St. Paul Voice May 2020 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

The St. Paul

A family tradition for more than 150 years Page 4

Harnessing the river Page 12

Volume 54 | Number 5

Farmers’ market opens with new safety rules Amy Johnson Staff Writer

he St. Paul Farmers’ Market opened its outdoor market earlier than normal this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was scheduled to move outdoors on April 25 but the date was bumped up to Mar. 21. The market had been operating its indoor winter market across the street at Market House Collaborative. To address safety concerns, the market added handwashing stations and offers sterile protective gloves upon request. It also banned vendors from providing food samples and offering food for onsite consumption. Per social distancing protocol, everyone is expected to stay at least six feet apart. Minnesota farmers’ markets are exempt from Governor Tim Walz’s executive order for the closure of non-essential businesses. The State considers the markets to be in the same category as grocery stores. The Lowertown market at 290 5th St. E. is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays and currently has 25-30 vendors offering meat, cheese, vegetables, baked goods and other items. The St. Paul Growers’ Association governs the market and operates about 20 other locations across the city. The satellite location at Signal Hills, 1225 S. Robert St., West St. Paul, will open June 14 and be held 8 a.m.-noon, Fridays. The location

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COVID-19 crisis spurs acts of compassion I n the interest of public health, we’ve all been called upon to make sacrifices in recent weeks, and more will be asked of us in the weeks and months to come. It’s a challenging time for all and undoubtedly some are more severely affected than others through illness or loss of livelihood. Yet through it all there are rays of hope, and none shine brighter than the many ways people have

put their personal needs aside to attend to the well-being of others. In times of crisis, community is more important than ever—and those in our readership area have responded valiantly. Here’s a sampling of how some have risen to the challenge, as well as words of encouragement from community leaders on how we can emerge stronger and more united. Coverage begins on page 5

‘We’re all in this together’

Farmers’ market / Page 4

May 2020

Next Steps

How will we respond in the weeks and months ahead? Tim Spitzack Editor

s winter slowly melted into spring, the fuzzy picture of a novel virus that originated on the other side of the world suddenly came into crystal-clear focus in Minnesota. Mar. 12, 2020, will forever be remembered as the day the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected lives in our state. On that day, Gov. Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-01 declaring a peacetime emergency in the battle against the coronavirus. In ensuing days, other executive orders fell like dominos and touched our lives deeper still. On Mar. 16, bars, restaurants and other public establishments were closed for 10 days, and the next day schools were shut down for a similar timeframe. By that time, all 50 states had confirmed cases. On Mar. 19, the first Minnesotan died as a result of the virus, a Ramsey County resident in their 80s. On Mar. 25, we were asked to abide by Emergency Executive Order 20-20 and stay at home and limit movement within the community from Mar. 27 to April 10. All restrictions were later extended to May 4 to “flatten the curve,” or spread out the number of those infected over a longer period as to not overwhelm the health care system. Every day brought reports of new cases, new deaths. Unemployment spiked. Suddenly, we found ourselves under a dark cloud of Next steps / Page 9

Community celebrations cancelled but the fun need not end Amy Johnson Staff Writer

ormally May is the time of year that folks look forward to gathering with family and friends for the first outdoor community celebrations of the year: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta St. Paul and West St. Paul Days. But these aren’t normal times, and this year’s

gatherings have been cancelled or postponed in efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Organizers of Cinco de Mayo are hoping to hold the event later this year but West St. Paul Days is on hold until 2021. Nonetheless, it’s fitting to remember why these events are annual affairs and to find creative ways to commemorate them this year.

Celebrations / Page 2 Photo by Marina Castillo

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Celebrations from page 1

Cinco de Mayo The famed Latino celebration is a colorful display of swirling costumed dancers, feathered headdresses, largebrimmed hats and large puppets marching down Cesar Chavez Street. Mariachi bands play lively music, and brave souls compete to eat piles of spicy jalapeño peppers. Between the food, musicians and vibrant parade, it’s a time to experience and celebrate the ethnic flavor of the West Side neighborhood. This year, one can celebrate the traditions by perusing “Latino Minnesota” by Leigh Roethke, which can be ordered through any bookseller. The book includes the stories of the state’s earliest Latinos, from the first recorded settler from Mexico—Luis Garzón of Oaxaca in 1886—to Maria Elena Calderón, who arrived in St. Paul from El Salvador in 1968. It also covers the Mexican Revolution, which spurred Mexican immigration to the United States, and Hispanic influences during World War I. “La-

tino Minnesota” is St. Paulfocused and contains information on local monuments and artwork dedicated to or designed by Latino residents. It also expounds on Latino traditions, notable public figures and local organizations, including Our Lady of Guadalupe church. Another way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo while maintaining social distancing is by touring the many colorful murals along the Cesar Chavez and Robert Street corridors. You can also try your hand at cooking a traditional Mexican meal. The blog Mexico in My Kitchen offers recipes such as Steak Ranchero, Beef Birria, Tripitas Tacos, corn on the cob and more. For ideas, visit www.mexicoinmykitchen. com. Help your children get into the festive spirit by purchasing a piñata or working with them to create their own maracas using leftover plastic Easter eggs. Simply fill the eggs halfway with rice, close them, then tape two plastic spoons to each

Photo by Marina Castillo

egg to make a handle. Each spoon should cup the egg. Then, shake away! To see the finished result, visit www. mottchildren.org (search “homemade maracas”). Another simple way to celebrate is by listening to traditional Mexican music and putting up decorations, such as red, white and green streamers, the colors of the Mexican flag.

