South St. Paul Voice Dec 2019 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

South St. Paul

Back In Time Page 12

Memorable Moments Page 4

Volume 16 | Number 12

Into the groove

Carving group looks to share its expertise

Your Community News & Information Source

December 2019

HOLIDAY EVENT GUIDE

Celebrations of the Season

John Molene Staff Writer

n any given Tuesday morning, you’ll find a group of people at Central Square Community Center playing with sharp knives. They’re often hunched over a piece of softwood, chipping, grooving and gouging away to transform it into a work of art, or a useful object such as a wooden spoon. They are members of the South St. Paul Carving Club and they are looking for others to join the fun. The group is open to anyone with an interest in wood carving—from raw beginners to polished carvers— and meets Tuesday mornings at Central Square, 100 7th Ave. N., South St. Paul. Sessions usually last two hours and begin at 8:30 or 9 a.m., depending on their moods. Like a lot of things they do, the group is flexible. Many of the carvers also meet Wednesdays in Newport. While wood carving might seem to be a rather solitary pursuit, club members agree it’s more fun to do in a group. They laugh and chat, exchange carving tips and drink a fair share of coffee while creating their treasures from little chunks of wood. “Everybody works on their own project,” said member Linda Pavick. “And everybody helps—whoever knows anything helps.” Carvers / Page 3

New digs for CLC and Community Education

Scenes from last year’s community tree lighting ceremony.

ooking for something to do over the holiday season? Look no further. Our annual holiday event guide offers a wide variety of festive activities just minutes from your home.

Light up the Square South St. Paul’s annual community tree-lighting celebration will take place 5-6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1 at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N.. The event includes holiday treats, rides on Ruby the Red Nose Fire Truck, hat and mittens collections for Neighbors, Inc., and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Frosty. The

South St. Paul High School Varsity Singers will lead carols around the tree. Breakfast with Santa, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14. Visit Lincoln Center Elementary at 357 9th Ave. N. for a pancake breakfast. Santa will hand out treats and pose for pictures, which will be available for purchase. The Southwest Lioness’ Santa Store will also be open for gift shopping. Ages six and under eat free; modest fee for adults. The Annual Holiday Skate at Doug Woog Arena, 141 6th St. S., will take place Holiday Event Guide / Page 6

outh St. Paul school’s Community Learning Center (CLC) and Community Education programs will have a new home as early as next fall. The South St. Paul School District has purchased the River Heights Professional building at 710 19th Ave. N. for $1.6 million and is investing another $3.5 million to renovate the former medical clinic for educational purposes. The School Board approved the purchase at its Sept. 9 meeting and the agreement was finalized with the River Heights building owners on Sept. 20. Renovations are scheduled to be completed by the start of the 20202021 school year. “The purchase of the River Heights Professional Building provides a more appropriate educational facility for the CLC,” said Superintendent Dave Webb. “Additionally, the new facility provides opportunities for the expansion of our Community Education programs, which will help us better serve all adult learners in South St. Paul.” The Community Learning Center has been housed inside Woog Arena since 1997. Before that it was operated from various non-school locations in the community, due to lack of district-owned space. The purchase of the building supports the school district’s goal to reduce rental costs in favor of district-owned facilities. Community Ed / Page 9

Wellness Café now open on Southview Blvd.

John Molene Staff Writer

om and Lindsey Naughton searched across the Twin Cities, the state and even as far away as Oregon for the perfect location for their new restaurant and found just what they were looking for in South St. Paul. The Naughtons opened the Wellness Café at 1025 Southview Blvd., on Sept. 29, and moved into

their new family home next door to the restaurant on Nov. 1. The couple, formerly of Minneapolis, financed the venture with the proceeds from a house they flipped and renovated the entire building before opening in September. “It’s a merged dream,” said Lindsey. “We met working in a restaurant. He was a cook and I was server and hostess. We really wanted to

work together. Tom’s dream was opening a restaurant and my dream is to serve people.” That dream is coming to fruition, based on their reception so far. As one might guess from the cafe’s name, their focus is on scratch cooking and organic food. “We have a strong emphasis on treating people well inside and out,” said Lindsey. “Our food is currently 90 percent organic

and will go up more in the next few weeks. Everything is made from scratch, including our coffee syrups, buns, biscuits, desserts, and one of the more notable items is our traditionally fermented sourdough bread.” It’s not all tofu and sprouts, however. “We serve regular foods, such as biscuits and gravy, and burgers, but our difference is that we are very focused on the quality and

processes our foods do or do not go through,” she added. “Pretty much everything is homemade.” For breakfast, you’ll find pancakes and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, eggs, toast, bacon and sausage. The lunch menu includes pastas, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, burgers and a soup of the day. A dozen coffee and espresso drinks are on the menu, and cold-pressed juices and smoothies will be

added later. The café also offers pre-made grab-andgo sandwiches, salads and pastas, and a variety of fresh baked goods daily. Tom and Lindsey take turns running the restaurant and caring for their young children. When one’s in the restaurant, the other is on kid duty. The couple’s day starts at 4 a.m., and Tom

Wellness Cafe / Page 2

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Wellness Cafe from page 1

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Carvers from page 1

This advice can be especially useful for novice carvers, as putting the blade to wood can be a little tricky at first. Carvers use several different kinds of wood and tools to master their craft, and those change as one moves beyond basic techniques. There’s a lot to like about the hobby, members say. “It keeps your mind busy,” said Bud Hostetler, who started carving in 1976 when he was in the Navy. When he got out of the service he bought a set of chisels and dabbled around, then moved on to carving bases for miniature Bonsai trees. He particularly likes the research needed to create a project. Locally grown basswood and butternut are two easyto-carve softwoods favored by all levels of carvers, but especially beginners. One of the first things they learn is how to carve with the grain to minimize the amount of resistance and avoid tearing. They must also keep

Carving group members Bud Hostetler, Jim Kueppers, Linda Pavick, Dorrine Busta and Kathy Beatty display their latest projects at a recent meeting at Central Square Community Center. their tools sharp. Most wear a carving glove on the hand they use to hold the wood, and the group has a ready supply of band-aids in case of a slip. Carvers often begin by tracing a design on the raw wood and cutting the rough form with a band saw—a power tool members use off site. The finishing work is done at the community center. The center furnishes the

room and its staff even vacuums up the wood chips after each meeting. Good beginning projects include whistles, spoons, holiday ornaments, letter openers, flowers, chess pieces, coasters and figures of animals or people. Most projects are about 10- to12-inches tall and carvers estimate they can spend as much as 50 hours carving and an additional five hours painting their creations.

