South St. Paul Arts & Entertainment
School Choice Guide
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Volume 21 | Number 1
School district hires American Indian cultural liaison Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
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January 2024
Read Across South St. Paul returns
S
outh St. Paul Public Schools recently hired Courtney Renville Soto as its American Indian cultural liaison. Her duty is to increase the academic success of American Indian students by communicating with them and their families and organizing cultural events. “My duties are meeting with students, helping them cultivate a positive cultural identity and promoting academic success, including fostering positive relationships between the school, American Indian students and their families,” said Renville Soto. She also works with school staff and school board members to address cultural sensitivity and awareness within the school community. The District’s American Indian Education program was established in 2015. Its purpose is to increase academic achievement and improve the school climate for American Indian students. Currently, the district has 53 students who identify as American Indian. A few of Renville Soto’s short-term goals include adding members to the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and organizing more cultural events that are open to the public, such as a pow wow tentatively scheduled for this spring.
Cultural liaison / Page 2
Deb Griffith reads to a second grade class at Lincoln Center Elementary. She is assisted by Linda Becker, a cued language transliterator. Tim Spitzack Editor
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popular volunteer-based reading program has returned to South St. Paul schools after being on pause since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is welcome news for the schools and particularly for those students struggling to meet state standards in reading proficiency.
The Read Across South St. Paul program sees volunteers visit classrooms once a month to read to students at the city’s two elementary schools. Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison for the City of South St. Paul, launched the program in 2001 simply to share her love of literature with students. Over the years it has grown to approximately 30 volunteers. Among the group are SSP Reads / Page 3
City sets sights on Concord Exchange Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
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ow that the reconstruction of Concord Street between I-494 and Annapolis Street has wrapped up the City of South St. Paul is turning its attention to its next major public works project: the Concord Exchange Improvement Project. The South St. Paul City Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, in the council chambers at City Hall, 125 3rd Avenue N., to discuss project details. A feasibility report outlining Concord Exchange’s existing condition, proposed improvements and estimated costs was completed in early December by WSB, a design and consulting firm, and will be the focus of the meeting. This is an opportunity for the public to provide input before the City Council decides whether to proceed with the project, as recommended by city staff. The project calls for the reconstruction of Concord Exchange from Grand Avenue to 6th Street East, as well as improvements to utilities in the area, including the sewer and watermain which date to 1978. It also includes sidewalk reconstruction from 6th Street East all the way to the northern connection of Concord Street North near the U.S. Post Office building. Additionally, that entire corridor would see streetscape Concord Exchange / Page 2
South Metro adds furry friend to help firefighters and others Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
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purebred golden retriever puppy named Hal has joined South Metro Fire as the department’s first-ever therapy dog. Still growing into his paws, Hal will undergo a year of weekly training sessions to learn how to identify people in need of comfort or assistance. In the meantime, his
handler, deputy fire chief Terry Johnson, will keep him at the fire station to serve as a bright presence for the firefighters. “One of my areas of responsibility and truly my passion is firefighter mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, and to me this is one more tool in the toolbox to help with that,” said Johnson. “The initial training is just obedience train-
ing but as it progresses, they teach the dogs to be able to key in on responders that may be struggling.” Hal was donated to the department by Soldier’s 6, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides trained therapy dogs to fire and police departments and other first responders as well as honorably discharged veterans. He was bred in northern Minnesota by a member of the
American Kennel Club and his brother, Riley, was donated to the South St. Paul Police Department at the same time. Soldier’s 6 will provide free training for the lifetime of both dogs. Hal has already helped some of the department’s 40 firefighters decompress following a few recent incidents, Johnson said, Therapy dog / Page 2
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Therapy dog from page 1
including a stabbing and a house fire. Once trained, Hal will accompany firefighters at community and public education events and respond to specific calls where large numbers of people are displaced, such as an apartment fire. Likewise, Riley will be a calming presence for victims giving statements at the South St. Paul Police Department. “It’s the accumulation – this chronic exposure to people in their worst situations [that is challenging],” said Johnson regarding the stress that first responders face. “Sometimes it’s traumatic, like gunshots and stabbings and bad car accidents, and you’re seeing carnage, and other times you’re going to people who don’t take care of themselves or are dealing
with mental health issues and chemical dependency issues…. For me and many other responders, your view of society becomes warped because you’re dealing with this so much… You feel like everyone is like this and that’s not the case.” In addition to Hal, the department supports the staff’s mental wellbeing with the Par360 program, which provides each person with an annual one-on-one meeting with a psychologist. The psychologist also provides training on mental resilience. The department and MnFIRE, a nonprofit statewide advocacy organization, also offer peer support groups. “I received a text yesterday from a firefighter who retired on mental health disability with PTSD,” said Johnson.
Cultural liaison from page 1
In the long term, she’d like to introduce a native language program and develop more concrete ways to close the achievement gap. Her department also assists students with post-secondary
preparations. Renville Soto’s position is funded by the school district and the State of Minnesota’s Office of American Indian Education. Minnesota requires the district to create
Concord Exchange from page 1
improvements including concrete boulevards, decorative lighting, trees, planters,
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benches and trash receptacles, and median improvements on Grand Avenue. The work was called for in the City’s 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan to address the poor condition of the roadway, which has transverse and longitudinal
Deputy fire chief Terry Johnson with Hal.
New study explores adding third station South Metro is a joint venture between the cities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul and has a station in both cities. The department responded to some 7,600 incidents in 2022, a 4.3% increase over the previous year and a whopping 38.9% increase compared to 10 years ago. Of those calls, 5,819 were for emergency medical services and 92 were for fire incidents. The increase prompted the cities to hire Citygate Associates, a fire protection and emergency services consultant, to conduct a study of the department and its response times. It was completed in mid-November and found that the department can be expected to reach 85.7% of its service area within 5 minutes. While that’s a good response time, the recommendation for urban and
suburban departments is a number closer to 4 minutes. Citygate recommended that the department consider creating a third station if it can’t consistently maintain a 5-minute response time on average. In other news, South Metro is encouraging homeowners and business owners to register on its Community Connect website and provide special details about their property, such as that the resident is in a wheelchair, there are pets, or there’s oxygen in use. The website was created last year to help ensure firefighters are as prepared as possible when responding to an incident. To register, visit communityconnect.io/info/ mn-southmetro. For more information, call the West St. Paul station at 651-5524176 or the South St. Paul station at 651-554-3250, or visit smfdmn.org.