St. Paul’s fiesta According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 5.5 percent of Minnesota’s population is Hispanic, and roughly one-third of the West Side

neighborhood comes from Hispanic heritage. The West Side celebration began in 1985 and has since grown to national acclaim, attracting as many as 100,000 at its peak. It is consistently ranked in the top 10 best Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country by numerous tourism sources. It was founded by community members and operated for many years by the former Riverview Economic Development Association. In 2009, the event was transferred to the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation,

the same organization that puts on the St. Paul Winter Carnival. In 2000, the festival went from a three-daylong celebration to one and a half days. In recent years, it has been a one-day event, attracting 60,000 participants. Many confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’s independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s unlikely victory at the Battle of Puebla in Mexico’s state of Puebla, when a struggling Mexican army defeated Napoleon III’s massive French army in 1862. This was the first time the

French Army had been defeated in decades. Although the French regrouped and overtook Mexico City, the battle is remembered for the euphoria it created and the hope and patriotism it inspired, not just in Mexico but among Mexicans living in California at the time. Cinco de Mayo, which has evolved to celebrate Latino heritage and culture around the world, has been celebrated in California since 1863. In Mexico, Independence Day—September 16—is viewed as the more significant holiday.

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Celebrate West St. Paul Days For more than 50 years, Celebrate West St. Paul Days has hosted an annual event, most often featuring a parade, carnival and many other activities. One of the long-time highlights has been its royalty program, which provides educational scholarships for winning royalty. The event is run by a 6-member volunteer board of directors. It includes

President Dave Wenda, who became a board member two years after his daughter was queen in 2006; Vice President Jennifer Baltes, who has been on the board for 11 years and whose daughter was also royalty; Royalty Director Jessi Keller; and members Sarah Tobin, Anita Dickey and Kari Heartman. Nine other volunteers pitch in to help the event go smoothly. “We could not put on the festival without our wonderful volunteers,” said Tobin,

who handles publicity. While West St. Paulites cannot attend their annual celebration this year, new residents may want to take this time to learn the origins of their city, which is a bit complicated. Many visitors and new residents alike are confused about the difference of West St. Paul and the West Side, a St. Paul neighborhood that borders West St. Paul at Annapolis Street. It’s understandable, given the similarities in name and the fact that

the boundaries have changed over the years. According to local historian Lois Glewwe, the Township of West St. Paul was formed by Dakota County on May 11, 1858. It extended from the western banks of the Mississippi River across the rich farmlands to the border of Mendota Township on the west. Settlers began establishing large farms in the western portion of the township, while livestock brokers and railroad executives began

investing in land along the river to the east. In 1887, a group of entrepreneurs successfully petitioned the State Legislature to rename West St. Paul Township as the City of South St. Paul, which created friction within the township. Two years later, a group of farmers on the western land rebelled. At one tense city council meeting, they walked out of the city chambers and started the process to form the City of West St. Paul,

on the western portion of the original township. West St. Paul adopted its City Charter in 1907, which allowed for a mayor and seven council members. About 50 years later, the Charter was amended to provide for a city manager. Tension lifted over the years and the two cities now have a history of working together. While each has its own police department, they share fire services under the South Metro department.

County seeks feedback on land conservation plan Dakota County is seeking public comment on its draft Land Conservation Plan, which identifies and prioritizes lands for voluntary protection and enhanced natural resource management, improves coordination for land protection and long-term natural resource management and evaluates ways to increase voluntary protection and stewardship of private lands. The public review and comment pe-

riod is open through May 25. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no face-to-face meetings are planned but written comments are welcome. To review the plan, visit www.co.dakota.mn.us, search land conservation plan. Email comments to planning@co.dakota.mn.us or mail comments to Dakota County Land Conservation Manager, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

Dakota County is also seeking volunteers eager to pull on a pair of waders and jump into monitoring the health of community wetlands. Volunteers typically commit 10-20 hours, which includes training, field work and lab analysis. Training and equipment are provided. Register by May 15 at www.dakotacounty. us, search WHEP. For more information, visit www.mnwhep.org. Submitted photo

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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: John E. Ahlstrom, Amy Johnson

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St. Paul Voice - May 2020 - Page 3

B usiness Farmers’ market

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from page 1

at Securian, 400 Robert St. N., will open June 26 and be held 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Market Manager David Kotsonas said only locally grown food is sold at the markets. He estimates the market sees 12,000 people

during its peak season of mid-July through Labor Day and said attendance the rest of the year varies based on the weather. Special events for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are on hold. For updates, visit www. stpaulfarmersmarket.com.

