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

Peppermint ice cream helps

South St. Paul

Page 7

Remembering Rollin Glewwe Page 12

Volume 17 | Number 6

Your Community News & Information Source

June 2020

City adopts new circus and carnival ordinance; revises plan to fight odor

Kaposia Days cancelled

Amy Johnson Staff Writer

he South St. Paul City Council has approved an ordinance that allows circuses and carnivals to take place within the city, which will ultimately affect the Kaposia Days celebration. Nickie Krauss, board president of Kaposia Days, said the festival is planning to have a carnival next year. The council’s decision was made about a month before the Kaposia Days Board announced that it was cancelling this year’s event because of the pandemic. After some discussion, council members also unanimously approved an amendment to the ordinance prohibiting the use of wild or exotic animals. Animal Defenders International (ADI), based out of Los Angeles, Calif., had contacted the city council before the meeting objecting to the use of such animals and urging the council to leave in place a 2014 ordinance that prohibits circuses and carnivals altogether. ADI was primarily concerned with the health and safety of wild animals and their trainers, writing that traveling animal shows are “inherently cruel and dangerous.” The organization listed dozens of resources which stated that wild animals in confinement are under tremendous stress and have been known to cause harm or even death to their trainers or bystanders. Also, animals sometimes break loose and must Ordinances / Page 2

Event will return in 2021 with a carnival and new ambassador program

Tim Spitzack Editor

n years past, one might quickly identify the home of a high school senior by the vast amount of toilet paper fluttering in the trees following a moonless night in May. That’s not likely to happen this year because, of course, no one these days would dare waste that precious commodity. What is noticed across the city are yard signs emblazoned with school colors and the numbers of a year that neither the graduate—nor the rest of us—will ever forget: 2020. Twos and zeros are significant for today’s

graduates, many of whom were born in 2002. Since their birth, our country has endured a staggering number of challenges: a stock market crash, the War on Terror, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, the burst of the housing bubble, the Great Recession, and now COVID-19. Ideally, age 18 is a time of optimism and new beginnings. A time when apron strings are cut and budding youth begin to sprout into adulthood. Many at that age are brash and bold and brimming with confidence. Others are timid and shy, uncertain of what their future holds. Nonetheless, each is busy

Class of 2020 / Page 2

In case you haven’t heard, South St. Paul’s annual community celebration has been canceled this year to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. In a statement announcing the cancellation, the board of directors said, “Our decision to cancel was not taken lightly. We did so after much research and deliberation. We are confident we have made the appropriate decision for the health and safety of our community.” The board also encouraged the public to continue to support the community and shop locally. For those new to the city, the Kaposia Days celebration has been a summertime tradition since 1976. Its name honors the area’s earliest residents: the Kaposia band of the Mdewakanton Dakotah, renowned as a peaceful and friendly people. Held in late June, the event typically features the Grande Parade, sporting events, a medallion hunt, dance, family games, craft market, pancake breakfast, music and fireworks. The board is already planning for Kaposia Days 2021, which will feature a carnival and a new ambassador program to replace the former royalty program.

SSP students receive due awards at annual activities banquet John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer

n May 6, South St. Paul High School honored 117 seniors in the Class of 2020 who distinguished themselves and honorably represented their school in athletics and other school-sponsored activities separate from the academic curriculum. The banquet, a school tradition since 1948,

was conducted virtually on YouTube. As a group, the honorees participated in every extracurricular activity available to the students. That includes 24 sports teams— equally divided between boys and girls—and 14 activities not directly associated with athletics: bowling, debate, drumline, jazz band, Key Club, Knowledge Bowl, math team, pep band, robot-

ics, show choir, speech team, student council, theater and trap team. Each year, VFW Post 295 sponsors two major awards. The Honor Athlete Award is presented to two seniors, one female and one male, who have distinguished themselves in sports activities. The 2020 honorees are Brynn Sexauer and John Deneen. Brynn Sexauer has earned

ten varsity letters: two in tennis, three in golf and five in hockey. As a senior on the tennis team, she was the #1 singles player, earned AllConference honors and was the team MVP. She joined the golf team as a ninth grader. “She was a late comer, but she learned quickly and was on the varsity as a sophomore,” said Coach Matt Sattler. “Her athleticism, posi-

tive nature and leadership qualities earned her the role of team captain as a senior.” Sexauer was on the varsity hockey team since eighth grade and was twice AllConference. As a senior, she was a team captain and led the team with 17 goals, with eight coming on the power play. “Brynn was the consummate student athlete,” said Coach Dave Palmquist. “She

played both forward and defense and displayed her leadership and mentorship skills on and off the ice.” In addition to her athletic prowess, Sexauer carries a scintillating 3.975 GPA and will attend the College of St. Benedict next fall. John Deneen earned 11 letters during his athletic career: five in tennis and six Activities banquet / Page 3