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“I don’t keep track of the hours,” Hostetler said. “If I did I probably wouldn’t want to do them.” At group meetings, members work at their own pace and there’s no peer pressure to complete projects. However, if other members know a carver is creating an item for a special event, such as a Christmas gift, they will offer encouragement to help them meet their deadline.

use power carving tools. The most basic tool is a chip carving knife with an inch-and-a-half blade, which runs $20-$50. Uand V-gouges are used to scoop out large or small areas of wood and are useful for shaping and smoothing surfaces. Chisels and mallets are used for wood chipping techniques. Carvers in the group are often making gifts for family and friends, or projects for their own enjoyment. For the truly talented, there’s an opportunity to show off their handiwork at an annual show in Rochester in March. For more information on the carving group, contact Bud Hostetler at 952-220-7152 or v.hostetler@yahoo.com.

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S ports

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A nostalgic look back at great sports moments I

t was in the September 2011 issue that we debuted a monthly sports column in the South St. Paul Voice. This month, we celebrate our 100th column with the first of a two-part series that will revisit some of the incredible people who have left indelible imprints on the sports fabric of this community and made this journey so pleasant and rewarding. It is appropriate that our first article was a preview of the 2011 South St. Paul High School football team. The Packers were coming off a 10-win season, with their lone blemish a 35-7 loss to St. Thomas Academy (STA) in the section championship game. With 17 of 22 starters returning, head coach Chad Sexauer surmised that the 2011 team had a chance to be “very special.” A clairvoyant coach indeed. As we chronicled in the December 2011 issue, the Packers exorcised all

demons when they traveled once again to STA to take on the Cadets in the sectional championship game. With 49 seconds to go, a Sam Sura touchdown and a twopoint conversion tied the game, 24-24. In overtime, Sura converted another twopoint conversion that sealed the 32-31 victory. The football program has enjoyed tremendous support from the community. Over the course of the past decade, under Sexauer’s leadership, the team has responded with a scintillating record of 86-25, advanced to the state tournament on seven occasions and made one appearance in the Prep Bowl. In February of 2012, we did our first story on Head Coach Don Nihart’s superb wrestling program. The focus of that article was senior Joey Munoz, who was on the precipice of becoming the first three-time state champion in school history. “I have so many to thank. My family is responsible for my growth as a wrestler and a person,” Munoz said at the

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time. “Coach Nihart keeps me focused and I owe so much to him, too.” The most decorated wrestler in school history, Joey Munoz died tragically at the age of 23 in 2017. While there have been no state champions crowned since 2012, the program continues to be regarded as one of the best in the state. Between 2012 and 2019, the Packers qualified 58 grapplers for the state tournament. Preston Woods, Ryan Duffy and Lorenzo Diaz finished runners-up and eleven

others have received placement medals. Meeting with Dave Palmquist to put together an annual preview article on the girls hockey team has been a staple – and an enjoyable one – on my appointment calendar since 2012. Palmquist has established one of the elite girls hockey programs in the country. The Packers’ state tournament records include most appearances (14), most wins (26) and most goals scored (136). They have won four state championships and

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meet records in the 10,000 and 5,000 meter events at the 1967 Pan American games. And to think that just five years earlier he had not yet set foot on a cinder track and was getting his daily exercise as a paper boy. “I trained every day. It didn’t matter if it was cold or raining,” he said. “I just dressed appropriately. I ran ten miles in the morning and ten miles in the afternoon—20 miles a day, 140 miles per week.” Nelson qualified for both races in the 1968 Olympics but his coach convinced him to concentrate on the 10,000-meter only. He learned quickly that the high altitude in Mexico City was ill suited for endurance races and he finished in 28th place. “I truly believe I was prepared to run the best race of my life, but the conditions sucked the air right out of me,” he said. “But none of that lessens the thrill of representing my county in the Olympics.” In the March 2014 issue, we chronicled the courageous journey of Nikki Karg.

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finished runners-up three times. On November 17, 2018, the Packers became the first team in the history of girls hockey in Minnesota to record its 500th victory. Palmquist has been behind the bench for all 500 games and counting. “There have been ebbs and flows in the quality of our play from year to year,” said Palmquist. “But what doesn’t change is the overall quality of the student-athletes who I get an opportunity to coach. If you can’t get excited about that, you are in the wrong profession.” We featured South St. Paul resident and former Olympian Van Nelson in the February 2014 issue. He was a 16-year-old junior at Washburn High School in Minneapolis in the fall of 1962 when he tried out for the cross country team. Eighteen months later, as a senior, he set the state high school mile record with a time of 4:17. Nelson’s meteoric ascension to the status of a world class runner continued at a torrid pace. In 1967, he set

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Jenni and Nikki Karg A stalwart sophomore defenseman on the girls hockey team, Karg was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in May of 2013. After a grueling seven months in and out hospitals, Nikki received a bone marrow transplant from her sister Jenni on the day after Christmas. “It was a miracle that Jenni was a perfect match,” said Nikki. “She’s my hero. She stepped up and saved my life.” Karg had hoped to rejoin her teammates for her senior season but her blood counts prevented her from building up the stamina required to compete at the varsity level.