Gerten family is market’s longest-serving vendor

t seems everyone at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market loves Mike Gerten’s tomatoes. In fact, he sells out every year. He tends 1,800 tomato plants on his 50acre farm in Hastings and comes from a long line of growers. His family is the longest-serving vendor at the market. His great-grandfather, Adam Gerten, began selling produce of all sorts—cabbage, melons, cauliflower and tomatoes—at the Minneapolis market more than 150 years ago. He moved to the St. Paul market when it opened at Tenth and Jackson

Streets in 1902. The market moved in the 1980s to its current location at Fifth and Wall. Before his death in 1950, Adam sold his farm near Maplewood to his eldest sons, Fred and Bill. His other two sons, Henry and Frank, went into business together and purchased an 80-acre farm in Inver Grove Heights, where they each raised 10 kids who helped plant, grow and sell vegetables. Henry passed away at the age of 47, and two of his sons, Leonard (Mike’s father) and Ray, bought his 40-acre portion.

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Mike sold his father’s portion of the Inver Grove Heights farm because the real estate taxes became too expensive. His uncle Frank branched out with his own plan in the early 1900s by turning his portion into a garden center offering flowers, landscaping plants and supplies. Frank’s grandsons, Lewis and Glen, and brother-in-law Gino, currently own and work the Gerten Greenhouse at 5500 Blaine Ave. Until two years ago, Mike sold spring bedding plants but decided to stop because it was too much work. He

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now focuses on tomatoes and keeps two greenhouses full of hot house tomatoes, proudly carrying on his family’s truck farming tradition. He said he enjoys the relationships he has established with customers over the years and that he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. “I’ve just had a good time,” he said. Mike is now 73 and mostly retired. He may be the last Gerten to sell vegetables at the market. None of his five children wish to carry on the legacy.

Mike Gerten with his prized tomato plants.

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RESPONDING TO COVID-19

‘We’re all in this together’ NONPROFITS

Neighborhood House Neighborhood House continued to operate its food shelf programs at the Wellstone Center on the West Side and Sibley Manor in Highland Park but changed the way food is distributed. Staff and volunteers provide pre-packaged bags of food for walk-up and drive-up

Knowing that “homelessness takes no sick days,” the Union Gospel Mission continued to feed and house the homeless. Registered Nurse Audrey Segovia, with Health Care for the Homeless in St. Paul, checks the health of men prior to their admittance to receiving breakfast at the Mission in St. Paul. “It’s pretty surreal to be here, and you do the best you can to keep yourself healthy so you can keep showing up,” she said. Health Care for the

Homeless is part of Minnesota Community Care, a federally qualified health center. Each day, the Mission serves about 600 total meals. It has made several changes to protect guests and staff alike, including outdoor health screenings, limiting entrance points, reducing group sizes for meals, modifying emergency shelter sleeping arrangements and offering mental health services over the phone.

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Community Matters Necesitás ayuda con sus cuentas de energía?

Now more than ever, it's important for us to rally together and support each other. These are challenging times, but we can get through them if we work together. I'm working with our state legislators on programs to help residents and small businesses. I invite you to do the same. Look for ways to support your family, friends and neighbors — especially the unemployed and underemployed — and remember to shop locally. Our small businesses desperately needparte your de support. Casi todos los hogares de Minnesota gastan una gran sus ingresos en Please feel free to contact me costos de energia. anytime: 651-296-6828 rep.rick.hansen@house.mn Community Action y el Program de Asistencia de Energia ayuda a miles de familias twitter @reprickhansen

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service, and workers deliver food packages to those unable to visit a center. Staff also provide counseling over the phone to those facing a housing crisis (call 651-7937340). Neighbors, Inc. - The nonprofit that serves residents in northern Dakota County has been on both the giving and receiving end of generosity. The organization

continues operating its food shelf by offering pre-packed items, and its volunteers provide transportation services to essential appointments. In a show of support, local businesses and individuals have provided numerous lunches to the staff, and one area college student, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated hard-earned money from her restaurant job. She initially

used the funds to purchase a plane ticket to travel to Las Vegas and California over spring break. Once she received her refund from the airline, she donated the money to Neighbors, Inc., saying, “There were so many posts (on Facebook) about needing food, and I was like, no person should need food. If I can help, then I’m going to.”

DARTS has a long history of helping senior citizens, and its staff have continued to do just that. Sue Skinner, a resident service coordinator, keeps in touch with her clients by phone to offer a listening ear and make sure their needs are being met. This might mean helping them place a food take-out order or contacting their pharmacy. After speaking with a woman who was quarantined for several

weeks without much entertainment, Skinner sent her a crossword book to help ease the boredom. Social workers Vicki Patterson and Sandy Ostby have continued to hold their caregiver support groups over the telephone. For their first meeting, they discussed everything from keeping loved ones entertained while staying inside to the effects of social distancing on loved ones with dementia.