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Class of 2020

days of being surrounded by friends and peers were ripped from their unknowing clutch, giving them no closure to one of the most significant eras of their life. To top it off, they won’t take that slow walk across a stage and have their tassel turned in front of an auditorium packed with proud parents and siblings. Most graduations these days will be virtual, which may be apropos for these Gen Z grads who cut their teeth on Smartphones and found ways to

socially connect while apart long before a novel virus mandated it. Their senior year ended with a muffled thud rather than a boisterous bang. Yet maybe they’re the lucky ones because they will more quickly understand that life is not fair. Never has been. Never will be. The faster one realizes that, the sooner one can get on with the business of living. Graduates, the door to your future is wide open, even though it may be dif-

ficult to see too far down the fuzzy road that lies before you. However, your education is not yet complete. With each passing year you’ll continue to be tested and learn new lessons. You’ll find success and you’ll make mistakes. The wise will learn from both. Some of you will go on to do great things and develop creative ways to improve society. Some will provide the brawn that makes those innovations possible, which is as it should be. This world needs architects

and artists; doctors and day laborers. It needs people to pitch in and use their skills accordingly. Each generation has its own challenges, and each must carry the torch. It’s now being passed to you. Take hold of it and run like the wind. Above all, enjoy the journey and live in the moment, which is something I suspect you’ve already learned to do quite well.

Ordinances

surance and a $250 licensing fee are also required.

be put down for residents’ safety. Finally, ADI was concerned that collapsible tents and other equipment pose hazards for bystanders and workers. The city council considered removing the word “animals” from the ordinance entirely, allowing merely a human-performance circus, but decided to simply define animals as any animal that is non-exotic. This serves

At its May 18 meeting, the South St. Paul City Council unanimously approved amending the city’s existing odor ordinance, giving the City a clearer pathway to take punitive action against companies that violate the ordinance. They also added the city administrator to the list of people who can issue citations and make changes to citation procedures. Currently, the city issues

an administrative citation to any business that has an odor intensity of more than seven “odor units,” as detected outside the property. Under the ordinance, adopted in July 2014, a city representative investigates each complaint by visiting the site and using a field olfactometer device to determine the odor’s strength. If a significant odor is present, the business will be notified. If a business receives six violations within six months, it can be classified as a Significant Odor Generator and may be required to prepare an odor mitigation plan. Now, the Council has ad-

opted a two-track plan for dealing with businesses that violate the ordinance. Track 1 is used for businesses that willingly work with the City to mitigate the problem. It essentially enforces the existing ordinance by allowing the business owner to create a plan to reduce the odor being generated. This track begins after a business has received seven verified odor complaints. Track 2 applies to businesses that are deemed uncooperative after receiving seven confirmed complaints. The City will now issue one warning letter to those businesses. If the city receives another verified

complaint, it will issue an administrative citation and fine after each odor violation going forward. Fines start at $200 and keep doubling until reaching a maximum of $2,000. This track has a potential pitfall for the City because it can be expensive to defend. Business owners may contest each fine to an administrative law judge in St. Paul. They may also appeal a ruling to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. If a business owner cooperates with the City after being fined, they may be transferred to Track 1 and avoid additional fines. The City will move businesses from Track 2 to Track 1 on a case-by-case basis. To report odor problems, use the form at www.southstpaul.org (search odor) or call 651-554-3257.