“He said, ‘I heard the news [about Hal] and it’s awesome. I wish we would have had this when I was there.
This is a great thing for the department and its responders.’”
an achievement and integration plan every three years. It is designed to promote racial and economic integration, create educational opportunities, and reduce academic disparities based on racial and economic backgrounds. South St. Paul Public Schools will update its plan in 2024.
“I’m super excited to make a positive impact on the lives of American Indian students,” said Renville Soto. “I know how important it is to foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment, especially for my students. Building bridges between cultures and facilitating understanding is really
the most rewarding aspect of my role and to be honest I look forward to that every day. The cultural aspect of our students’ education and tying that into their education gives them a sense of resilience that they really need in life.” With the hiring of Renville Soto, the district has
five cultural liaisons who provide services in English, Spanish and Hmong. The district also provides translation and interpretation services for families interacting with school related programs. For more information, visit sspps.org/departments/equity.
cracks of varying severity. The City’s Economic Development Authority also identified the reconstruction and streetscape improvements along Concord Exchange as high priority to promote economic growth and redevelopment within the corridor. The streetscape improvements planned for north of Grand Avenue were originally called for in
the development agreement between the City and The Yards apartment complex. The improvements were not completed in conjunction with the construction of The Yards and therefore the remaining work is being incorporated into this project. Another public hearing will be held later in January. If the project is approved,
the City expects to award a construction contract in March, with work completed by October. Property owners between Grand Avenue East and 6th Street East would be assessed for the street reconstruction. Preliminary numbers estimate the cost to be about $90.40 per front foot. The total estimated project cost is
approximately $5.96 million. Funding sources include the City’s Developer Fund, Utility Enterprise funds, tax incremental financing, municipal state aid and special assessments to benefiting properties. For more information, call 651-5543214 or visit southstpaul. org and search, “Concord Exchange.”
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SSP Reads from page 1
a veritable Who’s Who of community leaders: Mayor James Francis, City Administrator Ryan Garcia, South St. Paul Schools Superintendent Brian Zambreno, Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins, and a host of retired teachers and others willing to share their time. “I’m so glad this program is back,” said Griffith. “It’s a great way for people to read with kids, interact with kids and have a special relationship with the schools. The books we choose are entertaining, rather than educational. We want to bring a fun element into reading.” Griffith works with South St. Paul Children’s Librarian Carlos Espitia to pick 50 books each month that relate to a specific theme and she personally distributes them to the elementary schools and ensures that they are returned to the library promptly. December’s theme was Winter Wonderland and featured books that celebrate winter. January’s theme is Wild New Year. The program runs October through April. During
summer months, kids may attend reading programs at the library. While the Read Across South St. Paul program focuses on the joy of reading, it is also a key element in supporting literacy at each school. Literacy is often called the building block of education because it’s the foundation for all other learning. According to the National Research Council and the National Early Literacy Panel, shared book reading is one of the top three ways to foster early literacy skills. The others are phonological awareness and speech-to-print connections. Read Across South St. Paul is meeting a need in the South St. Paul school district, which, like other districts across the state and nation, is slowly emerging from the negative effects the pandemic had on learning. According to scorecards from the Minnesota Department of Education, the number of students meeting state standards in reading at South St. Paul’s elementary schools is below 50%. At
School Choice from page 7
because you think they may be hard to get in to or be too expensive. Next, look up information about these schools online so you can get a sense of what they offer. Don’t forget to consider homeschooling and online schools, too. Start narrowing your list down to develop an initial short list of schools to visit. Step 5: Visit schools.
School tours are important. Ask as many questions as possible, take detailed notes and visit classrooms, if possible. Look around to get a sense of the school, the teachers, and the school’s values, approach and culture. Throughout your tour, ask yourself: “Is this a learning environment where I can see my child learning, succeeding, being respected, be-
Lincoln Center Elementary, 39.7% are meeting the standard. This is up slightly from last year (37.4%) but below pre-COVID levels (47.9% in 2019.) Data from Kaposia Education Center is 44.7%, which is up from 38.7% last year, and up from 40.9% in 2019. Terry Bretoi, Kaposia Elementary School principal, is a strong proponent of Read Across South St. Paul. “Having the community come back to our school has been a joy,” he said. “Parent and community engagement has gone through the roof since the pandemic.” While that pleases him, he remains concerned about the negative effects that social media and other forms of electronic media have on students’ reading for enjoyment. “We think kids aren’t reading as much at home,” he said. “It seems to have taken a backseat to things that are more instantaneous.” To promote reading books, Kaposia hosted Books and Breakfast in November, where parents were invited to join their children at school for breakfast and a time of reading together. Nearly 100 families attended
ing safe and being happy?” If you’re considering online schools, schedule a phone interview to ask questions. If you’re considering homeschooling, take this time to research your state’s homeschooling rules, policies and laws. Step 6: Evaluate schools. After your tours, look at the notes you took before you started your visits, and your notes from those visits. Which schools or learning environments best meet your child’s needs? Narrow your
and were reminded about the importance of supporting literacy at home. Due to its success, a similar event will be held in the spring. Theresa Starkman, principal at Lincoln Center Elementary, is equally appreciative of Read Across South St. Paul volunteers. “The program is phenomenal,” she said. “One of the reasons I love most about working in this school district is the vast amount of community involvement.” She said her school has various events throughout the year, such as their Spring Fling, that bring in parents and other volunteers to interact with students to support their educational endeavors.
Get involved Read Across South St. Paul volunteers read to students once a month at 9 a.m. at Lincoln Center and 9:30 a.m. at Kaposia Education Center. While most participate monthly, it’s not required. Griffith said volunteers may read whenever it fits their schedule. To learn more about the program, contact Griffith at deb. griffith@southstpaul.org or 651-554-3230.
list to two or three finalists. Step 7: Choose the school or learning environment that meets your child’s needs. Sit down as a family and choose the school or learning environment that works best for your child. This is a very personal decision, and every family will pursue this step in a different way. After you’ve decided, it’s time to apply, submit applications, fill out paperwork, and get your child ready for their first day of school.
