The St. Paul
West Side celebrates ‘Legends of Identity’ Page 2
Oktoberfest returns Page 6
Volume 55 | Number 9
City of West St. Paul names new community development director Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
West St. Paul has tapped a familiar face for its next community development director. Ben Boike, a one-time assistant community development director for the city of West St. Paul, begins his duties August 30. He succeeds Jim Hartshorn, who served in that role for 17 years and was instrumental in overseeing massive redevelopment efforts in the city. Boike had been the community development director for the city of Cottage Grove since early 2020. Before that, he was West St. Paul’s assistant community development director for 12 years, working under Hartshorn. “The entire staff is very excited to see Ben returning,” said City Manager Nathan Burkett. “He has strong, positive relationships with the community and the experience we need to keep on moving forward.” Boike will oversee the City’s Community Development Department, which is responsible for economic development and redevelopment, business recruitment and retention, housing and neighborhood development, building inspection and planning, zoning and code enforcement and more. He has a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in urban planning from Minnesota State University-Mankato. “Coming back to West St. Paul was an easy decision, specifically coming Ben Boike / Page 3
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September 2021
Southview Pet Hospital opening rescue clinic; celebrates 50 years Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
S
outhview Pet Hospital in West St. Paul is opening a new clinic this fall to provide treatment to rescue animals. Located at 32 W. Mendota Rd. in Inver Grove Heights, Southview Sanctuary will be one of few clinics in Minnesota that works solely with rescue organizations. It will have six exam rooms and be staffed by Southview Pet Hospital employees. Treatments include spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and dental and lab work. A federal mandate enacted during the pandemic made spaying and neutering animals a non-essential service, which led to unplanned pet pregnancies and an overall increase in the pet population. This influx prompted Southview to open the new clinic. “During the pandemic pet ownership increased substantially and veterinary hospitals are still having a difficult time servicing all of the animals that people acquired,” said Sherry Foster, co-owner and manager. “There is also a shortage of veterinarians and technicians to handle the increased pet population.” Opening the clinic will free up space at the already busy Southview Pet Hospital for clients with more urgent needs. The hospital has averaged more than 400 new clients per month this year. In 2019, Southview relocated to West St. Paul from Inver Grove Heights. As fate would have it, they were unable to sell their previous building, and they are now using it for the rescue clinic. Southview works with more than 60 non-
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Dr. Mike Foster profit rescue organizations, including Last Hope, B.A.R.K. and Kitty Revolution. According to Foster, many pet hospitals are reluctant to work with non-profit rescue organizations because they receive discounted rates. During the pandemic, she said many clinics stopped seeing rescue animals alogether, but not Southview. They continue to support rescue organizations. “Our staff is very passionate about helping animals,” she said. “The main limitation we’re facing right now is finding enough qualified staff to hire…. Over the years, Southview has increased hours of operation and been in a Southview Sanctuary / Page 3
HAP receives $5.5M for training center Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
The Hmong American Partnership (HAP), a nonprofit social service and community development organization, received $5.5 million through the recent state bonding bill to support its West Side training center. Located at 240 Plato Blvd. E., the center provides workforce training for ages 16 and older in manufacturing, health care, education, human services, administration, customer service, financial services, transportation and more. Classes are taught in southeast Asian languages and provide students with hands-on training and apprenticeship experience. HAP also assists with job placement. The center is in the same building as the Community School of Excellence (CSE), a Hmong K-12 charter school. Through a partnership with HAP, St. Paul College, Century College and others, CSE high school students have the chance to earn college credits and receive other postsecondary training. HAP’s West Side site opened in 2019 after a significant renovation that included new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, commercial kitchens, classrooms, lounges and offices. The organization was founded in 1990 and trains approximately 200 people annually. For more information, visit www.hmong.org or call 651-495-1557. Minnesota is home to about 66,000 Hmong, the second largest Hmong population in the United States behind California.
High school football returns in full force. Here’s what to expect from area teams. John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer
t has been a rather uneventful summer for local sports fans. The Minnesota Twins, the two-time defending champions of the AL Central Division, continue their drift into oblivion and the biggest story to date at the Viking Training Camp is whether or not Kirk Cousins will get vaccinated. Across the river, P.J.
Fleck continues to sing the praises of his beloved rodents and is urging the Gopher faithful to jump in the boat, grab an oar and show up at the season opener versus the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes on September 2. Flying under the radar, over 12,000 jubilant student-athletes on 362 high school football teams in Minnesota, from Ada to Zumbrota, are donning their pads and preparing to play a
full season of football for the first time since 2019. With the aid of our crystal ball and the insight provided by three superb coaches in our distribution area — Adam Frey at St. Croix Lutheran Academy, Tom Orth at Two Rivers High School and Dan O’Brien at St. Thomas Academy — we present our 2021 Prep Football Preview. St. Croix Lutheran Academy - It has been a threeyear roller coaster ride for
Head Coach Adam Frey, who succeeded the legendary Carl Lemke prior to the 2019 season. With a loss of 22 seniors to graduation and a precipitous drop in numbers, the Crusaders struggled mightily in his first season and finished with a 2-8 record. “It was an eye-opening experience, but I was very proud of the manner in Football / Page 4
A rts & Culture
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Legends of Identity New mural at El Burrito created with help of local elementary school students
Leonor Villasuso Rustad Contributor
B
efore the COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise, visual artist Dani Bianchini and Pablo Kalaka, an internationally renowned muralist, applied for a scholarship at the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs at the University of Minnesota to fund a large mural — 16 by 19 feet — on an exterior wall of El Burrito Mercado on the West Side. The project was inspired by feedback from third grade students at Riverview West Side School of Excellence, who were given a series of questions about identity. They, in turn, interviewed relatives to learn more about their history and culture. Bianchini and Kalaka transformed the student’s comments into “mural language” to create the design for the “Legends of Iden-
tity” mural, one of the West Side’s latest public art projects. “The kids are super excited to see what their art is going to look like,” said Bianchini. “They asked their parents and grandparents questions about where they are from. We could see how the generations have changed. It’s wonderful to see what the kids learned about their families.” “Legends of Identity” is full of movement and imagery: a beautiful Hispanic grandmother is seen making tortillas while two children look at her from the other end of the table; an indigenous woman is proudly looking at the horizon; an agricultural worker is holding a freshly cut plant. The mural’s purpose is evident from the title itself. “We wanted the mural to represent them [West Siders] and make them proud,” said Bianchini.