She did take a shift on the ice on Senior Night in February of 2015 and was paired on defense with Anna Barlow, as she was in her ninth grade and sophomore seasons. Karg has been cancer-free for six years. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas in May of 2019 and is currently working as an intern with the Pinky Swear Foundation, a non-profit whose mission statement is to give financial aid to families with children stricken by cancer. In the August 2014 issue we profiled Jack Perkovich, a 1959 South St. Paul High School graduate and a key

member of the undefeated 1958 football team. “Perk,” as his teammates called him, accepted an invitation from Coach Murray Warmath to play at the University of Minnesota. He reported for practice in August 1959. One of his teammates was future NFL Hall of Famer, Bobby Bell, who had been an all-state quarterback at a segregated school in North Carolina. In a jaw-dropping moment, Bell picked up a football on the 20-yardline and casually threw it 80 yards into the opposite end zone. Shortly thereafter, Warmath asked one his assistants to tell Bell that he had him projected as a lineman. Without flinching, Bell said, “I’ll do whatever you ask me to do to help this team.” Perk played in two Rose Bowls and took part in one of the zaniest plays in Big Ten history. In 1962, his senior season, the Gophers were leading Wisconsin 9-7 late in the fourth quarter in a game that would determine the Big Ten’s representative in the Rose Bowl. “Bell, an All-American lineman, tackled QB Ron Vander Kelen just as he was about to unload a pass,” re-

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called Perkovich. “The ball came out of his hand like a wounded mallard and fell into my arms and I thought the game was over.” It was not. The ball was moved 30 yards from the 43-yard-line to the 13-yard line after the officials erroneously flagged Bell for a roughing the passer penalty, and Warmath, who went ballistic on the sidelines, with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Wisconsin won 14-9 and Bell and Perk were denied an opportunity to play in a third Rose Bowl. In the February 2015 issue, we profiled Paul Moen, whose legend as a player, coach and mentor at the high school spans four decades. In 1979, Doug Woog invited him to come to the high school and assist Whitey Willer with the JV hockey team. Thirty-nine years later, at the age of 75, he was still on his skates two and a half hours a day coaching and mentoring aspiring student athletes. In the spring and summer months, Moen’s focus switches to softball. A member of the St. Paul Fast Pitch Hall of Fame, he was an accomplished catcher and

played until he was 60 years old. He became the high school JV coach in 1987 and has served as the head softball coach since 2004. “It’s quite a transition from hockey,” he explained. “You go from yelling and screaming on that ice sheet to calming yourself dawn and talking more like a priest. It’s an adjustment I enjoy.” In addition to coaching hockey and softball, Moen has served in numerous capacities as a hockey referee, school bus driver and perhaps, most famously, as the athletic equipment manager since 1995. “What keeps me going are the kids,” he said in reflection. “I can honestly say that I haven’t encountered one bad kid in the all the years I have been here.” In May 2015, we began a three-part series on Doug Woog, Class of 1962. The list of legends that have enriched the hockey tradition in this community is a long one and none did so with more distinction than Woog. When he was 10 years old, young Doug was introduced to the sport of hockey at the Mudhole, located a couple

hundred yards from his home on Southview Boulevard. He credits Whitey Willer for preparing him and his teammates to play high school hockey. The Packers advanced to the state tournament in each of his four years on the varsity. His biggest disappointment was losing to Roseau 1-0 in the 1961 championship game. In addition to hockey, Woog was also a three-year starter at tailback on the football team and received scholarship offers in both sports from the University of Minnesota. He chose to concentrate on hockey. As a Gopher, he scored 48 goals, assisted on 53 and was the 14th player in school history to earn first-team AllAmerican honors. In 1977, at the age of 33, Woog became the head coach at the high school. During his six year tenure, the Packers won two conference titles and advanced to the state tournament three times. With recommendations on his behalf from Herb Brooks and John Mariucci, Woog took over as head coach at the University of Memorable moments / Page 8

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H oliday Event Guide Continued from page 1

1:10-2:10 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22. This fun event includes skating to holiday music, photos with Santa, and cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus.

Hub for the Holidays, Dec. 6-22 Union Depot in Lowertown, 214 4th St. E., kicks off the festivities with its annual holiday tree lighting and movie night at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. Guests will enjoy a live music performance in the Waiting Room inside Union Depot. The tree lighting begins at

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6:30 p.m. on the North Plaza with fireworks, and the movie “Elf ” will show at 7 p.m., followed by “The Polar Express.” This year’s tree is provided by the Matykiewicz family, longtime Hub for the Holidays attendees. Nancy Matykiewicz offered her family’s 45-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce, which had grown too big to maintain, for the occasion. This was her family’s holiday tree for nearly 30 years. Nancy’s son, Ray, gave his mom the evergreen tree in 1990 when it was only two feet tall. When Ray later served in Iraq, the family

decorated the tree with yellow ribbon and lights until he returned home safely. The European Christmas Market will take place Dec. 6-22 on the East Plaza and provide an Old World European ambiance. Based on the open-air markets of Germany, Austria and other countries, the market will feature handmade gifts, such as ornaments, nutcrackers, toys, woolen accessories, jewelry and more, from more than 40 vendors. European-inspired food and drink will include spiced mulled wine. There will be live music, dancers, an appearance from

Santa and his reindeer, a visit from Krampus, and free goat and dogsled rides. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. The North Pole Express will chug into town on Friday, Dec. 6, offering families the opportunity to ride the train with Santa, see his village, watch his elves work and return to Union Depot for refreshments. Rides will take place Dec. 6-8 and 1215. To order tickets, visit https://261.com/npe/. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will arrive at 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, Dec.

