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

South St. Paul Sights set on State

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Volume 17 | Number 2

Your Community News & Information Source

Healy named planning and zoning manager John Molene Staff Writer

ichael Healy views South St. Paul as a city on the cusp of a lot of interesting investment and he is excited to help facilitate it. On Jan. 21 he became the City’s new city planner/zoning administrator. In this role he oversees land use, zoning and development activities, serves as the liaison to the City’s Planning Commission, and reviewes applications for building plans to ensure they meet zoning codes. “South St. Paul specifically was one of four or five cities on my radar,” said Healy. “It has a lot of local history, it has distinctive place, some interesting architecture, walkable neighborhoods. The type of communities I like to work for are the communities that have more of a sense of place.” Healy comes to South St. Paul from a similar position with the City of Big Lake, where he worked for the past four years as city planner and zoning administrator. “The fun thing about being a planner in Big Lake was that I got to do everything,” he said. “I got to do the day-to-day. I got to do the longrange planning. I got to interact at the counter with residents. I got to meet with developers.” Healy said Big Lake has seen considerable development in the last two decades and added much new infrastructure, including streets and utilities to support new residential developments. He believes his experience with that community will serve Michael Healy / Page 2

February 2020

City prepares for 2020 Census

Lessons Learned

John Molene Staff Writer

City manager shares insight from first year on the job

City Manager Joel Hanson John Molene Staff Writer

he rewards and challenges for South St. Paul City Manager Joel Hanson have been significant during his first year and a half on the job and he appears to have embraced them all. He recently received a favorable annual review from the City Council. Some of the challenges included staff turnover, funding for Doug Woog Arena

and the ongoing struggle to balance the city budget. He said he is most proud of the deficit-reduction plan he helped implement for the arena. “I think we did a nice job addressing that,” he said. “I’m hoping we’ll see a nice reduction of that deficit after the 2019 financial statements are in. I’m thinking it will be $250,000 to $300,000 to the good for this year.” Regarding the City’s overall budget he Joel Hanson / Page 3

he City of South St. Paul is assembling a committee to help increase participation in the upcoming 2020 census. South St. Paul— and Dakota County in general—has been undercounted by 3 percent and 4 percent in the last two censuses, according to Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison for the City of South St. Paul. An undercount affects the amount of federal funds the city receives annually until the next census. City employees publicize the census through various means to ensure a more accurate count. This will include working with the South St. Paul school district, area churches and cultural liaisons to encourage residents to fill out their census forms, as well as extra outreach to minority communities. “In the past there have been people in minority communities not wanting to be counted,” Griffith said. “We want to reach out to those minority populations and answer any questions they may have and to help get the word out that every person should be counted.” The census is used to determine the number of members each state is allocated in the House of Representatives. States with more people receive more members in the House. Minnesota has been losing population in recent years and there’s a possibility that the state could lose Census / Page 2

South St. Paul seeks feedback on the future of the library Amy Johnson Staff Writer

t’s a new year, and the fate of the South St. Paul Library is still up in the air. However, the City expects to make a decision by the end of February, according to City Manager Joel Hanson. In December, the City held a town hall meeting to discuss the future of the

library and help residents better understand the various options being considered by the City Council and Library Board. According to results of a community survey conducted last fall, residents want the library upgraded in some fashion. Many commented they would like to see a renovation of the current library. In early January, the City made another

attempt to solicit feedback by sending a paper survey, with an online option available, to residents. It had specific questions regarding library usage and residents’ thoughts on whether to join the Dakota County system or keep the library Cityowned. Feedback is still being accepted. For more details, visit https://www. southstpaul.org/481/Futureof-SSP-Library.

This City has been wrestling with this issue for several years. In 2016 and 2017, it contracted with the architect firm LSE to identify library needs and create an action plan. Using feedback from community meetings and surveys, three possible solutions emerged: an ADA-compliant upgrade with replacement of systems for $2.9 million; the same upgrade plus an expansion

for additional programming for $4.5 million; and building an entirely new library for $6 million. The Library Board approved the $4.5 million option and presented it to the City Council, knowing that future studies would be conducted. Under this plan, the 1927 building would be preserved and renovated to create a 17,000 square-feet facility with improved hand-

icapped accessibility, more technology services, larger community meeting and program areas, a new teen area, underground parking and improved security. At the December meeting, Hanson said there is a chance the proposed 17,000-squarefoot addition might not fit on the current site and that the City is still exploring Library / Page 3

C ommunity

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from page 1

es un servicio a House member following the 2020 de sinceridad” census. Thus, cities across the state are

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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 Writers: John E. Ahlstrom, John Molene, Amy Johnson

