Suni Lee’s quest for Summer Olympics
South St. Paul
Centenarian Virginia Milbert honored
Page 4
Volume 18 | Number 6
Page 9
Your Community News & Information Source
June 2021
‘Operation Graduation’ underway
School district takes control of Central Square Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
A
fter serving as the heart of school and city events for nearly 20 years, the Central Square Community Center (CSCC), 100 7th Ave. N., will begin a new chapter this summer. On April 12, the City Council unanimously voted 6-0 (one member absent) to end its joint agreement with the school district, placing sole management of the site on the District, effective July 1. The senior center, which operates at the site through the South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) Community Education department, will not be affected by this change. The city’s Parks and Recreation department, which had been housed at the center, will move to City Hall by the end of June. The great unknown at this point is the fate of the fitness center. It will continue to operate at least through June. The community center was created in 2002 as a joint project between the City and SSPPS, which owns the building. The fitness center has never been as successful as hoped. According to Parks and Recreation supervisor Shannon Young, memberships have decreased by 31% in the past five years while operating costs have continued to increase, putting a strain on both the city’s and the school district’s budgets. Membership peaked at 1,002 in 2013 and dipped to around 530 this year. The Central Square / Page 3
G
T
he announcement in mid-May that COVID restrictions are lifting was welcomed like a breath of fresh air. Today, optimism abounds, especially among those who bring us the events and funfilled activities that help us celebrate summer. While some events may look different this year, many are scheduled and our annual Summer Event Guide will put you in the know. From music and movies in the parks to the Great Minnesota Get-Together, there are numerous ways to have fun in the sun. Also, look for pop-up events that are sure to be announced as conditions improve. Events are subject to change. Be sure to call or check the schedules online before you go.
Summer is here. Enjoy it! Coverage begins on page 6
raduating from high school isn’t merely a testament to years of hard work. It’s a defining moment that ushers young adults into a new stage of life. Due to the pandemic, last year’s graduating seniors were denied the time-honored tradition of walking across the stage to receive their diplomas but local school officials are determined to rectify that this year. While last year’s ceremony was held virtually, South St. Paul High School Principal Chuck Ochocki has been helping iron out the details for this year’s in-person celebration, dubbed “Operation Graduation.” The main change involves the number of guests. In the past, when the ceremony was held at Ettinger Field, there was no limit to the number of attendees allowed. When poor weather forced the ceremony indoors to the school’s gym, there was a 6-ticket limit per student. This year, each student will receive two tickets regardless of the location. The ceremony will take place Thursday, June 10 at Ettinger Field, weather permitting. It will follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. It will also be broadcast on TownSquareTV. For more information visit www.sspps.org/ or call 651-457-9400.
Angelo’s celebrates 50 years of ‘People Pleasing Pizza’ Mark Gallagher Contributor
I
n the late 1960s, John Burbank dreamed of owning his own pizza business, and was determined to make sacrifices to reach his goal. He worked as a letter carrier for 13 years, drove a taxicab and washed dishes, all to save money to launch Angelo’s Pizza in January 1971. Although he passed
away four years ago, the restaurant that has been in his family for three generations is now celebrating its 50th year. Burbank’s widow, Pat, and daughter, Michelle, recently reflected on the restaurant’s five decades. “It was easier to start a business back then,” said Pat. “There were no Domino’s Pizza or Pizza Hut to compete with. We were working
so much that we didn’t have time to pay attention to see who our competitors were.” Pat owns the South St. Paul eatery with her daughters Michelle and Deanna. The Burbanks opened the first Angelo’s Italian Restaurant on Smith Avenue in St. Paul, near the High Bridge. They chose the name for practical matters. “We don’t have any Italian roots,” said Pat. “We just
decided to do Italian food because we both worked at Carbone’s (Pizzeria on St. Paul’s West Side) and liked their food. John decided to call his business Angelo’s because he wanted his pizza business to be in the first pages of the phone directory.” The couple later opened a second shop near the intersection of Oakdale and Marie avenues in West St. Paul.
Angelo’s attracted many customers from South St. Paul, and some urged the Burbanks to open a restaurant there. They took their customers’ advice and opened their third location at the corner of Seventh and Marie avenues in 1986. Angelo’s has been at its current location, 1203 Southview Blvd., since 1996. “Mom and dad had seven stores when Angelo’s was
at its peak,” said Michelle. “Now we just have this one, and it keeps all of us going, so everyone needs to be sharp.” In the beginning, their one and only menu item was pizza. However, friends soon convinced them to add spaghetti and salads. Little by little, other items were added to the menu. Today, Angelo’s features more than Angelo’s / Page 2
B usiness Angelo’s from page 1
a dozen entrees and salads, in addition to pizza. Angelo’s has a special process for making pizza, using only fresh ingredients for their dough — it isn’t just yeast and flour — and toppings. “We still make everything the way my dad did in the beginning,” said Michelle. “We make our own dough, our own sausage, our own sauces, our own dagos, and
Your community news and information source our own meatballs. We still make our own ingredients right here in this location. That’s the other thing. We haven’t changed anything. For 50 years we have not changed one thing — and that’s orders from headquarters, now up in heaven. If we would change the cheese, my dad would come down to ask why, and I wouldn’t want to be around for that.” Three generations of the Burbank family have contributed to the business’s success, and more are yet to come.