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Riders take a 40-foot plunge on the Securian Financial SuperSlide. 10. After a welcome by Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, there will be a free concert from 7-7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a monetary or heart-healthy food donation for the local food shelf, Merrick Community Services. VIP tickets are $10 and provide access to a preferred viewing area nearest the stage. To purchase tickets, visit www.cptrain2019. eventbrite.com/. Holiday Bake Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14. A wide array of the Twin Cities’ top bakeries and confection makers will

gather for the 7th Annual Holiday Bake Sale in the Waiting Room. There will be live cooking and baking demonstrations, and guests can choose baked goods, confections and gifts from more than 30 vendors. The event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a monetary or heart-healthy food donation for the local food shelf. The Northstar Holiday Train will roll in Saturday, Dec. 21. Guests will have the chance to take a free roundtrip train ride, starting at the Big Lake station and riding to Union Depot where they

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Complete event details at landmarkcenter.org

H oliday Event Guide can visit the European Market from 4-6 p.m. For more information, visit www. metrotransit.org/northstarholiday-train.

Destination Winter Saint Paul, Dec. 6-Feb. 22 CHS Field, 360 Broadway St. N., will host a 3-month event in collaboration with the Saints, Visit Saint Paul and the City of St. Paul. Activities include the Wells Fargo WinterSkate rink, Securian Financial’s SuperSlide and the Greatest Day Parade honoring the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team. Concessions will be open for all events. The Wells Fargo WinterSkate is free and open daily, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayThursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. On Christmas Eve the rink will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. On Presidents’ Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day the rink will be open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Skate rentals are $5. Free skating lessons are offered by professional skating instructors from noon-1 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 14; Jan. 11, 18 and 25; and Feb 1. Broomball is also available. The Securian Financial SuperSlide is a snow slide that begins at the second story patio of the Securian Financial Club. Riders will plunge 40 feet in an innertube, and glide 130 feet on the snow. Days and times vary. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Children are offered unlimited rides for the one-hour slot purchased. To purchase tickets, visit www. saintsbaseball.com, or call 651-644-6659. The Greatest Day event will take place Saturday, Feb. 22. It will feature a hockey exhibition tournament comprised of 12 youth teams, each representing a country that took part in the 1980 Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey competition. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. near the Herb Brooks Statue in Rice Park, travel through Downtown and finish at CHS Field. It will showcase members of the 1980 team, Minnesota Olympians, including the 2018 U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal Team, former Minnesota North Stars and other NHL players, Fighting Saints, Golden Gophers, and youth teams from across

the state. Once inside the ballpark, an Olympic-style ceremony will take place. Afterwards, the 1980 team and the former Olympians will sign autographs inside the Securian Financial Club. The event is free and open to the public.

Historic Holidays A Victorian Christmas, Nov. 29, 30, Dec.1, 5, 6. Take a guided tour through the Alexander Ramsey House, 265 Exchange St. S., St. Paul, for an 1875 Victorian Christmas. Discover how the Ramsey family and their friends, neighbors and servants prepared for and celebrated the season. Times vary. $12 for adults. $10 for college students, seniors and veterans and active military. $8 for aged five to 17. Free for ages four and under. Order tickets at www.mnhs. org. Christmas Traditions, 1-3:30 p.m., Dec. 1; 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dec. 4-6. Take a guided tour through the James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, and learn about the Hill family’s Christmas traditions including Mrs. Hill’s seven-course meal. $8-$12. Order tickets at www.mnhs.org. Christmas Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Nov. 30Dec. 28. Take a self-guided tour of the James J. Hill House. Program includes hands-on activity for children. $6-$10. “Sherlock Holmes & the Case of the Christmas Carol,” 7:30-9:45 p.m., Dec. 6-7, 14-15, 20-21, at the James J. Hill House. A thought-provoking twist on Charles Dickens’ classic story. Recommended for ages 10 and up. $28-36. Order tickets at www.mnhs.org. Don Irwin Holiday Concert, 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13. Visit the James J. Hill House to enjoy pianist Don Irwin as he plays classic holiday tunes and special requests. $28.50. To order tickets, call Marian at 651-489-5771. Concerts and special events Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave., will host the original voice of Riverdance, Katie McMahon, in the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium. The family-friendly performance will include traditional Christmas carols, stories and Irish dance. McMahon will be joined onstage by her band and the Corda Mor Irish Dancers.

Your community news and information source $28. To order tickets, visit www.theoshaughnessy.com or call 651-690-6700. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory annual Holiday Flower Show is presented Dec. 7-Jan. 12 at the Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul. For more information, call 651487-8201 or visit www.comozooconservatory.org. The River Heights Chorale will present its winter concert 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at Salem Lutheran Church, 11 W. Bernard St., West St. Paul. For more information, visit www.riverheightschorale.org.

The “Classic Nutcracker,” Dec. 11-15 at O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave. Ballet Minnesota will present its 32nd annual performance of the holiday classic. $21-$46. “A Nutcracker Story,” 1 and 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. St. Paul Ballet will present a fantastical adventure to the magical land of dancing snow, colorful characters and swirling flowers. $37. To order tickets, call 651-690-6700 or visit

www.theoshaughnessy.com. Lowertown SantaCon, 7 p.m. until bar close, Saturday, Dec. 14. Participants of the 12th annual pub crawl will have a jolly time imbibing holiday spirits at various Lowertown bars. Dress as your favorite holiday character and join the fun. For the complete schedule, visit http://lowertownsantacon. info. It’s A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play, Dec. 5-24 at the Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul. Enjoy a 3-course meal and live performance of playwright

Joe Landry’s acclaimed take on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” $79-$89. For more information, call 651-2283860 or visit www.saintpaulhotel.com. Winter Lights Tours, 7-9 p.m., Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14, 21. Ride in a deluxe motorcoach for a two-hour guided tour of the biggest and brightest displays of holiday cheer. Tour sells out fast. To order tickets, call Down in History Tours at 651-292-1220 or visit www. wabashastreetcaves.com.

UNION DEPOT

Festivities for all.

Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night DEC 6 North Pole Express DEC 6 - 8 & DEC 12 - 15 European Christmas Market DEC 6 - 8, DEC 13 - 15, DEC 20 - 22 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train DEC 10 Holiday Bake Sale DEC 14 Northstar Holiday Train to Union Depot DEC 21

For complete details visit uniondepot.org/holiday South St. Paul Voice - December 2019 - Page 7

C ommunity

Your community news and information source

Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO

I attended college near Branson, Missouri. For those of you unfamiliar with Branson, it is located in the southern part of the state and is known for its country music shows, theme parks and buffets. The entertainment season is divided into two parts. Regular shows kick off around Easter and run through October. Then, quite literally overnight, the entire region is transformed into a winter wonderland complete

with all the music, lights and shopping you can imagine. Usually there is no snow. It is, after all, southern Missouri. As a student, I worked on “the strip” where most of the shows are performed. With each passing year, the Christmas season seemed to start earlier, last longer and grow bigger. For nearly two full months, we were inundated with the Christmas season. Thanksgiving never had a chance. As far as Branson was concerned, Christmas was to be celebrated daily from November 1 to December 31. By the time December 25 arrived, the joy was gone and the sound of Andy Williams singing filled your dreams (or perhaps nightmares). During those years and since, the Christmas season has continued to expand, not only in Branson but everywhere. There was a time when I would do anything to shorten the season so it would last only between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Not anymore. At Neighbors, the Christmas season formally began on Oct. 28 with the kickoff of our Holiday Gift Program but preparations have been going on behind the scenes for many months prior. Our program does not have the glitz and

glamor of a Branson music show, and it does not have tourists streaming from across the country to wait in line to see light displays. No, our “show” is much more modest. It consists of a warehouse converted into a winter wonderland, complete with some garland, a few decorations, a play area for the kids and computers for the parents to provide their children’s wish lists. The music played is not live. Our “stars” are the volunteers who gladly assist. During the run of our program, we will assist more than 700 families. We rely on the generosity of community members, church partners and businesses who support families in need during the holiday season. And, perhaps most importantly, we will provide children an opportunity to experience the joy of the season by receiving hope in the form of a toy. Our “Holiday Extravaganza” is not like what you will find in Branson. But it is exactly what the season is meant to be about: neighbors caring for neighbors. From all of us at Neighbors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Memorable moments from page 5

spring semester starts

JANUARY 13 Get more for your tuition dollar! Not only will a Saint Paul College education cost you less, but it will also give you more. Tuition is affordable – even compared with other local community and technical colleges. With over 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Saint Paul College offers a path to achieving your career goals. Sign up for your campus tour today!

saintpaul.edu/StartHere Saint Paul College named one of America’s Top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute!

Saint Paul College, A member of Minnesota State

Document available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by contacting 651.846.1547 or AccessResources@saintpaul.edu. Saint Paul College is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator.

Page 8 - South St. Paul Voice - December 2019

Minnesota in 1985. During his 14-year tenure, the Gophers won 389 games, an average of 28 wins per season. Does he regret failing to win a national championship? “Not really,” he said. “The process is more gratifying that the final scores. For most coaches, especially the good ones, winning is mostly important because it allows you to continue to do what you love doing.” In the November 2015 issue we unveiled a three-part story on Jim Carter, whose prowess as an elite athlete at South St. Paul High School was on full display on the hockey oval and on the gridiron. The statistics that Carter compiled his senior season when the Packer football team finished 9-0 are, in today’s parlance, “sick.” He rushed for 2,345 yards on 260 carries, an average of 261 yards per game, and scored 30 of South St. Paul’s 37 touchdowns. Carter was recruited heavily by Notre Dame and several other universities, but his father convinced him to stay at home and play football at the University of Minnesota. “I made the right choice and I’ve never regretted it,” he said. As a sophomore in 1967, Carter was the starting fullback on a team that shared the Big Ten title and, over the course of his career, he rushed for 1,457 yards, scored 22 touchdowns and served as the team captain as a senior. On January 27, 1970, he was drafted in the third round (68th overall) of the NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He received a three-year contract that paid him $16,000 in his rookie season and escalated to $18,000 in 1971 and $20,000 in 1972. Carter replaced the legendary Ray Nitschke as the starting middle linebacker in 1971. His best year was in 1973 when he was a second team All-Pro and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. Nagging injuries, heavy drinking and taking amphetamines took its toll and he was notified at the end of the 1978 season that he was no longer in the team’s “plans.” He hung up his cleats with $50,000 in the bank and a future unknown. In 1981, following in his father’s footsteps, he opened Jim Carter Ford in Eau Claire, Wis. Two years later, he gave up alcohol and all controlled substances, a decision that he believes likely saved his life. By 1990, Carter owned nine car dealerships with a net value approaching $70 million. He met Vicki Miller in 1993 and their relationship clicked immediately. By 2001, he had sold off all of his dealerships and he and Vicki purchased on home on the St. Croix River near Afton. Carter remains engaged in numerous projects and activities that are meaningful to both him and Vicki. In the late 1990s, he began donating $5,000 per year to the Packer football program. His donations have now surpassed $200,000. “South St. Paul will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “It makes me feel good to contribute something to the community that gave me so much.” To be continued in the January issue.

N ews Briefs Winter break youth trips South St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting a bowling and movie event 9:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 26. Participants will go to Drkula’s 32 Bowl, then a movie at AMC Theatre in Inver Grove Heights. Concessions are available for purchase at the theater. Must bring a bag lunch. $27.

L I B R A R Y

Your community news and information source Another trip is offered 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27. Participants will spend the morning at Ninja Warrior Gyms, then spend the afternoon swimming and listening to music at the Central Square pool. Ages six to 12. $35. To register or for more information, call 651-366-6206 or visit www. southstpaul.org.

E V E N T S Call 651-554-3240 or visit www.southstpaul.org/library

Neighbors Express

Fare for All Express

6200 or visit www.southstpaul.org.

Neighbors Inc. is now offering Neighbors Express, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. It’s a new food distribution program designed to fill the gap for families experiencing food insecurity. In addition to monthly food shelf visits, individuals and families may access the resources provided at

Neighbors Express daily. Neighbors Express is located on the lower level of the Neighbors building at 222 Grand Ave. W. In the first two weeks of operation, Neighbors Express helped feed more than 1,300 families. If you or someone you know is experiencing hunger and would like more information about the food distribution programs at Neighbors, call 651-4555000.