MLK Day celebration
Area churches striving for racial equality in the community
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he City of South St. Paul and area churches will host the 3rd Annual South St. Paul Commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr., at 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 15 at First Presbyterian Church, 535 20th Ave. N., South St. Paul. The event observes Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and highlights the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial equality in our community and nation. This year’s commemoration will highlight the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in word and in song. The keynote speaker is the Reverend Oliver White from Clark Grace United Church of Christ in South St. Paul, who once met King and heard a message from him. Other clergy from South St. Paul’s Pastors in Action group will participate along with representatives from the City of South St. Paul, the South St. Paul School District and other community groups. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and discuss its theme over a light breakfast and coffee. For more information, contact Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison, at 651-554-3230 or deb. griffith@southstpaul.org. The event dates to 2021 when a group of clergy met with Mayor James Francis and members of his staff to encourage them to promote Martin Luther King, Jr., Day as more than just a day off, but rather as a time to reflect on civil rights issues in South St. Paul, in the United States and around the world. MLK Day was signed into law in 1983 and first observed three years later. King was born Jan. 15, 1929.
Library services at Central Square The South St. Paul library has closed and materials are being transferred to the new Kaposia Library, set to open in early 2024 at 7th and Marie. During the transition, customers can pick up holds and return items at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N. A shelf in the lobby has items on hold and a large bin outside is for returns. Central Square’s lobby is open 5 a.m.-8 p.m., weekdays, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays. For more
information on the temporary services or the new Kaposia Library, contact askalibrarian@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-450-2900.
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B ack in Time
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Wintertime daredevils from yesteryear
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Tim Spitzack Editor
ow that a chill is back in the air, scores of people will soon be zipping around the city’s outdoor skating rinks and whooshing down its sledding hills. South St. Paul has a long history of supporting winter recreation. The city opened its first municipal ice-skating rink Feb. 7, 1919, between 12th and 13th avenues south, and for years the hill near the high school had several ski and toboggan slides, including the 30-foot-high City Ski Slide built in 1949. In the early to mid-1900s, the city was also home to two other towering ski slides that provided thrills for wintertime daredevils and those who watched them perform their aerial wonders. One was at Seidl’s Lake and the other at Simon’s Ravine. The late Milt “Sonny” Kreuser knew those slides well. A member of the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame, Kreuser got his start in ski jumping at the age of four when Arnulf Unneberg helped build a ski jump in
Don and Helen Page with their grandfather John at the Simon’s Ravine Ski Slide in 1924. Milt’s family’s back yard. Unneberg taught him the skills he needed to launch and land, and Milt grew to love the sport. He eventually helped form a junior ski club called the Kaposia Flyers, who used the jump at Simon’s Ravine. Kreuser
and Unneberg were also instrumental in the design and construction of the smaller ski jump near the South St. Paul High School. Milt went on to become president of the South St. Paul Ski Club and served in that role until he enlisted
The slide at Seidl’s lake was constructed by Louis Nauer and operated from 1921-24. in the service during World War II. After the war, he returned to the sport, but his competition days ended after a ski jumping accident. Nonetheless, he continued to enjoy recreational skiing. His son, Joe, followed in his tracks and went on
to compete in ski jumping. As a result, Milt was pulled back into the world of ski competitions. He became a St. Paul Junior Ski Club adviser, where he supported the activities of the club and took skiers to ski tournaments across the region.
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Clark Memorial United Church
408 3rd St. N. 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org •
779 15th Ave. N. 651-451-7278 clarkgraceucc.org •
First Presbyterian 535 20th Ave. N. 651-451-6223 fpcssp.org •
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox church 357 2nd Ave. S. 651-451-0775 www.stsavamn.org •
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Page 4 - South St. Paul Voice - January 2024
He also served on the board of directors of the St. Paul Ski Club and the South St. Paul Educational Foundation. He was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 30, 1998. He passed away on September 26, 2020, at age 96. At the turn of the 20th century, ski jumps and toboggan slides were all the rage and were found across the Twin Cities. In 1886, a six-track toboggan slide was built down Cedar Street in St. Paul for the first St. Paul Winter Carnival. It began at the State Capitol grounds. The first ski jumping hill in St. Paul was constructed at Mounds Park in 192425 and was patterned after the ski jump at Odnes in Norway. The 60-meter hill at Battle Creek was built in 1939 for the Winter Carnival and hosted the national ski jumping championships that same year. If you think a 60-meter hill is high, it’s peanuts compared to the Vikersundbakken jump in Vikersund, Norway, the world’s highest jump, at 253.5-meters.
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Sf. Stefan Romanian Orthodox Church 350 5th Ave. N. 651-451-3462 sfantulstefan.org •
St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church 501 6th Ave. S. 651-455-8947 stmarymn.org
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Neighbors, Inc. Dawn Wambeke President & CEO
As we usher in the New Year, it is humbling to look back and reflect on all that occurred at Neighbors in 2023. We are reminded of the true beauty that occurs when the collective strength of humanity joins together to bring hope to those who need it the most. Because of our incredible community and all who contribute in profound and inspiring
ways, Neighbors continues to be a pillar of support and unity and is well known as a place for individuals to turn to for help. Here is a snapshot of the impact made possible by community support during our last fiscal year (July 2022-June 2023). Our stability services ensure that families are connected to the comprehensive array of social service
Postscript
Christmas remembrances I tend to be a Christmas maximalist. At least that’s what my husband Peter would say. Peter would dispense with the tree, the presents and most of the outings. He’d hang a few ornaments on a houseplant, have a nice meal and go to bed early. But Peter cares for me a lot and he knows how much I love Christmas. I want a live tree. If I can’t chop it down myself, I’ll haul it home from the hardware store. I want lights on the balcony and a little present for everyone. I want fancy new wrapping paper and pretty, old ornaments and a holiday setting on the table. I want to light too many candles, bake too many cookies and end up with a floor covered with ribbon and powdered sugar Mary M. Garcia (Mauricio) Mary died peacefully on 11/29/23 at 92 years old. Preceded in death by husband Raymond Garcia Sr., 2 sets of twin boys, 3 more sons: Ray Jr., Gilbert and Paul. Survived by sons: Vic (Michelle), Nick (Donna), Joe (Laura), Ed (Laure) and Dan (Dawn), 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Private internment at Oak Hill Cemetery and a Celebration of Life, April 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m, at Croatian Hall.