“My dad said prior to his passing that all he wanted was for the business to keep going,” said Michelle. “He just left us a good business. Anything that can withstand 50 years is a good business, and he left that for (our fu- A FAMILY AFFAIR: (left to right) owners Michelle, Deana and Pat are ture) generations. So 28 afteryears my Over of custom by family members and staff, including Savanna (front), who is sister and Ipicture are gone itframing will be joined experience already getting her feet wet in the business. passed down to our kids, and then the grandkids.” “We are on a big meMichelle’s daughter, Kay- ed waitressing when I was in cause I don’t think we would la, joined the business at a ninth grade. So, I generally have survived if we didn’t teor ride,” said Michelle. know how to do everything have takeout. When two or “I mean, if this pandemic young age. three people are gathered to- didn’t shut us down, I don’t “At eight years old I started within our pizza business.” Next in line is Kayla’s gether, pizza is always a great know what will because we busing tables regularly, and have just gotten busier.” when I was in sixth grade daughter Savanna, 9, who choice.” Angelo’s prides itself on its Look for anniversary spemy aunt would drive, and helps out at the restaurant “People Pleasing Pizza” and cials at Angelo’s during the I would run up to the door when not in school. blessed,” said the family remains confident week of Kaposia Days, held and deliver 404 pizzas,” she re-Blvd., “We Southview Southare St. Paul “Thankfully my that their recipe for success June 25-27. called. “I did651-340-0314 that for a long• (c)Kayla. 651-353-5021 chose will carry them far into the • @FrameShop SSP a good time, and facebook.com/frameshopssp then because I just grandfather business to have takeout befuture. like talking to people I start-
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SSP Schools to offer free summer meals
Central Square from page 1
decrease has been attributed to competition with other gyms in the area. Fees for instructor-led fitness classes, such as gymnastics and water exercise classes, made up over 60% of the facility’s revenue in the past. The joint agreement gave the City free space for its programming and operation of the fitness center, as well as the Parks and Rec offices. The City also paid $14,000 for use of the pool. At this point, the future of the fitness center is in the hands of the school district,
which has yet to make a decision on what to do with it. If it closes, the District will sell the equipment and work with the City to develop an equitable plan to divide the assets. The senior center, which offers programs such as yoga, driver safety classes and penny bingo, will remain at Central Square. Spokesperson Lisa Brandecker said the District is committed to lifelong learning programming and is confident that other programs will continue as well. However, they are ex-
ploring new ways to make the center more financially viable. “While the management and future operation of the CSCC may look a little different, SSPPS is excited to explore options to ensure vital programming continues,” said Brandecker. “The district is committed to communicating with current CSCC members and the South St. Paul community as decisions are made and the transition unfolds.” For more information, visit www.southstpaul.org and search “Central Square Community Center,” or call 651-306-3632.
South St. Paul Public Schools is once again providing free meals to area children this summer. Meals are available for pickup weekly from June 17-Aug. 19, except the week of July 5, at South St. Paul Secondary, 700 Second St. N. Families may pick up food on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m.1 p.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday’s meal boxes include three days’ worth of breakfasts and lunches; Thursday’s include four days’ worth. No registra-
tion is required. The Summer Meals program is a federally funded, state-administered program that operates when school is not in session. It allows schools and other nonprofits to provide nutritious meals to youth age 18 and younger. For more information on the program, visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp. To reach South St. Paul Schools, call 651-4579400.
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Suni Lee’s quest for the Summer Olympic Games W
hen we introduced gymnast Suni Lee to our readership in November 2019, she had just returned home with three medals (gold, silver and bronze) she earned as a member of the United States gymnastics team at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. Eighteen months later, Lee’s focus is now squarely on the International Summer Olympic Games set to unfold in Tokyo on July 25. Lee’s gymnastics career began innocently when she started to run and jump from bed to bed in the Lee household as a six-year-old in 2009. With their daughter’s safety and the family’s furnishings at risk, her parents John and Yeev Thoj enrolled her in the Midwest Gymnastics Center in Little Canada. That decision proved fruitful. Suni became the beneficiary of the coaching and mentorship provided by Jeff Graba and Alison Lim, who remain
her coaches to this day. Lee took to the sport with determination and resolve. It would be impossible to overstate the time and grit she has invested in her quest to fulfill her childhood dreams. By the time she was 11 she was training 6-8 hours per day (except Sundays) yearround. At that age, competitions were few and far between, but when they did occur, more often than not, they bore fruit and further cemented her lofty goals. She competed in the preelite category in the U.S. Classic events at the Sears Center in Chicago and won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015. “Those victories gave me a morale boost and upped my determination to keep working hard,” said Lee. “And it allowed me to start daydreaming about the Olympics.” Kelly Pederson, an English teacher at South St. Paul High School, was part of the coaching staff at Midwest Gymnastics and became a valuable mentor. Because of her training regimen, Lee’s
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Page 4 - South St. Paul Voice - June 2021
education through seventh grade was limited to online schooling. Pederson worked with high school principal
Chuck Ochocki to set up a program that included attending classes from 7 a.m. to noon. Lee will graduate
with the Class of 2021 on June 10. “It’s been a great change of pace for me,” said Lee. “While I am at school, I am able to spend quality time with my friends and forget momentarily about gymnastics.” It was on Aug. 4, 2019, four days before the National Championships, that John Lee suffered a backyard accident that left him partially paralyzed. At her Dad’s insistence and with a heavy heart, Suni went to Kansas City and sealed a spot on the U.S. National Team that competed in Stuttgart. Lee has incurred more
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‘My level of excitement at this time is off the charts,’ said Lee. ‘This is a dream I have been working toward for over ten years.’