Fare for All Express is held 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Central Square Community Center at 100 7th Ave. N. This cooperative food-buying program offers up to a 40 percent discount on monthly groceries. Packages of fresh fruits, vegetables and frozen meat available. For more information, call 651-366-

Free English classes

Rock, Rattle and Rhyme, 6:15 p.m., Mondays, Dec. 2, 9, 16. This event uses books, music and movement to help children learn social skills and improve listening comprehension and reading. Ages three and under and their caregivers. Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17. Visit the Lawshe Memorial Museum for a special storytime series that helps history come alive. Ages two to six. Siblings welcome. Folded Book Trees, 1-2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2. Create art by folding pages of a

book into a tree. Ages six to 12. Registration required. Smartphone Basics, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2. Provide security for your iPhone or Android by learning about PINs, VPNs, password managers, smartphone scams and more. Registration required. Healthy Cooking for Everyone, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Dec. 4. Join a class to cook a meal together and learn about healthy eating and meal planning. All ingredients provided. All ages and abilities welcome. Registration required. Dance Together, 10:15-

11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 5. Explore imagination, stories and music in this class where caregivers and children dance together. Ages five and under. Registration required. DIY Plates, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Decorate a white plate using permanent markers. Ages nine to 15. Registration required. Book Club, 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12. Members will discuss “News of the World” by Paulette Jiles. Winter Luminaries and Read Aloud, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Create luminaries using glue and tissue paper while enjoying seasonal stories and poems read aloud. All ages. Tech Tutoring - Sign up for a tech tutoring appointment to receive one-on-one technology assistance from a librarian, such as downloading a library eBook, learning the basics of Microsoft Word, setting up a Facebook page and saving files on a flash drive. To register, contact Honora at 651-5543243 or at hrodriguez@ sspmn.org.

Free English classes are offered by the South Suburban Adult Basic Education at 517 Marie Ave. Ages 17 and older. To register or receive more information, call 651-306-3632.

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Christmas at Grace The River Heights Professional building was a former medical clinic.

Community Ed from page 1

provides an alternative high school learning experience for students—and allow an expansion of the Community Education adult learning programs. The adult learning programs have also grown beyond the school district’s space capacity. The CLC operates a traditional school day program, after-school flex programs for students needing to make up credits, and an online program. The top two floors of the three-story building will be used for the alternative high school classes. The lower level will be used mostly for adult basic education and

HUGE

Grace Lutheran Church

“A hit… Can’t wait to return!”

Advent Wednesdays Dec. 4, 11, 18 - 7:00 p.m. Children’s Service Sunday, Dec. 22 9:00 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 10:00 p.m. Christmas Day Celebration 10:00 a.m. New Year’s Eve 6:00 p.m.

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Michelle Barber, Kersten Rodau, Therese Walth

“For over 20 years the district has rented space for the CLC at Woog Arena from the City of South St. Paul,” said Aaron Bushberger, director of finance for South St. Paul Schools. “The 15year lease-for-purchase agreement for the River Heights Professional Building is a long-term financial investment that allows the district to own the building at the conclusion of the lease rather than renting space indefinitely.” The building and planned renovations will provide better classroom spaces for the CLC program—which

community learning programs. There will be classroom space and a shared computer room on the second floor, and Community Education offices will be in the building. The new site, which is on a bus route, will allow the CLC to meet the district’s safety and security standards, said Connie Garling-Squire, director of early learning and equity. “The first two floors will need more renovation but the mechanical and structurals are all really well done,” she said. “We need to do some reconstruction to turn the rooms into teaching space but it’s not going to take a complete gutting and starting from scratch.”

South St. Paul Voice - December 2019 - Page 9

C ommunity

Your community news and information source

Jennifer L. Gale president

Parting thoughts from our 2019 chairman By Jake Sedlacek 2019 Chairman of the Board of Directors, River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development, Xcel Energy

English Language Learner College & Career Readiness MATH READING WRITING Call to Register:

651-306-3632

Improving College & Career Skills course is for adult students looking to improve their academic skills to further their career. Blended Math Class allows students to learn at a wide variety of levels and encourages students to work at their own pace. ABE Center 517 Marie Ave. South St. Paul West Heights Area Learning Center 150 Marie Ave E. West St. Paul Northern Service Center 1 Mendota Rd. W., West St.Paul For more information online:

www.abe.tridistrictce.org

Traditions, new or old, have a strong place in our hearts. Holiday traditions become an essential part of how we celebrate. We hold on to holiday traditions because they add meaning to our celebrations, and help connect families and community. The community of South St. Paul has a variety of holiday traditions. While some have come and gone, many remain strong. Who is not excited to see the snowflakes and the snowflake banners go up on Southview or learn the details about the community events to come? On Sunday, Dec. 1, the City of South St. Paul will be kicking off the holiday season with Light up the Square, the annual community tree-lighting celebration. Join Mayor Francis and the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force and friends at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., from 5-6 p.m. for fun, food and festivities. We’ll have the traditional cocoa, thanks to The Coop Restaurant and tasty cookies, we’ll offer rides on Ruby the Red Nose Fire Truck thanks to Ashes Fire Truck Rental, and we’ll be collecting hats and mittens for those in need to benefit Neighbors, Inc. and the South St. Paul Schools. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, and let’s not forget Frosty. We’ll be joined by the South St. Paul High School Varsity Singers leading carols around the tree. New this year, Troop 219 will be joining us,

led by Paul Murray with his Eagle Scout Project, and we’ll be introducing a new tradition and offering champurrado, a hot Mexican beverage made from chocolate and instant corn masa flour. Festive gatherings will continue throughout December. Bundle up and visit the South St. Paul Lions Club Tree lot at 12th and Marie and pick the perfect Christmas tree to decorate, or attend the club’s Breakfast with Santa, featuring delicious pancakes and a visit from Santa, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 at Lincoln Center Elementary at 357 9th Ave. N. Kid’s may also shop at the SW Lions Club Santa Store. Enjoy an outdoor skate at one of the city’s rinks or grab your sled for a thrilling ride down the Jefferson Hill, and don’t forget to attend the Annual Holiday Skate at Doug Woog Arena, 41 6th St. S., 1:10-2:10 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22. If there is a simple message to take away, it’s that traditions nurture our spirit. Don’t get caught up in the perfect family tradition. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about the experiences shared with family, friends and community. Remember when the community tree didn’t light one year? It wasn’t perfect but it created a memory that is still talked about. Happy Holidays from the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force. We hope you make wonderful memories this holiday season.

