South St. Paul Voice June 2023

South St. Paul

Back in Time

Page 3

SSP Arts Council poised for growth

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

TheSouth St. Paul Arts Council has been enriching the city with art projects big and small since 2020. It has regularly had a presence at Kaposia Days, Splish Splash Bash, and On the Road Again Festival, and today is seeking a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council to expand its operations.

“We were very fortunate last summer because the library was celebrating its 100th anniversary and they approached us about helping to make a mural for a community art event,” said South St. Paul Arts Council President Gwen Kendall. “My group got the supplies and put it together – and we did get some financial assistance from the library and city to make sure we could make the best mural we could – and we made a beautiful mural on two very large panels. They’re currently being displayed above the fireplace in the children’s section of the library. That was probably the biggest thing that has shown the public that our group is here and active.”

If the grant comes through, the council will purchase materials and build 10 free little art galleries which will be installed throughout the city. The galleries are similar to little free libraries, but instead of books they hold small pieces of artwork. People are welcome to take the art and are encouraged to leave a piece of their own. There is currently one free little

Arts council / Page 5

EVENT GUIDE

Your Guide to Summer in the City

Summer fun kicks into high gear on Memorial Day and goes full force through Labor Day. In this guide you’ll discover music and movies in the parks, fairs and festivals, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Summer is here. Enjoy it!

Summer events / Page 6

Petition drive to save historic Armour gates

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

SouthSt. Paul Secondary history teacher Mark Westpfhahl and his students have started a petition to save the historic gates of the former Armour meatpacking plant near Armour Avenue and Hardman Avenue South and create a multi-purpose commemorative park around them. As of press time, more than 1,680 have signed the petition (https:// change.org/SaveTheSSPgates). Westpfhahl plans to submit the petition to the South St. Paul City Council by the end of the school year, along with a sketch showing proposed park amenities.

“We are probably only one generation away from most residents having no memory, or maybe even knowledge, of the industry that built and transformed South St. Paul,” writes Westpfhahl on the petition website.

“As a historian who teaches about the sense of place and the power of memory through monuments, memorials and commemorations, I think we stand to lose a golden opportunity to preserve history and showcase our future for generations if we don’t act to #SaveTheSSPGates.”

The main feature in the proposed concept is a hockey rink with five rows of bleacher seating. Behind the rink is a 25-foot-high by 200-foot-wide mural with historical images. Small firepits are located near the rink.

Historical components include three cattle cars. One is closed, one has one side encased in glass to

Armour gates / Page 4

A Summertime Tradition: Kaposia Days returns June 23-25

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The annual Kaposia Days celebration takes place June 23-25, featuring a full calendar of events designed to help residents celebrate community pride. For those new to the community, the name honors the area’s earliest known residents: the Kaposia band of the Mdewakanton Dako-

tah. Here’s the line-up for the festival, which has been a summertime tradition since 1976. Most events are

free, but some have an admission charge. Be sure to purchase a button to take advantage of discounts. Buttons are $3 and available at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., and several local businesses. This year’s button design winner was South St. Paul fifth grader Thomas Laliberte. All information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change.

For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

Kick-off celebration

Festivities kick off 4:307:30 p.m., Thursday, June 22 with a social gathering and memorabilia display at Croatian Hall, 445 2nd Ave. S. All are welcome.

Luau pool party

Northview Pool, 635 18th Ave. N., is hosting a luau

1-3 p.m., Friday, June 23.

It will feature a dance party with live music and free root beer floats. Admission is $5, or free with a Kaposia Days Button.

Grande Parade

Decorative floats and other vehicles get rolling at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 23. The route begins at 12th Avenue and travels down 12th Avenue to Southview Boulevard

then turns south on 7th Avenue South. The final block of the parade, between 6th and 7th streets, is a “Quiet Zone” (no horns, sirens or lights). This year’s grand marshal is Beth Baumann, former South St. Paul mayor, and the super senior is Dan Swenson, former president of the Kaposia days board of directors. Both Baumann

Kaposia Days

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and Swenson will be on a float. Live cable coverage by Town Square Television will be shown on Channel 14. To register a float for the parade, visit kaposiadays.org.