Continued on page 6

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St. Paul Voice - May 2020 - Page 5

C ommunity

Your community news and information source “This crisis gives our community the opportunity to rise to the challenge and show the best that is in us. I’m so proud of the way Ward 2 neighbors and business owners are stepping up to help one another with food, supplies, and words of encouragement and kindness. We will get through this together—as St. Paulites always have—and we will be stronger for it.” Rebecca Noecker Ward 2 St. Paul City Council representative

CLUES has continued to serve the needs of the Latino community in the Twin Cities. Its staff provide information and support to people applying for unemployment, health insurance, rental and mortgage assistance, emergency housing services and more. CLUES also has grants available through its Latino Families Emergency Relief Fund, which provides quick access to financial assistance for low-income individuals and families experiencing income loss due to the COVID-19 crisis. Funds can be used for food, essential household items, transportation and more. In addition, CLUES is distributing food packages weekly to 200

families in the east metro area and is expanding its program to the west metro. CLUES is providing Spanish language telemedicine services, and also launched a bilingual Spanish/English hotline—651-768-0000— and web page with information about COVID-19. Find the link at http://www. clues.org. YMCA - “We are not ‘social distancing’ at the Y, but ‘physical distancing’,” said Katie Lowe, executive director of the YMCA in West St. Paul. “Many of the things we are doing directly impacts how others are connecting socially and we want to ensure we fend off social isolation as much as possible.”

To achieve that, the Y has offered child care for those fulfilling essential services and has been working with other nonprofits to feed the hungry. In just two weeks alone they handed out nearly 1,000 bags of food at their location near Robert Street and Mendota Road. They are also working with Loaves and Fishes and UnitedHealth Group to serve pre-packaged fresh, healthy meals Monday-Friday from noon-2 p.m. In addition, staff have made more than 1,500 calls to their senior or older adult members to let them know someone cares and help connect them with resources they may need to stay safe and healthy. The

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conversations have spanned the gamut of emotions, from singing “Happy Birthday” to one person, to connecting another with a suicide prevention service. Great River Greening - Social distancing requirements have resulted in scores of people visiting area parks. Great River Greening, an environmental conservation nonprofit based on the West Side, created an interactive map to 16 sites that its staff consider to be “hidden gems,” nine of which are in the metro area. The list is based on accessibility, natural appeal and spaciousness. Visit www.greatrivergreening.org to find new areas to explore. Several organizations harnessed the power of the internet to offer opportunities for learning, enjoyment and exploration. The Minnesota Children’s Museum (mcm. org) posted parent resources and activities for children, including links for a virtual tour of the Minnesota Zoo and other zoos across the country, and the Science Museum of Minnesota created a Learn from Home resource page at smm.org. You may also view three Omnitheatre films for free: “Di-

nosaurs Alive,” Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaophs” and “Wild Ocean.” The St. Paul Public Library offers a host of activities that can be done from the comfort of home, from ancestry research to learning a new language. Its digital library offers online tutoring and other assistance, and allows you to download digital magazines, e-books, audiobooks and other materials. They also offer daily storytimes on Facebook Live. For more information, visit https://sppl.org.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY Many restaurants—an industry that has been hit hard—donated food to nonprofits to feed the hungry, and others retooled to offer curbside pick-up and delivery. Visit St. Paul has shared numerous stories at www.visitsaintpaul.com of businesses giving back. There you’ll learn about Afro Deli, which has two downtown locations, offering free meals to K-12 students to meet the needs of those who depend on free lunches during the school year, St. Paul Hotel

providing free meals to firstresponders and health care workers, and many more uplifting stories. Nathan Jespersen, who owns the Anytime Fitness studio in West St. Paul and four other locations, created a Home Challenge Facebook group to encourage the community to stay active while practicing social distancing. Participation is open to all, not just club members. He also implemented a weekly drawing that supports the winner and small businesses alike. He offers a weekly prize of $100 in gift cards to local businesses to someone who posts a post-workout selfie photo. The winner is drawn at random. “Lots of health clubs out there are offering at-home workouts or virtual training in response to the need to temporarily close due to COVID-19,” said Jespersen. “What makes this group unique is the community aspect. It’s more than just a daily workout; it’s the support, motivation, accountability and encouragement from your teammates. It gives a sense of normalcy in this unprecedented time in which we are living.”

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Relax and stay healthy by spending time in nature. Dakota County parks and trails are open to the public. Please practice social distancing while enjoying the parks. For details, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks search covid-19.

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Pastor Mark Aune, Augustana Lutheran

FAITH COMMUNITY Like most other places of worship, Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul has discovered new ways to worship and connect with members by using online resources. Its members have been particularly active in providing food for the hungry and support

for those whose income has been severely affected. “We know there is a deep need to be connected and we see the power of God’s presence and work still being done in and through our churches,” said Senior Pastor Mark Aune. “There is a heightened awareness of what it means to love your neighbor and a renewed

desire to care for your neighbor in the midst of all the fear and uncertainty we face. The goodness and the grace being shown by so many people is truly inspiring. We can see our way through this pandemic because our vision is wide and our hearts are open.” The Rev. Dr. David Colby of Central Presbyterian Church in downtown St. Paul said he has witnessed many acts of compassion and has called on people to continue supporting one another. “Faith communities, at their best, help people come together to offer support and harness good works to serve the community,” he said. “In this unusual time, we can still love our neighbors, and connect with compassion. But we need to be creative and intentional to do so in ways that maintain safety and concern for the health of all. Let us pledge to continue to stay connected by technology when possible, through phone calls and cards, and prayer and meditation. Faith, hope and love will endure.”