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Joel Hanson from page 1

said, “We were able to have a reasonable budget this year based on what other Dakota County cities were doing. We were right in the middle of that pack. If you take into account that we added 1 percent on our levy for starting an infrastructure replacement fund—so $122,000 for that—and just under 2 percent for debt service for past infrastructure improvements, our levy increase was down under 3.5 percent from an operation standpoint.” In recent months the City lost key members of its management team, including the city planner and engineer. Michael Healy was hired as city planner/zoning administrator in late December, and City Engineer Lee Elfering is still working part-time while the search continues for his successor. “We lost some really good people,” said Hanson, “and I think we found some really good replacements. Finding a city engineer that has the skill set that I think we need in South St. Paul, that’s go-

ing to be challenging due to market conditions.” Becoming familiar with the community and its issues has been another achievement for Hanson, who previously worked for the City of Little Canada for 28 years. He said he now feels up to speed with the issues facing South St. Paul. Significant challenges remain, including developing a master infrastructure replacement program, a new housing strategy and determining the future of the public library. “South St. Paul is an older community and has a lot of old infrastructure—over 100-year-old water and sewer lines,” said Hanson. “When you start fixing the street you’ve got to take care of what’s under the street, too.” He said the City hasn’t yet determined the amount needed to bring the infrastructure up to 21st century standards but estimates it to be a few hundred million dollars. The master

infrastructure replacement program also addresses city buildings, pools and the library. “It’s a big number, not to be done immediately but we need to plan for that,” he said. Hanson said a decision on the library is expected by the end of February. Despite some community worries, he emphasized that there has never been a plan to close the library (see related story on page 1). Regarding a master housing strategy, Hanson said the City needs to determine how to balance single-family housing with the need for more multi-unit complexes and workforce housing. He added that the City has seen an increase in multi-unit housing as well as the number of single-family homes being converted to rentals. Hanson said he’s appreciative of being part of such a dynamic community. “South St. Paul is extremely strong on community pride,” he said. “And we have a very good city council, good staff and people work well together. That’s been huge.”

Library from page 1

other options. In 2018 the library and Lawshe Memorial Museum studied the possibility of sharing a facility, and in 2019 the City attempted to have the South St. Paul Library join the Dakota

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Lady Packers seek to break their state hockey tournament drought John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer

n our January issue, we featured the South St. Paul High School boys hockey team, now celebrating its 75th season. This month we shift our attention to the girls team which was founded 49 years later in the winter of 1994-95. Now in its 26th season, the Lady Packers continue to thrive as one of the state’s truly elite hockey programs. As we go to press, the 2019-20 sextet has compiled a record of 13-4-1 and is ranked fifth in the latest Class A state poll. The 13 wins have stretched the program’s all-time state record to 528 and counting. Thanks to the most comprehensive and thorough prep website this long-tooth sports reporter has ever encountered, all of the storied success of the girls hockey program is easily retrieved. Since its inaugural season in 1994, 102 team members have received All-Conference accolades and 43 have earned All-State recognition, including junior defenseman Makenna Deering in 2019.

Team captains (left to right) Lillie Kirchner, Brynn Sexauer, Gabby Madigan and Makenna Deering The Packers have made 14 state tournament appearances and, between 2001 and 2006 when they captured their four state championships, their overall record was a remarkable 141-11-2. The Packers have endured

just one losing season (1115-2 in 2015-16) and that team showed its grit and resilience by reaching the sectional championship game. There have been 11 seasons with 20-plus wins and two with 30-plus wins, including

a perfect 31-0 in 2004-05. Orchestrating all this from behind the bench has been the team’s lone head coach, Dave Palmquist. His enthusiasm for the sport, and the kids he coaches and mentors, is the driving force behind

his longevity. “There have been ebbs and flows from year to year in the quality of the product we put on the ice,” he mused, “but what seems to never change is the quality of the student-athletes I get an

opportunity to coach.” Palmquist is not overly concerned that the Packers are currently mired in the longest state tournament drought in the history of the program. Four long years— the most ever—have elapsed since the Packers represented Section 4A in the state tournament in Feb. 2015. The last two seasons have been particularly painful. In the 2018 Section 4A title game at Doug Woog Arena, the Packers were leading 1-0 late in the third period. St. Paul United scored on a power play goal with just 1:16 left in regulation and then broke the spirits of the Packer faithful with another power play goal early in overtime. Last year, the same two teams met in the sectional final and, despite the Packers’ overwhelming 40-13 advantage in shots on goal, United prevailed by the same score of 2-1. “Both of those losses were heartbreaking, especially for the seniors, but it takes nothing away from the manner in which we competed,” said Palmquist. “In both cases, the kids left it all on the ice and that is what matters most.”