Softball tournament

Teams will hit the softball diamonds at both Vets Fields, 1400 3rd St. N., and at Kaposia Landing Fields, 800 Bryant Ave., June 2425, for the state’s second largest softball tournament. To register, call tournament director Rich Rakness at 651-455-1725.

Beanbag tourney

A doubles cornhole tournament begins at 10 a.m., June 24, at the Lions Pavilion at Kaposia Landing, 800 Bryant Ave. Participants must be age 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Cost is $40 per team, cash only. Registration is 9-9:45 a.m. the day of the event.

Kids Fishing Clinic

Learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, identify fish and more at the fishing clinic held 9 a.m.-noon., June 24 at Simley Pond, 80th Street and Cahill Avenue in Inver Grove Heights. Poles and bait are provided.

Craft & flea market

Shop from dozens of artisan vendors and learn about local businesses 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 24, at Central Square, 100 7th Ave. N. To register for a booth, visit kaposiadays.org. After June 10, all registrations must be completed the day of the event. Registration is $25 per space. For more information, contact Julie Foote at 651-450-2366 or drjulie@sspfamily.com.

Kiddie Parade

The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is hosting the annual Kaposia Days Kiddie Parade on June 24. This year’s theme is “Board

Games,” and participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite game. The parade departs at 10 a.m. from the corner of Marie and 6th Avenue North and travels about two blocks on 6th Avenue. Participants should arrive at 9:30 a.m. to register.

Classic car show

Owners of vintage automobiles will flaunt their vehicles 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 24, at the South St. Paul Secondary School parking lot, 700 2nd St. N. Registration is the day of the event only.

Touch-a-Truck

Kids can explore fire trucks, police trucks, dump trucks and other large vehicles 10 a.m.-noon., June 24 at the corner of 6th Ave. N. and 3rd St., next to the car show. Free.

Bingo

Test your luck at bingo, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., June 24, and noon-5 p.m., June 25, at 5th and Marie. Get your groove on during disco bingo, 8:079:47 p.m., June 24.

Block party

This year’s block party is held 6:30-11 p.m., June 24, at Stockyards Tavern & Chophouse, 456 Concord Exchange S. It will feature outdoor concessions, and Uncle Chunk will perform 7:30-11 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant for $10 in advance or $15 at the door the day of the event.

Pancake breakfast

Enjoy a stack of pancakes and sausage 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, June 25, at Fury Motors, 1000 Concord St. S. The meal is free with a Kaposia Days button.

Sunday Funday

People will gather for an afternoon of fun 11 a.m.-5 p.m., June 25, at Central Square Community Center. Robot meet and greet with South St. Paul Iron Bulls Robotics team is held 11 a.m.2 p.m. in the amphitheater. Guests can see the robots the team uses in robotics competitions. 3rd Lair will perform skateboarding dem-

onstrations and give skateboarding instruction nearby on 6th Avenue North during the entire event. Inver Hill Community Band will perform 4-5 p.m. in the amphitheater. The 40-piece concert band performs a variety of music, including Broadway, Latin, big band swing, movie themes, pop, rock, patriotic and marches. A vocalist will join the performance.

Kite Fly

Colorful kites will fill the sky noon-3 p.m., June 25 at Roosevelt Field, near 5th Avenue South and 5th Street South. The event will not take place if it’s raining and will not be rescheduled. Free. Kites and assistance available.

Beat the heat: open skate

The South St. Paul girls hockey team will host open skate 1-3 p.m., Sunday, June 25, at Doug Woog Arena, 141 6th St. S. Skate rentals are $2. Admission is free with a Kaposia Days button or $5 without. No sticks or pucks allowed.

Fireworks

The Kaposia Days closing ceremony is 7:30-10:15 p.m., June 25, at Ettinger Field, 700 2nd St. N. It will feature food, a live performance by Hot Brockoli and a fireworks show that begins at dusk. The pyrotechnics company will conduct testing every hour until the show begins, beginning at 4 p.m. New this year is a policy requiring youth under age 18 to be accompanied by an adult during the fireworks event.

