St. Paul Voice July 2021 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

The St. Paul Hawks soar at State

Blooming St. Paul

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Volume 55 | Number 7

SPPS offers help to struggling students Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

amilies who fear their children may have fallen behind due to hybrid learning during the pandemic may take advantage of several summer programs offered through St. Paul Public Schools. The programs are available at 25 sites and give all students the opportunity to strengthen their academic skills, prepare for the coming school year and make progress toward graduation. The programs are free and include two meals a day. Transportation is available to most students who live in St. Paul. Keeping students engaged has been the biggest challenge with distance learning over the past two years, said Darren Ginther, director of the Office of College and Career Readiness for St. Paul Public Schools. Ginther said that remote learning, with less in-person support from peers and teachers, made it harder for some students to pay attention during class. Those already struggling typically faced more adversity, he added. The summer programs are possible due to new funding from the State of Minnesota. On May 18, Gov. Tim Walz announced a plan to fund enhanced summer learning programs across the state to help students who experienced learning challenges during the pandemic. Most of the $75 million will go toward expanding existing summer programs but some will be used to create new programs and hire more teachers.

Summer school / Page 2

Your Community News & Information Source

July 2021

HOUSING REPORT

A look at how our local housing market compares to the Twin Cities region Low supply drives up home prices, bidding wars

he number of single-family homes for sale in the Twin Cities metro area is now at a 20-year low, with 46% fewer homes on the market compared to a year ago, according to a recent report from the Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors and Minneapolis Area Realtors. With such low supply, sellers are benefitting

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The Cordelle, a 136-unit apartment complex at 84 Water St. near Harriet Island is one of the West Side’s newest housing projects. Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

New trail on Oakdale Ave.

from high offers and fast sales, while buyers are often forced to offer more than the asking price. Although mortgage rates are at a 50-year low, higher home prices often offset any potential savings from the low rates. “This is the most unusual market I have seen in my 30-plus years,” said local realtor Kathy Kueppers of RE/MAX Results. “First-timers are writing several offers, alHousing report / Page 4

he City of West St. Paul and Dakota County have teamed up to build a multi-use trail along the east side of Oakdale Avenue and a concrete sidewalk along the west side of the street. The $2.8 million project is scheduled for 2023. It is funded, in part, through a $1.78 million federal grant. The County is paying 85% of the remaining cost and the City will pay the rest. Kimley-Horn is the contractor. This is the City’s latest effort to improve gaps in its trail system. In its 2011 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, the Oakdale segment was ranked seventh out of 20 projects. In January 2020, the City and County received a Minnesota State Health Improvement Program grant to study the Oakdale segment. The study looked at adding on-street bike lanes, off-street multi-use trails and sidewalks, and identified the costs of each. Two options were recommended, with nearly unanimous support by the public and other stakeholders for the project that’s been scheduled. The other possibility included onstreet bicycle lanes on each side of the roadway and a concrete sidewalk along Oakdale’s west side. The new trail will provide a continuous trail on the same side of the roadway from the southern city limits to Butler Avenue. For more information, visit www.wspmn.gov or call 651-552-4100.

After three decades, the Rev. Mark Aune says farewell to Augustana Lutheran John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer

he Rev. Mark Aune, who will retire as the senior pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 S. Robert St., West St. Paul, will deliver his final sermon on Sunday, June 27. His tenure at Augustana has spanned 32 years, the lon-

gest since the church was founded in 1907. The path that brought Aune to Augustana in 1989 is a rather circuitous one. After graduating from high school in Grand Rapids, Minn., in June 1974, he attended Moorhead State College for a year and a half before transferring to Augsburg College in Minneapolis.

“I crammed four years of college into five years,” he said with a smile, “and graduated from Augsburg with a major in elementary education in June of 1979.” Upon graduation, Aune accepted an invitation extended by his roommate and a few others to join an 8-member International Lutheran Youth Encounter

outreach team. With music their common thread, it was a 14-month commitment that included stints working and singing at a Summer Bible Camp at Green Lake in Spicer, Minn., and spending three months each in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Mark Aune / Page 10

Submitted photo

The Reverend Mark Aune and wife Janice

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Summer school from page 1

In the past, only students who were required by their school district to attend summer school participated

in the programs. Now, any student may take advantage of the opportunity. “The best way to assess if

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your student is falling behind is to have regular communication with their teachers,” said Bobbie Burnham, assistant commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Education. “Their teachers are constantly assessing them and have data to show. Talking directly with the student and asking them what’s working and what’s not is helpful, too.” To find summer programs offered through St. Paul Public Schools, visit www. spps.org/summer. For more details call 651-767-8100.

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Hamline University dean’s list: Nancy Ambriz, Madison Maricle, Lensa Mohammed, Charles Rundquist, Pa Thao, Manee Vang and Sarah Ziskin University of WisconsinStout dean’s list: Bella AriasBenton, Eric Burrell, Jessica Dewald, Jacob Redding and Lydia Wagner Norbert College dean’s list: Amanda Reding Southern New Hampshire University president’s list: Sarah Velchek and Daylene Currier University of Mississippi honor roll: Kaitlin Wilhoit

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Hawks finish runners-up in the State Badminton Tournament John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer

On June 3, the St. Paul Humboldt Hawks finished runners-up in the 26th annual Minnesota State High School Badminton Tournament. Under the leadership of Head Coach Bill Norberg, now in his 10th season, the team completed its best season in program history. The Hawks finished the regular season 14-6, and

7-5 in the talent-rich St. Paul City Conference, which continues its long history of dominating the sport of badminton in Minnesota. One of those losses was a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of St. Paul Washington. Led by a strong and resilient senior class, the Hawks turned the tables in a big way in the state semifinals, beating Washington 4-3. St. Paul Johnson prevailed

6-1 in the championship match. With the win, the #1 Governors completed a clean sweep with state titles in singles, doubles and the team competition, but that did little to dampen the spirits of the Hawks. “Our team came together at the right time and everyone believed in each other,” said senior Lay Lay. “We instilled a positive attitude and it was contagious.”

