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The 109 - This Weekends News and Events. Stay Busy, Have Fun
The 109 - This Weekends News and Events. Stay Busy, Have Fun
Check out the news and events this weekend i the 55109
Daniel Jay
Jan 15, 2026
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Trivia Question❓What time of day do most winter injuries actually happen in neighborhoods (like Maplewood and North St. Paul)? (Think slips, strains, and those “I’m fine… I’m fine…” moments.) Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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🏬💸 Downtown NSP Façade Grants Just Got Easier for Small Businesses |
Good news for City of North St. Paul businesses. The Façade Improvement Grant Program just became more small-business friendly. The minimum project size has been lowered, which means more storefronts can qualify to freshen things up.
Projects can now start at $5,000, with grants covering 50% up to $2,500. Think new paint, repaired masonry, updated windows or doors, restored details, and even signage when part of a larger project. Eligible areas include parts of 7th Avenue E and Margaret Street.
Bottom line: it’s cheaper, easier, and more accessible to make downtown look great.
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🧯 Free Home Fire Safety Visits for North St. Paul Homes |
North St. Paul residents can request a FREE SafeHaven home safety visit from the North St. Paul Fire Department. Firefighters will check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, help with evacuation planning, offer fire safety tips, and even install StoveTop FireStop devices when needed.
They also provide guidance on cooking safety, child fire safety, and fall prevention for seniors. If you live in an owner-occupied home, this is an easy way to make your home safer.
Request a visit through the SafeHaven form on the city website, and a fire department representative will follow up to schedule. |
🏛️ City Hall Closed for MLK Day | January 19 |
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, City Hall in both North St. Paul and Maplewood will be closed on Monday, January 19.
Essential services like police and fire remain available for emergencies, and garbage and recycling will run on the normal schedule. No changes there.
If you need non-emergency or utility information, head to your city’s official website for helpful contacts and details. |
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Got an Event to Share? |
We want to hear from you! If you’ve got an event in North St. Paul or Maplewood (55109), send the details to the109online@gmail.com. Whether it’s a fundraiser, concert, class, or community get-together, we’d love to help spread the word and share it with your neighbors. |
Going All Weekend |
🃏✨ PokeConnect Card Show |
Who: Pokémon & TCG fans of all ages Why: Because whether you’re chasing vintage rares, sealed packs, or just starting your collection, this is the place to trade, connect, and catch that next big pull. And yes, admission is totally FREE. |
Friday |
🎶🔥 Live Music at Neumann’s Bar |
Who: The New Feral Cats Why: Because when some of the Twin Cities’ top musicians get together under one roof, you show up, grab a drink, and let the groove take over. |
Saturday |
🏀 Free Basketball Knockout Challenge @ Maplewood Mall |
Who: Anyone ready to shoot their shot
Line up, sink your shot, and survive each round. Last one standing walks away the winner. No cost. No pressure. Just clutch shots and mall glory. |
🪵✨ Wood & Epoxy Charcuterie Board Class |
Who: DIY lovers, creative hobbyists, and anyone who likes cool handmade stuff Why: Because pouring epoxy never gets old. You’ll design your own river shape, mix and swirl custom pigments, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind board that doubles as art and a serving piece. Boards cure after class, then you can pick yours up and finish it at home or return later to finish in the shop for an optional $35 fee.
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🎸🔥 Live Rock at The Dog House |
Who: Rock fans ready to crank it up Why: Because winter nights were made for loud guitars, cold drinks, and live local rock. Grab a VIP table if you want a guaranteed seat and settle in for a high-energy night.
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Sunday |
📚☕ Kids Book Reading + Hot Cocoa |
Who: Young readers and their families Why: Because books, cocoa, and candy nearby is basically a perfect winter afternoon. |
Monday |
💍 Ring Turning Workshop |
Who: Makers, wood lovers, and anyone who wants a truly custom ring Why: Because store-bought rings are boring. You’ll craft a sleek, two-piece stainless steel ring with a beautiful wood insert, sized to fit you or someone special. It’s a fast, fun project with impressive results. Previous turning experience isn’t required, but it does help due to the precision work involved.
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Plan Ahead for Summer |
🌞 Summer Day Camps Are Open for Registration |
Who: Maplewood Area Historical Society
👉 Click here to learn more and register
Spots go fast. Plan ahead, save a little, and give kids a summer they’ll talk about all year. |
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💪 Start Strong This New Year at the Y |
New year, fresh energy, same you showing up strong.
Join this month, pay $0 enrollment, and unlock $235 in FREE wellbeing consultations, including fitness assessments, health coaching, and nutrition support.
No pressure. No judgment. Just real help to get moving, feel better, and build momentum that actually sticks.
📍 Maplewood YMCA
Whether your goal is more strength, better balance, or just feeling good walking into spring, this is a solid way to start the year on your terms. |
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Donate Blood, Save Lives |
The North St. Paul Fire Department is bringing back their blood drive after an incredible turnout last time. This is a powerful way to kick off the new year by helping neighbors you may never even meet but who need you. 🩸 Blood Drive 📅 Tuesday, January 20 Blood donations are always needed, especially during winter months, and just one donation can make a life-saving difference. Spots fill up, so register ahead of time if you’re able.
👉 Sign up to donate blood here Show up, roll up a sleeve, and be the reason someone else gets a second chance. 💪❤️ |
💙 Giving Back: Polar Plunge for a Purpose |
Our brave North St. Paul Police and Fire Departments are gearing up to take the Polar Plunge at White Bear Lake on January 31 to support Special Olympics Minnesota.
Last year, our community raised $2,131. This year, they're already at $723 toward a $3,450 goal and there’s still time to make a splash without getting cold. Every dollar helps athletes across Minnesota compete, grow, and shine.
Warm hearts. Brave plunges. Big impact. |
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If January feels like a grind, you’re not imagining it.
Short days. Icy sidewalks. Big goals staring back at you.
But here’s the truth.
You’ve already made it through a lot. And you don’t have to have everything figured out right now to be moving forward.
This season is about small wins.
Showing up. Looking for new opportunities.
Saying yes to things that pull you forward, even a little.
A conversation. A walk. A new idea. A fresh start.
And remember, you’re not doing this alone.
This community has your back. In Maplewood, North St. Paul, and every pocket of 55109, people are building, trying, helping, and cheering each other on.
So take a breath. Take your next step. You’ve got this.
And if you ever forget that… we’re here to remind you. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Early morning. |
✉️ Got something to share? Want to submit an event or spotlight your business in The 109 Online? |
RATE THIS WEEKS NEWSLETTER Click Here to Fill out the 1 Minute Survey We read each submission and value your feedback. |
Let’s keep 55109 connected. 🏡✨ |