Mud tug

A new event is in the works this year: Mud Tug, a family-friendly tug-of-warstyle competition. Details were unavailable as of press time. For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

Swag

Orders to receive Kaposia Days swag, such as t-shirts, must be placed by June 8 to be received in time for the big weekend. For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

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The history of how it all began

Tim Spitzack Editor

The year was 1976 and communities across the country were busy planning celebrations to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial. Old Glory was flying everywhere, and patriotic messages filled business marquees from coast to coast. But here in South St. Paul, the mood was far from celebratory. Many residents were in a state of shock after losing their livelihood due to the rapid decline of the city’s meatpacking industry, once one of the largest operations in the world. Swift & Co. closed in November 1969 and the demise of Armour & Co. was not far behind. Armour closed its beef-kill operation in 1973 and had steadily reduced its workforce before closing for good in June 1979. At one point, these two plants – the city’s largest employers – had more than 12,000 workers. With the closures went jobs that paid good wages, jobs that allowed working-class people to build a comfortable life for

their families.

Darrol Bussler came to South St. Paul as the end of that era was drawing near. He was hired by the school district in 1972 to teach English at the high school but it was a short-lived assignment. He was laid off three years later due to budget cuts. He was quickly rehired to work within the district’s Community Services department, and a year later was promoted to director of Community Education, a position he held for many years. In “South St. Paul: A Brief History,” Bussler described the somber tone that permeated the community in those days, saying, “A deafening silence hovered over South St. Paul. Its heart had been ripped out.”

To bring some joy back to the community, Bussler spearheaded a holiday celebration in 1975 called Christmas in South St. Paul. It featured music, dance and theater performances, and visual arts exhibits. It was intended to be a communitybuilding event, and it turned out to be successful in lifting the community at large from

the doldrums. Following its success, community leaders urged Bussler to organize a summer festival, one that might coincide with the South St. Paul Jaycees annual Fourth of July fireworks show. He accepted the challenge, rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

The next summer, in 1976, Kaposia Days made its debut. The celebration included a children’s parade, an evening in a park with food, dance and theater performances, an art show, craft fair, family race and street dance. After the street dance, Bussler remarked, “There was laughter and shouting. It was a positive public gathering of the community. And once again, there was life on Concord Street.”

The celebration takes its namesake from the Kaposia Band of the Mdewakanton Dakota, the earliest known residents of what is now South St. Paul. Today, its signature event is the Grande Parade, in which people stake out their territory far in advance for prime viewing. Over the years, other events have become festival

Dakota County Historical Society photo Kaposia Days made its debut in 1976 with a children’s parade, an evening in a park with food, dance and theater performances, an art show, craft fair, family race and street dance.

staples, including a softball tournament, car show, pancake breakfast, Bingo, kite fly and more. Kaposia Days

is now a deep-seated summertime tradition, and just like that inaugural event so

Chair Re-glue

Repair

many years ago, it continues to strengthen community ties.

Since

Armour gates

from page 1

showcase the contents of a cattle car, and one is open to allow visitors to explore it and see historic photos.

A 12-foot raised viewing platform overlooks cattle pens, which include either fiberglass cattle or historical displays. Three bronze cattle sculptures are scattered in open spaces, inviting people to play on them and take pictures. The concept also includes a monument to the short-lived electric suspended monorail train that was installed on the bluff in South St. Paul in 1888.

Funding ideas include commemorative plaques with markers in the shape of a pig’s hoof. Residents could purchase a hoof and have their name added to it, or the name of a loved one. Another idea is to have pig

statues placed throughout town, similar to the Peanuts characters featured in St. Paul in the early 2000s.

The Armour Gates are the last remaining vestige of the once bustling stockyards and meatpacking plants, which largely closed in the late 1960s and ’70s. In the past two decades, the city has redeveloped the site into the BridgePoint industrial park. The city owns the 3.9-acre parcel surrounding the gates and has been trying to sell it to a developer. The location of the gates on the triangular-shaped lot makes it difficult to retain them and still meet building size requirements of the site. It has been determined that the gates are not in good enough condition to be moved or rehabilitated.

South St. Paul Educational Foundation awards graduates

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

At its awards banquet in mid-May, the South St. Paul Educational Foundation awarded nearly half a million dollars in scholarships to a total of 140 South St. Paul students seeking higher education. The scholarships ranged from $1,000-$20,000 and were awarded to students entering all types of continuing education, including trade schools, community colleges and universities.

