South St. Paul Voice Dec. 2020 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

South St. Paul The Four Louises Page 12

Volume 17 | Number 12

School district reduces funding for SROs Tim Spitzack Editor

pecial School District 6 has reduced by half its funding for school resource officers (SRO) at the high school this year, saying the need has changed because of the hybrid model of in-class and distance learning during the pandemic. SROs are officers of the South St. Paul Police Department and handle all calls for service at the high school. In late September, the District renewed its contract with the City of South St. Paul to fund SROs through June 30, 2022. The District had been funding two full-time positions, but this year reduced it to just one. However, the contract includes a clause to fund two positions again next school year, if classes resume as normal. Under the new contract, the District will pay $61,000 for one fulltime equivalent position this school year and $62,108 per officer next school year. Officers Mellissa Cavalier and Randy Boyden have been the SROs at the high school and will continue to share the duties this year, each working about half-time at the school and half-time on patrol for the police department. Cavalier joined the department in 2013 and was assigned to the high school in 2016. Boyden joined the department in 2009 and became an SRO last year. The SRO responsibilities include investigating and enforcing disorSROs / Page 2

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December 2020

More staff turnover at City Hall

Holiday

Tim Spitzack Editor

EVENT GUIDE

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and yes there are festive events to celebrate this holiday season. See page 6

• LIVE & VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES • HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS • A HYGEE HOLIDAY • FLOWER SHOW • MUCH MORE... South St. Paul’s Light up the Square celebration will take place virtually this year, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 29 at Central Square. Families are welcome to watch from their cars, and volunteers will be there handing out treat bags to children and collecting letters to Santa (letter forms are available at www.southstpaul.org and at City Hall). To view the ceremony online, visit the South St. Paul Events and Activities page on Facebook.

he City of South St. Paul continues to face staffing transitions. Geno Mazzali, a recreation supervisor with the Parks department, and Mike Wallace, Public Works Parks lead worker, both resigned in October. Mazzali had been with the city since February 2017 and Wallace since October 2004. Mazzali’s departure leaves the Parks department quite thin in leadership. In late September, the City Council voted to lay off Parks and Recreation Director Chris Esser, due to the financial impacts of COVID-19. The City plans to hire another recreation supervisor, but not immediately, and is looking to fill Wallace’s position soon. The Parks department now has one full-time recreation supervisor, one full-time and two part-time support specialists, and one part-time administration fitness coordinator. Five staff work at Doug Woog Arena—a full-time facility and operations supervisor, two full-time maintenance workers, and two part-time facility workers—and the department hires seasonal workers as needed. At its Oct. 19 meeting, the City Council approved a pay raise for Shannon Young, the remaining recreation supervisor. With the recent staffing changes in the department, Young has taken on additional duties, Staffing / Page 2

Gerten breaks Metro East Conference diving record John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer

n August, the Minnesota State High School League approved going forward with a season for girls swimming and diving, and other fall sports. That came as a relief to South St. Paul High School junior Grace Gerten, who spent long hours in the pool over the summer and was looking forward to bettering her seventh place finish in last

year’s state tournament diving competition. Gerten’s journey to excellence on the diving board was a circuitous one. She had participated in gymnastics since she was a toddler. By the time she reached seventh grade her training regimen had increased to 20 hours per week. She admits the long hours and mental stress were becoming a bit too much. “I needed to try something different so at the be-

ginning of my eighth grade year I showed up at the Central Square Community Center pool for tryouts,” said Gerten. “Unfortunately, at that time the swimming team did not have a diving coach.” That situation was solved a year later when Karli Kriewell, a Division I diver at Boise State University, took the reins. “Karli and Coach Fischer have been nothing short of fantastic,” said Gerten. “So

much of the success I’ve had is due to their guidance and support. Karli lives in St. Louis Park and for her to show up for me like she does is a real sacrifice.” Another reason Gerten has made the transition from gymnastics to diving so seamlessly is that the muscle groups, body awareness and the posture and precision required in the two disciplines nearly mirror each other. In addition to earning AllState honors as a sophomore,

just her second season in the pool, Gerten set school and pool records while accumulating 242.90 points on six dives. This fall she broke her own pool and school records with 246.55 points, but she saved the best for last. At a dual meet in Hastings, Gertem set the Metro East Conference record for girls—and boys—with a score of 251.65. There was no state swimming tournament this fall, so Gerten is now looking

forward to a pandemic-free senior season in 2021. She is also looking forward to diving as a collegian. Coach Kriewell is putting together a recruitment video for her, but Gerten is in no hurry to make a decision on a school. One senses that she is in a good place—at peace with her decision to forego gymnastics and eager to continue mastering her craft on the diving board and enjoying life with her friends and family.

