Postscript

Taking pictures

I like taking photos when I’m out of the country.

Photographing things in Mexico is effortless. I’ll never understand the nuances of every festival or ritual, but I can enjoy the pageantry and the color and the incredible effort and artistry that goes into creating so much beauty.

Then I come back up north and look at the mud. It’s a big change.

The skies were overcast for the first five days after my return from Mexico. The temperatures were unseasonably low. There was some rain. There might even have been some snow, if you count the white, pellet-like things that dotted the sidewalk. Maybe it was sleet. Maybe it doesn’t matter.

“What is this?” I asked an innocent passerby. He shook his head disapprovingly.

“I have no idea.”

And I realized that I was terribly spoiled. Taking pic-

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

tures in Mexico took no skill at all. I decided I needed to start taking pictures right here at home.

The first day wasn’t a great success. The sun stayed stubbornly behind a cloud. The few blooms that were out had been nipped by the frost. I took a photo of some branches against the gray sky and a carved stone pillar covered in green lichen. The lichen was vivid green after sleeping all winter. It seemed about as happy as lichen can be, and so I figured I could make more of an effort.

gram at the market, giving youth an opportunity to earn market bucks to spend at the market. We are looking for bell ringers to start the market again this year, and are also hosting the “SSP Unique Container” contest. It’s always fun to see the containers that patrons bring to take home their produce. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bags to make planet Earth say Yay!

Yay for the SSP Lemonade Stand! The stand is available to be loaned out throughout the community. To reserve it or for more details, call Deb at 651-554-3230.

The next day I happened upon some crocuses forcing their way through the muddy soil. The crocus is not a showy flower, but their sheer numbers were amazing. I found a handful of daffodils blooming in a spot where they caught the occasional bit of sunshine.

The third day was colder than ever. I headed out the door for my walk and turned right around, went inside and put on warmer clothes. The sky was dark in the middle of the afternoon. I photographed a hydrangea, left over from the previous year, bleached and brittle, shaking in the chill wind.

Yay, the SSP Community-wide Garage Sale returns June 22-24! Fifty to 60 homes typically participate, and we expect that many again this year.

Yay, Kaposia Days is back! Kaposia Days is June 23-25 and it looks like it is going to be another great event, with parades, food trucks, music, bingo, skateboard park, craft booths and much more. Here are just a few ac-

I wanted to photograph one of the oldest houses in the neighborhood through the fence, but a row of garbage cans was in the way. I contorted into a strange position, and a woman walking by looked at me curiously.

“I’m trying to take pictures,” I told her. “Even on the gloomy days.”

“Well, this is a good house to photograph when it’s gloomy,” she replied. The house looked menacing under the heavy clouds.

On Sunday, I went to church. A new pastor had been hired while I was in tivities that we are working on for the youth. The Kiddie Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at 6th and Marie (note the new location). The theme is “Favorite Board Games.” Dress as your favorite board game (i.e., Candyland, Clue, Monopoly, Life) and parade with the police and fire departments to the Touch a Truck Event, located at the 200 block of 6th Avenue north (new location this year). This event, hosted by South St. Paul’s mayor and

City Council, will feature a variety of trucks to see, sit in, and take photos with, and certificates for free ice cream. Pastors In Action will call bingo at the bingo tent on Saturday, and in the evening the task force will host disco bingo, which is a blast. Dress in your favorite disco attire and join us 8-9:30 pm at the bingo tent at 5th and Marie. The weekend would not be complete without the Kaposia Days Fireworks, starting at 10:01 p.m. on Sunday.

Mexico, and he preached a good sermon. The choir was especially strong. And, sometime in the middle of the service, a little bit of sun crept out. I looked up and saw the stained glass.

“Oh, look,” I thought.

“Finally, some color.”

After the service, I climbed the wooden stairs to the balcony and looked through the vibrant stained glass. It was all the color I had been missing and I felt a lot better.

I’m not sure if the new minister would approve, but those windows did more for my soul than his sermon and the beautiful music put together. Those windows gave a sermon of their own. They lifted my spirits and made me remember how much unseen beauty there is – all the time.

They reminded me that it’s not what I’m looking at that matters – it’s what I’m looking through. Looking through eyes trained to see beauty, I see beauty everywhere.

I left the church, thanking the windows on my way out. Till next time, Carrie

By Heidi Satre Director of community engagement

Clothes Closet

As one of the original services offered by Neighbors, Inc., the Clothes Closet Thrift Store has had tremendous

Library events

Author Shannon Gibney will discuss her book “Dream Country” 7-8 p.m., Thursday, June 8. The story follows five generations of young people from one African American family who chase an elusive dream across centuries and continents. Geared toward adults.