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than her share of angst, anxiety and sorrow in the intervening 18 months since earning those three medals at the World Championships in 2019. Things were rolling along smoothly for her until March 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world as we knew it came to an abrupt halt. When the 17-year-old learned that her gym would reopen June 1, 2020, she was ecstatic. But her gusto was tamed emotionally by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis a week earlier, and by an injury. Just two weeks after returning to training full-time she suffered a hairline fracture in her left ankle. And in the middle of it all, she and her family had to deal with the deaths of her aunt and uncle. “I was very close to my aunt and uncle. The overall energy in our world in 2020 became so negative,” she said at the time. “I try to remind myself that I will come back from my injury better than ever. I just want 2020 to be
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S ports over. I’m so ready for 2021.” The pandemic has played havoc with nearly all athletic activities — from small workout gyms to the professional sports teams to the International Olympic Games. Coaches, including Jess Graba, have not been spared. “Yes, the pandemic has affected everyone across the gymnastics community,” he said. “We’ve been frustrated by all of the roadblocks but we are blessed to have this opportunity to work and train for the Tokyo Games.” In late February 2021, Lee and 20 other gymnasts with aspirations to represent the United States at the Tokyo Games in July, gathered to compete in the Winter Cup in Indianapolis. It was the first elite United States gym-
Your community news and information source nastic competition in nearly a year. As a precautionary measure due to her ankle injury, Lee did not participate in the vault or the floor exercise, but she did participate on the uneven bars and the balance beam. Her score of 15.050 was not only the highest score on the uneven bars but the highest score achieved by any competitor on any apparatus. She also finished third on the balance beam with a score of 14.250. Overall, it was a very good day for Lee. A few days later, she signed her Letter of Intent to join the gymnastics team at the University of Auburn next fall. It should be a rather seamless transition for Lee. After all, the head coach at Auburn is none other than
Jeff Graba, Jess’ twin brother. In mid-April, the Suni Lee team, headed by Jess Graba, began the earnest chore of constructing Lee’s competition routines and building her stamina to compete at a high level at the U.S. Championships on June 3 and the Olympic Trials on June 2427. “Suni is doing extremely well and doing all that we ask of her,” said Graba. “We will do a couple of lead up competitions to get the nerves out but we will not be doing all four disciplines at those events. We will practice our meet warm-up routine and it will be good to get back in front of the judges.” Although her ankle injury has been frustrating, Lee has kept it in perspective. “I’ve done this long
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enough to know that injuries are a part of this sport,” she said. “I am working very hard every day to fully recover from any lingering injuries and to stay strong in order to prevent other injuries in the future.” Eighteen months ago, it was deemed that the run-up preparation for the Olympics would take place a year ago. Instead, the nations of the world got a reboot. “I think we are on track to peak when we must,” said Graba. “While we cannot predict the future, we know that Suni is an incredible athlete, and I am confident that her dedication and commitment to realizing her Olympic dreams will show up when the time comes.” As for Lee herself, the in-
credible success she enjoyed in her debut as a member of the U.S. Gymnastic Team at the 2019 World Championships proved beyond a doubt that her pedigree is unique — she is a world class athlete to be sure. “My level of excitement at this time is off the charts,” said Lee. “This is a dream I
have been working toward for over ten years. My family and my coaches have been an incredible support system for the full length of my journey and I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to reach those goals and fulfill my dreams.” Go Suni!