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
at the end of the night. Peter is very patient. And I want to get dressed up. Some of my best memories of Christmas involve my Auntie Jo. She and her family would drive up north to my grandparents on Christmas Eve with a car packed with presents and cousins and a mischievous dog. Thinking back on it now, I’m sure it was stressful for my Auntie Jo. But my memory is of the car pulling in, and Auntie Jo Mary M. Garcia (Mauricio) Mary of South St. Paul died peacefully on 11/29/23 at the age of 92. Private internment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life, April 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m, at Croatian Hall.
programs available, have access to affordable highquality clothing for their entire family, and have the joy of opening gifts over the holiday season. Our trained staff provide meaningful referrals to partner organizations daily to ensure that families’ comprehensive needs are met (i.e. childcare, transportation, emergency assistance, housing resources and more). Our boutique clothing thrift store provides a warm and welcoming shopping experience that is available to the public. More than 500 families received over $23,400 in free clothing and merchandise last year. Our holiday gift program received tremendous support as well. In December 2023, our community supporters provided approximately
900 children and 100 seniors with gifts to bring happiness and cheer. Our Hunger Relief Services experienced a 300% increase in demand over the past several years. With the rising cost of living, the need is so great and there is no decrease in sight. Neighbors provides nutritious food including meat, eggs, milk, bread and shelf-stable items such as canned goods. We offer a variety of options on site at Neighbors including a choice model food shelf, emergency packs and supplemental weekly “express options.” For those who are unable to get to Neighbors due to lack of transportation, illness, injury or limited mobility, we offer home delivery and off-site food distributions at apartment
residences. Nearly 25,000 (duplicated) households were served and approximately 65,000 (duplicated) individuals. More than 901,000 pounds of food were distributed. Our financial empowerment services were launched to help improve the financial wellbeing of our community. These services offer free personalized, one-to-one coaching and education such as advice on managing money and debts, budget development and obtaining a copy of and understanding credit reports and scores. We also offer financial educational materials and workshops, digital literacy education, connect people to home ownership services and offer career counseling. Our financial empowerment
services provided 349 visits (duplicated individuals). Neighbors wishes to honor and thank our wonderful staff, board of directors and the 600-plus volunteers who contributed nearly 22,000 hours of service. You bring our mission to life every day! As we look to the new year, we are committed to deepening our impact as we build upon Neighbors’ beautiful foundation. In January, we will share more information about the launch of our new strategic plan. We wish everyone a new year filled with peace, joy and happiness. As always, I’d love to connect. You may reach me at dawn@neighborsmn. org, 651-272-1135 or just stop by. Stay connected with Neighbors’ latest updates at neighborsmn.org.
hugging everyone, her arms full of bags of unwrapped gifts and luggage. This was, for me, the official start of Christmas. Auntie Jo would head downstairs to wrap presents and, at some point, the dog, Twinkie, would make a mad dash out the door. We’d all scour the neighborhood until we found Twinkie. Then Auntie Jo would go to change her clothes and emerge more resplendent than the Christmas tree. It was always a treat to see what my Auntie Jo would wear at Christmas. I knew there would be glitter or sequins, and probably both. It would be the sort of outfit a person would wear only for a very special day, and seeing Auntie Jo dressed up made it a special day for me. I understand that getting dressed up is not for
everyone, and decorating a tree is a lot of work. Holiday preparations shouldn’t be a burden, something on the must-do list when there are more important things to do. But every year, I think back on my Auntie Jo, who had such a long drive and so much to do (and such a naughty dog!), and how she would step into the living room, her splendorous get-up reflecting the ChristMR.lights. LARRY FOR HIRE mas I received a lot of Inice presents and we had do painting, repairs wonderful meals but seeing & cleaning of homes her dressed in her Christmas and apartments finery was always a highlight Window Washing for me. Gutter Cleaning
I am still lucky enough to see my Auntie Jo at Christmas. Although I will never wear sequins as well as she did, I do my best because dressing up is part of how I participate in Christmas. It helps to make this time of year memorable. When I light the candles on my mantle
and string lights outside, it’s a recognition that the darkness of winter will pass. Like my aunt, I want to mark this passage of time. I want to make this day different from other days. Dressing up for Christmas reminds me that we need some extra sparkle in this darkest time of year. Till next time.
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School Choice Guide Understanding your options when choosing a school
L
ooking for a new school for your student? Registration deadlines for the next school year are fast approaching, so now is the time to do your homework. Families have many choices: public, magnet, parochial or charter schools, as well as homeschooling. Post-high school choices include trade schools, two-year and fouryear colleges and universities. This primer will help you understand the differences among them so you can select the best option for your child.
Open enrollment Minnesota has open enrollment, which means families may choose a school that is not within their resident
district. State applications are used for open enrollment, and nonresident districts must receive applications by January 15 for the following fall, with some exceptions. Families that apply to a school not assigned to them are responsible for their own transportation.
Public schools Public schools are funded through taxes and operated by local school districts and a board of education. Each student is guaranteed enrollment and is assigned a school near where they live. Busing is free for those outside of walking distance. When selecting a public school, families may want to consider class sizes, student-
teacher ratios, academic progress and extra-curricular activities.
Magnet schools A magnet school is part of the public school system but has a curriculum focus that is used in all classes, such as environmental or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Families should ask about the school’s focus, transportation options and if there are additional fees for field trips or supplies. Charter schools Private groups can get a charter to operate a school that uses alternative teaching methods and innovative curriculum. These schools
typically have a smaller student population and a lower student-teacher ratio. Charter schools do not charge admission, nor do they have admission requirements to enroll students. They employ licensed teachers and offer services to special needs students. Charter school students are required to take state and national assessments. If the school does not meet academic performance requirements, the charter is revoked and the school is closed. Parents should inquire about the teaching methodology used, how academic progress is measured, if there are any special enrollment requirements or fees, and if the site is the school’s permanent location.
Parochial schools Parochial schools are operated by a church or religious organization and have a curriculum that includes religious instruction. Class sizes and student-teacher ratio are usually small but tuition can be high. Parents should ask about tuition, scholarships, transportation, religious requirements or expectations, and if there are any additional expenses for uniforms or supplies. Online learning While online learning became standard during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a new model. Prior to the pandemic, some schools offered a full online program. Today, some
school districts have added an online option as well.
Colleges The nonprofit College Board offers the following to consider when choosing a college. Two-year or four-year school: At a two-year college, students can earn an associate degree. At a four-year college, students can earn a bachelor’s degree. Many students begin at a two-year college then transfer to a four-year college. Public or private: Many students exclude private colleges because they think they’re too expensive. However, financial aid can sometimes make private colleges as affordable as public colleges.
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Passionate Learners Positively Changing Our World www.sspps.org Schedule a tour today, 651-457-9400 104 5th Ave S, South St. Paul MN, 55075 Page 6 - South St. Paul Voice - January 2024
Spring semester starts January 8, 2024! Our students come from many backgrounds and walks of life. We cater to you and your unique needs with flexible class options. We're here to support you with an education that fits your lifestyle.