Bianchini is a self-taught artist who was born in Argentina and has lived in Minnesota for two decades. She has worked on several other public art projects around the metro area. Most recently she created six murals at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy in Roseville. She is also helping beautify downtown St. Paul and other areas of the city by creating vibrant, colorful mosaic designs on 30 public trash receptacles. They feature elements of the seasons and everyday scenes that help brighten the urban landscape. To date, she has completed 20. Five are on the West Side, and their designs were inspired by the Riverview students. After finishing “Legends of Identity,” she will create another large mural in Hastings. It will represent the history of the town and how it has become more diverse over time.
Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon!
Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Original building, renewed purpose. Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Original building, renewed purpose. OpeningOriginal in the previous Southview Animalpurpose. Hospital location, building, renewed Southview Sanctuary will be a dedicated space to serve animals Opening incare the previous Animal Hospital location, needing through Southview local animal rescure organizations Southview Sanctuary will be a dedicated space to serve animals Opening incare the previous Animal Hospital location, needing through Southview local animal rescure organizations Southview Sanctuary will be a dedicated space to serve animals needing care32 through animal rescure Westlocal Mendota Roadorganizations
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Page 2 - St. Paul Voice - September 2021
Bianchini is a self-taught artist who was born in Argentina and has lived in Minnesota for two decades. She has worked on several public art projects around the metro area, including this mural at El Burrito Mercado on the West Side.
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Canine Coach has new indoor facility Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
W
ith the approaching of winter, pet owners may be happy to hear that Canine Coach has a new enclosed dog training facility at 1700 Marthaler Ln., West St. Paul. It’s open year-round and allows the company to offer new programs such as Day Training Boot Camp and group classes. Before the facility opened in April, Canine Coach could handle just one class of 10 students at a time. Now, the 1,596 square-foot addition can support two classes si-
multaneously — one indoor and one outdoor. Group classes include basic obedience, advanced obedience, behavior modification, and fun and sports. Some fun and sports classes include Just Tricks, Agility for Fun, Lure Coursing, Scent Work and Disc Dog. Online courses are also offered for group classes and private training. Day Training Boot Camp caters to busy pet owners and allows them to drop off their pet during the workday. Professional trainers teach skills such as name recognition, boundary training, command obedience and more.
Southview Sanctuary from page 1 constant hiring state to keep up with the demand.” Since moving to West St. Paul, Southview has doubled its number of employees and continues to see an increase in demand for services. September marks the company’s
50-year anniversary and the 20-year anniversary under the Foster’s ownership. Dr. Mike Foster and wife Sherry are the third owners since the company’s founding. Mike is a graduate of the Univer-
Canine Coach also hosts special seminars, including New Puppy, Apartment Life and Urgent Care, which focuses on pet health. In addition, they offer classes for children, including a summer dog camp. Maureen Haggerty founded the company in 2004. She sold it to current coowners Kyle Mjoen, Jess Kittredge and Annette Scribner in 2019. In addition to the West St. Paul location, they have facilities in St. Paul, St. Louis Park and two in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.thek9coach. com or call 612-202-4732. sity of Minnesota veterinary school and a current member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. Southview Animal Hospital is located at 2000 S. Robert St. For more information, visit www.southviewanimalhospital.com or call 651-455-2258.
The new enclosed dog training facility at 1700 Marthaler Ln. allows the company to offer year-round training. Programs include obedience, behavior modification, boundary training and more.
Ben Boike from page 1 back to a community that is like a second home to me,” said Boike. “Working in a developing community for the past two years, primarily facilitating single-family residential development, I have come to realize that commercial redevelopment is my passion. I also miss the community, staff and
the smaller office setting in West St. Paul. I am excited to rejoin the team and work as hard as I can to serve the residents and businesses of the community…. One of my initial points of focus will be to establish new relationships in the business community as well as build on existing relationships in order to assist and retain valuable West St. Paul businesses.”
Ben Boike
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Football from page 1 which our kids responded in the shortened 2020 season,” said Frey. Richfield, Columbia Heights and St. Anthony together outscored St. Croix 123-55 in 2019. In 2020, those numbers were nearly reversed as the Crusaders prevailed 88-40. A successful onside kick engineered by Minneapolis Washburn in the final minute of the regular season finale derailed the Crusaders from an unblemished 6-0 record. Their season ended with a loss to Cannon Falls in the Section 4AAA championship game. “For our seniors especially, it was a thrill just to get on the field in 2020,” recalled Frey. “But that special group has graduated and our mission now is to go to work, overcome that hurdle and move on.” Frey was encouraged by the participation numbers in summer workouts. In late July, a 35-member squad attended a four-day football
camp at Martin Luther College in New Ulm. As is customary for the Crusaders, numerous starters will play on both sides of the ball in 2021. One of the exceptions is the new quarterback, 5’10,” 170-pound sophomore Marco Rodriguez from Brazil. “Based on the makeup of our 2021 roster, our emphasis will become more traditional and we will feature the running game,” said Frey. “Marco is quick and elusive and is the perfect candidate to run the veer offense.” Jack Thome, a 190-pound junior who earned a good deal of playing time in 2020, will key the running attack and play linebacker. Charlie Prestegaard, a 5’10,” 190-pound senior, anchors the offensive line and will line up as a tackle on defense. Junior Evan Valleau, 6’2,” 210 pounds, is the tight end and will join Thome as a linebacker on defense. Senior Evan Sasse, 6’3,” 195 pounds, is the go-to wide receiver and will also roam the Crusader secondary.