STA names new athletic director Greg May has been named director of athletics and activities at St. Thomas Academy. In this role he will direct 35 teams in 15 different sports, 43 activities and clubs, and more than 100 coaches and moderators. May comes to STA from the University of Minnesota, where he was director of operations for men’s hockey

and a member of the coaching staff. Previously, he was associate director of athletics for The Blake School (2016-2019) and a health and physical education teacher for ISD 191 Burnsville-Eagan-Savage (20082016). While at Blake, he was an assistant boys varsity golf coach and head coach of the boys varsity hockey

team. At ISD 191, he was an assistant coach for boys hockey (2010-2014), boys lacrosse (2009) and boys golf (2013). From 2014-16, he was head hockey coach for Farmington Public Schools, where he led the team to the school’s first ever Class AA State Tournament and was named Section 1AA Head Coach of the Year in 2016.

(Back row, left to right) Coaches Koua Xiong, Bill Norberg and Steve Aeilts; (middle) Yurneewa Paw, Julia Win, Kler Shee Hku, Lay Lay, Let Let, Naw Ka You Paw; (front) Eh Kler Shee Wah, Blue Moo Paw, Htoo Eh Say and Paw Tha Blay Wah. MERRIAM PARK

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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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Housing report from page 1

ways over the list price. There is tough competition among first-timers and empty-nesters for smaller homes. The condo market is usually the slowest portion but is very hot now. There is an enormous inventory shortage. It’s a fantastic time to be a seller but tough to be a buyer.” This inventory shortage is further emphasized by Justin Fox, a realtor with RE/MAX Professionals in downtown St. Paul. “Inventory sits at a 1.1 month supply for housing under $313,000,” said Fox. “That means if we stopped listing houses today, it would take 1.1 months to sell every house currently on the market in that price range. We’ve tracked this metric since 2005, and this is its lowest point since then. We consider a market balanced when the supply is between four and six months. This equates to a feeding frenzy where buyers are offering higher prices and far less contingencies so they can get something.”

Local stats Here’s how the market has changed in the St. Paul Voice distribution area over the past year. Data is through April 2021. • Median prices on the West Side increased by 10%, from $217,500 to $240,000. Homes sold 27% faster, shrinking from 41 to 30 days on the market. • Median prices in West St. Paul rose more than 8.5%, from $240,000 to $260,500. Homes sold 41% faster, dipping from 56 to 33 days on the market. • In Mendota Heights, median prices have increased by a whopping 51.5 percent and now sit at $500,000. Days on the market increased 6%, with houses sitting on the market for 67 days.

Market trends First-time buyers and empty-nesters looking to downsize are competing with each other, with most homes staying on the market

for only about a month and selling for over the asking price. Homeowners looking to upgrade aren’t necessarily as worried about selling their existing home as they are about finding a new one. Sales of luxury properties ($1M+) are up over 50% from last year. Condos saw the strongest growth over the past year and sales for new construction far outpaced those of existing homes. New construction sales rose 32.5% compared to a 2.6% increase for existing homes. Overall sales were up 23% in Minneapolis and 8% in St. Paul, indicating that buyer interest remains strong in the urban core.

Rentals About 45% of households in St. Paul are renter-occupied. The average rent for an apartment in St. Paul is $1,317, same as last year. Average rent in Minneapolis is $1,559, a 3% decrease from last year. Here are several multifamily projects underway in our readership area:

Downtown St. Paul Degree of Honor Building, 325 Cedar St. - This former office building was recently converted to 78 upscale units. They are mostly studios, with some 1- and 2-bedroom units. The company is currently offering 14-month leases. Rent is $1,110 for a studio, $1,453 for a 1-bedroom, $1,774 for a 2-bedroom. Park Square Court building, 400 Sibley St. Madison Equities is converting this historic 1880s-era building into 100 marketrate apartments with occupancy expected in mid- to late-2021. Empire Building, 400 Robert St. N. - This project, also by Madison Equities, has 150 units, mostly studios and one-bedrooms. Seven Corners Gateway, 7th and Kellogg - Kaeding Development Group of Bloomington is developing a 144-unit apartment complex across the street from the Xcel Center. The complex will feature studios, 1- and 2-bedroom “plush” rental units, a shared office suite, sky deck, private un-

derground parking and a street-level bar and restaurant. A 120-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel and a 40,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza are also part of the project. Waterford Bay Apartments, 380 Randolph Ave. - Chicago-based developer Stoneleigh Cos. is constructing a 243-unit building on the site of the former Xcel Energy Island Station power plant. Occupancy is expected this fall. The building will feature market-rate micro, studio, 1- and 2-bedroom luxury apartments. Rents range from $1,100 to $2,220. Amenities include 9-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and private balconies. The site will have paved walking and biking trails, a public kayak launch and connections to the regional trail system. The Gallery, 460 Wacouta St. - Burnsville-based Chase Realty is constructing a 5-story building with 140 market-rate studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Rents will range from $1,200-$2,200. Amenities

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include a gym, lounge, rooftop patio, and underground and surface parking. It is expected to open in August.