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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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S ummer Fun Music & Movies St. Paul’s Parks and Recreation department will host outdoor concerts and movies in the parks but the schedule wasn’t available as of press time. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset. Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring food and a blanket or lawn chair. For more information, visit www.stpaul. gov or call 651-292-6508. Lowertown Sounds will present free concerts of live, local and original music, 6-9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 10-Aug. 26, in Mears
Your community news and information source Park, 221 5th St. E. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are invited to bring blankets and chairs. The schedule includes June 10, Lady Midnight, Allie McIntosh and Chris Holm; June 17, Sarah Morris and Gambler’s Daughter; July 8, Flamin’ Ohs and Kiss the Tiger; July 15, The Shackletons and Henry Invisible; July 22, Annie Mack and Maudlin; July 29, Salsa del Soul and Atlantis Quartet; Aug. 5, Jeff Arundel and Good Morning Bedlam; Aug. 12, Dan Israel and the Cultivators and Chemistry Set; Aug. 19, The New Standards and
Lucy Michelle; Aug. 26, Heiruspecs, the Fragrants and Saint Small. For more information, visit www.lowertownsounds.com. The City of West St. Paul is also hosting outdoor movies this summer. Scheduled are, “The Croods: A New Age,” on June 18 at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W.; “Trolls World Tour,” on July 16 at Harmon Park; and a title yet to be determined (by a community vote) on Aug. 20 at Southview Park, 275 Westview Dr. Movies begin at 9 p.m. For more information, contact the city of West St. Paul at 651-552-4100.
Como Zoo Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., features flora and fauna from around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, lions, tigers, the ever-popular polar bear and more than a dozen botanical gardens. Please note the changes due to COVID. Advance reservations are required for members and nonmembers, and a one-way walking path takes visitors through Como Zoo, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the gift shop. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Admission is
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Page 6 - South St. Paul Voice - June 2021
a suggested donation of $3. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory. org or call 651-487-8201. Groovin’ in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday in July at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The line-up is yet to be determined. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Lawn games will be available. Guests are invited to bring blankets and chairs. Free concerts also take place June 1-Aug. 31 at the Como Lakeside Pavilion. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org. Como Harbor opens June 3. This $21 million renovation of the sea lion exhibit includes a newly shaded amphitheater and below-waterlevel viewing zone, a large saltwater pool that allows the seals and sea lions to be outdoors year-round, updated restrooms, Pier 56 — a new outdoor café — and more. For reservations or more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org. Cafesjian’s Carousel opened May 21 for its 22nd season. This historic carousel features 68 horses and two chariots that have been fully restored to the way they looked when new in 1914, and a fully restored organ that plays waltzes, marches and popular tunes. Summer hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Tickets are $3; infants under age 1 ride free. For more information, visit www.ourfaircarousel.org or call 651-489-4628. Como Town amusement park reopens on May 29. You’ll find kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, such as the Soaring Eagle zip line, which travels 420 feet across the park, peaking at 85 feet. The park is open 11:30 a.m.-5:20 p.m., Wed.-Sun. Reservations are required. Tickets are $15, free for children ages 2 and under. For more information, visit www.comotown. com or call 651-487-2121.
Union Depot Train Days will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 5-6, at the Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. The event will include train tours, model trains, family friendly activities and more. For more information, visit www.uniondepot.org/ traindays or call 651-2022700. Drive-in movies will be held in Lot D, located near Kellogg boulevard. Shows include: “Jurassic Park,” 9:15 p.m., June 25; a title yet to be determined (Facebook poll), 9 p.m., July 23;
“Moana,” 8:30 p.m., Aug. 27; and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Sept. 24, time to be determined. Each event features a chance to win a thematic prize basket. Concessions will be available. Tickets are $15 per vehicle. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.uniondepot. org/depotdrivein.
Fairs & Festivals The Flint Hills International Family Festival is hosting virtual and live performances, art workshops and more June 1-12 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., and surrounding areas. Free virtual performances include Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Native Pride Dancers, Nunnabove and House of Dance. The Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers and Sonia de los Santos will perform a live concert at 6 p.m., Friday, June 4, and 11 a.m., Saturday, June 5. For tickets or more information, visit www.ordway.org/festival or call 651-224-4222. WaterFest, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., June 19-27 at Lake Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr. This free, family festival offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of water management, wildlife habitat, and the unique ecological features of the region’s watershed. The event offers self-directed learning opportunities and activities, such as a water parade, native plant giveaways and a fishing demonstration. It will also feature virtual activities shared by exhibitors. Volunteers can register at the link below to assist with self-directed activities. Those who volunteer five or more hours will receive a WaterFest T-shirt. For more information, visit www.rwmwd. org/get-involved/waterfest or call 651-792-7950. The Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns. Normally held in Lowertown’s Mears Park, the festival was canceled last year because of the pandemic. This year’s festival will be a combination of live ticketed performances and outdoor streamed concerts June 24-27 at the Dakota (live streamed only) and two stages at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. Headliners include award-winning tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi and his quartet, vocalist Kurt Elling, Jamecia Bennett, the Jazz Women All-Stars featuring Patty Peterson and Ginger Commodore, JazzMN Orchestra and Andrew Walesch. Tickets to the concerts at Crooners are
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available at www.croonersmn.com. The festival continues its program of free, weekly, virtual concerts, called Jazz Fest Live, which has supported jazz musicians throughout the pandemic. For more details, visit www. twincitiesjazzfestival.com. Lowertown Blues & Funk Fest will hold the following free outdoor concerts 5:30-9 p.m. at Dual Citizen Brewing, 725 Raymond Ave.: June 12, Erin McCawley’s Harrison St. Band and Hamilton Loomis; July 10, Codesweat Entertainment and The Good, The Bad, and The Funky; Aug. 14, The Kendra Glenn Band and Bernard Allison Group. For more information, visit www.lowertownbluesfestival.com. The Dakota County Fair will be held Aug. 9-15 at the Fairgrounds, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. Highlights include musical entertainment, demolition derby, midway rides, talent contests, grandstand shows, livestock shows, historical village and food. Tickets will be available beginning July 23. For more information, visit www.dakotacountyfair. org or call 651-463-8818.