Don't wait for fall. Apply for FREE! saintpaul.edu/SpringStart Saint Paul College’s Mission: Grounded in equity and inclusion, Saint Paul College educates and empowers students to lead purposeful lives and discover rewarding careers.
E ducation
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Photo by National School Choice Week
National School Choice Week is January 21-27.
Location: The distance to home should be considered. Does your student want to be close enough for meals and laundry, and to visit on weekends, or will they only come home on school breaks? Campus setting: Many students say that campus size and feel was a big part of their college choice. Visiting a college and talking to students is a great way to get to know a campus. Do most students stay on campus or do they commute to school? Does the campus exude school spirit? Cost: For many families, cost is a big concern. To offset the price of college, students should apply for financial aid and scholarships. Most students get some financial help from the government or the college itself. Majors: Students often think they must choose their major before they start college. This isn’t true. In fact, many students change their major more than once. However, for the undecided, the school should have several majors interest to the Tuition-free publicofcharter student. etics| Community | Respect
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Tips for choosing a K-12 school National School Choice Week is January 21-27. The following seven steps will help you make an informed decision on choosing the best school for your child. The information is summarized from Andrew Campanella’s book, “The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child.” Campanella is president of National School Choice Week. Step 1: Think back to your own time in school. How you perceive education will help inform your
school search for your children. Write down what you learned the most, liked the most, and who taught you the most. Also, write down the things you didn’t like, then put those experiences in perspective and remember that your child may have different experiences. Step 2: Identify your goals for your child. You know more about your child than anyone else, which is why you are more qualified than anyone else to choose your child’s education. Take a few minutes to think about your hopes, dreams and goals for your child, and
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your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Step 3: Decide what you need and want from a school or learning environment. What does that learning environment look like? Are there specific things you know your child will need, such as different instructional strategies or curricula? Maybe there’s a specific theme or subject that motivates your child, or perhaps your child thrives in a smaller school setting. Write all of these things down. Step 4: Make a list and research schools. To choose the right school or learning environment for your child, you need to know what options are available. Research school choice policies in your state. A free guide to school choice in Minnesota is available at schoolchoiceweek. com. Start making a list of schools in your area using the Schools Near Me tool. Don’t eliminate any schools School Choice / Page 3
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South St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 7
C ommunity
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Dakota County history: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
F
ounded in 1849, Dakota County celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2024. When I mentioned this to a local elementary school teacher, she asked where she could find a list of notable historic events, with a focus on northern Dakota County. Unable to locate anything shorter than hundreds of pages in length, I created and shared the list below with her class. Most students knew of fewer than half of the nearly 60 events on the list. If you want to see how your knowledge stacks up, keep track of the number of events of which you are aware. More than 30 makes you smarter than a 5th grader. More than 40 means you have probably been around for a while, like me. And if you got more than 50, I want to talk to you about filling an opening on the Dakota County Historical Society’s board. 10,000 years ago. The last glacier retreats from Dakota County, leaving rocks and sands covering the bedrock. Many of the rivers and lakes existing today arise from meltwater of the withdrawing glacier. Called “glacial drift,” this is now the geology we see across Dakota County…with one “shocking” exception. If you can’t wait to find out what it was, skip ahead to 2021 to see the startling discovery made here by a University of Minnesota geologist. 1,000 years ago. The Dakota tribe first arrives in what is now Dakota County. 1689. Fur trader Nicholas Perrot proclaims possession of Dakota lands for the nation of France without consent of the tribes. 1803. Dakota County becomes part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. 1837. The Kaposia band’s village moves east of the Mississippi River to what is now South St. Paul. 1840. Overhunting eliminates all bison in Dakota County. 1849. Dahkotah County is founded, one of nine original counties that predate Minnesota becoming a state in 1858. Extending 412 miles from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River, Dahkotah County includes what is now Minneapolis, but not Hastings. 1851. The Kaposia village site, together with millions more acres west of the
Joe Atkins
Dakota County Commissioner
Mississippi, are ceded to the United States in the Treaty of Mendota. Signed atop Oheyawahi (Pilot Knob), the site overlooks Fort Snelling and the present day St. Paul and Minneapolis skylines. 1853. The county seat is established in Kaposia, moves to Mendota in 1854, then permanently relocates to Hastings in 1857. 1857. The first baseball game ever played in Minnesota takes place in Dakota County. 1857. Dakota County legislator Thomas Wilson pushes for the right of Black men to vote. Fellow lawmaker Willis Gorman of St. Peter breaks his cane over Wilson’s head. 1858. Minnesota becomes the 32nd state. Dakota County’s boundaries shrink closer to present-day dimensions. 1865. Residents of Dakota County are the first to petition the State of Minnesota to allow Black men to vote. 1887. South St. Paul is founded. 1889. West St. Paul is founded, after splitting off from South St. Paul. An earlier City of West St. Paul formed in 1858 but ceased operations as a city within a few years. 1907. South St. Paul High School opens. 1910. The first remains of several mammoths and mastodons are found in Dakota County. 1912. “The Wreck of the Ten Spot,” the worst and most mysterious train crash in county history, takes place when Engine No. 10 plunges off a swing bridge in South St. Paul into the Mississippi River. 1919. Armour opens a new meatpacking plant in South St. Paul. It is the largest building ever constructed in Minnesota. 1919. Croatian immigrants who settled in
Page 8 - South St. Paul Voice - January 2024