from page 1

making plans to enter college or the workforce. It will mean leaving home and letting go. It will mean learning how to live with others. Today’s seniors have regrettably lost out on many of the traditional festivities that graduates have long enjoyed. They didn’t get gussied up for prom or spend a small fortune on a nice meal and clothing they’ll never again

wear. They didn’t wander the halls collecting scribbly signatures and sentiments—some meaningful, some meaningless—in their yearbook, or glamour shots of their classmates. The band didn’t perform its last concert or the choir its last song. Athletes who dreamed of shattering a school record or winning a state title did not get that chance. The golden

from page 1

to protect normal petting zoos—which have farm or domestic animals—from the ordinance’s restriction. The city’s fall festival, On the Road Again, typically features a petting zoo. The new ordinance allows the city to control hours of operation, makes sure the premises are properly lit and ensures the appropriate number of parking spaces are provided. A certificate of in-

Odor ordinance

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Activities banquet from page 1

in swimming. As a junior on the tennis team, Deneen earned All-Conference honors and was named the team MVP. “John was not only a gifted tennis player, he was also a born leader,” said Coach Sol Rosenthal. “He was the perfect blend of fine athlete and accomplished student.” As a swimmer, Deneen was All-Conference three times, MVP twice and earned AllState recognition as a senior. He holds the school record in the 100-yard breast stroke and also qualified for the state tournament in the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay. “John is a remarkable young man,” said Coach Joe Tonda. “He was typically the first one in the pool, the last one out and led by example.” Deneen’s academic accomplishments are equally compelling. He earned six letters and two MVP awards as a member of the Math Team, wielded a perfect score of 36 on his ACT, and his GPA of 4.189 ranks him first in the Class of 2020. His next stop is Harvard University, where he intends to study medicine. The Honor Participant Award is presented to two seniors, one female and one male, who have distinguished themselves in school activities outside of athletics. The 2020 honorees are Amanda Kelly and Jacob Heimsoth. Amanda Kelly was involved in so many activities that one wonders how she was able to make it home at night to get some rest. She earned varsity letters in pep band (4 years), math team

(2), speech (4), spring theater (3), fall theater (1) and One Act Play (1). As if that were not enough, she also earned nine varsity athletic letters: five in cross country and four in track and field. That is a total of 24 letters. “I had the honor of coaching Mandy in speech for four years,” said Ceil McDonald. “She exhibited wonderful writing skills and was never afraid to challenge herself in a new medium.” Math coach Jessica Davis said, “Mandy exhibited patience and humility and was a true leader. She made herself available to tutor and give encouragement to younger students.” Cross country coach Brandon Lambert added, “I’ve never coached anyone more determined to succeed than Mandy. She earned AllConference honors three times and was an ideal team captain.” Kelly will graduate with a GPA of 4.176, second only to John Deneen in the Class of 2020. She will attend the University of WisconsinRiver Falls. Jacob Heimsoth’s varsity letters resume is similar to that of Kelly: jazz band (2 years), pep band (3), show band (1), Knowledge Bowl (3), math team (3), and drumline (3). Heimsoth also earned five varsity athletic letters: two in cross country and three in track and field. “Jacob did it all—show band, jazz band, pep band and drumline,” said Band Director John Devine, “and his positive attitude and willingness to mentor younger students were indispensable.”

Brynn Sexauer

John Deneen

Amanda Kelly

Jacob Heimsoth

Math coach Davis said, “He has wit, charm and a wonderful approach to life. He was a team captain and earned our spirit award with his infectious energy and thoughtfulness.” Knowledge Bowl Coach Conrad Anderson added, “Jacob was a true leader. His positive nature and enthusiasm made everyone around him better.” Heimsoth, whose GPA of 4.108 ranks fifth in the Class of 2020, will attend Northwestern University– St. Paul. The average GPA of the four VFW honorees is an astounding 4.112. The Academic All-Conference Award, presented to seniors who have earned a grade point average of 3.65 or better and have attained All-Conference status in a least one sport, included Grant Baker (band), John Deneen (swimming & diving, tennis), Amanda Kelly (cross country), Lilliana Kirchner (golf ), Angelina Krosting (band), Alejandro Olvera (choir), Joshua Rowan (swimming & diving), Brynn Sexauer (tennis, hockey), Jakob Standley (soccer) and Victoria VanPelt (dance).