“The banquet was fantastic and every single kid who applied got a scholarship,” said South St. Paul Educational Foundation Executive Director Beth Skwira. “I think the reason we have so many

[scholarships] is because the community takes care of each other. It’s such a small, tight-knit community that when anyone passes away, they want to give back, and so most of our scholarships are memorial scholarships.”

Some scholarships have very specific guidelines, such as requiring students to have completed a certain number of honors classes in high school or to have already been accepted into a specific college or university. Most of the scholarships are recuring due to endowments, but new ones are frequently added. For example, if a donor gives $25,000 to establish an endowment, then the Foundation never touches that money but rather uses the interest it builds for an

annual scholarship.

“These kids can’t even believe it and the thank you notes are starting to come in now,” said Skwira, who noted that student applications for scholarships are anonymous. “They’re so gracious that somebody they don’t even know has invested in their future because of this tight knit community. It’s really special.”

Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has provided $7.7 million in scholarships for South St. Paul students seeking higher education. It also serves as a funding source for South St. Paul Public Schools. Donors can choose to give money for a school program, and teachers can apply to use it to improve their classroom or

for new programs over and above the regular curriculum. A few examples include a fund for special education classroom equipment, and one to cover activity fees for students who cannot afford them. Likewise, in 2014, the Foundation began working with the South St. Paul Garden Club to fund an annual field trip for kindergarteners at Kaposia Education Center and Lincoln Center to visit the farm at Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul. A few years later, the Foundation created “Mr. Otto’s Way,” a program that provides winter clothing for elementary students in need. The Foundation, which has two full-time and one part-time employee, keeps its lights on through its

annual walk-a-thon and Friends of the Foundation gala. This year’s gala is set for November 16 and will honor two women who have contributed to the foundation in a meaningful way. They are Sharon Jakacki, who was office manager of the foundation for 20 years and is retiring this fall, and Jodee Paape, a longtime board member and accountant for the foundation. It also receives donations from organizations such as the South St. Paul Lion’s Club and the Abner Rude American Legion Post #481, as well as individual contributors and alumni who include the foundation in their will.

“The walkathon is going to throw some people off this year,” said Skwira. “Typi-

cally, it’s at the high school and people take off from there and do a 5K through town. In the past, it used to be all kinds of ages of kids that would come, but now it’s mostly elementary kids and their families so it’s not super safe to have people running the streets. This year it’s going be at Lincoln Center around the track and it’s going be more like a carnival.” The event will feature some family friendly activities and free hot dogs. Half of the money raised by each child at the walk-a-thon can be used in the child’s classroom.

Since beginning as executive director about a year ago, Skwira has updated the Foundation’s website and

continued on next page

Sketch of proposed park amenities

A rts & Culture Arts Council

from page 1 art gallery in the city — located in Kendall’s front lawn — but three or four more will be installed by the end of June. Should the council get funds to make more, they will invite the community to help paint the exteriors, and also choose curators to maintain them. The galleries may have themes based on the time of the year, and the council may even use them for a mini art crawl event or an interactive activity similar to geocaching.

The council also hopes to use grant money to bring in a World War II veteran to do a presentation about sketches he drew during his time in service, an African drumming group to perform, and a variety of artists to teach how to make art with uncommon styles or mediums. The nine-member volunteer board organizes a bring-your-own-art event for council members on the fourth Tuesday of each

month, typically at Croatian Hall or Clark Grace church. At these gatherings, artists of all experience levels work on projects, socialize, view and display art, and learn what the council has planned for future events.

Perhaps the council’s most popular event is the kids’ art contest that kicks off during Kaposia Days and ends in July. The contest has four age groups and kids can make any kind of art they want. The first-place winner of each age group receives a $50 gift certificate and the second- and third-place winners receive art supplies. Also popular is the free chalk art activity held during Splish Splash Bash in July.

At On the Road Again, kids and adults can let loose at the council’s free art station, which features paint, paper, pumpkins and more. The activity is expected to nearly double in size this year based on last year’s participa-

Scholarships

from page 4

established an e-newsletter. Most recently she applied for a grant from the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation for funds to hire a consultant to help the South St. Paul Educational Foundation update its mission, vision and value statements. If received, she expects work to begin this summer and take six to 12 months to complete. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.sspef. org.