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SROs

Library events

from page 1

derly conduct in and around the school and the surrounding neighborhood. They also work to reduce bullying and other forms of intimidation, and serve as a liaison between the high school and the police department. Additionally, they provide crime prevention information to students and staff, serve as mentors, and work closely with school officials to develop and maintain school crisis and emergency management plans. The district’s partnership with the police department dates to the mid-1990s, when a block grant funded a pilot project to increase police presence in school zones. In 2001, a 3-year COPS in Schools grant allowed it to continue. The Department initially assigned one officer to the high school, working eight hours a day. Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, a second SRO was added to provide additional coverage at student activities in the evening.

org for pickup the week of Dec. 7-12. Book Club discussion, 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10. The title is “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver. To register or for more information, visit www.ssplibrary.org.

Stories with Miss Amy, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 and 8. These 20-minute sessions are streamed on Facebook and feature stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Visit www.facebook. com/ssplibrary. Take & Make: Hygge Stars Wall Hanging - Schedule a time to pick up one of our Take & Make art kits for adults to make a beautiful Scandinavian-inspired wall hanging. Kits contain directions and supplies, except the stick, Registration opens at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 at www.ssplibrary.

Driver safety course A driver safety course is offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N. Drivers age 55 and over who complete this course may be entitled to a 10% discount on their auto insurance. This is the 4-hour

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Election recap Mayor Jimmy Francis, who ran unopposed, will serve another term as mayor and will be joined on the council by two new faces. With three seats open, incumbent councilmember Lori Hansen garnered the most votes, with just over 24 percent. Incumbents Joe Forester and Bill Flatley lost their bid for re-election to Pam Bakken, who had just over 21 percent of the vote, and Todd Podgorski, who had nearly 20 percent. At the state level, incumbent senator Matt Klein (DFL, District 52) won easily with just over 60 percent of the vote, and Karla Bigham (DFL, District 54) was re-elected with nearly 53 percent of the vote. In the house, incumbent Rick Hansen (DFL, District 52A) won big with just over 65 percent of the vote. In District 54A, Republican challenger Keith Franke received just over 51 percent of the vote to defeat DFL incum-

Staffing from page 1

responsibilities and overall leadership of the department. She now receives approximately $98,000 a year, which is Step 1 of the pay

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bent Anne Claflin. In the school board race for District 6, incumbent Nikki Laliberte was the top vote-getter for the three open seats, getting nearly 25 percent of the vote. Also elected to the board are Monica Weber, with nearly 20 percent of the vote, and John Raasch, with nearly 16 percent.

River Country Cooperative fined

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined River Country Cooperative $15,988 for petroleum storage tank violations at its facility in South St. Paul. An inspection showed that River Country Cooperative failed to conduct required inspections of three steel petroleum-storage tanks in 2014 and 2019, and failed to keep proper records. These tanks are to be inspected externally every five years, and internally every 10 years. In addition to paying the penalty, River Country Cooperative had to have an authorized inspector perform external and internal inspections of the tanks and document the inspections. range of the former Parks & Recreation director. Additionally, the city recently hired Branick Jenkins as a part-time general facility maintenance worker at the arena. Jenkins has worked as a seasonal Zamboni driver at the arena.

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Girls hockey preview: season delayed another month due to pandemic John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer

arly last week head coach Dave Palmquist was, in his own words, “fired up” because the hockey season was ready to officially begin. Then on Nov. 18, he learned that their season is being put on hold for four weeks, due to the recent executive order by Governor Tim Walz. In anticipation of the Dec. 18 start, we offer our annual South St. Paul High School girls hockey preview. Before we turn our attention to this year’s squad, it’s appropriate to reflect briefly upon the 2019-20 season. When discussing team goals with the captains during our preseason interview last November, Gabby Madigan said, “We don’t have a single player in our locker room that has played in a state tournament and it’s time for that to come to an end.” When Madigan scored the goal that extended the Packers’ lead to 2-0 at 10:41 in the third period of the Sec-

tion 4A championship game against St. Paul United, Palmquist recalled that “her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Moments like that are why we never get tired of doing this.” For the record, the 2-0 victory propelled the Packers to their 15th trip to the state tournament in their 26-year history, and their 20-9-1 record marked their 14th season with 20-plus victories. Despite losing in the consolation finals, goaltender Delaney Norman and defensemen Mak Deering and Lilie Ramirez earned All-State recognition. The 2020-21 season has not unfolded in typical fashion. Two months ago, as the coronavirus pandemic took center stage, the chances of a prep hockey season were far from certain. When the Minnesota State High School League finally gave its approval, the start of official team activities was moved from Oct. 30 to Nov. 30 and the number of regular season games was reduced from 25 to 18.