The Tri-Athlete Award, which recognizes students who participated in three sports their senior year, was presented to Maxwell Bauer (football, hockey, baseball), Travis Burth (cross country, wrestling, track & field), Mitchell Felton (football, hockey, golf ), Cheyanne Kippels (volleyball, basketball, softball), Lilliana Kirchner (soccer, hockey, golf ), Noah Palodichuk (football, hockey, golf ), Brynn Sexauer (tennis, hockey, golf ), and Tyler Wilebski-Hendrickson (football, hockey, track & field).

The Distinguished Athlete Award is presented to one male and one female athlete who have consistently put forth their best effort and distinguished themselves as valuable assets to their teams and school. The 2020 honorees are Noah Palodichuk and Lillie Kirchner. The Mike Biron Award recognizes two seniors whose commitment and dedication in the strength room enabled them to develop their skills and enhance their athletic careers. The 2020 recipients are Darien Foster and Amanda Kelly.

We congratulate and salute all of the graduating seniors who expanded their horizons while participating in extra-curricular activities at South St. Paul High School. Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Class of 2020 from participating fully in spring activities, it did nothing to alter their love and respect for their school, their coaches, their teachers and, most of all, each other. As a group, they have left behind an extraordinary legacy of accomplishment that is certain to inspire the Class of 2021 and beyond.

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City awards bid for Phase 2 at Kaposia Landing The South St. Paul City Council unanimously approved the bid for Phase 2 of the Kaposia Landing project, giving the go-ahead for construction on the middle section of the park. The updates include connecting trails, additional parking, and stormwater drainage. The project is set to begin by the end of May and be finished by September. The City received six bids, which covered stormwater work, curb and asphalt installation and three options

for additional improvements. The City approved two of the three add-ons and awarded the project to Veit and Company, Inc. of Rogers, Minn. The add-ons focus on the park roadway and trail. This work allows the road to be overlaid instead of patched back together, improving both aesthetics and functionality, and will create a trail loop around the park by extending a new trail segment southward from the terminus at the northern end. The extra work added

$88,300 to the cost. The project’s total budget is $1.1 million, which includes $53,500 for unforeseen expenses. Phase 2 also calls for solar lights and a playground structure, which will be purchased and installed separately as a cost savings measure. Funding will come from a $612,700 Environmental Legacy Fund grant from Dakota County and the City’s Capital Improvement Program fund.

Holy Trinity Catholic School in South St. Paul held a parade on May 1 to celebrate its success with distance learning. Students and their parents decorated their cars with posters and balloons and drove by the school, where 16 teachers were lined up at least six feet apart along the parade route. More than 50 families drove by in support. Branch and Bough Tree Service and Landscape Care

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Dear graduates, The City of South St. Paul and the Mayor’s Youth Task Force wish to congratulate the South St. Paul senior class of 2020. During this global pandemic and time of social distancing, distance learning, cancelled community and sporting events, not being able to see or hug your best friends and overall gloom and doom, we want your world to shine. We asked ourselves what we could do to make your world shine and came up with many options, such as posters, yard signs, encouraging messages on social media, posting graduation photos online, and more. “We started talking about what we could do because we knew we wanted to do something special for the class of 2020,” said Mayor Jimmy Francis. “These students, their families, and our community deserve something extra special this year. We wanted to provide these young adults, along with their teachers, a positive memory, and a reminder of their graduation, despite all that is going on around the world. This is their time to shine.” The idea the task force chose was to commission Kat Perkins and co-writer Eric Warner to write a song specifically for South St. Paul students. You might recognize Perkins from her 2014 appearance on NBC’s The Voice. Today, she continues to share her talent and spread joy through her musical performances around the Twin Cities. The song “Shine” is scheduled to release Wednesday, May 27, and will include a music video. “This was an opportunity to collaborate in a new way with a city and a school district that truly cares about their students and wants to make their 2020 graduation extra special,” said Perkins. “I am thrilled to take part in supporting South St. Paul’s students and staff through my music.” The task force knows the importance of creating something special for youth, parents and families this year—all of whom have participated in, supported and backed task force activities. We hope you support us in this project as well. Shine South St. Paul Class of 2020, and congratulations! You’re off to a great place. Shine all the way.