“Valleau is in his element on the football field and he’s become a dominant player on both sides of the ball,” said Frey. “Sasse is also very athletic and we will need some big plays from him in the passing game.” Sophomore Andrew Beekman got considerable playing time as a freshman. According to Frey, he is a versatile player with unlimited potential and will see action as a safety and receiver. He will also likely serve as the backup quarterback. “We again find ourselves in a rebuilding mold, but we have a solid corps of good athletes and I am confident that we will grow as a team and win our share of games,” said Frey. “Most importantly, we are thankful for the opportunity to get on the field and play a full season of football.” Team assessment: Patience by everyone involved in the program will be essential. Frey’s mantra is “Play by play, day by day.” The goal, he says, is to harness the moment, stay focused
and improve in small increments. If the Crusaders can stay healthy and gain some confidence as the season progresses, a .500 record is attainable in 2021.
Schedule All games at 7 p.m. Sept. 3, at Concordia Academy Sept. 10 – Breck Sept. 17 – at St. Agnes Sept. 24 – at Brooklyn Center Oct. 1 – Academy Force Oct. 8 – at Spectrum Oct. 15 – Providence Academy Oct. 20 – Highland Park
Two Rivers High School During the past five years, there have been numerous changes at ISD 197’s high school, which serves West St. Paul, Mendota Heights and Eagan. A major renovation that began in 2017 included a new swimming pool, an overhaul of the entire interior of the building, and, perhaps most promi-
nently, the addition of a state-of-the-art stadium on the property. About the only thing that hasn’t changed at the high school is Tom Orth. He is now in his 31st season as a member of the school’s football coaching staff, and for the past 22 seasons has been head coach. He has lost none of his high energy enthusiasm for the sport and the student-athletes he interacts with daily. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the Warriors did not travel to Simpson College this summer to participate in a football camp, as they did in 2019. They did participate in a live scrimmage against Mound Westonka and a 10-week strengthening regimen in the school’s new weight room facility. Orth lost 12 of his starters in 2020 to graduation. As is the case every year, he insists that when fall practices convene, there will be open competition for every position on the field. The starters for the season opener against Tartan will not be firmly in
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place until game day. Orth is looking for improvement and leadership from the 10 returning starters featured here. The Warriors return four starters on offense. All are seniors. Tackles Adam Lail, 6’5,” 230 pounds, and Jacob Robrahn, 6’2,” 250 pounds, will likely anchor the offensive line. “Adam is a bright and devoted athlete and this will be his third season as a starter. Jacob is tough and never intimidated,” said Orth. “It is also likely that both of them will also see action on the defensive line.” Oscar Halvorson, 6’1,” 230-pounds, will return at guard, and 6,’ 175-pound Carl Stroffer is in his third season as a wide receiver. Halvorson will also play some on the D-line and Stroffer will see action in the secondary. “Oscar is a quick learner and has mastered the technician side of playing on the offensive line,” said Orth. “Carl runs great routes, has good hands and also has
S ports the speed to take it to the house.” The Warriors return six starters on defense. The only non-senior is 6’3,” 230-pound sophomore defensive end Max Mogelson. “Max started as a freshman last year and was named to the All-District team,” said Orth. “He has a great first step and he is versatile enough to help us out at the tight end position.” Brett Velander, 5’10,” 240-pounds, is the returning nose guard, and 5’10,” 185-pound Dawan Propps and 6’3,” 210-pound Eric Lail are returning linebackers. “Brett was the heartbeat of the D-line and might help us out at center, too,” said Orth. “Dawan, in his third year as a starter, has a nose for the football. Eric plays on the outside and seems to always be in the right position to make a play.” Both cornerbacks, 5’10,” 175-pound Abe Mogelson and 5’9,” 160-pound Cody Summer, return as well. According to Orth, they mirror each other: quick, speedy and technically sound. Team assessment: The key ingredient that explains Orth’s staying power is his ability to put yesterdays behind him and focus on the job at hand. He leaves the prognosticating up to hoitytoity scribes like me. The Warriors have a fine senior nucleus. If they stay healthy and get better each week, a record of 4-4 could set them up for a post-season run.