“We have so many community sponsors, businesses and individuals in town that support us financially,” said Skwira. “Our role is to connect somebody who has a passion for education and South St. Paul Schools with

tion. The other annual event organized by the council is a holiday decoration competition. Those who deck out their houses in December can register with the council to have their house appear on a map on their website, and community members can vote for their favorites. Winners receive special offers or prizes from local businesses.

One of the nonprofit’s biggest challenges is finding a permanent home for meetings, events, classes and performances. Kendall said the council has looked at moving into the old library, but the cost of the century-old

building is a major hurdle. She hopes the council will be bolstered in coming years through more grant funding and donations and will soon be able to secure a home that’s visible and accessible to the community.

“I think the arts are just as important as math or English or any of those other really important courses that kids take in high school,” said Kendall. “I know a lot of school districts are struggling right now with keeping arts [amidst budget cuts]. This is just one more opportunity to provide arts to all the people in the community.”

a kid who has a bright future. I thank the donors and the community for supporting us because that’s really what makes it happen.”

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Arts Council President Gwen Kendall

Summer events

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Music and Movies Music in the Parks, Mears Lunchtime Series

- Free concerts are held

noon-1 p.m. at Mears Park every Tuesday and Wednesday, June 6-Aug. 16. No shows are held June 21, or July 3-4. The lineup features Matt Hannah, June

6; Trevor McSpadden, June

7; The Jugsluggers, June 13; Handsome Midnight, June

14; Old Guys Play the Blues, June 20; Sweet Rhubarb, June 27; Stevens Family Band, June 28; Barlow with Bionik & Eric Mayson, July 11; My Cousin Dallas, July 12; Cassandra Cole, July 18; Rosie Rossi, July 19; St. Suburbia, July 25; Qlivia, July 26; Mellifera, Aug. 1; Joan of Profile, Aug. 2; Capital City Wind Ensemble, Aug. 8; Dale & Kathleen, Aug. 9; TBD, Aug. 15; and The Fairlanes, Aug. 16.

Lowertown Sounds is a free concert series presented on Thursday nights in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Concerts run 6-9:30 p.m., and guests are invited to bring blankets

and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. The lineup features Good Morning Bedlam, June 1; Turn Turn Turn, June 8; Kiss the Tiger, June 15; Nur-D, June 22; The New Standards, July 13; Craig Clark Band, July 20; Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers, July 27; Jaedyn James, Aug. 3; Salsa Del Soul, Aug. 10; Run Westy Run, Aug. 17; and Flamin’ Oh’s, Aug. 24. Food trucks will be onsite at each performance. For more information, visit www.lowertownsounds.com.

Bands on the Boulevard is a free, outdoor concert series featuring Minnesota musicians at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. Concerts will be held 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays in June and July. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and arrive early for pre-show dancing, activities and food from various food trucks. Activities and crafts will begin at 6:30 p.m. The lineup features Ecuador Manta, June 20; Dred I Dread, June 27; NUNNABOVE, July 11; Barbaro, July 18; and The Northerly Gales, July 25. For more information, visit www.mnhs. org or call 651-259-3000.

Summer Market Now Open!

Summer Nights in Rice are free concerts held 5-7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St. This year’s lineup features Twin Cities Latin Band, June 22; International Reggae All-Stars, July 13; Moonlight Serenaders, July 27; Pete Whitman Quartet, Aug. 10; Natania & Ticket to Brasil, Aug. 24; and Jimmy “Primetime” Smith Blues Band, Sept. 7. Groovin’ in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday, June 7-July 26 at Como Park

Zoo & Conservatory, 1225

Estabrook Dr. The lineup is Innocent Reggae Band, June 7; 13 Arrows, June 14; Ty Pow & The Holy North, June 21; Red Eye Ruby, June 28; Flowtus, July 5; Mubbla Buggs, July 12; Eleganza, July 19; and Flamin’ Oh’s, July 26. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Minnesota Sinfonia will hold a Family Pops concert at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 22, at Como Park, and

7 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, at Roseville Central Park Amphitheatre.

The City of Mendota Heights presents free concerts at 6 p.m. at Market Square Park, 720 Main St. The lineup includes Timeless, May 31; KidsDance, June 14; Tiger Ries, June 28; Cole Allen and Sena Erhardt, July 12; The M & M Show, July 26; Helium for Liftoff trio, Aug. 9; Matt Graunke and the Crow River Rebellion, Aug. 23; and Skippin’ Stones, Sept. 6. Revved UP performs 6:30

Photo by Andrea Canter, www.andreacanterartworks

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns to Mears Park June 23-24.

