How many miles in the sky do the Northern Lights span? 👀

Sky Spotlight: Northern Lights Over 55109

Every now and then, the sky reminds us who’s boss.

This week, the Northern Lights lit up our skies.  If you’ve been on social media, even a little, you have seen the amazing pictures people in our neighborhood were able to capture!

From backyard sightings to late-night driveway selfies, 55109 was glowing — literally. Shades of green, purple, and pink rippled across the night, turning our quiet neighborhoods into front-row seats for something cosmic.

If you caught it, you witnessed something rare. If you missed it — don’t worry, the pictures alone are proof that even the suburbs can sparkle like the North Pole sometimes. 😉

Keep looking up, 55109. You never know what the sky has in store next. ✨

Maplewood’s Finest: Protecting and Serving with Pride

Big applause for the Maplewood Police Department this week! Two officers were recently promoted to Sergeant, and we’re celebrating their continued leadership and commitment to keeping our city safe.

Also:  Officer Norve also earned some well-deserved recognition. He was presented his first “hat trick” award by Bill Hammes from the Office of Traffic Safety after arresting three impaired drivers in a single shift. His quick work helped prevent potential tragedies on our roads and earned him praise for his outstanding service.

Thank you to Officer Norve and all of Maplewood’s officers who work every day to protect our community and keep 55109 safe. 💙

🚓 Help Maplewood's Finest with Your Cameras

Got a doorbell cam or home security camera? You can help make Maplewood a little safer (No badge required!)

The Maplewood Police Department is inviting residents to voluntarily register their cameras. This helps officers know where cameras are located in case something happens nearby, so they can ask if you captured anything useful.

No logins, no passwords, and no automatic access. You stay completely in control.

It’s an easy way to be a good neighbor and help keep Maplewood safe, one camera at a time. 💙

Click Here to Learn More and to Register

Got an Event to Share?

We want to hear from you! If you’ve got an event in North St. Paul or Maplewood, 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:

👑 Meet King Triton – Live on Stage!

What: The ruler of the seas takes the stage in North High’s production of The Little Mermaid! See King Triton bring both strength and heart to this beloved story of family, courage, and song.
When: Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 2 PM & 7 PM
Where: North High School Auditorium, North St. Paul
Why: Support local talent and experience the magic under the sea one last weekend. 💙⚓🐚

Illuminate Festival of Lights ✨

What: A magical, family-friendly indoor light festival with giant lanterns, live shows, food, and local shopping.
When: Friday 4pm&10pm, Saturday 12pm&10pm, Sun 12pm&7pm
Where: Pan Asian Center South (former Sears building), Maplewood, MN
Why: Because everyone deserves a little extra glow this season. 🌙✨

Cost:  Kids cost $16.73 and Adults $27.23 

Step inside, warm up, and experience the magic.

Check out their facebook event page to get tickets and learn more.

Friday

🍀 Friday Fun at the North St. Paul Legion

What: A night of prizes, racing, and good times!
When: Friday

- Meat Raffle at 4:30 PM,

- Virtual Racing at 5 PM, and the

- Lucky Buck Drawing for $500 at 8 PM
Where: North St. Paul American Legion
Why: Because Fridays are better with friends, fun, and a shot at $500. 🍻🥩🏇

Saturday

Fall Vendor Market at Maplewood Mall

What: Shop local makers, crafters, and small businesses at the Fall Vendor Market inside Maplewood Mall. From handmade goods to unique finds, it’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping.
When: Friday, Nov. 15
Where: Maplewood Mall
Why: Support local vendors, find something one-of-a-kind, and enjoy a fun day at the mall.

Interested in setting up a booth? Vendor spots are $35 — contact Maplewood Mall to register! 🛍️

Sunday

🎻 Free Concert, Real Impact

What: Enjoy a beautiful live orchestra performance of Rhythms of Life while supporting a great cause!
When: Sunday, Nov. 16 • 4:00 PM
Where: St. Mark’s Church, 2499 N. Helen St., North St. Paul
Why: Admission is free, but donations support the North St. Paul Food Shelf, helping local families in need.