West Side The Cordelle, 84 Water St. Reuter Walton Co. built this 7-story, 136-unit apartment complex near Harriet Island. It includes mostly studio and 1-bedroom apartments, with rent for studios starting at $1,000 a month, and 1-bedrooms at $1,100 a month. West St. Paul Gateway Place, near Annapolis and South Robert streets - A Dakota County CDA project, this building will provide 54 units of affordable “workforce” housing in studio and 1-bedroom apartments. Building amenities include an underground parking garage, community and exercise rooms and central laundry. Studios are $700 and one-beds are $850. Underground parking spaces rent for $30 a month. Suite Living, 938 S. Robert St. - Part of Suite Living Senior Care, this 1-story apartment building will in-

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H ousing clude 12 memory care units and 20 assisted living units. Construction by Hampton Companies began earlier this year. Savor Apartments, at Wentworth and Robert Roers Companies is heading up this development, which will feature 200 apartments ranging from studios to 2-bedrooms. Amenities will include a coffee bar, clubroom, rooftop lounge and deck, semi-private workfrom-home spaces, game room, package delivery system, fitness center, yoga studio, outdoor grill station and

Your community news and information source more. Occupancy will begin in summer 2022. Westlyn, on the former Thompson Oaks golf course site - A 153-unit marketrate apartment building is being constructed and is estimated to open in spring 2022. The building will feature studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units. Amenities include a pet-friendly atmosphere, top floor lounge, rooftop deck, clubroom with outdoor patio, fitness center, coffee bar and climate-controlled parking. A 60-unit townhome project is also planned for the east

side of the property. Legacy Commons and Hilltop, 50 Signal Hills Center - This is a 2-building complex by Dominium at the site of the former Kmart at Signal Hills Shopping Center. Legacy Commons will offer 247 units of senior housing, a fitness center, card/craft room, beauty salon, outdoor dining areas and grilling stations. Hilltop will offer 146 units of affordable “workforce” housing, a kids’ playroom, fitness room, clubroom, pool, cabana areas, grilling stations and

playground. Both will offer 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms.

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A community in bloom Tara Guy Flaherty Contributor

he beautiful displays of hanging flower baskets that add glorious splashes of color to public spaces across the city don’t happen by

magic, even though it might appear that way. They are made possible by the hard work of Tony Singerhouse, St. Paul’s lead landscaper, and his 2-person gardening crew, who work from dawn until dusk in late May and

early June to hang 600 baskets. The riotous profusion of flowers is the most visible aspect of the city’s awardwinning Blooming St. Paul landscaping and gardening program, administered by the Natural Resources crew

of St. Paul Parks and Recreation. The baskets made their debut in 1999 when John Labosky, then president of the Capital City Partnership, Bill Morrissey, general manager of the St. Paul Hotel and the Rice Park Association partnered to purchase and hang 108 baskets in Rice Park. The effort received an enthusiastic boost after the St. Paul Garden Club visited Chicago that summer to evaluate the Chicago Grows program. Club members came home and proposed a similar undertaking to thenMayor Randy Kelly and the St. Paul City Council. Under their auspices, the baskets were officially incorporated into the Blooming St. Paul program in 2005. “The program thrives as a result of dedicated staff, phenomenal community volunteers, and partner support,” said Adam Robbins, Natural Resources supervisor for the city. “Our business community sponsors, the St. Paul Garden Club, Ramsey County Master Gardeners, the St. Paul Parks Conservancy, individual community volunteers, corporate volunteers, and many more

contribute to these efforts. The City is currently funding the purchase of the baskets, but it is through community sponsorships that we can keep them watered and looking beautiful.” The Natural Resources program manages approximately 3,000 individual and group volunteers who provide about 8,500 work hours annually. “Really, it is the volunteers that do all the work,” said Tricia Wehrle, the city’s volunteer coordinator for the Natural Resources division. “We have really great people we work with, so that makes it easy.” With the continued backing of subsequent mayors and councils, Blooming St. Paul eventually expanded to include extensive gardening and landscaping improvements all over the city. It includes the Blooming St. Paul Showcase, which recognizes extraordinary gardens created by residents and business owners. It’s an annual collaboration between Parks and Rec., the St. Paul Garden Club, the St. Paul Parks Conservancy and the Ramsey County Master Gardeners. Awards weren’t given last year due to the pandemic but the competition has resumed, and nominations are currently being sought for outstanding gardens in the following categories: business/institutional, microgarden, residential garden, edible garden, landmark tree and youth gardening. Detailed category descriptions and nomination forms are available at https://growstpl.com. Nominations are accepted through July 5.