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Your community news and information source Playing in front of Norman as the #1 defensive pairing are junior captain Makenna Deering and senior captain Lillie Kirchner. “Makenna has been on the varsity since seventh grade and has already committed to Division I Bemidji State. She is big, strong, tough and our third leading scorer (six goals and 17 assists) as well,” said Palmaquist. “Lillie is smart, very coachable and has had a rock star season for us.” The second defensive pairing features junior Justice Rambaum and sophomore Lilie Ramirez. “Justice is strong and a consistent two-way player,” said Palmquist. “Lilie is a terrific puck handler, smooth and steady and is currently our leading scorer with 7 goals and 19 assists. She has committed to Division I Minnesota State University, Mankato.” Palmquist considers his defense the strongest component of this year’s team. “All four defensemen see the ice so well and contribute as much in the offensive end as they do on the defen-

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Sophomores Kate Dwelle and Kayla Matuzak, and seventh grader Bailey Vesper, make up the third line. All three have made contributions and Palmquist believes that Vesper has a bright future. The team captains are pleased with the season as it has progressed to date and are looking forward to a strong finish. Their ultimate goal is not surprising. “We don’t have a single player on the current roster who has participated in a state tournament,” said Maddigan. “All of us have pledged to put in the work and make the sacrifices needed to make that happen.” All four take their roles as team captains very seriously. “I can remember when I was in grade school looking up to the legends who preceded us,” said Kirchner. “It’s such an honor and something that we can cherish forever.” Deering, the only junior in the bunch, added, “It is important for us to give guidance and encouragement to the underclassmen and make them feel comfort-

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able. We try to be positive role models on and off the ice.” As they look back on their hockey careers, each gives a good deal of credit for their success to Palmquist and his assistants. “Dave is such an honest and positive person. No one likes criticism, but if it comes from him you quickly realize that it is constructive criticism and his only goal is to make us the very best we can be,” said Sexauer. “The entire staff is so helpful and caring and it has made our hockey journey a positive experience.” As we go to press, the Packers have seven games left on their regular season schedule, including the season finale against Mound Westonka on Feb. 1. When asked for an appraisal of the competition the Packers will

face when Section 4A action commences on Feb. 8, Palmquist said, “We certainly will show up, but there are three other very good teams that want it as bad as we do: Simley, Mahtomedi and St. Paul United. What I know for sure is that we are going to have to beat two of those three teams to qualify for the state tournament.” Team assessment: It’s always a pleasure to spend time with good people and that is the case when you are in the presence of Palmquist and the student-athletes he coaches. The Packers are on an all-out mission to end their state tournament drought at four years. The section final is Thursday, Feb. 13 at Doug Woog Arena and the feeling here is that it will end with “mission accomplished.”

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sive end,” he said.” We don’t have much depth, but those four are special players and we pretty much alternate them every other shift.” The first line on offense is centered by senior captain Gabby Maddigan, with senior captain Bryn Sexauer on one wing and junior Ella Reynolds on the other. Sexauer leads the team in goals with 16 and the three have combined for 33 goals and 31 assists. “All three of them are very smart and coachable,” said Palmquist. “Bryn’s versatile and plays both ends of the rink, Gabby is a natural scorer and Ella is a crafty stick handler with a high hockey IQ.” Sophomore Ashly Jerikovsky centers the second line and is flanked by ninth graders Sarah Wincentsen and Gabby Ogren. “Ashly is strong and has a good shot, Sarah has made the move from the JV seamlessly, and Gabby has natural speed,” said Palmquist. “They are making progress and we’re looking for more scoring from them as we go down the stretch.”

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The players and coaches have long ago placed last season’s disappointment in the rearview mirror. It is now the 2019-20 team’s turn to take center stage. A high percentage of the returning roster took part in summer leagues and camps in preparation for the new season. As is the case every year, key contributors were lost to graduation, but Palmquist was confident from the outset that the Packers would again put a competitive team on the ice. There is no more important position on the ice sheet than the goaltender. As an eighth grader last season, Delaney Norman shared playing time with junior Paige Erickson. To the chagrin of the coaching staff, Erickson chose not to play hockey this year and Norman has played all 18 games from start to finish. Her goals against average is a stingy 2.11 per game, her save percentage is .910 and she has recorded five shutouts. “Delaney is an ‘all-in’ hockey player who plays the game year-round and is very competitive,” said Palmquist. “Just a ninthgrader, she has become a student of the game and has done a very nice job for us.”

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Jr. Blvd.: Civil War tour, Come for the food. Stay for the friendship. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Southview Shopping Center 651-450-1270 Feb. 15. Learn about 12th Ave. and Southview Blvd., South St. Paul www.sspangelos.com Minnesota’s involvement in the Civil War. $8-$10. Let us cater your

Come for the food. Stay for the friendship.

Big Game Party on February 2

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Page 6 - South St. Paul Voice - February 2020

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POKER “Superman Becomes 7 pm Thursdays Lois Lane,” Feb. 8-Mar.