tour featuring Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John Mcfee, with special guest Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 7 p.m., Aug. 31 ($50-$65); Tim McGraw with special guest Midland, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 1 ($60-$88); NF—The Search Tour, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 2 ($35-$50); Darci Lynne & Friends—Fresh Out of the Box Tour with special guest Okee Dokee Brothers, 4 p.m., Sept. 6 ($25). For more information, visit www.mnstatefair.org. IndiaFest plans to hold a hybrid event Saturday, Aug. 14., at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The time and activities are yet to be determined. Past events have featured performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, exhibits, cultural displays and an Indian bazaar. Free. For more information, visit www.iamn.org or call 651-321-3421. Deutsche Tage, noon-9 p.m., Saturday, June 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, June 13 at the Germanic Summer Fun / page 9
Bands on the Boulevard - Local acts from the First Avenue music scene in Minneapolis will be featured at the “Bands on the Boulevard” outdoor concert series this summer at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. Free concerts will be held 6:30-8 p.m. every Tuesday in July. The line-up is yet to be determined. Food and activities open at 5:45 p.m. Visitors may bring a lawn chair and a picnic. For more details, visit www.mnhs.org or call 651-259-3000. The Summer Beer Dabbler will take place 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday Aug. 14 at CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St. Sample the brews of more than 130 craft breweries while listening to live mu-
sic. Food and other activities will be featured throughout the day. For more information, visit www.thebeerdabbler.com. The Minnesota State Fair is held Aug. 26-Sept.
6, at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave. The Fair showcases Minnesota’s finest in agriculture, art and industry, hundreds of concession stands, a giant Midway, Grandstand concerts,
giveaways, animal and product demonstrations, parades and much more. Grandstand concerts include Miranda Lambert, 7:30 p.m., Aug 26 ($40-$65); The Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary
South St. Paul Voice - June 2021 - Page 7
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P eople
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Honoring 90 South St. Paul Women Leaders
Virginia Milbert, longtime volunteer at Neighbors, Inc. Lois Glewwe Contributor
This month’s honoree joins the roster of 90 South St. Paul women whose lives are being shared with the community in tribute to the first 90 women to vote in the U.S. following ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on Aug. 27, 1920. The Voice will feature this series through July. The other honorees are posted on Facebook at Honoring 90 South St. Paul Women Leaders.
V
irginia June Milbert was one of six members of the South St. Paul faith community that gathered in 1971 to discuss ways to help the growing number of people who were unemployed due to the closure of the Swift & Company packing plant in 1969. In January 1972, that group formed an association that became Neighbors, Inc., and gathered resources to assist people who needed help with their basic needs, such as food or clothing. The need for their services increased when Armour’s meatpacking plant shut
down in 1979 and thousands more became unemployed. Nobody had any idea that the organization would grow to the size it is today, serving hundreds of thousands of people over the past 49 years. Virginia was born to Hilton and Ruth Beer on June 26, 1917. She grew up in Independence, Minn., and married Howard William Milbert on Aug. 1, 1940. They raised their family in South St. Paul, where Howard was owner of Culligan Water Company. Virginia began volunteering with Neighbors, Inc., when she was 54 and her children were out of the house. She made sure Howard was also involved with Neighbors. He served on the board and as treasurer for several years during the organization’s first 20 years. After he passed away in 2003 Virginia renewed her commitment to Neighbors. Virginia will turn 104 in June. She was born a few months before the flu pandemic of 1918 that took the lives of nearly 50 million people around the world. Last year — during this cur-
Summer Fun from page 7
American Institute, 301 Summit Ave. The event features authentic German food and beer, musicians and dancers, family-friendly games and vendors. Admission is $5 (children free). For more information, visit www.gai-mn.org or call 651222-7027. Irish Fair of Minnesota, Aug. 13-15, Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays and Irish food and drink. Admission is $15$35. For more information, visit www.irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221. Japanese Obon Festival, Aug. 15 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The time is yet to be determined. The festival will feature many activities that celebrate Japanese culture. Admission is $5; $2 discount for seniors and students. For more details, call 651-487-8200.