When Palmquist met with his team captains, parents and hockey boosters, the usual yearly banter about post-game activities, overnight road trips, fundraising and team meals was for the most part replaced with health assurances that all pandemic protocols would be followed closely. As if that weren’t enough angst, Palmquist and the Packers are dealing with the loss of three key players due to injuries. Senior captain Ella Reynolds, the team’s leading scorer last season, suffered a torn ACL playing soccer, which effectively put an end to her high school hockey career. Sophomore forward Gabby Ogren has significant issues with both of her knees that will likely cost her the season, and senior Justice Rambaum is out until January with a shoulder injury. “In effect, the loss of those three kids virtually wiped out our first line,” said Palmquist. “They are not easily replaceable, but it does open up opportunities

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for some of our kids to take the next step and help fill those gaping holes.” With the start of coachled team practices originally pushed back to Nov. 30, the team has been conducting captains’ practices and scrimmages against other schools under the tutelage of parents and the boosters. According to Palmquist, it is far too early to specify who will make up the three lines and the defensive pairings for the season opener. Barring injury, however, there is no mystery about who will be in goal for the Packers. “Delaney Norman is on the fast track to becoming a Division I caliber goaltender,” said Palmquist. “She’s a driven athlete—fast, strong and competitive—and she is the reason we have a chance to win every time we take the ice with her in goal.” Playing in front of Norman and leading the #1 defensive pairing is senior captain Mak Deering. Her probable partner will be eighth grader Lily Pachl.

“Mak just signed her Letter of Intent to play hockey at Division I Bemidji State,” said Palmquist. “She is a rare six-year varsity starter and will be an integral part of our offense as well. Lily is young, but she is a good skater, plays year-round and has a hockey sense beyond her years.” The #2 defensive pairing will include junior captain Lilie Ramirez, who was the second leading scorer on the team last season. She will likely be paired with ninth grader Eva Beck. Sophomores Inga Oelerking and Kylie Evazich are also in the mix. “Lilie is another Division I candidate who has already committed to MSU-Mankato” said Palmquist. “Like Mak, she is a smooth skater and fully capable of leading the offensive rush as well. Eva has rehabbed a broken femur and has a bright future.” Junior Ashley Jerikovsky is slated to center the first line with junior Kayla Matuzak and sophomore Sarah

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Wincentsen on the wings. “Ashley is strong physically, has a good shot and we need her to score some goals,” said Palmquist. “Kayla buzzes the net and is adept at blocking shots, and Sarah may be our most improved player. Our expectations are that they will make plays and score goals.” While Palmquist is not prepared to announce who will make up the second and third lines, he is looking for some significant offensive punch from juniors Gabby Owen and Cate Dwelle, ninth grader Annie Felton and eighth grader Bailey Vesper. “Despite the injury losses, our expectations for the season—as always—are high,” said Palmquist. “We don’t deal with ‘what could’ve been.’ Our goal is to prepare, play every game to the last whistle and peak as we enter the post-season.” That 27-year formula is responsible for establishing one of the finest prep hockey programs in the state.

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The South St. Paul Voice is published monthly and distributed to 8,500 homes and high traffic businesses in South St. Paul. Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Staff Writer: John E. Ahlstrom

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South St. Paul Voice - December 2020 - Page 3

B usiness

Your community news and information source

A holiday tradition at the Farmers’ Market Sad the SSP market is closed for the season? You can find farm-fresh produce all winter at the downtown market. Tim Spitzack Editor

ome November, hundreds of loyal patrons know its time to visit Linda and Mike Noble at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market. The week of Thanksgiving they drive to Fifth and Wall streets to pick up a fresh holiday turkey from the Nobles, who raise the birds and other livestock on their organic-certified farm near Kenyon, Minn. The Nobles have gained quite a following over the past 20 years—upwards of 800 customers—for their poultry, beef, pork, lamb and other products. They are among the hearty vendors who sell year-round at the market despite whatever Mother Nature throws at them. This year they’ll be joined