A rts & Entertainment 1. See the gender transition story of Bob Sylvester, former president of the St. Paul City Council, as he becomes Susan Kimberly. $20-$53.

Landmark Center

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

Courtroom concerts, noon-1 p.m., Thursdays. The music of Michael Maiorana will be featured Feb. 6, PaviElle French on Feb. 13, Claude Debussy on Feb. 20, and Cléa Galhano and Rene Izquidero on Feb. 27. Urban Expedition: Guatemala, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9. Music, dance and crafts that celebrate the culture of Guatemala. Ballet, noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11. Dancers from Ballet Co. Laboratory will perform demonstrations and excerpts from the company’s repertoire. Free. Balkan Festival, noon5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16. Experience the music, dance, language and food

of several countries from the Balkan region of Eastern Europe. $4-$6.

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

“Flight,” 8 p.m., Jan. 25, 28, 30 and Feb. 1-2. This opera explores the human connection through the story of eight strangers stranded overnight at an airport. “Accordo with Silent Film,” 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4. A string ensemble will provide the score to a silent film. $31-$36. “Once on This Island,” a musical of a fearless peasant girl in search of

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Devon Gilfillian, 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8. 18+. $38.50-$63.

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts: Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 21 and 22, 7 p.m., Feb. 5 and 7-8; $15. Mozart’s Symphony No.29, 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15; $12$50. Vivaldi’s Echo Concerto, 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, Feb. 29; $12-$50. The Ragamala Dance Company will perform “Written in Water” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15; $27-$42.

TaikoArts Midwest will present “HERbeat: Taiko Women All-Stars” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29. $27-$42.

Calexico and Iron & Wine, with Madison Cunningham, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14. 18+. $39.50-$59.50.

Palace Theatre

Tove Lo, with Alma, 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20. $30-$35.

“Gotta Dance!” by the Ordway Cabaret, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20. $23-$44. Shen Yun will perform

17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul 612-338-8388 www.palacestpaul.com

Folk duo Mandolin Orange, 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30. $27.50-$50. Michael Kiwanuka, 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3. 18+. $22.50-$40.

Atmosphere, with the Lioness, Nikki Jean and

King Princess, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4. $35-$50.

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Big Head Todd and the Monsters, with Hazel Miller and Los Colognes, 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21. 18+. $35-$80.

DJ Keezy, 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28. 18+. $35-$45. Eric Nam, with Frenship, 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29. $40.

Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org

“Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” is showing in the Omnitheater Feb. 1-May 10. $8.95-$9.95.

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OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

• Free pancake breakfast in the school cafeteria • Tour the school, meet the faculty and staff • Book Fair

S.K. Income Tax & Accounting Services Sue (Knie) Weller, EA 7745 Boyd Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights www.skincometax.com

Academic excellence in a community grounded in faith in the Catholic tradition Holy Trinity Catholic School 745 6th, Ave. South South St. Paul, MN. 55075 www.holytrinityssp.org 651-455-8557

South St. Paul Voice - February 2020 - Page 7

A rts & Entertainment

Your community news and information source

Jump into some frosty fun St. Paul Winter Carnival held Jan. 23-Feb. 2

Amy Johnson Staff Writer

he holidays may be over, but the celebrating doesn’t have to end. Continue ringing in the new year with the 134th St. Paul Winter Carnival, taking place Jan. 23-Feb. 2, with its mostly free, frosty events and new activities, including castle-making for kids. Events are held downtown at Rice Park, Landmark Plaza and RiverCentre, and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Como Zoo and AZ Gallery. The Carnival is presented by the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit that also produces Cinco de Mayo West Side. The Winter Carnival began in 1886 and is allegedly the oldest winter festival in the country, attracting a quarter million visitors annually, who shell out a combined $2-$3 million. Here’s a sample of what’s offered. The information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change. For more information, visit wintercarnival.com.

Opening ceremony Home again, home again! After a different location last year due to construction, signature Winter Carnival events will return to their traditional home at Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St. The newly refurbished park will be buzzing with activity. The opening ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. Speakers and guests include community ambassadors, visiting dignitaries and festival royalty from across North America, and the 2019 Winter Carnival Royal Family. Starting at 7 p.m., teams participating in the multi-block ice-carving contest will begin trans-

forming blocks of ice into frozen masterpieces. They’ll carve and polish their cool creations until quitting time at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, when they will showcase the art.