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Your community news and information source Schedule All games at 7 p.m., except Hastings Sept. 2 – Tartan Sept. 9 – at St. Thomas Academy Sept. 17 – St. Louis Park Sept. 24 – at Hill-Murray Oct. 1 – at Apple Valley Oct. 9 – Hastings (1 p.m.) Oct. 15 – at Cretin Oct. 20 – Simley
St. Thomas Academy Dan O’Brien is in his fourth season as head coach of the St. Thomas Academy (STA) football team. Over the course of his first three seasons the Cadets compiled a 29-3 record and outscored their opponents 1,122 to 240, an average score of 357. Two of those three losses were particularly painful – Prep Bowl championship losses to Owatonna in 2018 and to Chaska in 2019. O’Brien is not prone to boast about the success his program has achieved. Instead, he prefers to allocate the credit to his coaching staff and his players, especially his seniors. He is particularly proud of the 16 senior starters on last year’s squad, which, because of COVID-19, were not accorded an opportunity to advance to the Prep Bowl. His main concern as he approaches the start of the 2021 season is finding replacements for those departed seniors, particularly those who toiled in the trenches. The offensive line lost four of its five starters and the
defensive line lost all three of its starters. Three players are vying to replace quarterback Baker Reding, and the competition may not sort itself out until the opener at South St. Paul on September 3. According to O’Brien, senior Grady O’Neill favors the run over the pass, junior Noah Erickson is a typical dropback passer and sophomore Max Sims is a combination of the two. For the Cadets, there will be no one more difficult to replace than running back Danny McFadden, who averaged 7.6 yards per carry in his stellar career and is now a freshman at Stanford University. Three juniors — Love Adebayo, Daniel Dahl
and Maclean Lauber — are all in the hunt for playing time at running back. “Love brings power and physicality, Dahl is quick and shifty and Lauber is a good blocker and has soft hands to catch passes out of the backfield,” said O’Brien. Three seniors will make up the receiving corps: Jack Dzubnar, T.J. Adams and O’Neill, if he isn’t playing quarterback. Adams and O’Neill are speedsters and Dzubnar is big and athletic. Junior Jordan Wold, 6’1,” 210 pounds, is set as the tight end. On the offensive line, 6’4,” 265-pound senior Leo Bluhm returns as the left tackle. Seniors Rehki McKinley and Dillon Lynch,
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can get some steady growth over the course of the season, I think we can be competitive in the playoffs.” Team assessment: During my first interview with O’Brien prior to the 2018 season, he expressed concern about the team’s depth in the trenches. With 90-95 kids in grades 10-12 showing up for the first practice on August 16, logic suggests that any depth issue will be wiped away by mid-season. STA doesn’t rebuild, they reload. The Cadets will once again represent Section 3AAAAA in the State Tournament.
Schedule All games at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 – at South St. Paul Sept. 9 – Two Rivers Sept. 17 – at Cretin Sept. 24 – Hastings Oct. 1 – at Irondale Oct. 8 – Mahtomedi Oct. 15 – at Apple Valley Oct. 20 – Tartan
Postscript St. Paul Humboldt High School fielded its first football team in 1911. It is sad that they will not do so in 2021. For the past two decades, it has become a yearly struggle for the school to field a full squad worthy of competing in the City Conference. For that reason, the Hawks will join forces with the St. Paul Harding Knights football program for the 2021 season. We will explore that union (could they become the Knight Hawks?) further in our October issue.
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Wide receiver Grady O’Neill heads downfield in a Cadets’ victory over Hastings in 2020.
both 6’ and 245 pounds, are likely starters. The other two openings on the O-line are up for grabs. Four candidates are in the fight for the three openings on the defensive line: Gavin Engelbert, Billy Brandtjen, Vince Mueller and CesarChino Burton. They have big shoes to fill. Garrison Solliday, a candidate for Mr. Football last fall, is officially a University of Wisconsin Badger. The outside linebackers will include senior Brennan Fitzgerald and sophomore Mark Rogalski, who started as a freshman. Fitzgerald with his physicality and Rogalski with his speed are dubbed “Thunder and Lightning.” Junior Bennett Kotok will also see action. According to O’Brien, junior inside linebacker Jackson Cercioglu might be the Cadets’ best defensive player. Senior Nick Bartlett and junior Nathan Nepstad will also see considerable action at the inside linebacker position. The Cadet secondary will include a combination of returning starter Zach Santrizos, Johnny Miller and Eddie Hanson at cornerback, and Jake Borman, Jack Springer and T.J. Budd at safety. All are sure to get considerable playing time. “This is the youngest and least experienced team I have encountered in the four years I have had the pleasure of coaching here,” said O’Brien. “We are especially young in the trenches. If we
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S ample St. Paul
Fitzgerald Theatre
10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 612-338-8388 www.first-avenue.com
The “Talking Volumes” author series will feature Lauren Groff at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 14, and Kate DiCamillo at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30. Tickets start at $22.50.
Palace Theatre
17 W. 7th Pl. St. Paul www.first-avenue.com
Gogol Bordello with NuFolk Rebel Alliance” will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10. Tickets start at $30. Phoebe Bridgers with Muna will perform at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11. Tickets start at $39.50.
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Park Square Theatre 20 W. 7th Pl. St. Paul
www.parksquaretheatre.org
Saint Paul Summer Sunlight, c o n t i n u e s through September 23. This month’s lineup includes: Annie and the Bang Bang, 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9; Ben Cook-Feltz, noon, Friday, Sept. 10; TBA, noon, Wednesday, Sept. 15; and The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society, 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23. Free.
through December. “Maz Jobrani” will perform at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19 in the concert hall. Tickets start at $27.
History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org
“Sinclair Lewis: 100 Years of Main Street” - Discover the legacy of Sinclair Lewis, an author from Minnesota whose literary works and social critiques of American life ring true today. “Extraordinary Women” - Walk among extraordinary Minnesotan women who changed their communities.
Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul www.ordway.org 651-224-4222
A series of five onenight concerts kicks off September 19 and runs
“Our Home: Native Minnesota” - Learn how Minnesota’s Native communities have retained
St. Paul Oktoberfest returns. Prost!
St. Paul Oktoberfest will take place September 10-11 at the German American Institute, 301 Summit Ave. It will feature German music, beer imported from Paulaner in Munich, Germany, and a wide variety of international food, from bratwurst to tacos. Bands include Alpensterne, Bavarian Musikmeisters, The Chmielewski Funtime Band and Dr. Kielbasa Band. Traditional dances will be performed by the Edelweiss Dancers and Rivers Ballet, and Jimi the Polka Pirate will provide dance lessons. Hours are 4-10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 651-222-7027 or visit www.gaimn.org.
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S ample St. Paul cultural practices, teachings and values, and an essential connection to home. Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow” and “Weather Permitting.” The Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., ThursdaySunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students and $8 for children ages five to 17.