Submitted photo

Dillon Noble bags a holiday turkey for a customer at the winter market. by other growers who normally retreat indoors when a cold chill fills the autumn air. For the past dozen years, the St. Paul Growers’ Association has offered an indoor market during the

winter months. It began in the former Golden’s Deli at 275 E. Fourth St., and three years ago moved to the nearby Market House Collaborative. For the past two years, they also had a site at Union Depot. That will

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change this year because the Association couldn’t find a space big enough for proper social distancing during the pandemic. The market has always had outdoor vendors throughout the winter, primarily those

who sell meat, like the Nobles. Those vendors enjoy the cold temps because it’s easier to keep their products cool, and they don’t need to lug a side of beef inside. According to the market’s manager David Kotsonas, the early winter months are the most popular at the outdoor market. Beginning in late November, the atmosphere turns festive, abuzz with folks buying farmfresh items and tasty pies for holiday dining, as well as Christmas trees, wreaths, swags and more. When the calendar turns to a new year, crowds begin to thin out, which is one reason the Association began offering an indoor market. The other reason is because the vendors were clamoring for it. “The first year we had the indoor market the line was out the door,” said Kotsonas. Now that the indoor market has been canceled, he said more vendors are willing to brave the elements. That includes Mary Falk, of LoveTree Farmstead Cheese

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in Grantsburg, Wis. The longtime vendor has sold both indoors and out, and said the outdoor winter market has actually been more successful for her. “The indoor market was nice for the holidays,” she said, “but to tell the truth, we always did better outside.” She moved indoors to help that market get established but found that many vendors dropped off throughout the winter. Last year as the season dragged on, she said the number of vendors dwindled to four. Selling outdoors in the winter, however, is not without its challenges. In past years Falk had her samples freeze, which was not good for customers wanting to taste-test her variety of fresh and aged cheeses made from cow’s or goat’s milk. She won’t have to worry about that this year because food sampling is not allowed during the pandemic. She also sells organic goat’s milk soap. Additionally, Falk said the actual selling experience can

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B usiness be much different as well. “One really frigid winter we were doing drive-by cheese deals,” she quipped. “Customers would drive up, we’d throw cheese in their car and they’d throw cash at us and drive off.” Falk expressed sincere appreciation for the many customers who continue to support the growers. She encourages them to come to the winter market and offers this friendly advice: dress warmly. “One year I surveyed my customers and not one of them were wearing longjohns,” she said. Some of those customers were young, thin men who were visibly cold. “I was dressed warm and was feeling pretty smug until I realized I have more natural insulation. I’m a cheese maker!” This year has been a challenge for the market, as it has for so many businesses and other organizations. When the pandemic hit, customer traffic dropped dramatically but slowly climbed during the summer. “We were down 50 percent in the spring when it all started, but it got better,” said Kotsonas. “Overall, we’re down about 20 percent, both with customer traffic and the number of vendors.” Linda Noble, who is also on the Association board, credited Kotsonas for his work in helping the market remain open through the pandemic and for find-

Your community news and information source ing new measures to keep it safe. Early on, the market installed handwashing and sanitizing stations, established a face mask policy, and began using two tables at each stall to create more separation between the vendors and their customers.

A family affair During the winter, Linda and Mike Noble arrive at the market around 8 a.m. to get ready for customers. Sleet? Snow? Bitter cold? No problem. They are always there. “We only missed once in the past 20-plus years,” said Linda. “That was two years ago, and it was white-out (snow) conditions. The entire market was closed.” When southerners visited the Twin Cities in 2018 for the Super Bowl, many were shocked, she said—and pleasantly surprised—to find an outdoor farmers’ market being held in the heart of a Minnesota winter. For Linda and her family, it’s normal and they’ve learned to deal with the cold. Her tactics include dressing in layers, wearing good boots and gloves (with hand warmers),

and staying busy during their 5-plus hour shift. “I may not look cute and in fashion,” she said, without regret. “I dress to stay warm and dry.” The Nobles also have a few other tricks to help ensure successful transactions. They keep extra pens in warm places for those who want to write a check, and their tablet wrapped in a heating pad so it’s ready to accept credit card purchases. Son Dillon and his wife Sovannah help Linda and Mike both on the farm and at the market. The market holds special significance for

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the young couple. Sovannah, who is from St. Paul and grew up near the Cathedral, met Dillon at the market one summer day. Their romance quickly blossomed, and Linda began noticing Sovannah hanging around more and more often. When winter arrived and she saw that Sovannah rode her bike to the market to visit Dillon, she knew there was something more to their relationship. It was a fitting place for Dillon to find love because he has spent so much time there. He’s been helping his parents at their booth since he was five.