Indoor festivities Grab a warm beverage and take a break from the chill. The Baileys Warming House on Market Street will provide cocktails, craft beers, games, snacks and live entertainment. Events include Afton Alps’ Apres Ski Happy Hour 4-6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25 with a chance to earn lift tickets, and Trivia Night, 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30. The Royal Coronation takes place 5:30-10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 at RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Watch the pageantry as the 2020 Royal Family, led by King Boreas and Queen of the Snows, is announced. Circus Juventas will perform. Tickets required. The Saintly City Championship Cat Show will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25 at the RiverCentre. See hundreds of cats from the U.S. and Canada. $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. The annual jigsaw puzzle competition is held 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25 at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate. The Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., will present a glorious collection of orchids 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-12. Sip a cup of gourmet hot chocolate and try some delicious pastries at the St. Paul Hotel, 350 N. Market St., 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

Minimal fee. Enjoy Family Day is held 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Landmark Center. Bring the kids for various activities, including a visit from the Royal Family. Kids will get passports upon arrival and can fill them out for a chance to win “Disney on Ice” tickets and other prizes. The Winter Carnival Global Market will take place inside Landmark Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2. This internationalthemed market will feature food, crafts and products. The free Fire & Ice Art Show, featuring local artists, is held through Sunday, Feb. 23 at AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St. in Lowertown.

Parades Who doesn’t love a parade? The King Boreas Grand Day Parade, a procession down West 7th Street with bands, floats and the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family, starts at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, and ends at Rice Park. The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1 in Mears Park in Lowertown and travels to Rice Park. The Overthrow of Boreas begins around 6:45 p.m., followed by a fireworks show. Icy events The popular Ice Bar will return to Rice Park and add a second location at Landmark Plaza. Among the tasty beverages will be two custom flavors by Northern Soda Company created especially for this year’s Carnival. The Minnesota Snow Sculpting Competition will take place 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 at the Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N. The Snow Park also

Photo courtesy of St. Paul Winter Carnival

Visit the State Fairgrounds to see snow sculptures, ride a giant snow slide and participate in two Polar Plunges. features a giant snow slide and is open Jan. 24-Feb. 2. Volunteers of all ages are needed to help stomp the snow, a great workout! Details at mnsnowpark.com/ snow-stomp. Kids of all ages can participate in the Kids Snow Box at Landmark Plaza and use a collection of molds to build snow castles. The event runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. A snowboarding demonstration will take place at Landmark Plaza 11 a.m.1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. Children five and under will have the opportunity to learn the basics of snowboarding. Enjoy golf on ice at Ramsey Beach in White Bear Lake, 5050 Lake Ave., noon5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1.

Other events The 35th Securian Financial Winter Run starts at 6th and Jackson. Bundle up and enjoy a brisk run—5K, 10K or half-marathon—8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. Register at https://www. wintercarnival.com/events/ securian-winter-run/

The Winter Carnival Music Series will feature a variety of performers at the University of Minnesota Physicians Entertainment Stage in Rice Park, 7 p.m., Jan. 23-26 and Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Visit the State Fairgrounds to ride a giant snow slide, walk a snow maze and participate in two Polar Plunges for Special Olympics Minnesota. Vulcan Family Day is held 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26. Sip a Minnesota brew with your favorite pooch 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26 at Rice Park. Among the furry friends will be pups from the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities. The St. Paul Civic Symphony will present a free concert of “Hot and Cool Classics” at the Landmark Center at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26. Enjoy Frozen Family Fun Night at CHS Field. Make crafts, hang out with Disney princesses, see performances by local ice skaters and skate with the Junior Royalty, 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30. The annual Freeze Your

Bags Off Bean Bag Tournament will take place at CHS Field. Games take place at 6:30 and 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31 and 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1. Pre-registration is required at wintercarnival.com. $25 per team. Team USA Journey presented by Oreo on Landmark Plaza. This traveling vehicle features interactive elements and a unique social media experience. The tour runs 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31 through 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2 and concludes with samples of free Oreo cookies. The Ledermann Boot Hockey Tournament will take place 7 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 1 at CHS Field. Must be 21 years or older. Union Depot, 214 4th St. E., will become Doggie Depot, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, with the help of Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota. Representatives from Sidewalk Dog will also share tips about the Twin Cities’ most pet-friendly restaurants, retailers and more. Guests are encouraged to bring their dogs.

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C ommunity

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Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb is a fitting quote for describing the importance of relationships. At Neighbors, we are actively involved in relationships within our community. Neighbors serves more than 100,000 people every year in its various

Jennifer L. Gale president

Annual meeting highlights The River Heights Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 117th annual meeting on Jan. 9 at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, and at the meeting awarded Heidi Satre of Neighbors, Inc., the 2019 Rising Star award for her volunteerism with the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee and her many other contributions to the community. Vance