South St. Paul founded the Hrvatski Dom, which means Croatian Home. It quickly becomes and remains the place for social events such as dances, dinners, weddings and even funerals. 1920. Eighty-seven women in South St. Paul become the first women in America to vote following enactment of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 1922. The South St. Paul Public Library opens in the Fitzgerald Building on Grand Avenue. Replaced in 1927 by the building at 3rd and Southview, which closed on December 2. The next chapter takes place in a few weeks when a new county library opens in South St. Paul and 7th and Marie. 1926. The 4,119-foot Mendota Bridge connecting Dakota and Hennepin Counties becomes the longest continuous concretearch bridge in the world when it opens on November 8, 1926. 1930. West St. Paul’s Harold Stassen, 23, is elected Dakota County Attorney, before going on to become Minnesota’s youngest governor ever in 1938, at the age of 31. He resigned as governor in 1943 to take part in WWII, then played a key role in founding the United Nations in 1945. 1931. Cenex (now CHS) is founded in South St. Paul. It goes on to become a Fortune 500 company. 1933. The largest robbery in county history takes place outside the South St. Paul Post Office. The post office is renamed the Leo Pavlak Post Office in 2023 in recognition of the police officer killed that day. 1934. Ma Barker and her infamous gang spend upwards of a year at a hideout in an unassuming home in West St. Paul. Still standing at 1031 Robert Street, neighbors thought the men in the home were in an orchestra because they arrived home late at night carrying violin cases. 1934. Gangster John Dillinger, who is Public Enemy No. 1 on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, uses the Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove to elude police in high-speed chase, then kidnaps the Francis family of South St. Paul. After stealing their speedier car, Dillinger drops the family off unharmed in Mendota. 1935. South St. Paul High
School grad Stan Kostka signs the most lucrative contract in NFL history. A star running back at the U of M, Stan signed with the NFL’s New York team for a record $5,000 on August 25, 1935, following a bidding war among NFL team owners. 1936. NFL owners are so ticked off about having to battle to sign Stan Kostka of South St. Paul that they institute the first-ever NFL Draft. 1936. Sibley Junior High opens, eventually expanding as a high school to its current location in Mendota Heights and changing its name to Two Rivers in 2021. 1943. Fleming Field Airport opens in South St. Paul, named for Captain Richard E. Fleming (USMCR), a local aviator who died in the Battle of Midway on June 5, 1942. 1953. Nine Jerikovsky brothers from South St. Paul make history when the ninth brother returns home safely from the Korean War. Six served in WWII; three more served in Korea. No family in American history before or since has ever had nine siblings serve in the United States Armed Forces. 1955. The first Fortune 500 list debuts, with Armour & Co. of South St. Paul at No. 7. The next 10 smaller companies on the list are Gulf Oil, Mobil, DuPont, Amoco, Bethlehem Steel, CBS, Texaco, ATT, Shell Oil and Kraft. Armour employs 4,000 people at the plant and is the largest meatpacking facility in the history of the world. 1955. One of the nation’s first covered malls opens in Dakota County. The Signal Hills Mall in West St. Paul welcomed customers just in time for the holiday shopping season. 1957. The world record for the highest altitude ever reached by a human being is set by Air Force Capt. Joe Kittinger. Ascending from the South St. Paul Airport to a height of 96,784 feet in a balloon, Kittinger broke the previous record by more than 20,000 feet. The record-breaking effort was called “Project Manhigh” and was the first step in launching Americans into space. 1966. Planning Commission member Devona Weatherhead becomes the first woman elected to the
West St. Paul City Council. 1966. West St. Paul resident Richard Schulze opens the Sound of Music on Robert Street, which he expands to multiple stores and eventually renames Best Buy. 1967. Target opens in West St. Paul. 1970. Dakota County donates 485 acres to create the Minnesota Zoo. The large site transforms the zoo experience, beginning a nationwide movement to cagefree environments. 1974. Dakota County’s deadliest fire occurs in West St. Paul, claiming the lives of three firefighters and the caretaker when a propane tank explodes at an apartment building. 1974. Dakota County buys 62 acres in West St. Paul. Together with six acres donated by the City, the parcel becomes Thompson Park, the first county park. 1975. The Lafayette Freeway is finally completed through South St. Paul and West St. Paul from St. Paul to the northern border of Inver Grove. 1976. The Lawshe Museum, our county history museum, opens in South St. Paul. 1976. Volunteers launch Kaposia Days in South St. Paul, now one of the oldest and most popular city celebrations in Dakota County. 1977. Sen. Conrado Vega of South St. Paul takes office as the first Hispanic legislator in Minnesota history. He serves until 1987, retiring as Chair of the powerful Senate Energy and Housing Committee. 1981. Serial killer Joseph Ture strikes in West St. Paul. The death of Diane Edwards, a 19-year-old server who was walking home from her job at Perkins, rocks the community. 1982. South St. Paul’s Phil Housley is the only high school player – and only American – picked in the first round of the National Hockey League Draft. A 7-time All Star and Hall of Fame inductee, Housley was the top-scoring Americanborn player in NHL history when he retired in 2004. 1988. South St. Paul voters make election history again, kicking off an unprecedented 28-year run in Minnesota of three women mayors in a row. Katherine Trummer held the top job for four years, followed by Kathleen Gaylord and Beth
Baumann for a decade each. 2001. Dakota County kicks off construction of the River to River Greenway from South St. Paul through West St. Paul and Mendota Heights to Mendota. The Robert Street underpass completes the trail in 2021. 2002. Approved by West St. Paul voters in 1999, Dakota County opens the Northern Service Center on Mendota Road just west of Robert Street. 2003. Dakota County launches a natural area protection program that has now protected nearly 12,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands across the county. 2017. Dakota County becomes debt-free, making us one of the only counties in the country with zero debt. 2018. The Minnesota Vikings move their headquarters to Dakota County. 2019. A railroad seeks to ship 500 million gallons of the county’s drinking water to Arizona. County and state officials quash the plan, citing expectations for water quantity issues of our own here. 2021. South St. Paul High School grad Sunisa Lee wins gold in gymnastics at the Olympics. 2021. A University of Minnesota geologist makes a startling discovery in a 9square-mile area of northern Dakota County, finding shocked quartz, which is known to be produced only by the extreme shock and compression of a meteorite impact or nuclear explosion. This is the first identified meteorite site in Minnesota and one of fewer than 200 in the world. 2023. A bison herd is reintroduced in Dakota County. 2023. Out of over 3,000 counties nationwide, Dakota County becomes the only county in the country to have ever earned the top county award in the nation for public safety (2018), for public health (2020), and for sustainability (2023). Joe Atkins represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board, which includes South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Elected chair of the board in 2024, he welcomes feedback. To share comments, concerns or questions, contact him at Joe. Atkins@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-438-4430.