Community partners Founded in 1927, the St. Paul Garden Club’s volunteers have been helping beautify Rice Park for decades, and their grant program helps community groups create and revitalize gardens across the city. The club was a vital partner in the recent $1 million renovation of Rice Park, which included a $250,000 maintenance fund managed by the

St. Paul Parks Conservancy, the Rice Park Association and the Garden Club. Another invaluable resource for city staff and residents is the Ramsey County Master Gardener program, operated as part of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Last season the Master Gardeners contacted the Showcase nominees, learned about their gardens, collected their gardening secrets and stories, and helped assemble a virtual Showcase. In addition, the Master Gardener volunteers stand ready all season long to provide gardening advice, troubleshoot problems, offer eco-friendly gardening advice and help people identify plants and insects. Residents may connect with master gardeners online via Zoom every Wednesday and Saturday noon-1 p.m. through September 29 at www.ramseymastergardeners.org. Perhaps most important of all, the hard work of city staff and community volunteers pays dividends in the form of residents, workers and visitors who appreciate the flower-filled city environment. “Having lived in Lowertown since 1990, my experience is that for a relatively small investment by the City of St. Paul, the hanging flower baskets bring only joy and a splash of color to those who see them,” said Crystal Meriwether. “There is only an ‘upside’ to the program and hopefully the city will continue to see it the same way.” Joe Spencer, president of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance concurs. “Blooming St. Paul makes a terrific impact on the downtown experience, especially now, as we’re so excited to welcome our workers and visitors back. It fits in perfectly with our Welcome Back campaign to bring events, activities and people back to downtown. People are going to be excited to come back, but they’ll be even more excited to come back to such a beautiful downtown.”

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N ews Briefs

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{ THE FULLER FILES } The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation is looking for a CEO to replace Deb Schaber, who held the position for four years. The Foundation organizes the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Cinco de Mayo Festival West Side. Due to COVID restrictions, this spring’s Cinco de Mayo event was cancelled and the 2021 Winter Carnival had a curtailed schedule of events at the State Fairgrounds. Downtown bikeway The St. Paul City Council has approved construction of the western leg of the downtown bikeway. The $2 million project will begin at Kellogg Boulevard and Wabasha Street, head north on Wabasha to 10th Street, turn west of 10th Street for a block and continue north on St. Peter until crossing over the I-94 bridge and reaching

the State Capitol area. The current parking lanes will be removed and replaced by bike lanes. The north section on 10th Street, from St. Peter to Jackson, and the east section on Jackson, from Kellogg to 11th Street, have been completed. Arts grants - Ten minority arts groups have received grants totaling $12.8 million from an initiative comprised of the McKnight, Bush, Ford and Jerome foundations. The grants are for Black, Indigenous, Latino and Asian groups that have made a significant impact on the community during the past decade. The St. Paul Farmers’ Market is hosting a satellite market 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Securian building, 400 Robert St. The traditional satellite markets held on Tuesdays and Thurs-

by Roger Fuller

days at Seventh Place were canceled this summer. St. Paul Downtown Alliance will hold about 300 events in downtown through September. The group will continue to have its twoperson street teams to greet visitors, clean up trash and remove graffiti. Trivia events and pop-up concerts throughout downtown are planned. The Green Line light rail transit train and busses are now operating at full capacity. Metro Transit still encourages passengers

to wear masks and observe social distancing when possible. The decision to restore full service was based on an increase in vaccinations and a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths due to the COVID-19 virus. During the pandemic ridership was down 56% on busses and down 67% on trains. The Buttered Tin Bakery and Café, located at 237 7th St. E. since 2013, is opening a cafe in northeast Minneapolis. It will be in the Gateway Northeast building at Lowry Avenue and Marshall Street. Metro Square - The glass façade on the Metro Square building at 121 7th Pl. E.

is being removed during a $5.5 million maintenance project. Passersby can now see portions of the original brick and terra cotta building that was built in 1911 as the Emporium department store. When the Emporium closed in the 1950s the building was covered with a metal façade. Several decades later the present glass was installed. The project is expected to be completed by 2022. The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary will hold “Restore!” events under the direction of the Lower Phalen Creek Project.

Volunteers will remove invasive species 5:30-7:30 p.m., July 13, and 9-11 a.m., July 24. A program on cottonwood trees is also planned for July. For more information, visit www.lowerphalencreekproject.org/events. The St. Paul City Council denied a request of Madison Equities to close the skyway bridge between the Park Square Court building and Mears Park Place apartments for three years as it converts the top three floors of the 5-story building into apartments. Madison Equities may submit another request for a shorter period of time.

Bike sale to benefit DARTS Cycling enthusiast Rick Anderson will host his 13th annual bike sale Saturday, July 10, benefitting West St. Paul-based DARTS, and Kids ’n’ Kinship. The sale takes place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Superior Service Center, 14580 Glenda Dr., Apple Valley. It will feature more than 900 bikes priced between $20 and $500. You’ll find road bikes, mountain bikes, cross bikes, city bikes, cruisers, hybrids, BMX, vintage and classics. Brands include Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Schwinn, Raleigh, Giant and Fuji. Throughout the year, An-

derson and other volunteers gather and tune up donated bikes for the sale. Their efforts have resulted in more than $273,000 donated to the two organizations. DARTS provides services and volunteer opportunities helping Dakota County older adults stay engaged in the community, and Kids ’n’ Kinship matches kids ages 5-16 with volunteer mentors. For more information on the sale, visit www.ricksbikesale.com. Learn more about Kids ’n’ Kinship at www.Kidsnkinship.org, and DARTS at www.dartsconnects.org.

Grand opening

Beautiful Laundrette, which opened at 625 Stryker Ave. in the fall of 2019, is finally hosting its grand opening celebration. It had been planned for early 2020 but was put on hold due to the pandemic. The event will take place Saturday, July 17, beginning at 3 p.m., and include food, prizes, live music and other entertainment. For more details, visit www.beautifullaundrette.com.

YES!

We’re back this fall. fall semester starts August 23 Return to our campus this fall, as we plan a semester with significantly more in-person learning. A Saint Paul College education will cost you less and give you more. Our tuition is among the lowest anywhere, and many financial assistance options make it even more affordable. With over 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Saint Paul College has something for everyone. Act now to ensure the best course selection and financial aid opportunities!