Linda said she is particularly grateful for the opportunity the market—and their loyal customers—continue to offer them. “It allows us to farm the way we want to farm,” she said. “It’s been very rewarding.” The outdoor market is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday during the winter, beginning Dec. 5. The Christmas tree lot is open Nov. 27-Dec. 22. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 27 and Saturdays and Sundays, and noon-8 p.m., MondayFriday. To enhance the shopping experience, the market will

have patio heaters to help warm customers who get a little too chilled. If you’re interested in purchasing fresh, locallyproduced food this winter, Kotsonas offers a note of encouragement: “Come on out. You might be surprised at what you will find at the market, even in the frozen tundra.” While it’s possible that you’ll see Kotsonas roaming around the weekend market, it’s more likely he’ll be watching the activity from the window of his office on the market grounds. Cozy warm.

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South St. Paul Voice - December 2020 - Page 5

H oliday Event Guide

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GLOW Holiday Festival at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds More than a million holiday lights, a 100-foot illuminated tree, icicle and art installations, a gingerbread house, and many other attractions are featured at the GLOW Holiday Festival, a new event being held through Jan. 3, 2021, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. This festival was created with the pandemic in mind. Rather than rubbing elbows with other revelers, participants drive a milelong course through the fairgrounds to view the bright and festive seasonal displays. GLOW features a gigantic, illuminated gift box, a disco light show, a tribute to Prince, lighted woodland and farm animals, sELFie Plaza for picture-taking, and Charity Flame & Art Park, which highlights local charities and artists. GLOW will host several special nights, including Amity Night, Latinx Night, Hanukkah Night, Indigenous Peoples Night and Kwanzaa Night, and $2 from each ticket will benefit

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glowholiday.com. Oh yes, if you’re still lamenting that you missed out on your favorite foods at the State Fair this year, you’re in luck. You can find a selection of them at the food court.

Ordway events The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is presenting the following virtual holiday experiences. Tickets for each can be purchased at www.Ordway.org.

A (Virtual) Christmas with The Griswolds: an evening with Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28. Chase and D’Angelo, the actors who played Clark and Ellen Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” will share fan-favorite clips from the movie, reveal their favorite memories from making the movie and answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $25. The Hip Hop Nutcracker, 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27. A dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, are part of this virtual performance that follows Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Tickets are $20. A Virtually Celtic Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18. Holiday classics, traditional Irish carols, heartwarming duets, full orchestral sounds and wonderful choirs will sweep you away to the warmth and glow of Christmas in Ireland. Filmed at the National Opera House

H oliday Event Guide

Your community news and information source

of Ireland, “A Virtually Celtic Christmas” features leading tenor Michael Londra and special guests, including West End star Zoë Rainey, The Irish Concert Orchestra, Valda Choral Group, The Presentation Choir, and “Artemis Fowl” Creator Eoin Colfer. Tickets are $25. For $35 you can get a link to the performance and have a DVD of it mailed to you. For $50, you get the link, DVD and the chance to meet the artists in a Zoom session. “The Night Before Christmas: In Concert,” Dec. 19-31. Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Awardwinning group Sounds of Blackness will present a virtual concert featuring family-friendly holiday favorites in styles ranging from R&B and hip hop, to jazz, blues and gospel. $15 per household.

needs to kindle the spirit and warm the heart. Majestic forests filled with playful woodland creatures, snow fairies, mischievous elves, and the comfort of good friends highlight this hygge—a Danish term loosely translated as “cozy”—holiday celebration. The show runs 70 minutes without intermission. Guests must wear a mask at all times. Entry times will be staggered to ensure social distancing and each party will be at least six feet apart. Tickets are $40 for adults, $30 for ages 10 and younger. For more information, visit https:// circusjuventas.org/holidayshow-2020.