MN Children’s Museum 10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 www.mcm.org
“Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice” - Learn about dinosaurs and the habitats they once roamed. Other exhibits and activities include The Scramble, The Studio, Creativity Jam, Sprouts, Backyard, Our World, Forces at Play, Super Awesome Adventures, Imaginopolis and the Tip Top Terrace. Tickets are $14.95.
Your community news and information source
MN Museum of American Art 350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571 www.mmaa.org
“Many Waters: A Minnesota Biennial” is on display through October 2. The exhibit examines ways artists across the state are engaging with water. It is only on view from outside the Pioneer Endicott building, installed in the windows on Robert and 4th streets, and in the Ecolab entrance in the skyway.
Science Museum 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org
Artist At Pine Needles Gallery, through September 6. Artists tell stories of Minnesota’s changing landscapes, share their views with scientists to inspire new ways of thinking, and connect with local communities who share the same environment.
Cardboard City, through September 6. Participants may build projects using cardboard and simple tools. NASA Earth Observatory Gallery, through September 6. View photographs of Earth’s environments and atmosphere and find out how our planet continues to change and shift. Omnitheater films include “Oceans: Our Blue Planet,” and “Volcanoes: Fires of Creation.” Theater tickets are $9.95, with discounts for children and seniors. Museum tickets are $19.95, with discounts for children and seniors.
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240 www.xcelenergycenter.com
“Guns N’ Roses” will perform at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21. Tickets start at $55.50.
Outdoor events The Summer Beer Dabbler will take place 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28 at CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St. Sample the brews of more than 130 craft breweries while listening to live music. Food and other activities will be featured throughout the day. For more information, visit www. thebeerdabbler.com. The Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns to Mears Park September 17-18. Performances on Friday
include Emmet Cohen and special guest Patrick Bartley, 5:30 p.m.; the Kenny Barron Trio, 7:30 p.m.; Maryann Sullivan & the Money Makers, 4-5 p.m.; and the Selby Avenue Brass Band, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Performances on Saturday include Walker West Music Academy & MacPhail Center for Music youth performances, 12:30 p.m.; Twin Cities Seven, 3 p.m.; Moore By Four, 5 p.m.; Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, 7:30 p.m.; Jack Brass Band, 2-3 p.m.; Katia Cardenas, 4-5
p.m.; and Salsa del Soul, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Union Depot is hosting drive-in movies in Lot D, located near Kellogg boulevard. Shows are “Moana,” 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27, and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Friday, Sept. 24, time TBD. 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.
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St. Paul Voice - September 2021 - Page 7
N ews Briefs
STA counselor awarded Norma Gutierrez, director of college counseling at St. Thomas Academy, recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Association for
Your community news and information source College Admission Counseling (MACAC). The award honors individuals who have contributed to the Association and have made a positive difference in the lives of students. Since joining STA in 2014, Gutierrez has expanded the Academy’s programs that help students discover post-secondary options. Previously, she was assistant director of the University of Minnesota Office of Admissions for 16 years. As a long-time member of MACAC she has served as a mentor, board member, chairperson of the professional development commit-
tee, and president. Gutierrez has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Loyola University and a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University.
Beginner Square Dance classes Dakota Grand Squares square dance club will offer weekly beginner classes beginning Tuesday, Sept. 21 at Salem Lutheran church, 11 W. Bernard St., West St. Paul. Classes are held 6:308:00 p.m. Cost is $5. The first lesson is free. There is no charge for children under age 17 when accompanied
by an adult. For more information, call 651-454-2942.
Speaking Proudly competition Applications are being accepted through September 11 for the Speaking Proudly oratory competition, held Saturday, Oct. 23, at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Twenty-five girls will compete for the top three prizes of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000. The topic is “A More Perfect Union, Rising to the Challenge.” The competition is open to girls in grades nine through 12. This nonpartisan event is hosted by
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Metro Republican Women. For an application form, visit www.speakingproudly. org/students.
DARTS seeks volunteers DARTS, a West St. Paulbased social services agency, is seeking volunteers to help grade-school students 1-2 hours per week with reading, math, science and art. Training is provided. For more information, visit dartsconnects.org/learning-buddies or contact Erin Walloch at 651-234-2227. Volunteers are also needed to rake lawns for senior citizens. Commitment is 1-3 hours. For more information, visit www. dartsconnects.org or contact Angela at volunteer@darts1. org or 651-455-1560. DARTS will host its 10th annual Party It Forward fundraiser 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 21. The event will be held online on YouTube. To register, or to participate in the silent auction, visit pif2021.givesmart.com.
WSP Library book sale Friends of the Wentworth Library, a non-profit that supports library services, is hosting its Fall book sale 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., September 24-25 at Wentworth Library, 199 E. Wentworth Ave., West St. Paul. The sale will feature a large selection of books, magazines, audio books, DVDs, and CDs at low costs: paperback books 50¢, hardcover books $1, DVDs $1, music CDs 75¢ or 5 for $3, audiobook CDs $2 per set, magazines 25¢ or 5 for $1. Saturday features a $5 bag sale from 1-3 p.m. and a $2 bag sale from 3-4:30 p.m. Cash or check only. Anyone who joins the organization may take advantage of the preview sale, held 4-7 p..m., Thursday, Sept. 23. Annual membership is $10 and available at the door. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ Friends.of.the.Wentworth. Library.