Register Now! saintpaul.edu/fallstart Document available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by contacting 651.350.3008 or AccessResources@saintpaul.edu. Saint Paul College is an Equal Opportunity employer

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St. Paul Voice - July 2021 - Page 7

S ample St. Paul

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History Center

who changed their commu- eration,” “Then Now Wow” nities. Learn how featured and “Weather Permitting.” objects reflect pivotal moThe Center is open 10 ments in their lives. a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sun. “Our Home: Native Min- Tickets are $12 for adults, Located inside Rhythm Shoes Dance and $10 forandseniors and Studio college “Sinclair Lewis: 100 nesota.” View historic students and $6 for children Years of Main Street.” Dis- contemporary photographs, Let our professionally trained and Learnlashages fivehelp to 17; Tuescover the legacy of Sinclair maps and artifacts. licensed artists youfree lookon your Native days, 3-8 p.m. with beautiful, soft, high-quality Lewis, an author from Min- how Minnesota’sbest extensions. retained nesota, whose literary works communities haveeyelash and social critiques of Amer- cultural practices, teachings By appointment only. To schedule, Landmark Center 651.226.4086 or75 email and values, and antext essential ican life ring true today. W. 5th St. info@rhythmiclash.comSt. Paul “Extraordinary Wom- connection to home. Other exhibits en.” Walk among extraor651-292-3225 1515 Fifth Avenue South, Suite A, South St. Paulinclude: | rhythmiclash.com | 651.226.4086 dinary Minnesotan women “Minnesota’s Greatest Genwww.landmarkcenter.org 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org

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The Landmark Center offers two free guided walking tours this summer. The Rice Park tour circles one of St. Paul’s most iconic parks and observes the surrounding buildings that gave the park its central role in city events and celebrations. The tour is held at 10 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month, through Aug. 18. It departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W. The Great River tour travels along the Mississippi, highlighting buildings and locations that helped make St. Paul the city it is today. This tour is held at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, through Aug. 25. It departs from Upper Landing Park at Shephard Road and Chestnut Street. Advanced regis-

tration is required for both tours. For more information, visit www.landmarkcenter. org or call 651-292-3276.

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

“Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice” - Learn about dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes, and explore the hot and cold habitats they once roamed. Other exhibits and activities include The Scramble, The Studio, Creativity Jam, Sprouts, Backyard, Our World, Forces at Play, Super Awesome Adventures, Imaginopolis and the Tip Top Terrace. The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.Sun. All visitors must make a reservation. Tickets are $14.95.

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Current exhibitions are only on view from outside the building, installed in the windows on Robert and 4th streets and in the Ecolab entrance in the skyway. Exhibits include: St. Paul Public Schools Honors Visual Art, June 27-July 17. The exhibit celebrates the skills, creativity and achievements of student artists from each public high school in St. Paul. Many Waters: A Minnesota Biennial, July 24-Oct. 2. The exhibit examines ways artists across the state are engaging with water. Wise, Gifted, and Black:

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KEEP IT

LO SE

Don’t bag your recyclables Place items loose in your recycling cart and keep all plastic bags out. Return plastic bags to retailers. For drop-off locations, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling guide.

Page 8 - St. Paul Voice - July 2021

S ample St. Paul Art by the Magnificent Golden Agers, June 27July 17. A group of women elders known as the Magnificent Golden Agers have created collages, prose and poetry, and photographs on the themes of black identity and the intersection of art and activism. Free art kits with supplies and activities related to the exhibit are available for pick-up 1-3 p.m., Sunday, July 11.

Music & Movies St. Paul’s Parks and Recreation department is hosting outdoor concerts and movies in the parks. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset. Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring food and a blanket or lawn chair. For more information, visit www.stpaul.gov or call 651292-6508. Movies: “Tom and Jerry (2021),” July 23 at the Northwest Como Recreation Center, 1550 Hamline Ave. N.; “Toy Story 4,” July 27 at the Hayden Heights Recreation Center, 1965 Hoyt Ave. E.; and “Up,” July 30 at the West Minnehaha Recreation Center, 685 Minnehaha Ave. W. Concerts at Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Pkwy. N.: Como Pops, 3-4:30 p.m., July 4; Explosion Big Band, 7-8 p.m., July 5; Fridley City Band, 7-8 p.m., July 6; Stan Bann’s Big Bone Band, 7-8 p.m., July 11; North Star Chorus, 7-8:30 p.m., July 13; Minnesota Sinfonia, 7-8:30 p.m., July 15; Beasley’s Big

Your community news and information source

Band, 7-8:30 p.m., July 18; Bend in the River Big Band, 7-8:30 p.m., July 19; Sweat Beat Big Band, 7-8:30 p.m., July 20; Minnesota Sinfonia, 7-8:30 p.m., July 22; Zorongo Flamenco Dance Company, 7-8:30 p.m., July 23; Open Pages, 7-8:30 p.m., July 25; Vox Nova Chorale, 7-8 p.m., July 26; St. Anthony Park Community Band, 7-8:30 p.m., July 27. Mears Park - 221 5th St. E. All shows are from noon1 p.m. TBD, July 6 and July 7; Natalie Fideler, July 13; The Issues, July 20; Women’s Drum Center, July 21; Pelicant, July 27; and Westwind Swing Band, July 28. Rice Park, 109 4th St. W. All shows are from noon-1 p.m. Jeff Ray, July 12; TBD, July 19 and July 26. The City of West St. Paul is hosting outdoor movies this summer. “Trolls World Tour” will be shown at 9 p.m., Friday, July 16 at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W. Lowertown Sounds will present free concerts 6-9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, July 8-Aug. 26, in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are in-