Postscript

Made to Last

She wore it for one day in 1919 and it looked as if it had been sewn with this in mind. My grandma’s wedding dress was more than a little worse for wear. It had been folded up in a small box and kept safe by my cousin, Jill. How she ended up with it I do not know. I’m guessing the dress was sewn by a relative of my grandma’s—maybe a sister or one of her many cousins. There was no lining, no reinforcement of any seam. There were raw edges inside. Much of the dress was held together with snaps and there were places that must have been basted together or pinned. I’ve done enough sewing to know that this was not a dress made to last. I can imagine whoever sewed it saying, just over 100 years ago, “Goodness! No one is going to see the

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

inside of the dress. It only has to last for a few hours!” And it did last. It lasted for the ceremony in the small country church and for the pictures taken that day of my grandpa, recently returned from WWI, grinning broadly with the young woman he called his “dear girl,” and grandma, with a heart-shaped face and an unusual little ruffled cap, with veil attached, set low on her serious brow.

programs. We have thousands of customers who shop in our Clothes Closet Thrift Store, and many more donate money, food and goods. More than 1,200 people give generously of their time by volunteering, and we collaborate with dozens of other organizations to ensure opportunities for people to thrive. Relationships have propelled us for the past 48 years in serving our neighbors in need. During that time, we have seen many changes. We have grown from a food shelf in a church closet to one that serves fresh fruits and vegetables, allows guests to select from a variety of grocery items and distributes more than one million pounds of food each year. Our Clothes Closet has moved from a basement to a fully functioning retail store. Our holiday gift program now serves more than 700 families a year. We have added and discontinued programs, based on the needs of the community, while continuing to expand our relationships. One of the most impactful changes came in 2012 when we moved to our current location. Our new home brought

with it both opportunity and challenges. Since then, change has come at an ever-increasing pace and relationships have evolved. We are now in the dawn of a new decade and in two short years we will mark 50 years of connecting volunteers with people in need. We will continue to build relationships and we will continue to change. These changes will come in many forms, including looking for ways to increase access to healthy and nutritious food. We are doing our best to be good stewards of our environment by improving our business practices to include more recycling, less waste and more efficient uses of energy, and the use of technology and communications will become broader and more important than ever. Above all, our relationships will continue to be valuable and necessary to meet the growing and changing needs of our community. By going together we will go far, and together we will transform our community so that all our neighbors are nourished.

Boelter of the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board, in partnership with his organization, presented the Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities Award to Town Square Television, which has employed individuals with disabilities through Proact for more than two decades. Adam Bengtson, of Endorse Communications, was introduced as the 2020 Chairman of the Board. He commented, “Those who know me well might describe me as a runaway optimist. But I believe that’s for good reason. The amazing advancements in the ways we live, conduct business and drive change are accelerating every day. In a matter of just two or three generations the landscape of technology around us has completely transformed nearly every facet of our lives. I’m incredibly excited that the Chamber is leading the way in adopting this way of thinking. “Of course, these changes and improvements don’t happen in a vacuum,” he added. “It takes ideas and energy from

stakeholders from all around our community—that especially includes business and civic leaders in the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.” Bengtson presented the River Heights Chamber 2020 Business of the Year to Drkula’s 32 of Inver Grove Heights, and the 2019 Forrest Glewwe Visions of Excellence Award in memory of Carol Swenson to her family. To watch their individual award videos, visit www.youtube.com/riverheightschamber. The audience also heard an inspiring keynote address from Ian Leonard, chief meteorologist at FOX 9, who encouraged the audience to “live your passion with purpose.” Special thanks to event sponsors Waterous Company and Town Square Television, major sponsors CHS, Inc., and Xcel Energy, and contributing sponsors Flint Hills Resources, Inver Grove Heights Convention & Visitors Bureau and Mahoney, Ulbrich, Christiansen and Russ, P.A.

We celebrated the 100th anniversary of my grandparents’ marriage at a family reunion this summer with four of my mother’s remaining five siblings and a good percentage of my remaining 32 first cousins. My uncle Les, the youngest of the eleven children, decided it would be a great idea for the dress to be worn. (I’m sure you know how much trouble these youngest children can be.) My mother was drafted to prepare the dress and my 16-year-old niece, Isabelle, was chosen to wear it, as she appeared to be the same size my grandma was at the time. I’m guessing Les doesn’t know a whole lot about 100-year-old clothing. Clothing that lasts for 100 years is sewn with the idea that it will be worn again. It is lined and reinforced and sewn with great attention to detail and made with the best fabrics. My grandmother’s wedding dress was none of the above. As my mother and I worked to prepare the dress

to start a life and a family she could never have imagined. “How do I look?” She must have asked.