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N ews Briefs
Your community news and information source
STA announces Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Saint Thomas Academy recently inducted six new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame. Matt Hoyland, Class of 2008, was a member of the swim and dive team, specializing in the 100-yard breaststroke. He was named All-Conference and All-State and aided his team in winning the state championship four years in a row. During his junior and senior years, he achieved All-American times in the 100-yard breaststroke and won the event in the state finals. In college Hoyland swam for the University of Texas and was part of four Big 12 title teams. He was a Big 12 finalist in the 100-yard breaststroke. The late David Preuss, Class of 1981, played football, hockey and baseball. As a senior, he was named All-American in football and set a record for the highest number of tackles in a season at STA. He was also named to the All-State first team in hockey and was conference MVP. In 1981, he was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars. However, he decided to play for the University of Minnesota before turning pro. During his senior year at Minnesota, Preuss suffered a tendon injury that ended his hockey career. The late Michael “Mike” Sjoberg made his mark on
Community service award winner
the academy through his coaching prowess. As head basketball coach from 1997 to 2013 he led the Cadets to two state championships, three runners-up finishes and six section championships. As head golf coach, his teams won 14 consecutive section titles. Greg “Mono” Monohan, Class of 1981, played football, hockey and baseball. As a junior, he led the hockey team in points and assists, and during his senior year was second in points. He was named All-Conference both seasons. After graduating, he returned to STA as a volunteer coach for the hockey team. He later became varsity goalie coach and head coach of the junior varsity team. He helped lead the team to three consecutive class A championships from 2010-2013. Monohan also coached underclassmen in baseball until recently being named assistant varsity coach. Gary Armstrong, Class of 1968, played football, baseball and basketball, and truly excelled as a center in basketball. His junior year he averaged 17 points per game and led the Cadets to second place in the state tournament. He senior year he averaged 20 points per game and was team captain, leading the team to a
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third-place finish in the state tournament. He was twice named All-Conference and All-Region. Following graduation, Armstrong played for the University of St. Thomas. As a senior, he scored 140 points and led the team to the NAIA National tournament quarterfinals. Sean Flood, Class of 1966, played basketball and football. As a senior, he was named to the Central Catholic Conference AllLeague team in football and was voted Best Athlete in the school’s yearbook. He went on to play football at the University of St. Thomas.
“Ours is a Service of Sincerity” Since 1927
Ken B. Peterson Owner-Director
Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation 612 So. Smith Ave.
651-222-3220 www.johnsonpeterson.com
In related news, STA has named Bobby Thompson as its head baseball coach. Thompson was an accomplished player as a student at STA and has experience coaching club baseball, high school baseball and summer baseball. Most recently, he was head coach of the B squad at the Academy, and from 2016-2019 was head coach of the 15AAA team. From 2020-21, he coached the West St. Paul Challenger baseball program. He has also been a coach and instructor at Great Lakes Baseball Academy in Woodbury since 2018.
Optimists Wanted “Lo nuestro
Would you like to help youth in West St. Paul and surrounding communities reach their full potential? Desde 1927 Do you want to make a difference? To learn about Ken B. Peterson ways the Optimist Club Owner-Director of West St. Paul brings out the best in youth, call Johnson-Peterson Chuck at 651-315-8444. Casa Funeria y Cremación
es un servicio de sinceridad”
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Beginning Sunday, September 12
The Church of Saint Matthew will resume Sunday 10:15 a.m. Mass We invite you to come back if you have been away, or join us for the first time. We also offer Mass at 4:15 p.m. on Saturdays and are streaming Mass on Facebook and YouTube at 10:15 am on Sundays. Faith Formation classes begin Wednesday, September 22 for children in grades 1 through 10. Register your child(ren) online through our website, or visit the parish office to register in person.
Church of St. Matthew 510 Hall Avenue, St. Paul
st-matts.org or www.facebook. com/churchofstmatthew 651.224.9793
Club of West St. Paul www.johnsonpeterson.com
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Thomas Patnode, a Mendota Heights-based wealth management advisor, has SCHOOL CHOICE DIRECTORY Office: 651-207-5396 been named one of Northwestern Mutual’s 2021 Cell: 612-328-6893 Community Service Award Since 1984 / Major Credit Cards Accepted 318 W. Water St., St. Paul winners for his support of 651.227.1549 www.kernlawnservice.com United Heroes League. PatMon.-Fri. 8-5 node has volunteered with LANDSCAPING Sat. 8-2 Sun. closed the organization for seven years and currently serves as Bring us Volunteers 55+ chairman of the board. Unitone item or ed Heroes League helps chilNeeded dren of military families stay VisitEarn a tax-free stipend, www.stpaulpublishing.com/schoolchoice to explore these schools and for a houseful... active and healthy through tips mileage on how reimbursement, to choose a school that best fits your student's and family's needs. WE ACCEPT IT ALL! sports. training, recognition and In late July, Patnode pride know you are Demolition and Construction Waste | Trash & Lawn Debris CHARTER COLLEGES / UNIVERSITIES making a difference in presented United Heroes Furniture & Appliances | Tires and much more your community by League with a $15,000 grant Academia Cesar Chavez St. Paul College helping seniorsAve., stay St. Paul to help the organization pro1801 Lacrosse 235off Marshall Ave., St. Paul for you and haul it away We will drop a container or dumpster independent and active. once it's filled. If you prefer to save money, you can haul your vide free athletic equipment 651-778-2940 651-846-1600 Opportunities also exist trash to our refuse and recycling station. We accept all items www.cesarchavezschool.com https://saintpaul.edu and other financial support in large or small quantities. We also offer many sizes of roll off working with children for youth. St. Paul City in schools as School a FosterPreK-12 containers, from 10 to 40 cubic yards. 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul PAROCHIAL Grandparent. To learn We Support 651-225-9177 more, contact Jacqueline St. Croix Lutheran Academy Reasonable Rates! We reach the www.stpaulcityschool.org James at 651.310.9455, 1200 Roll OffOakdale Boxes forAve., LargeWest Jobs St. Paul market you Jacqueline.James@ 651-455-1521 One Time Pickup Available Recycling lssmn.org. www.stcroixlutheran.org need to reach. www.stpaulpublishing.com 651-457-1177
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Visit www.stpaulpublishing.com/schoolchoice to explore these schools and for tips on how to choose a school that best fits your student's and family's needs.