Summer Discovery returns with programs and events to support summer reading and learning. Pick up materials, including a free prize book, June 12 through July 14, or while supplies last. The program offers three levels: Pre-Reader (age 4 and under), Reader (K-5) and Teen (6-12).

support from our community for more than 50 years.

Community and church groups have organized benefit fashion shows on its behalf, volunteers have organized large-scale rummage sales to support it, local supporters have cleaned out their closets to donate to it, and much, much more. Having been a staple in the community for so long, the Clothes Closet has also seen its fair share of changes. Throughout its history, it has moved locations seven times and changed

Storytime for 2s-6s , 10:30-11 a.m., Tuesdays, June 13, 20, 27. Stories and activities that help develop early literacy skills for toddlers and preschoolers. Ages 2-6. Siblings welcome.

Storytime for Babies , 10:30-11 a.m., Wednesdays, June 14, 21, 28. Ages birth-2.

Toddlers Takeover, 10-11 a.m., Friday, June 2 and 16.

Early literacy activities for ages 3 and under. Siblings welcome.

STEM Lab, 2-3:30 p.m., Monday, June 12 and 26.

STEM related activities for ages 6-11.

Cooking with Kids , 5-6:30 p.m., Mondays, names at least twice. So, what does the Clothes Closet look like today?

Located on the upper level of the Neighbors building, the Clothes Closet provides essential items to our community at low- to no-cost. For people experiencing need, gift cards are available as a money saving tool through our Financial Empowerment program. The Clothes Closet also operates as a thrift store, selling items at affordable prices. Clothing items range from $1-$5,

June 12, 19, 26. Learn how to prepare healthy foods and snacks, how to involve kids in the preparation of food, how to save money when purchasing healthy foods and the benefits of eating together at mealtime. Registration for all three sessions is required. Geared for youth ages 8-17 with their caregivers.

Summer Playhouse , 1-1:30 p.m., Wednesdays: June 14, 21, 28. An educational and entertaining variety show for children featuring fairytales. Ages 2-12.

Crafternoon for Teens , 2:30-4 p.m., Wednesdays, June 14, 21, 28. Craft ac- and in most cases an entire outfit can be purchased (head to toe) for under $15. Proceeds from store sales are used to help fund the programs and services at Neighbors. Store hours are 9 a.m.4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays. It is also open the third Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.-noon. Merchandise in the Clothes Closet is based entirely on generous donations from our community. tivities geared toward youth ages 12-18.

Wooden Worlds , 2-4 p.m., Thursday, June 15. Use scrap wood pieces, cardboard, tape, glue, nails and recycled elements to make miniature worlds. Registration required. Geared toward ages 6 older.

Crafternoon for Kids, 2-3:30 p.m., Thursdays, June 22 and 29. Craft activities for ages 6-11.

DIY Pet Treat Puzzles, 10:30-11:30, Friday, June 30. Make your own pet treat puzzles for your favorite dogs and cats. Registration required.

Donations can be dropped off at Neighbors during store hours. When dropping off items, please pull into a parking space to unload your vehicle. Carts are available to assist with bringing items in to the building. The Clothes Closet focuses on the following essential items: clothing, footwear, bedding, towels and kitchenware. For a complete list of accepted donation items, visit: neighborsclothescloset. org. Donation receipts are provided to donors.

Parks and Rec

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting a youth field trip to the Apple Valley Aquatic Center, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, June 27. The trip departs from and returns to Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. To register, visit www.southstpaul.org/845/Field-Trips.

Pool passes for South St. Paul outdoor pools are now for sale at City Hall. Season passes are $40. Daily admission is $5 (cash only). A punch card for 10 admissions is $45. Passes are good at the Splash Pool at Lorraine Park and Northview Pool.

Golf Tourney

PeaceMakerMN, which supports a Peace Guide at Kaposia Education Center, is hosting a fundraising golf tournament at 10 a.m., Monday, June 19 at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove. Cost is $115, includes a brat/hot dog meal or a vegetarian option. The mission of PeaceMakerMN is to help schools to be safer places, free from bullying and harassment, and to help youth learn positive relational skills like empathy, respect, cooperation and how resolve conflicts peace- fully. Proceeds from the tournament will support its work in South St. Paul. To register, email John at Email johnlaliberte29@gmail.com.

As with many of the service programs at Neighbors, volunteers are involved in the day-to-day operations of the Clothes Closet. Our volunteers help take in and process donations, organize the store, manage inventory, create beautiful window displays and process sales. The volunteers are supported by two staff members – one full-time and one part-time. This group of hard-working people does an incredible job of maintaining the best thrift store around.

Student notes

University of Georgia: Vic Fischer earned a bachelor of science in electrical and electronics engineering

Meeting dates

The South St. Paul City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month in the council chambers at City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N. For agendas and city council member contact information, visit www. southstpaul.org or call 651554-3284.