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Circus Juventas will present its first-ever holiday performance Dec. 5-13. with a snowstorm on the way. Seeking shelter and cell phone reception, they find a

remote cabin, shrouded in winter mystery and magic. As their odyssey takes them

deeper into the woods, they discover that a cozy cabin and close friends are all one

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A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play, Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 3-20. The producers of “It’s A Wonderful Life” live radio play are presenting something new this year at the St. Paul Hotel. They have adapted the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” into a radio drama to present on stage. The performance features actors and sound effects to help guide your imagination. Tickets are $100; includes a 3-course

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meal. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. To reserve tickets, call 651-228-3860 or visit www.saintpaulhotel. com. The hotel is also hosting holiday teas through Dec. 31. Each 2-hour event is fashioned after an English afternoon tea and consists of a variety of sandwiches, savory, scone and two tiers of sweets. A pianist entertains throughout. Cost is $50 per person. To reserve tickets, call 651-228-3860 or visit www.saintpaulhotel.com.

Union Depot In year’s past, Union Depot at 214 4th St. E., has offered an annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and movie night with fireworks, a European Christmas Market, holiday bake sale and the North Pole Express holiday train. This year all events are virtual. Visit www.uniondepot.org/holiday to view the tree lighting ceremony (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4),a presentation of the North Pole Express, and for ways to shop for holiday baked Holiday events / Page 8

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South St. Paul Voice - December 2020 - Page 7

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Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO

The holiday season is once again upon us. Looking back to my childhood, I remember counting down the days until Christmas morning. I could not wait to wake up early and rush to the Christmas tree where gifts would be waiting. I see this in my own children as well. They get excited about anything having to do with Christmas. Having experienced the

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season as a child, and now father, it has become abundantly clear that one of the lessons of the holiday season is patience. Whether it is holiday lights, carols, the cool weather followed by snow, or candy canes, symbols of the season are all around us. They remind us that Christmas (and other holidays) are drawing near. For some, that means making a list, checking it twice and wrapping gifts for under the tree. The anticipation builds for weeks. The waiting can be agonizing. Kids may bargain with their parents to open just one gift before Christmas. They will make promises in an attempt to get what they want. They will persist until one day, finally, that glorious morning arrives. As children, learning to be patient was necessary because the days seemed to tick by so slowly. I am reminded that the lessons of patience learned as a child are instructive today as adults. Unlike the deadline of Dec. 25, many of the challenges today that demand patience do not have a set deadline. Some of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. They may be unemployed or have lost wages due to

the pandemic, illness, or the need to stay home to school their children. As they struggle to put food on the table or pay the utility bill, the idea of gifts under the tree may be a far-off thought. Yet, the pressure and expectation is ever present. As they face these challenges, Neighbors is here to help with food, holiday gifts and many other services. Patience is also running thin due to the pandemic that now appears will take longer to overcome than initially thought. Much like the child who wants “just one” gift before Christmas morning, many of us want to gather for one event together, a visit with family or happy hour with friends. While the child receiving a gift early may be innocent enough, we are finding that these social gatherings are not. We must call upon patience like never before to get through these challenging times. This holiday season will be like none we have experienced before. As you celebrate, I hope you are able to do so joyfully, safely and patiently. I wish you and yours a merry Christmas, happy holidays and prosperous New Year.

A time to give thanks

out masks, making masks or hand sanitizer, helping clean up after vandalism, or taking on extra cleaning and safety measures to keep your employees and customers safe. Now more than ever, we need to support one another. We can enjoy the opportunity of connecting with loved ones who are far away, and our coworkers, by using technologies we haven’t needed to use in that way before. We are thankful for the partnerships and connections we’ve made within the business community that are willing to share expertise and knowledge with those in need of person-toperson interaction and navigating uncharted waters. Although it’s impossible to predict what the year ahead holds for us, we can be certain that it will be filled with both challenges and reminders of what’s important. I invite you to join me in focusing on the latter. Cheers to a healthier year ahead, Adam Bengtson, 2020 Chairman of the Board, River Heights Chamber of Commerce; president and CEO, Endorse Communications, LLC

As I end my year as chairman of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, I would like to take this time to speak to the community as a small business owner myself. As we started this year, I spoke about vision and knowing we live in a world with so many possibilities. As the year progressed, I was reminded that while vision is important, great vision also requires focus. I know we are constantly inundated with news of all the challenges happening around us. However, it is important to focus on the things we have to be thankful for. We can be thankful for people we surround ourselves with—our business community, neighbors, family, friends and co-workers. Included in that mix are the connections that are created and strengthened through the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. We understand that involvement in the Chamber and business community has looked different this year. We are thankful for your resilience, transparency and support of the Chamber and others in the community. For some, that was making or delivering extra food, handing

Holiday events from page 7

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Flower Show The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s annual Hol-

iday Flower Show is presented Dec. 5-Jan. 3, 2021 at the Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul. It will feature colorful Cortez Burgundy and Golden Glo poinsettias and a variety of

other plants, including rosemary, coleus, scented geranium, yellow walking iris and lemon trees. For more information, call 651-4878201.