Pick 5 Summer Reading Challenge - Read five books of your choice from our Pick 5 category list (available after June 1 at www.ssplibrary.org) for a chance to win $10 gift cards from local businesses. The challenge will run June 1-Aug. 14. Tech Tutoring – Tech tutoring services are available by phone. Call 651-554-3243 or email Honora at hrodriguez@ sspmn.org to schedule an appointment. Shelf Talk – Check out our new literary blog at tinyurl. com/sspshelftalk. Book Club – The club will meet virtually on Zoom at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 11 to discuss “The View from Mount Joy” by Lorna Landvik. To learn how to join the discussion, email Honora at hrodriguez@sspmn.org. Cookbook Club, 7 p.m., Friday, June 12 and 26. Join this virtual meeting on Zoom geared toward South St. Paul foodies. To learn how to join the discussion, email Honora at hrodriguez@sspmn.org. Summer Discovery – Check out the library’s website or call 651-554-3240 to find out how kids and teens can par-

ticipate in the Summer Discovery reading and learning program, or register online at http://dakotalibrary.readsquared. com. Virtual Storytimes – Join Miss Amy at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday on Facebook live for a storytime filled with songs, rhymes and stories. Connect at www.facebook.com/SSPlibrary. Try-This Thursdays – Learn about crafts, outdoor activities, science experiments and more by viewing the videos posted at 9:30 a.m. each Thursday at www.ssplibrary.org. Trivia Challenge – Youth entering grades 5-8 are invited to play virtual Kahoot! trivia in Zoom 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, June 10. The theme is General Knowledge, with 30 questions total. Register at www.ssplibrary.org. Cardboard Craft Along – Kids in kindergarten through grade 4 are invited to join us on Zoom at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, for making crafts from cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes and other supplies you have at home. Register at www.ssplibrary.org.

Here to help At times like these, we remind ourselves that we are friends, families, and businesses. We are hopes, dreams, and community. We are One. Now, more than ever, please support community small businesses, retailers, and restaurants. Buy locally, order online locally, take-out locally. We are simply better banking, and we’re here to help.

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C ommunity

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Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO

I met Kim during her senior year at the University of Portland in Oregon and we started dating about two months before she graduated. At the conclusion of her senior year she was admitted to a postgraduate year of service at a community center in South Bend, Ind., some 2,000-plus miles from

Jennifer L. Gale president

Mississippi Pub receives 2020 Small Business Award The River Heights Chamber of Commerce presented the 2020 Small Business of the Year award to Joe and Melissa Harms, owners of Mississippi Pub in Inver Grove Heights, at its first-ever virtual Small Business of the Year Award and Trade Show on April 23. The award recognizes a chamber

Rollin Glewwe from page 8

Fund, and president of the South St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. From 196365, he was a member of the South St. Paul Human Rights Commission and the South St. Paul Charter Commission. He served as president of the South St. Paul Development Corporation during that time as well. From 1966-72, he was director and vice-president of the Dakota County Development Association. In

1975 he was a member of the Industrial Planning and Development Committee of Economic Development Authority of South St. Paul. Named “Man of the Year” for South St. Paul in the 1960s, Glewwe had made a name for himself locally through his work with the chamber of commerce, where he headed the committee that devised a revitalization plan for downtown South St. Paul called Saddle City, which in-

Portland. We continued spending time together that summer and decided we would give the “long-distance thing” a try. I drove her to the airport, we said our goodbyes and off she went. We would spend the next 10 months doing what we thought at the time was “social distancing.” During those months we went about our lives. I went to work each day and she spent her time at the community center. I would go home each night to my empty apartment. She would return to the house she was sharing with three other women, who were also taking part in the program. I would have whatever I wanted to eat. She would have whatever she and her housemates agreed upon. It was not easy being so far apart. The one thing we did that kept us together was write letters, using a pen, paper, envelope, stamp and faith in the United States Post Office that it would reach its final destination. In those letters we shared our thoughts, hopes and dreams. We wrote of the long days at work and service, and it was common to write several letters a week. We talked on the phone occasionally but the letters were something special.