As I end my year as the 2019 Chairman of the Board for the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, I would like to share a few of the Chamber’s achievements within our business community over the past year. This has been a year about connections. As I look back, I am most proud of the connections we’ve made that align with our mission, whether that be working with educators, interns or the TriDistrict programs, the cities of South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, participating in grandopenings, groundbreaking ceremonies or tours to highlight expansions in development, or the work we have done to connect the resources in the community to needs of local businesses owners. One of the goals of our Board was to identify and assign actionable solutions related to the growing talent shortage. In 2019, the River Heights Chamber hosted an intern from St. Thomas University who worked on Chamber place-making and directing our communication messaging to portray that our cities are attractive to people wanting to live and work in the area. We brought together schools and students to help kids and educators un“Lothenuestro derstand future needs of our community workforce es un through theservicio Business and Education Bus Tour. The de sinceridad” Chamber helped the TriDisDesde 1927 Since 1927

trict create an Entrepreneur pathway and Trades pathway to complement the already existing Transportation and Healthcare programs. Our board and staff focused on tools to assist developers at City Hall through the development process. We worked with new and current developers to update development agreements and worked through the process in both cities. A once stagnant development is building, in three phases, an industrial park in Inver Grove Heights. We continue to work on publishing an Opening or Expanding a Business Guide, with the help of Progress Plus and staff from both cities. We invited our legislators to local issues meetings to share state policies at the local level. We sent weekly communication about legislative activities to our members to keep them informed of policies being discussed about their industry, and other industries important to Minnesota’s economy. We are on track to add 40 more businesses to the Chamber’s network—75 percent of our goal as of Oct. 2019. The River Heights Chamber of Commerce exists to ensure that local leaders have a place to connect. I recently heard a quote that Norwegians use in the winter to make the most of every situation: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Showing up and making the most of your Chamber membership is the key to success. It is my pleasure to celebrate all the things our members and the community are doing to make the River Heights Chamber area such a great place to live, work and play. I look forward to connecting with you at a Chamber event soon!

“Ours is a Service of Sincerity” Ken B. Peterson

Ken B. Peterson

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Page 10 - South St. Paul Voice - December 2019

Happy Holidays!

Pre-K-5: 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul Grades 6-8: 643 Virginia St., St. Paul Grades 9-12: Rivers Edge Academy Campus, 188 West Plato Blvd., St. Paul www.stpaulcityschool.org

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A rts & Entertainment

Fitzgerald Theater

10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 651-290-1200 https://thefitzgerald theater.com

Lorie Line Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. $55-$60. Mason Jennings will perform at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. $30-$40. The band Low will present Low’s Christmas at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13. $35. Hot Tuna acoustic 50 th anniversary concert, 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14. $39.50-$59.50. A Christmas Celebration with The Steeles, 7 p.m., Friday Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21. $30.50-$40.50.

History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org

“First Avenue Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom,” through May 3, 2020. Since 1970, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry have been at the heart of the Minnesota music scene. This exhibit celebrates the musicians, employees and regulars who have called First Avenue their rock ‘n’ roll home. Museum tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $6 for children ages five to 17. Free on Tuesdays, 3-8 p.m. Thanksgiving Break: Brickmania First Ave., noon-4 p.m., Sunday,

Your community news and information source

Dec. 1. View a scale model of First Avenue built entirely from Legos, and help build Lego portraits of legendary First Avenue performers. $6-$12. VJ Night, 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3. A VJ night with Jake Rudh of Transmission Music. Our Home: Native Minnesota, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. A new permanent exhibit showcasing Native American stories—and the continuity of cultural practices, teachings, values and political agency. Music, art and games will be offered. Relief in the Bulge, 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10. Dr. Greg Fontenot, author of “Loss and Redemption at St. Vith,” will discuss the defense and disputed aspects of intelligence and final victory.

History Theatre

10 E. Tenth St., St. Paul 651-292-4323 www.historytheatre.com

“Beyond the Rainbow,” through Dec. 22. This musical explores the life, music and movies of Grand Rapids, Minn. native Judy Garland. $30$65.

Landmark Center

75 W. 5th St., St. Paul 651-292-3225 www.landmarkcenter.org

Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Dec. 5-7. Explore the 41 st Annual Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar. $5. Ballet, noon-1 p.m.,

Tuesday, Dec. 10. Enjoy demonstrations and excerpts from the Ballet Co. Laboratory’s company repertoire. Santa’s Workshop, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15. Take a free photo with Santa, enjoy games, dress up as an elf and make a gift for a loved one. Courtroom Concerts, noon-1 p.m. Delphia Cello Quartet will perform Thursday, Dec. 12, and “Songs of the Season: Carols by Minnesota Composers” is presented Thursday, Dec. 19. Landmark LIVE, 7-10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. Carrie Elkin will perform with guest John Hermanson of Storyhill. $20-$25.

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

This photo of Ojibwe women at Leech Lake, circa 1906, is part of the “Our Home: Native Minnesota” exhibit at the Minnesota History Center. ble Cantus will re-imagine three stories of the season: “The Little Matchstick Girl,” “The Nutcracker” and “Christmas or the Good Fairy.” $23-$43.