Stringed lights Garland & tinsel Plastic bags & utensils Batteries Bubble wrap & plastic air pillows Electronics Artificial trees Wrapping paper Ribbons & bows Tissue paper Know where it goes at www.dakotacounty.us, search Recycling Guide.

Page 8 - South St. Paul Voice - December 2020

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Merry and Bright—25 Days and 25 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday! The season for holiday memories, sights, smells and traditions is upon us. We all have favorite memories and traditions, regardless of the holiday we are celebrating, but if picking one season, this would be the favorite for many. Holiday cookies, dated ornaments, special gatherings, and holiday lights-viewing trips are just a few holiday traditions celebrated. Traditions new and old have a strong place in our hearts and are an essential part of how we celebrate. We hold on to holiday traditions because they add meaning to our celebrations and strengthen our bonds with family and community. Who’s not excited to see the snowflake banners go up on Southview and Marie? Or watch the community tree-lighting ceremony that kicks off the holiday season in South St. Paul? Who’s not excited to bundle up the family to pick out that perfect Christmas tree at the South St. Paul Lions Club tree lot or to order and receive a holiday wreath from the Boy Scouts? This year’s holiday will be different. Many of the traditional events can’t be held due to COVID-19, and the community events that can be offered will look different.

Postscript

Early Snow

This has been a year that defies explanations. I spoke with my parents a week or so ago. We have used Zoom and other types of video to communicate but, more often than not, I just call up my dad, he puts me on speaker, and we chat as we always have. My parents were about to go skiing. They live in the north, but they don’t live on the North Pole. It was much too early to cross-country ski, but they’d had an early snow

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“First the snow is going to stick to the bottom of your skis, then the leaves are going to stick,” I said. “You’re going to be stuck in place!” I felt like the voice of doom, truth-telling to my very experienced 80-some-year-old parents. “Yeah,” my mother admitted, “I’m sure you’re right.” I could tell this would not deter her for a minute. My husband Peter and I were preparing for a visit from my former brother-inlaw Jason. This is the first visitor we’ve had in eight months and the visit precipitated a lot of housecleaning. There are places we just don’t get around to cleaning until we are confronted with the

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prospect of company. “The baseboards in the bathroom were filthy!” Peter informed me. “Your desk is covered in dust!” I replied. We cleaned places we hadn’t looked at closely in three-quarters of a year so that we could entertain Jason, who spent almost the entire time on our patio, which Peter had swept for the occasion. Peter made his famous enchiladas, and I made my Aunt Betty’s apple squares, and it was a lovely evening. Peter built a fire and we sat around and talked until much later than I usually stay up. Jason’s father, my former father-in-law, is 94 and fail-

ing. Jason rented a car and is driving all the way from California to Wisconsin to see him, even though he’ll have to visit his father through a window. Even though he’ll have to drive through some early winter storms to get there. Even though his dad, who now weighs only 100 pounds and can no longer speak, may or may not recognize him when he gets there. For quite a while I’ve been trying to let go of expectations. People say that holding too tightly to our expectations only leads to unhappiness, but I’ve always had a hard time letting them go. I like the idea that I have some idea of where my life is

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Maybe this is the perfect year to start a new tradition. For suggestions, check out the “Merry and Bright: 25 Days and 25 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday!” calendar on the city’s website. Starting Dec. 1, there will be a calendar of 25 days of ways to make your day or someone else’s day “merry and bright.” Also, each day we’ll post a “way” for the day on South St. Paul’s Events and Activities Facebook page. Suggestions will include things families can do together: arts and crafts, community holiday story time, ways to cheer up neighbors or community members and more. Use these suggestions or come up with your own ideas. If there is a simple message to take away, it’s that traditions nurture our spirit and are an important part of family and community bonding. Don’t get caught up in finding the perfect family tradition—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about the experience you share with your family and community. Remember when the Community Tree did not light one year? It wasn’t perfect, but it did create a memory that is still talked about today. Happy holidays from the City of South St. Paul and the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force. We hope that you make wonderful memories this holiday season while staying safe.