Take a Kid Fishing Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 11-13. Ages 16 and older may fish for free without a license if accompanied by a youth or child age 15 or younger Great shore fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River, Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Pickerel Lake in Lilydale, and Thompson and Marthaler lakes in West St. Paul. For more information visit, www.dnr.state.mn.us/ takeakidfishing or call 651296-6157.
Historical tours The Minnesota Historical Society has reopened local historic sites and museums, including the Sibley Historic Site, the James J. Hill House and Fort Snelling. The Sibley Historic Site is open 1-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, May 29-Sept. 6 at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and older, $5
Neighbors Inc. President Charlie Thompson presented Milbert with a Core Values Champion award in 2017. rent pandemic — her volunteer service was celebrated with a parade by her house. She still works two 4-hour shifts in the Clothes Closet Thrift Store every week and
is beloved by those who meet her. Volunteers, shoppers, staff and others often turn to her as a reminder of the history of the organization and the good work it has ac-
for children age 5-17, free for children age 4 and under. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/sibley or call 651-452-1596. Historic Fort Snelling is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, June 4-Sept. 6, and select weekends through October. Timedentry tickets are $8. Children ages 4 and under are free. Limited walk-up tickets will be available. For more information, visit https:// www.mnhs.org/fortsnelling. The James J. Hill House is open 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thurs.-Sun., starting June 3, at 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul. The site offers guided tours. Tickets are $8-12; free for children ages 4 and under. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/hillhouse or call 651-259-3003.
at 10 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month, June 2-Aug. 18. It departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W. The Great River tour travels along the Mississippi, highlighting buildings and locations that helped make St. Paul the city it is today. This tour is held at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, June 9-Aug. 25. It departs from Upper Landing Park at Shephard Road and Chestnut Street. Advanced registration is required for both tours. For more information, visit www.landmarkcenter. org or call 651-292-3276.
Walking tours The Landmark Center is offering free guided walking tours. The Rice Park tour circles one of St. Paul’s most iconic parks and observes the surrounding buildings that gave the park its central role in city events and celebrations. The tour is held
SSP library The library’s Book Club will meet at a city park at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 10. The title is “There There” by Tommy Orange. The location was unavailable at press time. Register at tinyurl. com/SSPbookclub, or call 651-554-3243. Summer Discovery 2021, June 14-July 2. This program helps young children develop reading skills and school-age kids and teens
complished. She greets each person with a kind word, a funny joke, a silly song, or words of wisdom. Like so many of her generation, she is committed to the idea of serving others. Virginia prefers to do her work quietly and behind the scenes. She does not seek recognition and usually deflects it when it comes. She simply comes in, works on the tasks that need to be accomplished that day, and greets and assists Clothes Closet clients. One of her favorite stories is of a man who was shopping with his young son. The boy was wearing a pair of worn-out slippers and was badly in need of shoes. The problem was, he was hung up on the idea of a getting a pair of cowboy boots. His father knew the likelihood of finding a pair of children’s cowboy boots in his son’s size was likely beyond the realm of possibility. Virginia watched as the man gently and kindly tried to steer his son toward other footwear but the boy was determined. Virginia went to the back room and began searching through boxes of unsorted
shoes. After several minutes she emerged with exactly what the little guy wanted. The boy was ecstatic, his father was shocked, and Virginia had once again saved the day. It would be easy to think that Virginia continues her commitment to Neighbors, Inc. because she helped start the organization. While that is true, she remains active because she knows the importance of serving others, and she takes immense, quiet gratification from doing that, day in and day out. In her more introspective moments, Virginia will admit that coming to Neighbors and helping others has kept her alive these many years. She is often asked for advice about how to live a long and healthy life. Her main advice is to keep busy and keep moving, then she often quips, “If I stop moving, I will!” For now, she is still busy and still moving, and our community is a better place for it. Beth Skwira of Neighbors, Inc. contributed to this story and provided the photo of Virginia Milbert.
develop an appreciation for reading and learning. Visit the library for a reading log and free book, and watch the library’s website and social media for information on pop-up events.
along the Mississippi River. Access it at Concord Street near Grand Avenue or near Bryant and Butler Avenue. • Big Rivers Regional Trail - The trailhead is located at Mendota Heights Road, near Highway 13 and I-35E. The Big Rivers Regional Trail offers nearly four miles of hiking and biking trails on the railroad bed of the former Minnesota Central Railroad line. • Harriet Island Regional Park - Bike and hike along eight miles of trail on both sides of the river (users can connect to the Big Rivers Trail by following Lilydale Road for 3/4-mile). The trail is separated for bike and pedestrian traffic. • Thompson County Park - This 57-acre park located near Butler Avenue and Highway 52 in West St. Paul has more than two miles of wooded trails. It connects to the North Urban Regional Trail system, which links Thompson County Park to Kaposia Park in South St. Paul and to the Mississippi River Regional Trail.