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Academia Cesar Chavez 1801 Lacrosse Ave., St. Paul 651-778-2940 | www.cesarchavezschool.com St. Paul City School PreK-12 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul 651-225-9177 | www.stpaulcityschool.org
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St. Croix Lutheran Academy 1200 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul 651-455-1521 | www.stcroixlutheran.org
COLLEGES / UNIVERSITIES
St. Paul College 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul 651-846-1600 | https://saintpaul.edu
Haul your own & SAVE! St. Paul Voice - September 2021 - Page 9
C ommunity
Your community news and information source Nancy Brady President
Reading with four-legged friends
N
eighborhood House believes that literacy is crucial to a child’s success in life. By the end of third grade, students should transition from learning to read to reading to learn. This can only happen if their literacy skills are proficient. If students are unable to read at grade level, they begin falling behind in other areas, like math, science and history. Minnesota has one of the widest gaps in reading scores between White students and students of color, with Black and Hispanic students reading at nearly half the level of their White peers. In St. Paul, this gap is evident. With more than 18% of the population being immigrants and the city accepting new refugees at the highest rate in Minnesota, many residents are non-native English speakers.
Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO
“Most of my students are struggling readers because English is not their first language,” said Youth Literacy Coordinator Sara Jochems. “They are fantastic at speaking and understanding English, but when it comes to reading and writing, English becomes more challenging. Another contributing factor for some of my students is not having their basic needs met. This makes school and any subject matter more difficult.” Sara works with ages 6-24 at five St. Paul Public Schools, youth transitioning into our Adult Education program, and young adults just entering the country. The schools have significantly lower literacy proficiency scores than state and federal levels. The biggest contributing factor is that for many students English is not their first language. Through daily one-on-one or small-group sessions with Sara, students work on improving their reading and writing abilities. “My role is to be a consistent, genuine and supportive adult in their lives — one who advocates for their individual literacy growth, which leads to academic ownership and self-confidence,” said Sara. Part of her role is making reading fun. She’s developed literacy-based events designed to help children learn to love reading. With the help of teenager co-facilitators in our Youth Literacy programming, she’s done events themed around bingo, around-the-world, and more recently, a picnic in the park reading to puppies.
The dogs were from Canine Inspired Change, a nonprofit that connects youth with the healing power of therapy dogs. Volunteers and their dogs attend schools, recovery groups and other community events, like those at Neighborhood House. For students with lower literacy levels, the calming presence of a dog helps diffuse the stress and anxiety they feel when reading aloud. Without someone there to judge their performance, students begin to increase their confidence, which in turn helps them to become better readers. At our Reading to Puppies event, students brought their favorite books, plopped down on a blanket and met new furry friends like Wallace the English Setter, Millie the Labrador Retriever, and fan-favorite Phoebe the Mastiff. They smiled as they read, while turning the pages and petting their four-legged partner all at the same time. At the end of the event, students had begun to associate positive feelings with reading. Sara plans to continue these types of literacy-focused events throughout the upcoming school year. She’s also looking forward to a special surprise at the end of summer programming. “I cannot wait until the end of the summer, when all of our students will go home with a bag full of brand new books,” she said.
T
To better understand who we are and how our culture and practices do — or do not — serve all our neighbors, we need to evaluate our organizational make-up. This evaluation has included many changes already. To help us get to the next level, we have engaged Charity Review Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Toolkit to guide us in this journey of discovery and improvement. Recently our board of directors, staff and some volunteers took a survey as the first step. The results are being studied by a Neighbors’ work group and will be presented to the board and staff. They will help us understand three important areas of DEI: people (reflects diversity), processes (demonstrates commitment to inclusion) and power (decision making that leads to greater equity). By examining these three areas, we will build on our culture of welcoming everyone to Neighbors. During the next few months, I will highlight other initiatives at Neighbors as well, including our Community Engagement Center and Financial Empowerment program; our new approach to engaging the community with our Holiday Gift Program, and what to look forward to in 2022 when Neighbors marks 50 years of service. All these initiatives are taking place as we continue to be challenged by a global pandemic. My hope is that you will be safe and healthy as we all pull together to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror and look forward to all the wonderFARM ful STATE possibilities ahead of us in the new season and beyond. Stremski Agency
he Thompson household is abuzz with activity this time of year. My kiddos have completed their back to school shopping and are excited to start another school year. My wife is harvesting her garden and getting ready to welcome back the choirs she directs. I find myself ramping up for some of the busiest months of the year. Fall is upon us. This season is both a time of new beginnings (children going back to school) and endings (gardens being harvested). The season provides a wonderful energy, and anything is possible. During the next several months, I look forward to sharing with you some wonderful initiatives that Neighbors is engaged in leading up to our 50th anniversary celebration next year. The first initiative is our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. During the past several months, our board and staff have been on a journey to discover how we can achieve our vision of transformed communities where all are nourished. This starts with our commitment of inclusion. However, that is only the beginning of the conversation. Branch and Bough Tree Service and Landscape Care
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Page 10 - St. Paul Voice - September 2021
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Postscript
Lost in the move
I’m not sure when a house becomes a home, but I don’t think we’re quite there yet. My husband Peter and I have moved into the new place. All our stuff is here, but that doesn’t mean we know where anything is. “Have you seen the strainer?” “Which strainer?” “You know, the fine one.” “No.” We have about two dozen conversations like this every day. We got rid of a lot of stuff and now it’s hard to remember what we kept. I unpacked by myself, so Peter had to go on a scavenger
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
hunt when he got here. Finally, we had the “last-minute essentials” we brought with us, and we’re still unpacking those. It’s a jumble. Peter was convinced (unreasonably, I assured him) that
every T-shirt he owned had mysteriously been lost in the move. “I found them!” I heard him yell from the bedroom. “Mystery solved!” I am realizing how much I do on autopilot. I reach for a soap dispenser that isn’t there. Do I even have a soap dispenser? I wonder. I look in a likely box and notice something I’d forgotten about, and I put that away. And when I do, I notice something else in a drawer where it shouldn’t be and I move it. Suddenly, I find I am standing in the middle of the kitchen with no idea what I’m doing there. “The soap dispenser!” I remind myself. I end up using the bar of soap from the bathtub.