Come for the music, stay for the community spirit, and be part of something good. 🎶❤️

Monday

🪵 XL Cribbage Board Make & Take

Who: Hosted by Rockler Woodworking & Hardware
What: Create your own XL wooden cribbage board while learning to drill, cut, shape, sand, and finish your project. All materials and hardware are included.
When: Monday, Nov. 17 at 1:00 PM
Where: Rockler Woodworking & Hardware, 1872 Beam Ave., Maplewood
Cost: $81.29 — must register by Sunday
Why: Learn real woodworking skills, meet other makers, and leave with a handcrafted cribbage board you’ll actually use.

Click Here to Sign-Up

Tuesday

Maplewood City Council Meetings

What: Workshop and regular City Council meetings
When: Tuesday, Nov. 18

- Workshop: 5:15 PM

- Council Meeting: 6:30 PM
Where: Maplewood City Hall
Why: Stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in our city. Agendas will be available soon.

Thursday

Art Night: Mandala Coasters Class

What: Join local artist Swetha Avula for a hands-on guided paint night where you’ll create two colorful Mandala Coasters to take home. All materials are included.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20 • 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: Casey Lake Park Pavilion, North St. Paul
Why: Learn new painting techniques, meet neighbors, and enjoy an evening of creativity and color.

Spots fill fast, so register early to save your seat for this relaxing, one-of-a-kind art experience. 🎨💫

Click Here to Register (once on page, click on 'Art Night')

Bakery Farina + Luke’s Soups = Fall Comfort Goals

Bakery Farina is teaming up with Luke’s Soups to serve pure comfort this season — think warm bread bowls, rich soup, and all the cozy November vibes. 🍂

Pick up a bread bowl at Bakery Farina and get $2 off with code SOUPSZN, then grab your soup at Luke’s Soups and use code FARINA5 for $5 off your order.

Luke’s drops new soups every Thursday, and this deal runs through Nov 20.

Perfect for chilly days, cozy nights, or any moment that needs a little local love. ❤️

👉 Check them out on Facebook: Bakery Farina

*Picture Credited to Bakery Farina Facebook Page

💛 Meet our New Section: Giving Back

In case you missed it, we recently launched “Giving Back,” a new section celebrating the people and businesses who make 55109 shine a little brighter.

From food drives to quiet acts of kindness, this is where we spotlight the neighbors making a difference.

Winter Coat Drive for Veterans

Now through November 30, American Legion Post 39 is collecting clean, serviceable coats for our Veterans.

 Drop-off: Inside the Legion Post 39 bar (box near the stage)
 Needed: Men’s and women’s winter coats
Coats are cleaned and distributed through the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)

Learn more or get involved at americanlegionnorthstpaul.com

Visit or Donate to The Toy Shelf

Located at 2266 2nd Street North, North St. Paul, The Toy Shelf is a volunteer-run program bringing smiles to kids from birth to age 16. Families living in 55109, 55119, or 55128 can shop for free toys, games, and books this holiday season — no registration required.

Learn more on their website

1,500 Shoeboxes of Hope from Maplewood

This weekend, the First Evangelical Free Church of Maplewood is showing what true generosity looks like. Volunteers are packing 1,500 Christmas shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and small treasures to send to children around the world. 🌍🎄

Each box carries more than gifts. It carries hope, joy, and the reminder that someone cares. What starts in Maplewood will reach families thousands of miles away and make this Christmas a little brighter.

We made it to mid-November and the sun’s still showing up for us — how good does that feel? ☀️

Take a walk, wave to a neighbor, or just stand outside for a minute and breathe it in. These are the golden days before winter rolls in, and you’ve earned every ray of it.

So smile a little longer, grab that extra cup of coffee (check out the River Road Coffee in NSP!), and remember: you’re doing great! 

You matter more than you know. 💛

A single aurora can stretch more than 3,000 miles wide — that’s like glowing all the way from Maplewood to Mexico!  So next time you look up and see those lights, remember: you’re watching a sky show that covers half a continent. 🌎✨

✉️ Got something to share?

Want to submit an event or spotlight your business in The 109 Online?
Hit us up at 109online@gmail.com

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Let’s keep 55109 connected. 🏡✨