The weeks and months went by and soon Kim was making plans to return to Portland. After 10 long months of social distancing, we were finally together again, and our relationship was stronger than ever—so strong that in less than a year we would marry and begin our lives together as husband and wife. The year we spent apart was difficult but it laid the foundation for our future together. We have our good times and bad but if we had not had that experience, I do not believe we would be where we are today. The pandemic we are all experiencing is tough. The social distancing from friends, family, teachers, pastors and anyone else we interact with is difficult. We want so badly to reach out for a handshake or a hug. We want to go to a game, movie or restaurant but we cannot. Time apart from those whom we share our lives with can seem to last forever. Stay in touch by any means necessary, even a letter written by you with a pen and paper. It is my hope that we will come out of this better and stronger than when we went in.

member that has been in business for five years or more, has 20 or fewer employees, and demonstrates excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations. “Our small businesses are a critical piece of our community, and as such, the River Heights Chamber felt like it was important to continue to celebrate business success during these challenging times, and decided the show must go on,” said Board Chair Adam Bengtson, of Endorse Communications. Mississippi Pub was started in 1999 by Joe’s father and sister. Joe, who worked there as a bartender from the day it opened, now owns and operates the business. They remodeled in 2016 and have grown significantly over the years by constantly developing new ideas, food and drink menus, and adapting to the times. “There weren’t a lot of places on the river that you could boat up to and have a beverage and some food, and take

your family, so that was ultimately the driving force of why Mississippi Pub started,” said Harms. “Plus it was a perfect location.” Harms donates to many organizations and benefits, sponsor events, coaches youth athletics and volunteers through the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. He also continues to focus on their customers. “We want them (people), when they leave the pub, to be happy, be full, go tell their friends, bring them back, and just really enjoy their time that they spend at the pub,” he said. “We appreciate being nominated for this award and we appreciate the support we get from the River Heights Chamber, its staff and all of its members.” Congratulations to Mississippi Pub. Watch their award video at www.riverheights.com or YouTube.com/riverheightschamber. Check out the Virtual Trade Show at http:// www.riverheights.com/virtualtradeshow.

cluded thematically uniting the retail district on the hill with the energetic downtown of Grand and Concord through an innovative and imaginative series of parking ramps and walk ways. Many of his creative ideas have been implemented and continue to benefit our community today. In 1972, he and his wife, Joan, were active in Minnesota Marriage Encounter and were named Southeast Twin Cities Regional President Couple in 1975. From 1976-82, his family was named the United States

The couple had five children: Rae Marie Glewwe Trisko, Lou Ann Glewwe Goossens, Scott R. Glewwe, Barbara Glewwe O’Brien and Kelton Glewwe. Rollin and Joan have 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way in 2020. Over the years Glewwe always made sure that his daughters, daughters-in-law and granddaughters received a valentine from him, and many family members enjoyed receiving one of his long, clever poems that he produced on birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions.

Coordinating Family for F.I.R.E.S., Inc. (Family Encounter), Washington, D.C. Professional awards included 1964 Outstanding Young Men of America Award; and winner of South St. Paul City Council Distinguished Service Award. He was also named chair recipient of the Minnesota Twins Award for Community Attendance for two consecutive years. He was inducted as a charter member of the Otto Bremer South St. Paul Hall of Excellence in 1987. Glewwe married Joan Brossoit of South St. Paul in 1953.

Glewwe’s children have all been leaders in the community through service on the school board, library board, Kaposia Days board, Celebrate Minnesota 1990, All-America City campaign, Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and support of and participation in local churches, schools and civic organizations. Today’s residents can experience this heritage through Bridgepoint Food Truck Wednesdays, which have brought the community together in ways that Glewwe loved and appreciated.

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Postscript

Peppermint ice cream helps

“I love seeing all the people in the park,” my sister told me on the phone the other night. “I can tell who is together because they are walking in little clumps!” I love that idea: little satellites orbiting the park—usually with a dog—keeping a safe distance from the other orbiting clumps nearby. My sister is in a clump consisting of herself, her husband, their two children, a dog and a cat. (I’m not sure if the cat considers himself part of the clump or not. Possibly not.) The kids are doing their homework in record time, sports are discontinued but music lessons continue. They are playing a lot of ping-pong and canasta. My cousin, Dane, is in a clump of one so I was kind of worried about him and called him up. He seemed to be doing okay, all things considered. He’s laid off but getting a lot of house