Loaves and Fishes at St. Matthew’s

INDIVIDUALS, COMMUNITY GROUPS Members of the West St. Paul Mendota Heights Rotary Club have maintained their commitment to the Loaves and Fishes feeding program at St. Matthew’s Church on the West Side. Member Susan Hommes, left, was joined by her husband Joe and son Peter, right, on April 2. Peter, a high school senior, said it was nice to get out of the house during the stay-at-

home period and was happy to help make sure people were getting something to eat. They worked with club President Katie Lowe, center, and other members to box food for participants to pick up. The club volunteers monthly with Loaves and Fishes, which has 32 sites in the Twin Cities that provide free, healthy meals to anyone in need. At St. Matthew’s,

meals are served 5-6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Normally, the site offers dine-in service. Numerous individuals have pitched in as well. Lowertown resident Bill Hanley organized a series of blood drives, and many others have sewed masks, shopped and cared for the elderly, purchased gift cards to support local businesses and volunteered in different ways.

Gramercy is “hangin' in.” Hope you are, too! Bi-monthly tours will resume as quickly as possible. Each second Tuesday at 1 p.m. and third Saturday at 10 a.m. Take care and stay well. 5688 Brent Ave., Inver Grove Heights 651-450-9851 | 651-450-7619 Fax info@gramercyinvergrove.org St. Paul Voice - May 2020 - Page 7

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Minnesota Community Care staff

MEDICAL COMMUNITY Minnesota Community Care, which operates clinics in downtown St. Paul and St. Paul’s West Side and East Side, adjusted services offered at its sites to address COVID-19. The East Side clinic serves as a testing and respiratory care site. The West Side clinic, La Clinica, is dedicated to well-care

and telehealth services. The Downtown clinic, located within the Catholic Charities building, primarily provides care for Minnesota’s unsheltered population and continues to provide essential medical services, chemical dependency counseling, COVID-19 screening, triage and testing services. In reflecting upon the work of their medical staff, physician Alison Warford said, “This

is what we are trained to do: we run toward and not away from. To be sure, the COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing most medical providers in America have seen before. It’s scary for us but it’s even more scary for our patients…. They need to know we are open for business and can partner with them as we all navigate these uncertain times.” Children’s Minnesota

has changed operations in a few ways at its West St. Paul clinic. Morning hours are devoted to patients who are feeling well, and the sick are seen in the afternoon and on Saturday. They’ve added a drive-up service to help kids stay current on their vaccinations. Parents make an appointment, and providers come out to the vehicle to administer the vaccines.

“When faced with something you cannot do alone, you really understand how important we are to each other. There’s no doubt we are all feeling loss and struggling to figure things out. Yet, in the midst of that, we are coming together and supporting each other in new ways. I have never been more proud of our Warrior community. Our community has been here for us whenever we have asked, and we are here for them. We ARE Warriors!” Peter Olson-Skog, ISD 197 Superintendent

West St. Paul Mayor Dave Napier West St. Paul Mayor Dave Napier has been encouraged by the way residents of his city have responded to the crisis. He appreciates the way people have used curbside and delivery service of area restaurants, and the way others have contributed financially to help other businesses and organizations. He specifically noted groups that created Go-Fund-Me campaigns. One raised money to buy lunch for the employees at Oxendale’s Market to

thank them for their hard work dealing with increased demand, and a group of parents of Henry Sibley High School seniors quickly raised nearly $2,800 to make yard signs that recognize and celebrate all graduating seniors. “I am so proud of the people of West St. Paul,” said Napier. “They continue to give their time, energy and money to support each other and the small businesses of our community during the most difficult of times.”

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

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uncertainty. The first shock wave pushed many into survival mode, and people flocked to stores to purchase groceries and other supplies, including massive quantities of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and protective masks. Then others began to look for ways to help, oftentimes in simple yet effective ways. They sewed protective masks to donate to medical professionals and others. They shopped for and attended to the needs of an elderly family member or friend. They volunteered to feed the hungry or homeless. They bought gift cards to help beleaguered restaurateurs struggling to survive weeks of closure. They washed their hands a million times and stayed six feet away from others—the new social distance norm.

A New Era Today, we are in uncharted territory but can glean wisdom from echoes of the past. One need only look to the WWII era to be inspired by how a collective effort of solidarity can strengthen a nation. When Pres. Franklin Roosevelt gave his fireside chat on April 28, 1942, he addressed a nation at war. We face a different kind of war, yet similarities remain. In his speech, he called on all Americans to do their part for the common good. Consider these excerpts from that speech: “But there is one front and one battle where everyone in the United States—every man, woman, and child—is in action, and will be privileged to remain in action throughout this war. That

front is right here at home, in our daily lives, and in our daily tasks. Here at home everyone will have the privilege of making whatever self-denial is necessary…. This will require, of course, the abandonment not only of luxuries but of many other creature comforts…. All of us are used to spending money for things that we want, things, however, which are not absolutely essential. We will all have to forego that kind of spending…. As I told the Congress yesterday, ‘sacrifice’ is not exactly the proper word with which to describe this program of self-denial…. I know the American farmer, the American workman, and the American businessman. I know that they will gladly embrace this economy and equality of sacrifice—satisfied that it is necessary for the most vital and compelling motive in all their

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lives—winning through to victory.” His words ring true today and offer inspiration for what lies ahead. Many are without a job now or have had their hours cut, and some small business owners are wondering how their operations will survive. While economic challenges pale in comparison to those who have lost a loved one to the coronavirus, they are very real struggles all the same. This crisis has particularly affected small businesses and their employees. According to a report by JP Morgan Chase and Co., over 99 percent of America’s 28.7 million firms are small businesses (500 employees or less). The vast majority (88 percent) have fewer than

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places of worship, and especially the nonprofits that provide food, clothing and other assistance with daily needs. If you have not been affected economically by COVID-19, count yourself lucky, but also consider yourself as one who has the means to help others, even though it might mean sacrificing some creature comforts. The spotlight of history is upon us. How will we be remembered?