South St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 9
A rts & Culture
Your community news and information source
Winter Carnival events ramp up with the new year Carnival held Jan. 25-Feb. 3 Tim Spitzack Editor
W
ith the turn of the calendar, hearty St. Paulites will turn their attention to the city’s most popular celebration, the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The frosty fun begins January 1 with an ice fishing contest and continues through February 4, although the official dates of the carnival are Jan. 25-Feb. 3. Events are held at various venues including Landmark Center, Rice Park and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Most events are free, but some have fees. Purchase a 2024 Winter Carnival button for discounts. The Winter Carnival is presented by the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation and is said to be the oldest winter festival in the nation. In a typical year it attracts an estimated 250,000 visitors who shell out a combined $2-$3 million. Here’s a guide to the events. The information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change. For more information, visit wintercarnival. com. Ice Fishing Tournament, January 1-February 4. Bait a hook and drop the line for
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the chance to win prizes in 10 categories. Past Princess Soiree, 6-10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5 at Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center, 2200 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View. Honor the outgoing Wind princesses and support the Past Princess Association. $55. Register online at pastprincess.com. Junior Coronation, 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, 11411 Masonic Home Dr., Bloomington. See the crowning of the 2024 Junior Royalty Court. $10 with a button, $15 without. Crowns and Gowns Fashion Show, noon-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 411 Minnesota St. Tickets from $45. Hosted by the Ambassadors of the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Order tickets at www.ambassadorsspwc.com. Candidate Gala, 6-10 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 411 Minnesota St. Meet the candidates for the Queen of Snows in this formal program that includes dinner. Tickets are $65. Klondike Kate Contest, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Inwood Oaks Event Center, 484 Inwood Ave. N., Oakdale. Each year up to 10 flamboyant females stretch their vocal cords and performance skills in their quest to be named Klondike Kate. Tickets are $25 through January 9; $30 at the door, or $25 with a Winter Carnival button. The Klondike Kate Cabaret is held at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, and the Klondike
Kate Artic Sizzle, 11 a.m.4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2. Both events are at KJs Hideaway, 408 St. Peter St. Tickets at klondikekates.org. Fire and Ice Dinner, 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 19 at the Pool and Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Rd., Lilydale. Join the Royal Family, Vulcans, Klondike Kate and the Royal Guard for an evening of food and fun. Reservations required. Call 651-455-3900. Cost is $35. Vulcan Snow Park Snow Stomp, Jan. 20-21 at the Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to stomp snow into large blocks to be used for the snow carving contest. Join the fun in this Winter Carnival workout. To volunteer or for more information, visit mnsnowpark. com/snow-stomp. Annual Queen’s Tea, 11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 21, at Royal Golf Club, 11455 20th St. N., Lake Elmo. Join former queens in honoring the 2023 Queen of Snows, Jocelyn O’Neill. A social hour with cash bar begins at 11 a.m. and other events begin at noon. $45. Tickets are available online at formerqueens.com/tea. Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tours, Jan. 25Feb. 4. Gangsterland Skyway Tour is a 90-minute tour that explores crime and corruption from St. Paul’s past. Starts at Infor Commons, 380 St. Peter St. $25. Secrets of Union Depot Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Union Depot and unexplained events that have happened there. $20. For tickets, visit cyncitytours.com. Light the Park and Laser Show, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25 at Rice Park. The lighting of Rice Park offi-
Photo by St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation
The popular ice carving competition returns to Rice Park. cially kicks off the carnival. The first 200 to arrive receive a glow wand. The evening includes the ice carving contest, music, food and beverages. Vulcan Reveal, 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at Landmark Center. Multi-block Ice Carving Competition, Jan. 25-27 at Rice Park. Teams work feverishly over 48 hours to create their masterpieces. Judging follows at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Snow Sculpture Competition, Jan. 26-28. Watch 3-person teams of snow sculptors transform large blocks of snow into whimsical creations. The winners are announced at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The sculptures will be on display through Feb. 4. Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display at the Landmark Center. See Winter Carnival memorabilia from ages past and learn stories from knowledgeable volun-
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teers. The exhibit opens 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26 and will be on display Jan. 26-28 and Feb. 1-3. Hours vary. Royal Coronation, 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26 at St. Paul RiverCentre. Witness the crowning of the 2024 Royal Family and rub elbows with King Boreas, Aurora Queen of Snows and the four Wind princes and princesses. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. Rondo Night, 5-9:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 at Landmark Center. The event features music and art from BIPOC artists, food and drawings for prizes. St. Paul Scavenger Hunts. The North Wind Hunt has 30 clues that take you to 30 places in St. Paul. The West Wind Hunt at Phalen Park is designed for families. The South Wind Hunt features 30 clues that can be solved from the comfort of your home. The East Wind Hunt
is the most challenging and includes a collection of puzzles to solve from various St. Paul locations. Kids’ & Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Landmark Center. Kids will be able to play, watch performances, participate in art and craft activities, and more. Vendors will also be on site. Free. The jigsaw puzzle contest is at a new location this year. It takes place 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at Union Depot. Come watch teams of puzzle enthusiasts race to complete 500-piece puzzles in two hours, and 1,000-piece puzzles in three hours. There are pairs and family contests as well. Bring a gently used puzzle to swap or purchase a new one at the event. Concessions available. Vulcan Snow Park at the Fairgrounds. Visitors will find a snow maze, snow mountain playing area and the artistic creations of master snow carvers participat-
A rts & Culture The Orchid Society of Minnesota’s “Winter Carnival Orchid Show” is held Jan. 27-28 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. Judging is at 7 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. Vulcan vs. The Royal Guard Hockey Classic starts at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, at Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul. Cash donations are suggested; non-expired food items will also be accepted. Hot & Cool Classics Concert, 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28 at Landmark Center. The St. Paul Civic Symphony will present a free concert featuring song and dance music by Ruth Gipps, Rachmaninoff and Duke Ellington. Frozen Family Fun Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Landmark Center. The event features a meet-and-greet with Ana, Elsa and Kristoff from 6-7 p.m., story time and Frozen singalong, snow activities with junior royalty and more. Free. Winter Carnival’s Day of Good is Friday, Feb. 2. The day will have many opportunities to donate food, blankets or blood, and spread cheer into the community. The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation has partnered with the Winter Carnival ambassadors and their Cold Hands, Warm Hearts drive. The Northwind Titan Trooper will be parked at the Landmark Center to collect the donations for the Hallie Q.
Brown Community Center. Bring non-perishable food items and new or gently used mittens and hats. St. Paul Bouncing Team tryouts, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2 at Landmark Center. Free. The St. Paul Bouncing team is a nonprofit organization that performs aerial acrobatics at public and private social events throughout the year. This activity is inspired by an Inuit hunting tradition and is among the oldest performances in the Winter Carnival’s history. For more information, visit stpaulbouncingteam.org. The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade will weave its way through the city beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3. The route is the same as the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, starting at West 7th at Smith Avenue and ending at Rice Park. After the parade, follow Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe to the steps of the Central Library for the ever-dramatic overthrow of Boreas. Stick around afterward for fireworks and music. The Vulcan Victory Dance is 7:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd. The band High and Mighty will perform beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Doggie Depot, 10 a.m.3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Union Depot. Stop by for the crowning of the Canine King & Queen, giveaways, interviews with pet experts and more. Free. Friday Night Party Zone,
Get rid of old tech in the new year. Drop off your old computers, gaming systems, electronic toys, batteries and more.