Monty Hays, Maya Richardson

Fun

p.m., Aug. 11, at Mendakota Park, 2111 Dodd Rd.

The City of West St. Paul outdoor movies schedule features “DC League of Superpets,” 9 p.m., July 14, at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W.; and TBD (community vote), 8:30 p.m., Aug. 25, at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave. For more information, call 651-552-4100.

Union Depot Drive-in movies will be held in Lot D, located near Kellogg Boulevard, on Friday, June 23 and Friday, Aug. 25. The title in

June is “Jaws” and in August, “The Incredibles.” Each event features a chance to win a prize basket. Concessions will be available. Tickets are $15 per vehicle. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit uniondepot.org/ depotdrivein.

Fairs and Festivals

The Flint Hills International Family Festival is held 6-10 p.m., June 2, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., June 3, at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., and surrounding areas.

Friday, June 2 is Strings and Salsa Night and includes performances by The String Queens, Rene Thompson and Salsa del Soul. Saturday is Family Arts and Culture Day and will feature $5 performances by Lightwire Theatre and The REMINDers. Koo Koo Kanga Roo perform a free closing concert outside at 3:15 p.m. School week is held May 30-June 2. Free Metro Transit passes to the festival are available for download. For more information, visit ordway.org/festival.

Union Depot Train Days will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 3-4 at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. The free event includes a new exhibit featuring photos of steam locomotives, train equipment tours, model trains, familyfriendly activities and more. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/traindays.

WaterFest is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m., June 3 at Lake Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr. This free, family festival offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of water management, wildlife habitat, and the unique ecological features of the region’s watershed. Experience activities on and around the

water with Voyageur canoe and sailboat rides; paddleboats, canoes and kayaks for checkout, fishing lessons, a fishing contest with prizes, water games, climbing walls, a jump castle, arts and crafts, face painting and lawn games, a water bar featuring water flights, the Passport Odyssey with prizes, performers, food trucks and more. For more information, visit www.rwmwd. org/get-involved/waterfest or call 651-792-7950.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns to Mears Park June 23-24 for its 25th anniversary. The mainstage lineup is Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet, 6 p.m., June 23; Paquito D’Rivera and the Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience, 8:30 p.m., June 23; Davina & the Vagabonds, 6 p.m., June 24; and Christian McBride, 8:30 p.m., June 24. TPT Stage performances include Nabate Isles, 5:30 p.m., June 24; and Tribute to Butch Thompson, 8:30 p.m., June 24. For more information, visit www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com.

Midtown Blues & Funk Fest, formerly the Lowertown Blues & Funk Fest, will

be held noon-10 p.m., Saturday, July 22 at Dual Citizen Brewing, 725 Raymond Ave. Concerts are free and the lineup features Walter Trout, Corey Stevens, Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers, The Jellybean Johnson Experience, Kendra Glenn and Lisa Wenger. For more information, visit www.lowertownbluesfestival.com.

The Dakota County Fair takes place Aug. 7-13 at the Fairgrounds, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. Highlights include musical entertainment, demolition derby, midway rides, talent contests, grandstand shows, car and livestock shows, historic

village and food. For more information, visit www.dakotacountyfair.org or call 651-463-8818.

Minnesota State Fair takes place Aug. 24-Sept. 4 at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave. The Fair showcases Minnesota’s finest in agriculture, art and industry, hundreds of concession stands, a giant Midway, Grandstand concerts, giveaways, animal and product demonstrations, parades and much more. Grandstand concerts include: The Black Keys with special guest The Velveteers, 7 p.m., Aug. 24 Summer Events / Page 8

Minnesota State Fair: Aug. 24-Sept. 4.

Deutsche Tage: June 10-11.