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20 employees, and nearly 40 percent of all enterprises have less than $100,000 in revenue. These are the businesses we see on Main Street, businesses that provide jobs and services that support our communities. They are our favorite restaurant, our hair stylist, our dry cleaner, our… This crisis is a time for all to come together and help our neighbor, to be there for those who grieve, to shop locally more than ever, and to support organizations dear to us, including civic groups,

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create greater social distance and slow the spread of coronavirus. We remain open but have altered the way our food market functions. Instead of having participants walk through and shop, we have implemented drive-up and walk-up food distribution options that limit in-person interaction. We will continue to adapt our food market and how we serve the public as the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve.

How you can help Part of what makes Minnesota a special place to live is our desire to help one another. We’ve seen it time and time again—when a need arises, the community works to meet it. We know that together we will get through this. Together we can make a difference for our neighbors, and our neighbors can make a difference for us. We know that hard-working families living in poverty, including seniors and children, will be hardest hit during this time of economic downturn, reduced or eliminated work, and school cancellations caused by COVID-19. At the same time, we feel Neighborhood House must be part of the global effort to

Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of our lives. In my household, both my wife and I work in what are considered essential jobs. This means we continue

We May Have Been Apart but We've Always Been Together Our lives have changed quite dramatically in recent weeks due to the impact of the coronavirus and Minnesota's stay-at-home order. What hasn't changed, is the way we care for each other. I am proud to represent a city that takes care of its neighbors and I encourage you to continue finding new ways to support one another.

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continue operations. The communities that we serve—and call home—continue to support us. I want to thank another dedicated group of supporters: Neighbors’ employees. Normally this team of 15 spend their days supporting the more than 1,200 volunteers that give their time to Neighbors. Now, in addition to their regular tasks, they are performing the work of the volunteers. You can find them bagging groceries, sorting food, packing produce bags and so much more. They are here every day helping make certain our neighbors do not go hungry. While many people are rightly staying home, the Neighbors team is coming to work and filling an essential role. Like all of you, we at Neighbors look forward to the end of the pandemic and social distancing, and a return to a new normal. We look forward to helping customers in our Clothes Closet, clients shopping with volunteers in our food shelf, and the buzz that fills our building when all our friends and neighbors are here connecting with each other and providing opportunities to thrive. For the most up to date information about Neighbors and COVID-19, visit www.neighborsmn.org.

Optimist of the Year nominations

the seventh floor, with access to a common area and three large conference rooms. Other locations under consideration are in the US Bank building and the St. Paul Athletic Club building.

The Optimist Club of West St. Paul is seeking nominations for its Optimist of the Year award. Nominees must be at least 21 years of age and have demonstrated optimism while working with youth

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sending our daughter to childcare and our 10-year-old son to Kids Care at his school. When my wife dropped off our son one day, he asked about our safety. He worried that if mom and dad get sick that he would be left alone to take care of his sister. Wow, that got our attention. She explained to him that we are taking precautions and that if we did get sick, we would likely recover from the virus. Thankfully, he understood and feels better about our situation. At Neighbors, the pandemic has caused us to do what would have been unthinkable just a few weeks ago: operate without volunteers. Think of it. An organization unable to welcome the very people that our mission says we are connecting to so our neighbors can thrive. It is startling and all too real. Yet the generosity of our community is evident every day, and food support continues during the pandemic. Our supporters continue to give generously. Projects that can be performed at home are happening on a regular basis. Drivers are still bringing us fresh produce and bakery products from grocer partners. Individuals, corporations, churches and foundations are providing financial support so we can

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There are many ways you can help Neighborhood House and those in the community. Don’t overbuy - Overbuying groceries means less food is available to be donated to food shelves. These donations are a significant part of a food shelf ’s inventory. Instead of loading up your cart, purchase fewer items more frequently. If you are unable to shop due to health concerns, ask friends, family and neighbors to shop for you. WIC items - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are food benefits for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC recipients

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can only purchase WIC-eligible foods with their benefits. Items that are WIC-eligible are commonly marked with the “WIC” symbol on the price sticker. If possible, avoid purchasing WIC-eligible items so they’re available for those who need them. Volunteer - Neighborhood House needs volunteers to help in our food markets. Positions range from packing emergency bags on-site to driving and picking up food rescue donations from grocery stores. To volunteer, visit neighb. org/support/volunteer/. Make a monetary donation – With your monetary donation, Neighborhood House can purchase bulk foods at a much lower price than what’s available at a grocery store. For $36, you can help feed a family of four for a week. If you are able, make a donation today so that St. Paul families can get the food they need during this difficult time. We know that everyone is struggling in their own way right now. We are grateful for the ability to come together and support one another during a time of uncertainty and unrest. With compassion and understanding, we will get through this and become a stronger community together.

in West St. Paul. Consider nominating a teacher, coach, public servant, first responder, clergy, scout leader or anyone who meets the criteria. To nominate, email your name, phone number and a brief statement why the person should be selected to JohnRheinberger@ aol.com. Nominations must be received by Friday, May 22. For more information, contact John at 651-4394199. The award will be given in early May.