vited to bring blankets and chairs. Concerts are: Flamin’ Ohs and Kiss the Tiger, July 8; The Shackletons and Henry Invisible, July 15; Annie Mack and Maudlin, July 22; Salsa del Soul and Atlantis Quartet, July 29. For more information, visit www.lowertownsounds.com. Bands on the Boulevard - Local acts from the First Avenue music scene in Minneapolis will be featured at the “Bands on the Boulevard” outdoor concert series this summer at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. Free concerts will be held 6:30-8 p.m. every Tuesday in July. Food and activities open at 5:45 p.m. Visitors may bring lawn chairs and picnics. The lineup includes: Roe Family Singers, July 6; Bluedog, July 13; Malamanya, July 20; The Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra, July 27. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org or call 651-259-3000. Groovin’ in the Garden - Free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday in July in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. Food and beverages will

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be available for purchase. Lawn games will be available. Guests are invited to bring blankets and chairs. The lineup includes: TBA, July 7; The Innocent Reggae Band, July 14; Flamin’ Oh’s, July 21; and Kiss the Tiger, July 28. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org. Union Depot is hosting drive-in movies in Lot D, located near Kellogg boulevard. Shows are: “Jurassic Park,” 9:15 p.m., June 25; TBD (Facebook poll), 9 p.m., July 23; “Moana,” 8:30 p.m., Aug. 27; and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Sept. 24, time TBD. Each event features a chance to win a thematic prize basket. Concessions will be available. Tickets are $15 per vehicle. To purchase tickets, visit uniondepot.org/ depotdrivein. Codesweat Entertainment and The Good, The

Volunteers 55+ Needed

Earn a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, training, recognition and pride know you are making a difference in your community by helping seniors stay independent and active. Opportunities also exist working with children in schools as a Foster Grandparent. To learn more, contact Jacqueline James at 651.310.9455, Jacqueline.James@ lssmn.org.

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Bad, and The Funky will perform a free outdoor concert 5:30-9 p.m., July 10 at Dual Citizen Brewing, 725 Raymond Ave. For more information, visit www.lowertownbluesfestival.com. Keg and Case Market, 928 7th St W., is hosting “Rock What You Got” 5-7 p.m., Sundays, July 4-Aug. 22. This series features female comics and local musical artists. Admission is free. The St. Paul Downtown Alliance is hosting the St. Paul Jazz and Blues concert series 4:30-6 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays in July (ex-

cept July 4), at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. “Trivia Mafia” is offered 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays in July at The Loon Café, 426 St. Peter St. “One More Saturday Night” music series takes place 5-10 p.m., July 10, at Big River Pizza, 280 5th St. E. Fitness in the Park - The City of West St. Paul is offering Yoga Flow 6:30-7:30 p.m., July 15 at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W. Ages 16 and older. Registration is required two weeks in advance. For more information, visit www.wspmn.gov/ rec or call 651-552-4100.

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Visit www.stpaulpublishing.com/schoolchoice to explore these schools and for tips on how to choose a school that best fits your student's and family's needs.

318 W. Water St., St. Paul 651.227.1549 Mon.-Fri. 8-5 Sat. 8-2 Sun. closed

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Grand Opening Celebration St. Paul College COLLEGES / UNIVERSITIES 235 Marshall Ave., St.July Paul 17 Saturday, 651-846-1600 3 p.m.-sundown https://saintpaul.edu ¶Live Music ¶Food ¶Prizes ¶Community Resource Fair

PAROCHIAL

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St. Paul Voice - July 2021 - Page 9

C ommunity

Your community news and information source Nancy Brady President

Social work students make a difference

Neighborhood House is home to a number of social services and programs, from food and housing support to education services and crisis resources. Through these programs, families find assistance and support to fulfill their basic needs, allowing them to pursue other goals. Among these programs you’ll find interns pursuing degrees in social work. Both undergraduate and graduate students from colleges across the area work with Neighbor-

Mark Aune from page 1

“It was in December of 1979 in the midst of our involvement in youth ministry and leading worship services in New Zealand that I first felt the call that would eventually lead to my decision to enter the seminary,” he recalled. In August 1980, he was hired as the youth director at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights. In the fall of 1981, he attended

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Luther Seminary in St. Paul part-time and a year later he became a full-time student. Aune was a junior at Augsburg in 1977 when he met incoming freshman Janis Blomgren. The relationship survived a stumbling block or two and their love was sealed unto eternity when they were married on June 5, 1982. Aune was ordained as a Lutheran minister on June 8, 1986, at the age of 30. His first call was to the United Lutheran Church in Gilbert,