for the big event, it soon became apparent that this might not be a great idea after all. The dress was terribly fragile. When Isabelle tried it on, the lace in the front—in the most visible location— started to rip right in half. This was understandably upsetting to my mother. Mom and I worked together to repair the parts we could and replace those we couldn’t. The veil was long past wearing, so we constructed a new one with similar fabric that, if I say so myself, was a good imitation of the quirky original. Everyone assembled in the Eagles Lodge, which my cousin, Gretchen, had festooned with yards of tulle and twinkle lights to make it look like a wedding reception. Isabelle entered the Lodge and smiled goodnaturedly for the dozens of photos taken, and I know my mother breathed a sigh of relief. As I looked at my smiling niece, I imagined my grandma in her hastily sewn dress, just 20 years old and about

“Oh. You look beautiful.” Till next time, Carrie

your

create

future

creative arts secondary school winter open house february 6, 2020. 6:30-8pm 65 e. kellogg blvd downtown saint paul

creativearts.spps.org

South St. Paul Voice - February 2020 - Page 9

N ews Briefs

Your community news and information source

L I B R A R Y

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

Decorate a Journal, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1. Use stickers, stamps, washi tape and more to decorate a journal. Ages 9-15.

Student notes Minnesota State University, Mankato graduates: Louis Garibay, exercise science, summa cum laude University of NebraskaLincoln graduate: Samantha Welle Belmont University (Nashville, Tenn.) dean’s list: Emma Kroska Bradley University (Peoria, Ill.) dean’s list: Maeve

Registration required. Rock, Rattle and Rhyme, 6:15 p.m., Mondays, Feb. 3, 10, 24. Children learn social, listening and reading skills

Mellen, Ryan Krech, Abby Macioch

South St. Paul Parks & Rec. Royal Ball, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9. Participate in the 4th annual Royal Ball featuring crafts, games, refreshments, dancing and a real prince and princesses. Dress in a royal costume. Register at Central Square,

through the use of books, music and movement. Ages 3 and under. Healthy Cooking for Everyone, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Feb. 5. Cook together to learn about healthy eating, planning meals and working together in the kitchen. Ingredients provided. All ages and abilities welcome. Registration required. Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 25. Read, play, sing, talk and write to develop early literacy skills. Ages 2-6. Siblings welcome. Pajama Storytime, 6:307 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6. Develop early literacy skills

100 7th Ave. N., by Feb. 3. Ball held at the Historic Concord Exchange, 200 Concord Exchange N. $22. Fare for All, 4-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28. Central Square and The Food Group offer a food share program allowing individuals to save up to 40% on monthly groceries. A variety of packages including fresh fruits and vegetables, and frozen meats are available. Package

Thank you for your business! MidWestOne Bank 930 Southview Blvd. 451-2133 • Metzen Realty and Associates Co. 412 Southview Blvd. 455-2214 • South St. Paul Voice 651-457-1177

Central Square Community Fitness Center “Where South St. Paul comes together” 100 - 7th Ave. N. 306-3690 • State Farm Christopher Kisch 625 Southview Blvd. 455-9700

with this special evening storytime. Pajamas encouraged. Ages 2-6. Book Club, 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13. “Out Stealing Horses” by Per Petterson will be discussed. Yarn Wrapped Words, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Friday, Feb. 14. Wrap colorful yarn around pipe cleaners or wire, then bend the wire to form a name or word. Ages 4 and up. Stories at Lawshe Memorial Musem, 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18. The Dakota County Historical Society and South St. Paul Public Library collaborate for a special storytime. Ages 2-6. Siblings welcome.

2020 Vision of Leadership contents change throughout the month. Program open to everyone.

Senior Center Penny Bingo, 1-3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3 and Monday, Feb. 17. This is a fastpaced, easy card game that everyone will enjoy. Dinner and show, 10:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. Seniors will travel to the Old Log Theatre in Excelsior, to see “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Set in 1907 London, the show centers on Monty Navarro, a penniless clerk who discovers he is ninth in line to inherit the earldom of Highhurst. Lunch included. $79. For more information, call 651-366-6200 or visit southstpaul.org.

The South St. Paul Community Affairs office is teaming up with the Mayor’s Youth Task Force to host a leadership seminar for youth 3:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18. “2020 Vision, Seeing Leadership Opportunities Within the Community” will include task force members, school ambassadors and student council members, and senior members of Kids Choice. Leaders from the community will attend as guest speakers and each will share their experiences in leadership roles. The seminar will include sessions on how youth can get involved to help lead community events, and provide an opportunity for youth to share ideas on changes they would like to see in the community. Snacks, dinner and swag bags will be provided, and prizes awarded. Why host a youth leadership seminar? It’s a chance to bring together a diverse group of students from all over South St. Paul to learn about leadership, share ideas, meet community leaders and mentors, and learn about activities and events already taking place in the community. Attendees will also discuss ways to work together on a large-scale community project, such as the 55075 Community-wide Food Drive. If you have a child in grades 4-8 who is interested in attending, or for more information or to register, contact Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison, at 651-554-3230 or deb.griffith@southstpaul.org. Space is limited.