CRC moving CapitolRiver Council/ District 17 (CRC) is planning to relocate its office by June 1 due to a rent increase. Under its current 3-year lease, CRC pays $720 a month for approximately 900-square-feet at 180 E. 5th St. The landlord wants $923 a month to renew. Staff recommends moving to the Osborn370 Building near Fifth and Wabasha. There CRC would pay $627 for a 277-square-foot office on

Green Line use on the rise

cess the stairway at Fourth and Washington) and supply a code to access the locker. To place an order, call 651266-7000.

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According to Metro Transit, in 2019 more than 14.2 million passengers traveled the 11-mile Green Line light rail route that links downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, an increase of 3% over 2018. Overall ridership of public transportation was 91.5 million, a 2.7% jump.

Ackerberg Group and Northland Real Estate are proposing to build a 7-story, 200-unit apartment complex at West Seventh and Leech on property owned by Bonfe Automotive. If approved, Bonfe would relocate its operations there to its main location at West Seventh and Smith Avenue. The marketrate units would range from 350- to 1,000-square-feet.

Central Library adapts delivery

Jazz Fest postponed

The George Latimer Central Library, 90 W. Fourth St., has allowed patrons to pick up books and other materials without human contact. Library staff place the materials in a locker in the tunnel near the library (ac-

The Twin Cities Jazz festival scheduled for June in Mears Park has been postponed. Organizers will decide this summer if they will hold it later this year or cancel it entirely for 2020.

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Joe’s red truck is parked behind his house. It hasn’t moved in days. Joe gets in his red truck every morning and drives around. He’s a member of every fraternal organization, a regular at the brewpub, and has friends in every corner of town. Joe picks up a coffee and spends most mornings greeting people out the window of his red pick-up. But Joe hasn’t been feeling well, and his truck has been parked behind his house. He’s been sick and there’s

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

nowhere to go. Normally, I would be worried about Joe. But worries these days, like toilet paper and fresh produce, are spread a little thin.

Worry is in the air. Charles and Joanna live across the street. They are both elderly and live alone. Joanna’s health is not good. Because I have a bird’s-eye view of their house, I know their habits well. Charles fires up his SUV every morning to make the trip to the senior center to pick up his free newspaper, stop at the bank for his free coffee, then head to Starbucks to get free cream to put in his free coffee. He then comes home with his coffee and newspaper. But not now. “There’s nowhere to go,” Charles tells me, as if I may not have noticed. “Everything has shut down except the grocery store.”

I tell him I know. I confirm that these are strange times. Charles looks amazed and a little annoyed. But he also looks worried. I just saw Charles leave in his SUV. He has nowhere to go but he’s still driving around, trying to behave as if the world hasn’t changed. I’m reading a lot about people bingeing on Netflix and Cheetos and being bored, and spending quality time in bed, and I’m sure there are folks doing this. But, so far, they aren’t the ones I’ve talked to. The ones I know personally are a lot more like Charles. They are perplexed and worried and trying to stay busy. I’ve got a friend who

Artist selected for Union Depot sculpture Amy Johnson Staff Writer

he stark white “2020” plaster sculpture that greets people as they enter Union Depot will soon get a splash of color. Muralist Liv Novotny has been selected to decorate it using a colorful, engaging design. Located under the Head House clock, the sculpture is intended to celebrate the year 2020 and provide a photo backdrop for residents and visitors alike. The design will include elements from the city, including light rail and cityscape, and local flora, fauna and the Mississippi river. She hopes the artistic blend of urban and nature

will encourage residents to care for both. Novotny, 24, is no stranger to murals. She created her first one about six years ago and has been a full-time freelancer for the past two years. Among other projects, she created the mural on an exterior wall of the Phoenix Market, 685 3rd St. E., St. Paul, during a time she worked with GoodSpace Murals,

a group of artists who promote community identity and development through murals. She also created the Lake Phalen Stormwater Mural at a Phalen Creek bridge crossing for Friends of the Mississippi River, working in collaboration with St. Paul Public Works, St. Paul Parks and Recreation and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District.

Novotny, who spent the winter painting in California, was excited her design was accepted for the Union Depot sculpture, particularly because she has had many gigs cancelled due to the coronavirus. She will receive a $1,500 commission for her work. “I was really happy people were thinking about art in all this,” she said.

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all week. I hear that in Japan they are cutting apart bras to make masks. I saw a YouTube video on this, and I think the success would depend a lot on a person’s cup size, but more power to them. They are keeping busy and I think that’s the best most of us can do right now. The news evolves so quickly. The expectations change overnight. I feel as if I am driving in a fog, unable to see past my dim headlights, with no idea when there will be a sharp turn in the road. My husband, Peter, met Joe outside and reports he’s feeling better. I’m glad but still worried. And Joe’s red truck is still parked out back.