Garden tour The South St. Paul Garden Club will host its community garden tour on three different Thursday evenings in June and July, featuring two or three gardens at each event. Tour dates are June 17, 24 and July 15. Gardens will be open 6-8 p.m. The event is free, but donations will be accepted at each garden. Masks and social distancing will be required. For more information, call Lois at 651-457-3403 or visit www.sspgardenclub.org.
Hiking & Biking National Trails Day is Saturday, June 1. Celebrate by hiking or biking a nearby trail. • Mississippi Riverfront Regional Trail - This scenic trail offers more than four miles of paved pathway
South St. Paul Voice - June 2021 - Page 9
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Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO
In April, I had the opportunity to accompany my 11-yearold son on his first weekend camping trip with the local scout troop. We went to Whitewater State Park in southern Minnesota, where we were able to hike and enjoy the great outdoors in a mostly mask-free environment. It was the closest I have come to feeling “normal” in more than a year. Once we settled into the group campsite, the adult leader commented on how much trash was around the campsite. Now to be fair, it was small bits of trash, but if you are
Postscript
The Last Box
“Oh my gosh. I don’t want to open that box.” Moving furniture and books and clothing is easy. It’s moving memories that is hard. I’m going through the last of my boxes for a pending move. I used to say I wasn’t a packrat. I thought I was more like my mother than my dad. My dad might tuck a piece of wood away, thinking it would find a use someday. My mother would say it’s easier to buy a board when (and if ) it was needed. Generally, it wasn’t.
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
This approach keeps my parents’ house very tidy, with the possible exception of one small room in the basement where my dad keeps his wood collection.
Page 10 - South St. Paul Voice - June 2021
familiar with scouting you know that one of its principles is to leave no trace when camping. The leader had the boys form a line and walk the site and pick up the trash. More than one observed that the things they were picking up had not been left by scouts, and they did not understand why they had to clean up after others. I observed this, thought about my own experience in scouts, and realized that this was an example of beginning to build engagement with the greater good. The experience of picking up after others and leaving no trace goes beyond oneself. What happened on that camping trip was more than a clean-up project. It was forming those boys so that, as they grow, they will remain engaged in the world around them. Being engaged has been more challenging during the pandemic yet there are many examples of people finding a way to stay engaged. Whether through the use of technology and social media or taking precautions such as masking up and distancing, people are still engaging in the world around them. At Neighbors, engagement is at the heart of our efforts to serve the community. Neighbors helping neighbors is what we are about. It is because of the engagement and generosity of our community that we are able to assist those in need.
This has never been more evident than during these challenging times. Volunteers have risked their own health to help serve in our hunger relief programs and Clothes Closet. Donors have gone above and beyond to provide financial support to our mission, some even giving their government stimulus check, and others adding to their already generous contributions. We have witnessed record levels of need and generosity to match. We have put a mayor on our roof to raise funds and awareness and — literally — taken down walls within our building to better meet the needs of those we serve. Through it all, everything good that has happened is a result of our community engaging in service to others. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, let us do so by committing to living lives of service to one another. By engaging with each other and the world around us, we can be better than before. We can help each other, and we can commit to engaging in our community so that all of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive. Just like the scouts learned while camping, it does not matter what caused the need, it still needs to be addressed. It takes all of us stepping out and working together to leave this world better than we found it.
Hello, June! We’re excited you are here. Kaposia Days is back, and the task force is excited to host the Kaposia Days Kiddie Parade, SSP CommUNITY grams and a new event this year. While we are not able to host the annual water balloon dodgeball tournament, we hope to bring it back next year. The Kaposia Days Kiddie Parade will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 26, starting at the corner 5th and Southview. This year’s theme is Community Helpers are Everyday Heroes. Who are your community heroes? With COVID-19, it’s easy to come up with a list, including police, fire fighters, teachers, doctors, nurses, store clerks, and the list goes on. The task force invites Kiddie Parade participants to dress as their favorite community helper. The event will feature fun photos, cool swag bags and a parade to 6th and Marie with some community helpers and heroes. Following the parade, we’ll join the See a Truck Event, also known as Touch a Truck. This free event, held at 10 a.m. at 6th and Marie,
will feature trucks and vehicles from South Metro Fire, South St. Paul Police, Healtheast Ambulance, Ashes Firetruck, Republic Recycling truck and more. Participants will have the opportunity to meet community helpers and heroes. Task force members will deliver CommUNITY grams on June 24, along with some tasty treats. CommUNITY grams are a way to share a positive, fun message with anyone who lives in South St. Paul. They can be sent to friends, family members, coworkers, the elderly neighbor down the block and others. The message — up to 100 words — may be used to share encouragement, happy news or anything else to brighten someone’s day. The form is available at www. southstpaul.org (on the event calendar), at the first floor of South St. Paul City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N., or by contacting Deb Griffith. Return the form to City Hall by June 17. Cost is $6 each, or $10 for two. For more information on this program or the task force, contact Deb Griffith at 651554-3230 or deb.griffith@southstpaul.org.