Optimists Wanted

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hood House and its participants as part of their coursework and field work hours. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Students gain the experience they need and Neighborhood House can expand its capacity and support more families. Students are supervised and supported by field instructor Barb Swaiman, who has undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work, 20 years experience as a school social worker and experience as a case manager. She has also taught at Augsburg University. Having had to complete similar supervised hours for her own degrees, she understands the importance of field work. “The whole purpose of having an internship, especially as a social worker, is that you can only learn so much from a textbook and a classroom,” she said. “It’s really all about working with real humans, and it’s difficult to learn that in a textbook or an article that was assigned to you.” Julie, who is pursuing her master’s degree in social work, works in the Family Center program. “[Family Center’s] goal is to help families reach sustainability and empower them to live the lives that they need and want,” she said. “We help them connect to resources

to do that and to overcome some of the tough stuff that arises in life.” Zaki, also pursuing her master’s degree, works in the Housing Stability program. “There’s not as many resources for housing or even other needs Neighborhood House covers, like toiletries and cleaning supplies,” said Zaki. “I think it’s our job to be the flexible ones and figure out how we can best help the participant because they already have enough stress on their plate.” Both Julie and Zaki chose to intern with Neighborhood House because of its diverse community and the number of services provided. While their internships looked different than expected due to the pandemic, they are both thankful for the experience. “I think I’ve learned a lot of things that no one would have anticipated,” said Julie. Zaki added, “I’ve learned so much. It’s been a masterclass in you-never-know-what’s-gonna-happen and you-do-whatyou-need-to-do. Where you are needed is where you can help the most.” For more information, visit www.neighb.org.

Minn., located on the Iron Range just 50 miles from his home in Grand Rapids. Three years later, in March 1989, Gary Langness, the senior pastor at Augustana at the time, was in search of an associate pastor. The Rev. Ron Peterson, a mutual friend of Langness and Aune, convinced Langness that Aune was the perfect fit for the job. “In the morning on the same day I was scheduled to interview with the Augustana Call Committee, I had an interview for a chaplain residency at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis,” said Aune. “After my interview with Augustana, I drove to Janis’ parents’ home in Bloomington where we were staying and I said to her, ‘It’s time to pack our bags, we’re going to Augustana.’ At that moment, for me, there was 100% clarity. My call was to become a parish pastor, not a chaplain.” It was not only a perfect fit for Mark Aune, it was also a perfect fit for Janis, who graduated with a double major in history and religion at Augsburg and also studied

plans of the Aune family, there are none. At this juncture, Mark and Janis feel no need to rush into anything. Their two children are thriving. Stefan, with a doctorate from the University of Michigan, is teaching at New York University, and Ingrid is employed at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. As a member at Augustana, it has been my pleasure to build a friendship with Mark Aune. He is a man of his word and if he says he is in no hurry, he means it. He has a rather fancy black pickup that he adores. I have a gut-feeling that it will make its way up to his rather modest cabin near Orr, Minn., in God’s Country. It has all the makings of an appropriate place for him to continue to follow the Holy Spirit.

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piano and organ. A very gifted musician, she not only set up a Piano Studio in her home, she also exhibited her considerable talents regularly in the church sanctuary. Aune served as the associate pastor at Augustana for 13 years. He became the senior pastor after Langness retired in 2002. Currently, church membership is 2,200. During his tenure, there have been two major renovations at the church. Although the pandemic has severely curtailed how houses of worship serve their members, Aune is confident that Augustana’s future burns bright. “There is an outstanding staff and lay leadership here that will continue to provide exceptional ministry and support,” he said. “Augustana is in very good hands.” Meanwhile, the Augustana Call Committee is working in concert with the St. Paul Area Synod in the search for a new senior pastor. The Synod will select an interim senior pastor to serve until Aune’s successor is called and installed. As to the immediate

Excerpts from Aune’s retirement letter: “It has been a great privilege to serve you as one of our pastors since August 1, 1989. I have had the joy of proclaiming God’s saving Word from the pulpit,

baptizing the faithful, sharing the Lord’s Supper, leading worship, hospital calling, officiating at weddings and walking the holy ground of funerals. I have faithfully tried to do all the things you called me to do as one of your pastors. “I come to this decision after much prayer and discernment. I have felt in my heart the last few years a gentle nudging from the Holy Spirit that it is time for me to retire as your senior pastor. It has become clear to me that our community life together will return to some sense of normalcy by the fall of 2021 and this is a good time for me to step away and make way for new leadership. “It is not an easy decision because of my deep love for you and this remarkable church. But it is time, and this is one more moment for me to trust the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit in my life. We move forward in faith, trusting in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you Augustana!” With my love and thanks, Pastor Mark R. Aune

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Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO

It’s a marathon, not a sprint As someone who has run several marathons, I use that adage from a place of experience. A marathon is an apt way to describe what we have been through with the pandemic. Arguably, the race is not yet over but we can certainly see the finish line. If you have ever run a marathon, you know that at the starting line you are surrounded by fellow runners. When the race starts, energy begins to release as the 26.2-mile journey begins. People cheer you on and provide fluids and

Postscript

A change of scenery

The old wooden folding table belonged to my grandma but I don’t remember her ever using it. After she moved out of her house and into a retirement home, my sister inherited the table but she didn’t use it much either. The unusual table is uniquely compact, with four wooden folding chairs that can be stowed neatly underneath so, when all folded up, the whole thing rolls on casters. My husband Peter and I are moving to be closer to family, and don’t yet have a serviceable table for our new place. “Bring the folding table when you come,” I told my sister. “We’ll use it until we find a new table.” Peter and I were ready to move our furniture when we learned the moving truck had broken down on the

