policies in your state. A free guide to school choice in Minnesota is available at schoolchoiceweek.

com. Start making a list of schools in your area using the Schools Near Me tool. Don’t eliminate any schools because you think they may be hard to get in to or be too expensive. Next, look up information about these schools online so you can get a sense of what they offer. Don’t forget to consider homeschooling and online schools, too. Start narrowing your list down to develop an initial short list of schools to visit. Step 5: Visit schools. School tours are important. Ask as many questions as possible, take detailed notes and visit classrooms, if possible. Look around to get a sense of the school, the teachers, and the school’s values, approach and culture. Throughout your tour, ask yourself: “Is this a learning environment where I can see my child learning, suc-

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E ducation ceeding, being respected, being safe and being happy?” If you’re considering online schools, schedule a phone interview to ask questions. If you’re considering homeschooling, take this time to research your state’s homeschooling rules, policies and laws. Step 6: Evaluate schools. After your tours, look at the notes you took before you started your visits, and your notes from those visits. Which schools or learning environments best meet your child’s needs? Narrow your

list to two or three finalists. Step 7: Choose the school or learning environment that meets your child’s needs. Sit down as a family and choose the school or learning environment that works best for your child.

This is a very personal decision, and every family will pursue this step in a different way. After you’ve decided, it’s time to apply, submit applications, fill out paperwork, and get your child ready for their first day of school.

We reach the market you need to reach. Our newspaper group reaches over 37,500 homes and businesses in the St. Paul area, as well as the Hispanic market of the Twin Cities. To advertise, call 651-457-1177.

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Spring semester starts January 8, 2024! Our students come from many backgrounds and walks of life. We cater to you and your unique needs with flexible class options. We're here to support you with an education that fits your lifestyle.

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St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 15

School Choice Guide Understanding your options when choosing a school

National School Choice Week is January 21-27 Nativity of Our Lord School PreK - 8th Learning through

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ooking for a new school for your student? Registration deadlines for the next school year are fast approaching, so now is the time to do your homework. Families have many choices: public, magnet, parochial or charter schools, as well as homeschooling. Post-high school choices include trade schools, two-year and fouryear colleges and universities. This primer will help you understand the differences among them so you can select the best option for your child.

Open enrollment Minnesota has open enrollment, which means fami-

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ouse e Open H 6th grad 24th January :00pm 5:00 - 7

lies may choose a school that is not within their resident district. State applications are used for open enrollment, and nonresident districts must receive applications by January 15 for the following fall, with some exceptions. Families that apply to a school not assigned to them are responsible for their own transportation.

Public schools Public schools are funded through taxes and operated by local school districts and a board of education. Each student is guaranteed enrollment and is assigned a school near where they live. Busing is free for those outside of walking distance. When selecting a public school, families may want to consider class sizes, studentteacher ratios, academic progress and extra-curricular activities.

Magnet schools A magnet school is part of the public school system but has a curriculum focus that is used in all classes, such as environmental or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Families should ask about the school’s focus, transportation options and if there are additional fees for field trips or supplies. Charter schools Private groups can get a charter to operate a school that uses alternative teaching methods and innovative curriculum. These schools typically have a smaller student population and a lower student-teacher ratio. Charter schools do not charge admission, nor do they have admission requirements to enroll students. They employ licensed teachers and offer services to special needs students. Charter school stu-

Bilingual Program: Spanish and English Dedicated to the development of the academic and socio-emotional identity of our students. Personalized approach to learning Based on state standards Adapted to a bilingual perspective Middle School Sports Transportation for students Free after school and summer school program Folkloric Dance Aztec Dance Mariachi Uniform Mandatory

Start on their path for the High School Seal of Biliteracy.

Colleges The nonprofit College Board offers the following to consider when choosing a college. School Choice / Page 14

Elective Classes in Middle School:

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Page 16 - St. Paul Voice - January 2024

Parochial schools Parochial schools are operated by a church or religious organization and have a curriculum that includes religious instruction. Class sizes and student-teacher ratio are usually small but tuition can be high. Parents should ask about tuition, scholarships, transportation, religious requirements or expectations, and if there are any additional expenses for uniforms or supplies. Online learning While online learning became standard during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a new model. Prior to the pandemic, some schools offered a full online program. Today, some school districts have added an online option as well.

Academia Cesar Chavez (ACC) is a tuition-free community-based elementary and middle school.

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dents are required to take state and national assessments. If the school does not meet academic performance requirements, the charter is revoked and the school is closed. Parents should inquire about the teaching methodology used, how academic progress is measured, if there are any special enrollment requirements or fees, and if the site is the school’s permanent location.

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