She expects to begin painting in June or July and complete it in about a week. “We hope this art piece will become a focal point for Union Depot and make

a great photo backdrop for community members, photographers, travelers and more,” said Lindsay Boyd, marketing manager of Union Depot, in a statement.

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makes beautiful designer bags. She is now using her luxury fabrics to make face masks. “I’ve made more than 500,” she told me. “That’s a lot of masks,” I said. “If I needed a mask, I would want one of yours.” Another friend, a retired librarian, is a quilter. She is also making masks out of expensive fabric. “I hope we don’t need them all,” she says, looking over her pile of wired face masks, sorted by color. “If we don’t, maybe we can use the matching ones to make bikini cups in the spring.” The idea of unneeded masks being transformed into bikini tops is one of the happiest thoughts I’ve had

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B ack in Time

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Harnessing the mighty Mississippi Amy Johnson Staff Writer

ow that the Mississippi river is once again open for the shipping season, it’s fitting to remember an event that significantly altered commercial navigation on the river: the construction of the Meeker Island Lock and Dam, the first such structure on the river. Its creation caused a spat between the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis and was deemed a failure on all accounts. Built in 1907 and later known simply as Lock & Dam No. 2, the Meeker Lock and Dam was demolished five years later, just

before the completion of its rival, Lock & Dam No. 1. A bitter rivalry between the cities led to its demise. They refused to work together to design the best lock and dam system for the river and instead each built its own, leading to low dams that allowed safer navigation but inadequate hydropower. Therefore, when Lock and Dam No. 1 was halfway done, Congress ordered the removal of the Meeker Island unit. Lock & Dam No. 1 was completed in 1917 and promptly resulted in the flooding of its twin’s remains. The idea for Lock and Dam No. 1 stemmed from Minneapolis’s desire to im-

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prove its shipping operations but they faced some geographic hurdles. The river’s 8-mile stretch from St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul is a steep one. The water drops more than 100 feet in elevation, or the height of a 10-story building, and is hemmed in by a narrow gorge and threatening limestone boulders. This geography made Minneapolis a difficult spot for shippers to reach, so St. Paul automatically became the river’s premier northern port. Minneapolis was quickly becoming the nation’s leading flour milling center and desperately wanted to edge out St. Paul as head of navigation on the Mississippi. City officials offered the pilot of the Lamartine steamboat $200 to make the voyage to prove their point. They also raised funds to remove boulders in the river that impeded shipping. By 1852, it was clear that a lock and dam would be their best option and the political posturing between the cities evolved into a

battle over navigation and hydropower. It took more than 20 years before a decision was finally made. In 1873, Congress allocated $25,000 to improve navigation along the river but a quarrel over a land grant offered by the Minneapolis-based Mississippi River Improvement and Manufacturing Company in 1857 stalled construction for two decades. The Meeker Lock and Dam was finally completed in 1907 and the Itura was the first steamboat to pass through. The project was a national failure and Congress was glad to see it go. A conservation movement had sprung up across the country demanding that the river serve multiple purposes, such as hydropower for milling and producing hydroelectric power for the growing region. The Meeker Lock and Dam failed on both fronts and in 1912 the order was given to blast the top five feet of the lock walls. The story of the two dams marks a striking turn in

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Construction of Meeker Island Lock and Dam American history. In 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared that the American frontier was extinct. With the 20th century approaching and industrialization sweeping the nation, Minnesota knew it had to capitalize on the river’s power if it wanted to succeed, and in the end the cities decided to work together. In 1924, St. Paul convinced Henry Ford to build an assembly plant on 167 acres near Lock & Dam No. 1, now known as the Ford Dam. This created jobs and new tax revenue for the city,

and every year Ford generated 7,250 horsepower in hydroelectric energy from the dam. It was official: Minneapolis gained head of navigation status and St. Paul got its hydropower. The watery remains of the Meeker Lock and Dam’s 334-foot-long concrete walls live on today. They can be viewed during low water by walking along Old Wagon Road Trail near North Mississippi River Boulevard and Eustis Street. The dog park at 486 N. Mississippi Blvd. is also near the site.

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Acacia Park Cemetery Established in 1925, the 75-acre park offers a pristine beauty and strategic location that was recognized by our state’s earliest settlers. Pilot Knob, the plateau on which Acacia Park is situated, was an early 19th Century viewing point for such frontiersmen as Zebulon Pike and Josiah Snelling.

A Day of Remembrance Memorial Day is May 25 Please call 651-452-1555 or visit www.acaciaparkcemetery.org for updated Memorial Day information.

Our beautiful cemetery is conveniently situated on the Pilot Knob plateau above the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in Mendota Heights. We are proud of our majestic scenery and natural environment that is uninhibited by upright monuments, which creates a stunning park-like setting. We have provided quality, personal service to families since 1925. We offer the following options to our families:

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Sections specifically designed for casket or cremation burial Convenient no-interest pre-payment plans for three years No-obligation information and tour of the cemetery grounds Markers, vaults, vases and urns for purchase Newly developed cremation gardens Serving all faiths

2151 Pilot Knob Road, Mendota Heights | 651-452-1555 | www.acaciaparkcemetery.org Page 12 - St. Paul Voice - May 2020