The buttons for this year’s carnival were designed by Kao Lee Thao. The cost is $5 for one and $19 for the collector’s 4-pack. A limited edition 4-pack with a commemorative glittery snowflake pin is also available for $20. Buttons may be purchased at Cub Foods and other local retailers, or online at wintercarnival.com. Each button card features a schedule of events and a new Winter Carnival Fun Pass that offers discounts at local businesses and the chance to win prizes, including a night stay at Great Wolf Lodge and a $300 dining credit and cabana (valued at $1,600), and two tickets to the Tim McGraw Concert at Xcel Energy Center on April 20.
4-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Rice Park. Join PJ the DJ for a dance party in the huge warming tent. Kids and Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Landmark Center. PickA-Prize Bingo is 1-3 p.m. BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.,
Saturday, Feb. 3 on White Bear Lake. Play a round on a course on the frozen lake. Proceeds benefit the White Bear Lake Food Shelf. Register at www.bearlyopen.org. Berners in the Park, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3
at Rice Park. Friendly dogs of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities will join the fun for Kids’ and Family Day. Visitors may pet and play with them. Free.
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ing in the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competition. The large, frosty sculptures are always stunning to see and make a great photo backdrop. Vulcan Fun Day is Sunday, Jan. 28. Admission and parking are free. Fire & Ice Run/Walk 8-11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 28. Adults may enter the 5K, 10K, 15K or 20K and youth (typically ages 4-10) may enter the kids run. Also available: a NoK (pay not to run). Cost to register is $40 through January 23; $45 after. $20 for the kids run. All participants receive a Winter Carnival hat, button and coupon book. The King Boreas Grande Day Parade begins at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. The route goes from West 7th at Smith Avenue, to 5th Street, to Washington, to 4th Street at Rice Park. Dozens of bands, floats and, of course, the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family will be there. Free cocoa at the Castle for Kids at Landmark Center after the parade. The Rock the Palace Dance Party begins at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at 317 on Rice Park, 317 Washington St. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at royalguards.org. Winter Carnival Cat Show, January 27-28, at the Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children. For more information, visit saintlycitycatclub.org.
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Pull up. Stay in your car. And we'll unload. South St. Paul Voice - January 2024 - Page 11
A rts & Entertainment
Your community news and information source 7 p.m., Saturday, January 13. From $12.50. St. Paul RV Supershow, January 18-21. Free.
Science Museum of Minnesota Landmark Center 75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225 landmarkcenter.org
Minnesota Boy Choir concert, 1 and 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7. The choir will present two performances of its winter concert. Free. St. Paul Civic Symphony concert, 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28. The symphony will perform “Hot & Cool Classics” celebrating the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Free.
MN Children’s Museum 10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org
“Ball-o-rama,” through Jan. 21, 2024. Experiment with velocity, gravity and acceleration through 10 interactive stations. Other exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.” Tickets are $14.95. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required and tickets are limited. The next free date is Jan. 7.
Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather Permitting.” Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17.
History Theatre
RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651- 265-4800 rivercentre.org
Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show, January 4-7. $13 adult; discounts for seniors and children. Minnesota Roller Derby,
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 smm.org
“Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” is a featured exhibit returning to the Science Museum for the first time since its debut in 2013. It’s on display through Sept. 4. Presented in English and Spanish, it features more than 200 authentic artifacts,
“Recombination,” 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights. The film features the work of fractal artist Julius Horsthuis and seven of his favorite musicians. Museum tickets are $29.95 for ages 18+ and $19.95 for ages 4-17.
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240 xcelenergycenter.com
Travis Scott will perform at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20. Supporting act is Teezo Touchdown. From $56.50.
30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323 Historytheatre.com
“Handprints,” January 27-February 18. A powerful and vibrant autobiographical story written and performed by one of the Twin Cities’ most renowned theater artists, Greta Oglesby. It is based on her book, “Mama ’n ’Nem, Handprints on My Life.” Tickets start at $25, with discounts for students.
PERSONAL
HIGH-YIELD
SAVINGS SPECIAL
MN Museum of American Art 350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571 mmaa.org
Balance to Obtain APY1
Introductory APY2
$0.00 - $24,999.99
0.00%
$25,000.00 - $99,999.99
3.47%
$100,000.00 - $249,999.99
3.98%
$250,000.00 - $499,999.99
4.24%
“Hazel Belvo: For Love,” is a new exhibit in the Nancy and John Lindahl Gallery. It features more than 60 pieces of artwork from Hazel Belvo’s 70-year career as an artist. It is on display 10 a.m.4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, through May 24.
$500,000.00 - $999,999.99
4.49%
$1,000,000.00 - $1,999,999.99
4.75%
History Center
Ordway Center
$2,000,000.00 and above
5.00%
“The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz” is featured through June 9. Explore Schulz’s roots in Minnesota and his role as the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip and its beloved cast of characters. “Reframing our Stories” is a new addition to the “Our Home: Native America” exhibit. It’s on display through October 2025 and features dozens of recently discovered historic photos of Native Americans and stories about them as told by Native people. “Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts. Learn how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts: Assad, Janáček and Smetana, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13; Cassie Pilgrim plays Strauss’ Oboe Concerto, 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26-Jan. 27, and 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28. Tickets start at $12 for all concerts. The Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love,” January 27-February 4. When young villager Nemorino’s dream of winning the beautiful Adina’s heart is on the rocks, he turns to a traveling purveyor of patent medicines and California citrus in search of a love potion. After drinking every last drop of an unusually zesty “elixir,” Nemorino feels his luck might just turn around. From $25.
345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 mnhs.org
hands-on activities, lifelike simulations and more. Virtual Reality Transporter, through December 2026. Use the VRT to hurtle through the cosmos at fantastic speeds, scuba dive into prehistoric seas, or join the astronauts of Apollo 11 as they moonwalk for the first time. $9.95. Omnitheater films. Tickets are $9.95. Free for children ages 3 and under. “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,” through Feb. 29. Follow the world’s most famous living ethologist as she inspires people to make a difference in the world around them.
345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 ordway.org
Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - January 2024
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