Financing help for home renovations By Kirsten Partenheimer and Shannon Gerving of Minnesota Housing
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any homeowners have a running list of home improvements — some more pressing, like replacing an aging roof or furnace — and others that are wish list items, like updating a bathroom or kitchen or refinishing the basement. Making the to-do list is easy but figuring out how to finance it is not always so clear. For thousands of Minnesota homeowners each year, Minnesota Housing’s Fix Up loan program helps make financing home improvements a reality. As a state housing finance agency, one of Minnesota Housing’s core activities is to preserve the existing housing stock. The agency does this by funding loans through the Fix Up program, which is available through a statewide network of lenders. Homeowners can apply for an unsecured loan up to $25,000 or a secured loan up to $75,000 to finance a wide range of projects, such as refinishing hardwood floors or replacing carpet, new windows and siding, replacing mechanicals, tree removal, adding a garage, building a porch or deck, and making accessibility or energy-efficiency improvements. Fix Up stands out among other home improvement financing options due to its low, fixed interest rates and longer repayment terms, which helps keep monthly payments affordable. Another unique feature is the higher loan-to-value require-
Then there are all the things we need contractors to do. Nobody is excited about renovating an old condominium when there is so much new construction going on, so my day is spent wheedling contractors to come over. We need electrical fixtures installed. We need the flooring repaired where a bump has developed, and we’d like to replace the old yellow bathtub. Since I am better at wheedling than Peter, I make these calls. I have particular success if the contractor is married and I can wheedle his wife. I did that this morning and got the electrician, George, to come out in less than an hour. It was a busy morning. In addition to George, a
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ments, which means that a homeowner with little to no equity — such as someone who recently bought a house — could potentially qualify. For one St. Paul area lender, a Fix Up loan helped her clients make some muchneeded improvements after recently purchasing their first home. It wasn’t their dream home — yet — but it was in their price range and the inspector assured them it had “good bones,” even if it had some deferred maintenance and outdated finishes. The homeowners hired an electrician for the electrical work but tackled the rest of the work themselves, which included ripping up carpet and refinishing the hardwood floors underneath, painting, and making some simple updates to the kitchen and bathroom. They were able to use the Fix Up loan to pay the electrician and to rent tools and a dumpster and buy materials for the work they did themselves. Fix Up program guidelines allow homeowners to fi-
nance work that is in process or has recently been completed. This was welcome news for a homeowner who had stopped by Minnesota Housing’s booth at a community event. The homeowner commented that he wished he’d known about Fix Up loans two months earlier when his furnace unexpectedly stopped working. His only option at the time was to pay for it using a highinterest credit card. He was happy to learn that because he’d had his furnace replaced within the allowable timeframe, the project qualified for a Fix Up loan, which he could use to pay off the furnace on his credit card bill. Interested in finding out if the Fix Up program will work for you? Learn more about our programs and find a participating lender by visiting www.mnhousing.gov/ LaVoz. Minnesota Housing’s programs have helped thousands of Minnesotans improve their homes. See if they can help you, too.
self-described “handyman” named Steve visited. Steve the handyman turned out to be quite handy and will be helping us out. George the electrician, however, turned out not to be an actual electrician, which was disappointing — especially after I had such a friendly chat with his wife. Not to mention his card said “electrical contractor” across the top. “Nope,” George said. “I can’t do that.” Oh well. Meanwhile our little balcony (which is the best part of the whole place) is closed off for painting and maintenance. “How much maintenance can a balcony take?” I asked Peter. Apparently quite a lot, as they have scaffolding running up the building and
yellow ribbon running across the balcony like the scene of a crime. “Don’t worry,” Peter says. “It will all get done.” And, of course, he is right. We will get rid of the bump in the floor (which seems to be growing) and we will get to enjoy our balcony and we will have our electrical fixtures installed by someone who is actually an electrician. But for now, I am looking forlornly out at the forbidden balcony and wondering when this will feel like home. We showed George the bathtub, and he said he could replace it. I think my next call will be to a plumber to see if he’d like to install some lighting fixtures. Till next time.
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With flexible home improvement loans from the Minnesota Housing Fix Up Loan Program, you can give your home a whole new look.
Visit our website at mnhousing.gov/LaVoz to find a participating lender to get started on your journey!
In connection with the Single Family Division loan programs, Minnesota Housing is neither an originator of loans nor a creditor and is not affiliated with any Lender. To find out if you are eligible, or to apply for a loan, please contact a participating Lender.
St. Paul Voice - September 2021 - Page 11
Andrea Duarte ’19
Join us for an Open House!
Find Your Distinct Voice. Share it with the World.
September 28, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Meet current students, learn about an all-girls education, see teachers in action, tour our beautiful campus. Experience Vis! Learn more at visitation.net/openhouse
Powering Lives of Meaning | stkate.edu
All-girls in grades 6-12 651.683.1700
Downtown bp Serving the downtown community for more than 90 years!
651-221-0026
• • • •
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 9/30/21. 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 9/30/21. 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 9/30/21. 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 9/30/21. 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 9/30/21. 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 9/30/21. Downtown bp, 542 Robert St. N., St. Paul 651-221-0026
FREE Local Shuttle and Same Day Service on Most Repairs! Page 12 - St. Paul Voice - September 2021