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

way to our house, delaying the move. Peter stayed behind to help load the truck when it finally arrived, and I went ahead to meet the movers. I spent four nights in a sleeping bag on the floor but when my parents and sister came to visit, they brought the table. Peter and I did not spend Christmas of 2019 with my family, but rushed home to see his sister, Lori, who was very ill. We thought it might be her last Christmas. We were wrong. We celebrated

nourishment to help you along the way. Also, something unique happens. You bond with your fellow runners. You use each other for encouragement and support, as you all work toward the same goal: finishing the race. At some point — and it happens to everyone — you hit the wall. Your legs feel like bricks, if you can feel them at all. You begin to second-guess yourself. Your pace is slower than ever. You fight the urge to drop out. Then it happens: you reach a point of no return. You reach deep down, run faster and, somehow, you finish the race. During the past 15 months, my columns have taken readers on a journey about navigating the work of Neighbors during unprecedented times. We have recognized the contributions of our dedicated donors and volunteers. We have found many bright spots to lift our spirits during difficult situations. We have confronted issues regarding racial justice, and we have been impacted by political polarization. Through it all, we have never stopped running the race. I want to take a moment to thank my fellow runners in the marathon: the staff at Neighbors, who have performed admirably and bonded as a team. When the pandemic began, it is fair to say that it felt more like a sprint. The team quickly transformed the ways

in which we served the community. They made physical changes to our space and found new ways to keep people safe and meet the demand. The first few weeks were hectic, scary, full of energy and invigorating. It didn’t take long to realize that it was, in fact, going to be a marathon and not a sprint. As the days turned into weeks and then months, the team pressed on. We received encouragement from volunteers, donors and others along the way. We leaned on each other and continued forward. Our wall came in November when, in the midst of our busiest time of year, we had to go without volunteers for a second time due to the governor’s stay-at-home recommendation. The team took a deep breath and continued on the journey. In February we started to sense the finish line, and now we are in the home stretch. The Neighbors’ team ran the race together. They are finishing it together. I am so proud of each one of them for showing up every day and providing service and support to our neighbors in need. As with every marathon, when it is finished, the runners rest. To that end, the Neighbors team will be taking a much-needed break. We will be closed July 5-9 and will reopen on July 12, refreshed and ready for the next race. For more details, visit www.neighborsmn.org.

the next Christmas with her before she died. I did not see my family again until this past week, 17 months later, when they arrived with my grandma’s table. “It’s been so long!” everyone kept saying. I got lost leading them out of the parking garage, and we ended up taking the heavy wooden folding table on a tour of the neighborhood. The table rattled along on its 75-year-old casters and made a heck of a racket as we rolled down the street. My dad laughed. “Do we even know where we’re going?!” “Do you think someone is catching this on a security camera?” my sister asked. I felt as if I had not been away for 17 months, or even a day. Our furniture finally arrived on Saturday, and on Sunday morning, still surrounded by boxes, I discovered we were within earshot of three churches with bell towers. I sat out on our little balcony in the sunshine and called Peter. “All the bells are ringing!”

“They just perked up when they got a change of scenery.” Peter still hasn’t seen this new place we bought during the pandemic, and I know he still has some trepidation. But I am feeling so much better. It is good to be closer to family. We will be able to see more of our old friends and both Peter’s relatives and mine. We’re looking forward to trying new restaurants and

riding our bikes and doing a lot of things we haven’t done in a long time. Of course, there will be things we will miss. But right now I’m feeling like one of my grandma’s old wooden folding chairs, all decked out in a fancy new seat cushion. I’m thinking a change of scenery will do us both a world of good. Till next time.

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I told him. My parents and sister came to visit one more time before I left, and this time they brought along my brother-in-law, niece and nephew. My niece is now completely grown up and my nephew went from being a child to a teenager while I was away. I had tied brightly colored seat cushions onto the old wooden folding chairs and my mother didn’t recognize them. “Those aren’t the same chairs!” she said, amazed. “They are,” I told her.

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St. Paul City School District

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St. Paul City Primary School 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul St. Paul City Middle School 643 Virginia St., St. Paul River's Edge Academy High School 188 West Plato Blvd., St. Paul

• Free public charter school • Small class sizes (25 or fewer) • Full day pre-school and kindergarten • Emphasis on community • Environmental Ed / Experiential Learning programs • Free school busing in St. Paul for Pre-K-12th grade • Free breakfast & lunch available • Special education services • English language learning services • School culture that emphasizes relationships, community building, leadership and character growth.

WANTED Vintage Records, Turntables & Stereo Equipment

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St. Paul Voice

Your community news and advertising source since 1966

651.457.1144 Call 651-248-7274

St. Paul Voice - July 2021 - Page 11

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

ESTAMOS CONTRATANDO SELF SERVICE SAVES! CONDUCTORES DE CAMIONES ESCOLARES

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At First Student, our Bus Drivers are an integral part of the communities they serve. They are committed to safety, customer service and have genuine, caring attitudes for children. We are your friends, family and neighbors!

En First Student, nuestros conductores de camiones son una parte integral de las comunidades a las que sirven. Están comprometidos con la seguridad, el servicio al cliente y tienen actitudes genuinas y cuidadosas por los niños. Somos sus amigos, su familia y sus vecinos.

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To qualify, you must be at least 19 years of age, have a

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80 Arlington Ave. E. St Paul, MN 55117

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Para calificar, debe tener al menos 19 años de edad, tener una licencia válida, un récord de manejo seguro y ser sujeto a un chequeo de antecedentes penales y un examen de drogas.

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* La oferta termina el 351 Robert St. S. 8/31/21 St. Paul

2 Convenient Locations!

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• • • •

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GASOLINE

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GASOLINE

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FREE Local Shuttle and Same Day Service on Most Repairs! Page 12 - St. Paul Voice - July 2021