The Special School District 6 School Board meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month. For agendas and school board member contact information, visit www. sspps.org or call 651-4579400.

South St. Paul Southwest Lioness-Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, 1203 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul. This group of women serves the community through fundraising and volunteering.

C ommunity County updates

Thank you to the more than 100 residents who attended the town hall meetings I held in late April in West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Because the meetings took place on Earth Day, I kicked them off by talking about Dakota County’s energy conservation efforts, which save taxpayers $300,000 annually, plus the County’s work to protect our water and nearly 12,000 acres of quality natural areas. We also discussed the County’s new bison herd in Rosemount. I mentioned the herd might be growing soon, which proved true, with two calves born in recent weeks.

My next town hall meeting is on Thursday, June 8 at 9 a.m. at the Dakota County History Museum in South St. Paul, with special guest South St. Paul Police Chief Brian Wicke. All are welcome.

Bison - The grand opening for the public to see Dakota County’s new bison herd is 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Rosemount. Dakota County’s grant-funded American bison are part of the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd, which aims to restore the nation’s official mammal. This conservation herd currently numbers about 160 in Minnesota, including the now 10 here in Dakota County. The bison play a crucial role in restoration of the 150 acres of prairie on which they roam

Joe Atkins Dakota County Commissioner

at Spring Lake Park Reserve. For those who cannot attend the grand opening, the herd is already viewable from the trail that runs through the reserve, which is just 20 minutes from South St. Paul and West St. Paul.

Volunteers - Thank you to all the volunteers helping with the bison effort as well as so many other Dakota County activities. More than 2,500 volunteers logged 23,000 hours of service in the past year, saving Dakota County more than $700,000.

Top 10 healthiest counties - Notwithstanding the fentanyl crisis that is sparing no county in the state, Dakota County ranks among Minnesota’s 10 healthiest counties and among the healthiest in the nation, according to a just-released national report by the University of Wisconsin.

Safe routes to school - Partnering with several schools in South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Eagan and Inver Grove, Dakota County is enhancing opportunities for students to safely walk and bike to school. For example, we are working with the cities of West St. Paul and Mendota Heights and Two Rivers High School – as well as impacted homeowners – on proposed pedestrian improvements along Delaware Avenue. The project proposes a trail addition and pedestrian crossings from Highway 62 to Marie Avenue.

Concord Boulevard pedestrian safety - Significant input from neighbors and local business owners is guiding an effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along County Road 56 (Concord Boulevard) from Interstate 494 in South St. Paul south to Highway 55. Dakota County is working with the cities of South St. Paul and Inver Grove on this project, which is expected to improve crossing safety at up to 15 intersections along the busy street.

Great River GreeningThank you to Great River Greening for hosting an event at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights to plant and seed native grasses and wildflowers along Dakota County’s River to River Greenway. More than 4,000 sustainable plants are now in the ground and will be in bloom this summer and fall.

Libraries break record - In the past year, a recordsetting 129 library systems nationwide surpassed one million digital checkouts, with readers checking out a total of 555 million e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines. Voracious readers in Dakota County and at our partner libraries in the Twin Cities ranked in the top three in North America for checkouts, trailing only the massive library systems in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Butler Avenue projectTogether with the City of West St. Paul, Dakota County hosted a well-attended open house for residents to provide input about a proposed road project that will dramatically improve the street’s surface and extend Butler Avenue’s pavement life by several years between Highway 52 and Robert Street. The project also proposes a multi-use trail and improvements at the intersection of Sperl Street and Stassen Lane to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety. Construction is expected in 2025.

Park restoration in West St. Paul - With support from grant funding, Dakota County is pairing with Great River Greening and the City of West St. Paul to remove invasive species like buckthorn that threaten the native forest along our River to River Greenway, which runs from South St. Paul to Mendota. Garlough and Marthaler Parks are the

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LANDSCAPING

Kaposia Days Special

Glass

Culligan Water - Milbert Co.

Heartland Credit Union

Kwik Trip

Southview 66

Viking Exteriors

In-Kind Sponsors

ABC Rentals

Fury Motors

Jaeger Accounting

Pulse Electric

Republic Services

Town Square Television

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Heidi Satre

Vice President - Kalen Graf

Past President - Nickie Kraus

Secretary - Annie Regan

Treasurer - Holly Cocchiarella

Director - Dan Grevas

Director - Joe Gullerud

Director - Karen Hanson

Director - Steve Mankowski

Director - Cretia Radman

Director - Ryan Sanford

Director - Connie Schmidt

Director - Dody Sobaszkiewicz

Button Committee ChairStephanie Sparks