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headed and what is going to happen next. A few hours after I spoke with my parents, I saw a photo on Facebook of my mom on her skis in the woods. Their house was nowhere in sight so they must have made it some distance. I’m sure it wasn’t great skiing—but that wasn’t really the point, was it? If this year has taught me anything it’s that maybe I need to let go of some of my expectations of how things work. This isn’t the year for them. I looked again at the photo of my mom. She’s skiing in the early snow and smiling. Till next time.

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

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Four Louises

from page 12 volunteer when you can in appreciation for the services of a volunteer that helps you or your family,” she said. “I was involved in many aspects of Anne’s figure skating club for over 10 years, including co-chairing the very first World Synchronized Skating Championship at Mariucci Arena. I became treasurer of my church, First Presbyterian Church of South St. Paul, in 1999 and still hold that position. I’ve been on the South St. Paul Educational Foundation board and the Neighbors, Inc. board.” Jodee’s advice to today’s young women: “Many

things nurture your soul. Define them and work to prioritize them. You won’t always succeed but you will at least make informed choices.” Anne was born and raised in South St. Paul. She graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1998, the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul in 2002 and the University of Minnesota Law School in 2005. She became a partner in a large Minneapolis law firm, and in 2015 was named to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list.

She has served six years on the Guthrie Theatre Board of Directors, two years on its executive committee, and chaired the 2020 Guthrie Gala. She was on the Walker Art Center Avant Garden planning committee for four years, the Mission Animal Hospital Board of Directors for four years and the Minneapolis Foundation Professional Advisors Council for two years. Most recently, she joined the Juxtaposition Arts Board of Directors. Anne’s advice to today’s young women: “Find your people, and make them a priority, and don’t be in a rush. Life isn’t always predictable and linear. Let yourself veer off the path sometimes.”

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Honoring 90 SSP Women Leaders: Four Louises

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Four generations of women with the middle name Louise (left to right): Anne Louise Paape, Maleiya Louise Paape, Jodee Louise Paape, and Norma Louise Larson. Maleiya is Mike Paape’s daughter and the fourth generation of the family. Jodee shared that the family’s hope is that Maleiya will continue the legacy of the women before her and will make her mark in a meaningful way. Lois Glewwe Contributor

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ecember is a month known for the spirit of giving and this month’s selection of honored women includes a family whose lives have been examples of giving back to one’s community. We share the story of Norma Louise Larson and her daughter Jodee Louise Paape and granddaughter Anne Louise Paape. Norma was born in Wisconsin and graduated from Sparta High School in 1948. After high school, she studied at the Ancker School of Nursing in St. Paul then began working for a family practice in St. Paul. It was her first and only paid job. She married Alan Larson in 1951 and stopped working in 1955 to focus on raising their children, Jodee and Jeffrey. Norma’s earliest volunteer work was at First United Methodist Church in South St. Paul. She worked her way up in the denomination to state office and attended national conventions. Norma was on the board of Emma Norton Residence, which led to her working with the Walker Methodist organization, both its senior housing facilities and the Walker Methodist Foundation. At one point, she served as interim CEO of Walker Methodist. She also chaired both boards for several years. Her other volunteer work revolved around the old Miller Hospital in St. Paul, where she developed the patient coordinator position to

broaden the scope of patient visits. Her organizational and leadership skills were tapped to serve in other capacities, particularly after United Hospitals began. Eventually, she chaired the United Hospital board of directors and was the first volunteer member of the Allina Board. She also chaired the United Hospital Foundation for many years. United Hospital named its Volunteer of the Year award after Norma, who passed away in January 2017. Her legacy is that she always stressed the importance of giving back to the community and living her faith. Jodee was born in St. Paul and raised in South St Paul. She graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1973 and from Augsburg College in 1976. She married her high school boyfriend, Art Paape, in 1977. They live in South St. Paul about a block from where Jodee grew up, and have three children, Anne, Mike and Greg. Jodee began her career in accounting by working for her dad as a bookkeeper. She later worked for CPA Leo Kosowski and purchased his practice in 1990. She grew Jodee Paape & Associates to have two partners and 18 employees. Jodee sold her interest in the South St. Paul firm in 2018 and is now semi-retired. She currently focuses on estate taxes and financial planning for individuals. “My parents always stressed the importance of being part of the solution— Four Louises / Page 11