S ummer Fun

Summer events

(from $69); The Chicks with special guest Wild Rivers, 7 p.m., Aug. 25 (from $77); Keith Urban with special guest Lindsay Ell, 7 p.m., Aug. 26 (from $52); Boyz II Men and Chaka Khan, 7 p.m., Aug. 27 (from $34); Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues,

Think

The Classics IV and The Cowsills, 7 p.m., Aug. 28 ($33); Brandi Carlile with special guest Wynonna Judd, 7 p.m., Aug. 29 (from $79); Yung Gravy with special guest bbno$, 7 p.m., Aug. 30 (from $29); Duran Duran with special guests Bastille and Nile Rodgers & CHIC, 7 p.m., Aug. 31 (from $77); Jonas Brothers,

7 p.m., Sept. 1 (from $77); The Current featuring The Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four, 7 p.m., Sept. 2 (from $27); MSF 50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest Finals, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 3; and Blippi, 3 p.m., Sept. 4 ($16). For more information, visit www.mnstatefair.org.

IndiaFest is held Saturday, Aug. 12. Details were not available as of presstime. The free event typically features performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, cultural displays, activities and games, along with an Indian bazaar. For more information, visit www.iamn. org or call 651-321-3421.

Deutsche Tage, returns for its 65th year, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., June 10, and 11 a.m.5 p.m., June 11 at the Germanic American Institute,

301 Summit Ave. The event features authentic German food and beer, musicians and dancers, family-friendly games and more. This year’s theme is “German Innovation.” Admission is free. Adults may purchase $5 wristbands for beer and wine purchases. German folk-wear or fairy tale attire is encouraged. For more information, visit www.gaimn. org or call 651-222-7027.

Irish Fair of Minnesota, is held Aug. 11-13, at Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, children’s activities, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays and Irish food and drink. Bands performing over the weekend include Gaelic Storm, Socks in the Frying Pan, JigJam, Doolin, Screaming Orphans, Clare Cunningham and Wild Colonial Bhoys. Real Irish Comedy Tour will also perform Friday and Saturday. Hours are 3-11 p.m, Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. Single day passes are $20, with discounts for youth and seniors. Weekend passes are $40, with discounts for youth and seniors. Free for youth under age 13. For more information, visit www.irishfair.com or call

VFW, and a car show will be held 1-4 p.m. The event will also feature a beanbag tournament, bouncy house, arts and crafts, food trucks and more. For more information, visit cityofmendota.org.

Como Park

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., features flora and fauna from around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, lions, tigers, the ever-popular polar bear and more than a dozen botanical gardens. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Admission is a suggested donation of $3. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory. org or call 651-487-8201.

Como Town amusement park is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sun. with kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides,.

Recreation

Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 9-11. Ages 16 and older may fish for free without a license if accompanied by a youth or child age 15 or younger. Great shore fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River, Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Pickerel Lake in Lilydale, and Thompson and Marthaler lakes in West St.

Paul. For more information visit, www.dnr.state.mn.us/ takeakidfishing or call 651296-6157.

Historical tours

The Sibley Historic Site is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, May 27-Sept. 4 at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older, $6 for children 5-17, free for children 4 and under. Memorial Day and Labor Day hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Sibley Historic Site will host the Fête de la SaintJean-Baptiste event 3-8 p.m., Saturday, June 24. The event features singing and dancing demonstrations that celebrate French Canadian, Canadian and French culture. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. dakotahistory.org/events.

Historic Fort Snelling is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., through June 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.Sat., June 10-Sept. 3, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., Sept. 4-Oct. 31. Memorial Day weekend hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Labor Day. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and up; $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free.

Yay, it’s June! Summer officially begins this month and with it come many fun activities for the entire community. Here are just a few reasons to say “yay” to summer.

Yay, it’s the end of the school year! Congratulations to all students for completing the 2022-2023 school year. A special congratulations to all the seniors who will be starting a new chapter in their lives.

Yay, the South St. Paul Farmers’ Market is back! The market opens at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 14 at Southview Boulevard and 12th Avenue. Dakota County Public Health joins us this year with the Pop (Power of Produce) Pro -

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 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.

the community. To reserve it or for more details, call Deb at 651-554-3230.

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-

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.

fully. Proceeds from the tournament will support its work in South St. Paul. To register, email John at Email johnlaliberte29@gmail.com.

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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primary beneficiaries of this work in 2023. The dense buckthorn crowds out native shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and small trees. Removing the invasive species is crucial to restoring native habitat along this much-used greenway. Next month we will take a look at more local projects and services, including two nominated for prestigious national awards.

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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