Brrritos! Bean Burritos ........................... $2.00 Beef, Bean and Cheese .............. $2.75 Taco Burritos ............................ $3.00 Papas Burritos .......................... $3.50

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South St. Paul Voice - February 2020 - Page 11

B ack in Time

Your community news and information source

Winter fun on community rinks Lois Glewwe Contributor

ong before there was a Doug Woog Arena, South St. Paul boys and girls learned to skate at the various outdoor ice rinks across the city. Most had warming houses, which then were temporary structures assembled in winter and taken down for the summer. The warming house I recall from my own childhood was the one at Jefferson School, where Mr. Gackstetter kept the wood stove cranked up hot. It was a simple shack with benches all the way around inside. Kids used the space to put on their skates when they arrived, and then to warm up. The routine usually involved coming in with wet gloves or mittens and tossing them on the metal frame of the stove to get them warm, if not dry, during the few minutes one stayed inside. The smell of wet mittens and sweaty kids is one I shall never forget. Jefferson had two rinks, one for hockey players and one for all other kinds of

skating. I don’t recall any officially organized skating instruction program in those days. Most of us learned from our parents or an older sibling as soon as we were old enough to stand on the ice. I skated nearly every day in the winter. As soon as school was out on a weekday, I’d run the six blocks home, put on my skating pants, a few pairs of wool socks and a warm sweater. Then, I’d pull on my boots, don my parka, grab my mittens, scarf and cap and head right back to the school yard to skate until suppertime. On Saturdays, I’d be at the rink most of the day, returning the next day after church and dinner to skate the afternoon away. The photo with this article was taken around 1953 at one of the largest South St. Paul skating rinks, Veteran’s Field, located between 13th and 15th Avenues North and from Third to Fourth Street North. The woman is Ruth Ellen Leininger. Her children, Nancy and Buddy, are in front of her, and she’s also keeping an eye on her nephew Darryl and niece Cindy Clausen, on the

right. Ruth and Nancy are both dressed up, which may mean that it was Sunday and they had been at church before coming to skate. Ruth’s boots made me smile. They were no doubt black rubber with zippers, had black fur around the top and were pulled on over her high heels. The houses in the background are on the east side of 13th Avenue North, and two Quonset huts are visible on the west side of 13th Avenue. The huts were assembled quickly for veterans returning home from World War II who couldn’t find a house to buy or a lot on which to build. The Quonsets were in use until about 1955. Cindy Clausen recalled that the warming house in this photo was much improved from the rough little shack she remembers. Darryl Clausen is carrying a coffee can, perhaps filled with sand or salt. The ice surface looks pretty rough. Otto Schumacher, now deceased, mentioned on Facebook in 2016 that at his neighborhood rink on Summit Avenue if it

snowed the kids would head over to the rink with shovels to clear it off before the city sent their road grader to plow the snow and destroy the surface of the ice. Many of South St. Paul’s star high school hockey players learned to skate on their outdoor neighborhood rink before Wakota Area, now Doug Woog Arena, opened

in 1962. High school players had the busiest hockey rink, and future state tournament players could be seen before and after school practicing on the high school rink. South St. Paul still has four outdoor ice rinks where future hockey players and figure skaters learn their skills. The Lorraine rink at 3rd Avenue and 7th Street South;

Downtown bp Serving the downtown community for more than 90 years!

651-221-0026

the Jefferson rink at 21st and Southview; and the Harmon Rink at Spruce and Henry have both pleasure and hockey rinks with warming houses. The Bromley rink at Bromley and 22nd Avenue North is for pleasure skating only. Facilities are open through Feb. 28, weather permitting. Happy skating!

• • • •

Quality bp gasoline Full-service auto repair ASE Master Technicians 36 month or 36,000 mile warrantly on all repairs • Convenience store

542 Robert St. N., St. Paul | www.downtownbp.com | Mon-Fri. 7 am-8 pm, Sat. 8 am-4 pm, Sun. 9 am-4 pm

GASOLINE

10¢ off per gallon (maximum 30 gallons)

Not valid with other offers. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 2/29/20. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026

$20 OFF

Any Service over $100 Most vehicles. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/29/20. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026

GASOLINE

10¢ off per gallon (maximum 30 gallons)

Not valid with other offers. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 2/29/20. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

FREE computer scan for store codes Most vehicles. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 2/29/20. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026

OIL CHANGE $1999 or $4999

Synthetic blend

Full Synthetic Most vehicles. Up to 6 quarts of oil, standard filter and chassis lube. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/29/20. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026

ANY SERVICE 10% off

(maximum savings $100.) Most vehicles. Not valid with other offers. Limit one coupon per visit. Offer expires 2/29/20. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026

FREE Local Shuttle and Same Day Service on Most Repairs! Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - February 2020