Park Square Theatre

Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 www.ordway.org

www.parksquaretheatre.org

“Six the Musical,” 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30. $40.50$81.50.

“Pride and Prejudice,” through Dec. 22. Enjoy Kate Hamill’s adaptation of the Jane Austen classic. $16-$37.

Join Rita Moreno for a night of songs and stories at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3. $48-$161.

Science Museum of Minnesota

20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul 651-291-7005

Julie Albers will play Haydn’s “First Cello Concerto” at 8 p.m., Dec. 6-7. $12-$50. Enjoy Bach’s “Brandenburg Concertos” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 and Handel’s “Messiah” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22. $5-$50. Christmas with Cantus, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. The vocal ensem-

120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org

“Body Worlds RX,” through Jan. 5, 2020. Explore the human body exhibition that has attracted 47 million people around the world. Illumination, 5-10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29-Dec. 28. Experience the museum as it is transformed by

colored lights and largescale interactive art installations.

RiverCentre

products and services. $5$20. Kids five and under free.

Xcel Center

175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul 651-265-4800 www.rivercentre.org

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Minnesota Hmong New Year, 8 a.m., Nov. 30-Dec. 1, featuring Hmong arts, food and culture.

Disney on Ice will present “Worlds of Enchantment” Dec. 5-8.

Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show, Dec. 6-8, featuring more than 190 exhibits with

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28. $36.50$76.50.

Down in History Tours Presents the

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10% OFF ANY SERVICE* *Maximum discount $100. Valid at AAMCO of West St. Paul through 12/31/19. Excludes transmission rebuild/replacement. Must present this ad at vehicle drop off. One coupon per vehicle. Not combined with other offers or discount. Includes road test, diagnostic scan, fluid checks and visual inspection on the hoist. See your participating dealer for details.

Transmission Repair | Brake Repair Service | Car Tune-Up 4WD Service | Exhaust Services | Check Engine Light South St. Paul Voice - December 2019 - Page 11

B ack in Time

Your community news and information source

Christmas in South St. Paul Lois Glewwe Contributor

rom 1975 through 2011, hundreds of area residents gathered on the first Sunday in December for an annual concert featuring music, dance and visual arts. Known as Christmas in South St. Paul, the program frequently included the South St. Paul Male Chorus and the Choralettes, along with choirs and vocal groups from the high school, and guest artists as headliners. The program was sponsored by dozens of local businesses, organizations and individuals.

Christmas in South St. Paul began as the brainchild of former South St. Paul Community Education Director Darrol Bussler. He shared his memories of the community with me in 2015: “The laughter of farmers, truckers, stockyard and meat packing workers fell silent… and eventually a deafening silence hovered over South St. Paul. Its heart had been ripped out. Why would anyone come here? The silence was evident in meetings, especially school board and city council meetings. When elected leaders were forced to face the facts of trying

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to maintain what existed with fewer and fewer dollars, meetings often became think tanks, sometimes filled with moments of sad silence. The only public gatherings of people in the community were school board and city council meetings; in most meetings there was no joy.” This community silence prompted Darrol to create the first Christmas in South St. Paul celebration in December 1975. Originally the event was coordinated through the South St. Paul Public School’s Community Services Department, in cooperation with the Ministerial Association and churches, the Retail Association of the Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Arts Board. Firstyear funding came from a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, with local churches, the business and professional community and individuals covering costs for subsequent years. The event eventually became a registered nonprofit managed by a volunteer board of directors. Kathy Petrie was the longest serving president,

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holding office from 19912003 and 2007-2011. The headliner for the first event was Miss Minnesota Dorothy Benham, who went on to be crowned Miss America in 1977. Other individuals and groups on the program over the years included the St. Paul Opera Workshop, the St. Paul City Ballet, University of Minnesota Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Chimera Theater and the Andahazy Ballet. The Minnesota Boy Choir, the Strikepoint Bell Choir, the Kensington Court Singers and the Great Northern Union Chorus were also guest performers. The concert was usually held at Luther Memorial Church and eventually required three separate seating times—2, 4:30 and 7 p.m.—which meant performers and choirs would have to be onsite for several hours. The board of directors and Luther Memorial Church did an excellent job of feeding the choirs during the afternoon and evening. There was no charge to attend, but people had to pick up free tickets for their selected performance. Those attending were usually greeted by the Rex Accordion Club, which played in the foyer of the church. Christmas cookies and beverages were served in the fellowship hall between performances. Each show traditionally ended with the audience joining in on the

The 1992 Christmas in South St. Paul program was “A Very British Christmas.” Her Majesty, Elizabeth, Queen Mother, sent personal congratulations and greetings to South St. Paul for the occasion. “Community Chorus,” with words and images unique to South St. Paul and sung to the tune of “Alleluia.” The Rev. Thomas Burtsch of Luther Memorial was director for a number of years, as was Dr. Ralph Swanson, music director at Clark Memorial Church. Clark Grace was also involved in dozens of programs, including 1998 when he designed and directed “Dreamin’ Dixie,” featuring the Barbary Coast

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Dixieland Band. In 2002, the program was moved to the high school auditorium, and I worked with Dr. Swanson to design “Christmas in Our Town,” where each decade of South St. Paul history was represented by an individual portraying someone from that era while the Gerry and Glennys Reynolds family performed a tableau on stage with music and costumes reflecting the changes in society from 1922-2002. By 2011, the Christmas in South St. Paul board of directors had produced 36 years of Christmas programs for the community. Attendance had dwindled a bit over time as opportunities for holiday entertainment expanded all over the Twin Cities, and a decision was ultimately reached to disband the organization. Still, many South St. Paul residents find themselves humming “Alleluia” on the first Sunday in December as they recall the wonderful moments Christmas South Shoes St. Paul $ RedinWing brought to & theBoots community valid on sale items, slippers or previous p for so Not many decades. customer. Exp. 12/31

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Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - December 2019

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