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projects done. I caught him when he was out walking. “I’m on my annual walk,” he told me. “Annual?” “No, I meant daily. I’ve been walking every day.” I was prepared to believe it was annual as I don’t generally think of Dane as being big on exercise. But I’m glad to hear he’s taking care of himself. I think that’s what we all need to do, as best as we can. I’m in a clump of three these days—it’s just me, my husband Peter, and my anxi-

ety. It wouldn’t be crowded with just Peter and me but it’s true what they say: three’s a crowd. I get free-floating anxiety, and these times seem to promote it. Peter is amazingly patient with me, although he gets anxious when I get anxious, and the atmosphere becomes a little electric in the house. That’s usually when I go for a walk. A walk helps but peppermint ice cream is what really works wonders. My consumption of peppermint ice cream has shot through the roof. In the past, Peter has accused me of being an ice cream snob. I scrutinize the ingredient list. I try to buy ice cream with fewer thickeners and additives, and more natural ingredients. But none of this matters if it’s peppermint ice cream. There are no rules for peppermint ice cream. Everyone knows that. I don’t even read the ingredient list because, what do I care? It’s peppermint ice cream! It’s bright pink and has little pieces of peppermint candy right in it. No matter how bad the news of the day might be, a little peppermint ice cream is cer-

tain to make things better. No matter how anxious I might get, I can always eat peppermint ice cream. Two days ago, we went to the grocery store. We are trying to limit our trips and hoped to buy enough for three weeks. We donned our masks, packed the hand sanitizer, and headed out. I bought all the produce, Peter bought dairy and dry goods, and we reconvened in the parking lot, feeling like we had just completed a major expedition. Back at home, I was rinsing off the huge supply of fruit and vegetables while Peter unloaded his bags. That’s when I noticed it. “You only bought one carton of peppermint ice cream?” “Well, yeah, but we have one in the freezer.” “That one is almost gone.” “Oh. How much peppermint ice cream do you think you’ll need?” This was a difficult question to answer. How much peppermint ice cream will I need? I’m hoping not too much more. Till next time.

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Remembering Rollin Bert Glewwe: 1933-2020 Lois Glewwe Contributor

any longtime South St. Paul residents remember Glewwe’s Grocery Store and the welcome greeting they got in the produce department from my brother Rollie Glewwe. Glewwe’s was founded by our grandfather in 1902 and was a fixture on the

southwest corner of Fifth and Marie until 1986. Roll’s work as department manager and advertising director of Glewwe Food Markets, Inc., beginning in 1953, was just the start of a career of regionwide civic, political and corporate contributions that have had a huge impact on Northern Dakota County. A 1951 graduate of South

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St. Paul High School, Glewwe was senior class president and citizen, a post awarded by the teaching staff. He was an all-state football star in high school and planned to play football at the University of Minnesota, until a traumatic head injury ended that dream. He still attended the University. In 1966, following in the footsteps of his famous

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uncle, Minnesota Governor Harold E. Stassen, he was elected state senator, representing Northern Dakota County. He was re-elected in 1970 and retired in 1972 to concentrate on private industry concerns of B-Tu-Mix Co. of Inver Grove Heights, where he became executive vice-president in 1968. In 1979 he was appointed chief of construction cost control for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and in 1980 he was named Midwest manager of Sylvax Corporation. His professional affiliations included chair of Minnesota Good Roads, Inc. from 1976-1979 and chair of the MGRA/MNDOT Liaison Committee from 1976-78. He was a member of the Associated General Contractors, the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association and the Minnesota Food Retailers. As his professional expertise and reputation grew, he founded Roadware, Inc., one of today’s most successful and internationally renowned companies in

Glewwe began his career as produce manager at the Glewwe Grocery Store on Fifth and Marie and went on to achieve distinguished roles in industry and government. He was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 1966 and re-elected in 1970. South St. Paul’s Bridgepoint Business Park. His community involvement in South St. Paul from 1952-1966 included serving as president of the South St. Paul Jaycees, co-chair and fi-

nancial director of the 1964 International Junior Golf Tournament, president of the South St. Paul United Rollin Glewwe / Page 6

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Your Bright Future Begins Now... Congratulations to all area graduates! You've reached a major milestone and I wish you the best in your next phase of life. Each of you have special skills and I look forward to seeing the many contributions you will make to help improve our world. Please feel free to contact me anytime: 651-296-6828 rep.rick.hansen@house.mn twitter @reprickhansen Rick Hansen represents the cities of West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Mendota, Mendota Heights and Lilydale. DFL & Labor endorsed

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