It turns out, I am not at all like my mother. I have filed things away that will never find any purpose whatsoever other than to remind me of things I did and used to care about that I no longer do. For the last few days, I’ve been emptying the box. Photos from when we used to take real photos, letters from people who cared about me, certificates indicating I accomplished something or another, reviews that mentioned my name, currency from foreign countries I will never visit again, 100-plus-year-old spectacles (why?), a lovely handheld fan my former mother-inlaw gave me, clever things I wrote when I was in the fifth grade (really?), recipes in my
moved. Still, I worry that some of this — some potshard from my past — will be needed. It will be necessary to remember something I did or someone I knew or something that was important to me and, if I lose it, I will lose some part of myself. The fact that this is nonsense does not lessen the feeling. I’ve heard the mantra that we should keep only what “sparks joy,” and I cannot claim that anything in that box is sparking joy. In fact, the existence of that box is causing me a fair amount of angst. Instead, I ask myself, “Would I experience great pain if I threw this away?” Generally, the answer is, “No,” and the item is tossed.
grandmother’s handwriting, and even (I am embarrassed to admit) my old teddy bear. My teddy bear feels crunchy. His exterior is badly corroded by time. I can’t imagine what has happened to his insides. All of it is in the last box, waiting to be emptied. Some of it is easy to understand wanting to hang onto. I am scanning some of the photos and my grandmother’s recipes, and they will move on to the great cloud in the sky. (That is where I imagine the cloud, not being savvy with computer matters.) They will likely get no more attention on the cloud than they did in the box but they will gather less dust and — most importantly — won’t need to be
But sometimes, for no logical reason, I hold something in my hand, and I feel I need it. I need the fan my motherin-law gave me, I need those 100-plus-year-old spectacles and, yes, it is possible that I might still need my teddy bear — even though he has gone all crunchy on me. Heck, I’ve gotten a little crunchy myself. It’s not a perfect system but the contents of the box are shrinking. The guilt for hanging on to so much stuff is dissolving, and I feel a sense of satisfaction, sending one after another of my grandmother’s recipes through the scanner. I just found her recipe for chocolate frosting. I’m going to make it sometime soon. Till next time.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Luther Memorial Church
315 15th Ave. N. 651-451-2400 luther-memorial.com •
Catholic church 749 6th Ave. S. 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org •
408 3rd St. N. 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org •
779 15th Ave. N. 651-451-7278 clarkgraceucc.org •
St Augustine’s Catholic Church
Clark Memorial United Church
First Presbyterian
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox church
535 20th Ave. N. 651-451-6223 fpcssp.org •
357 2nd Ave. S. 651-451-0775 www.stsavamn.org •
Concordia Lutheran
Saint John Vianney Catholic Church
255 W. Douglas St. 651-451-0309 concordia-ssp.org •
South St. Paul Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist
789 17th Ave. N. 651-451-1863 info@sjvssp.org •
Worship Guide
140 6th Ave. N. 651-455-0777 •
Grace Lutheran Church 149 8th Ave. S. 651-451-1035 grace-ssp.org
Sf. Stefan Romanian Orthodox Church 350 5th Ave. N. 651-451-3462 sfantulstefan.org •
St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church 501 6th Ave. S. 651-455-8947 stmarymn.org
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FREE Local Shuttle and Same Day Service on Most Repairs! South St. Paul Voice - June 2021 - Page 11
Congratulations to the
Class of 2021
We commend you on your acheivement and wish you well in every future endeavor Congratulations,
Henry Sibley High School Class of 2021!
CARING COMMUNITY, GLOBAL REACH
ACADEMY
Caring Community. Global Reach.
Nurture. Inspire. Prepare. Together, we thrive! School District 197 • isd197.org • 651-403-7000
StCroixLutheran.org/USA
OPEN OurHOUSE Graduates Lead and Influence around the World AND TOURS Discover more at stkate.edu 651-690-6000
WED, FEB 10 8:30-10:30A
1200 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul 651-455-1521 StCroixLutheran.org/Tour
start here. go anywhere. REGISTER TODAY! saintpaul.edu 651-846-1600
The Holy Trinity Community congratulates the Class of 2021 on their achievement. To our HT alumni, we are so proud of you and pray for all of you as you embark on this next chapter of your lives! Holy Trinity Catholic School 745 6th, Ave. South South St. Paul, MN. 55075 www.holytrinityssp.org 651-455-8557
Scholarships make your education affordable.
hamline.edu
SAT, FEB 13 10:00A2:00P
Academics « Justice « Leadership
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690 Birmingham St., St. Paul 651-205-4797 www.twincitiesacademy.org
335 Hurley St. E., West St. Paul 651-457-2510 communityofsaints.org
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Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - June 2021
(651) 455-1521 • Admissions@StCroixLutheran.org • StCroixLutheran.org/Tour
St. Paul City Primary School 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul
St. Paul City Middle School 643 Virginia St., St. Paul
River's Edge Academy High School 188 West Plato Blvd., St. Paul
651-225-9177 | www.stpaulcityschool.org