The squirrels in 55109 are in full chaos mode… eating our Halloween pumpkins, burying acorns everywhere, and sprinting around like tiny fall-themed athletes.

So here’s your challenge:  How many pounds of acorns can one Minnesota squirrel stash in a single fall? (Try to get within 2lbs.)

North St. Paul Wants You (Yes, You!) on the Planning Commission

If you’ve ever had opinions about what gets built, where it goes, or how our city grows, here’s your chance to make it official. North St. Paul is looking for a new member to join the Planning Commission, and someone from right here in '109 could be the perfect fit.

The Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM, and helps shape the future of the city by reviewing zoning changes, site plans, variances, and big-picture ideas for our community.

There’s at least one open seat, and it comes with a 3-year term. If you love NSP and want to help guide its next chapter, toss your name in the hat.

Interviews happen in January, and you can apply online today.

Free Holiday Lights for North St. Paul Residents

North St. Paul is spreading a little extra cheer this season. If you’re an NSP Electric customer, you can pick up a free set of holiday lights at City Hall when you pay your bill. Choose white or multi-color and brighten up your home without bumping up your energy bill.

The giveaway runs through the end of December, so swing by, grab your lights, and help light up the neighborhood.

(Sorry, Maplewood friends. We’ll admire your Xcel-powered sparkle from afar.) 🎄💡

❄️ Let’s All Pitch In: Protect Our Lakes This Winter

Winter salt keeps our roads and sidewalks safe, but when all that salt washes into storm drains, it ends up in Lake Phalen, Silver Lake, Kohlman Creek, and the rest of our local waterways. Chloride doesn't break down, and too much of it can harm fish, plants, and the wildlife we all love.

Here’s how you can help protect our lakes this winter:

• Shovel early so less ice forms and less salt is needed
• Use sand for traction when temps drop below 15°F
• Apply less salt (about the amount in a 12-oz mug for a driveway)
• Give plows space and drive slow on snowy days
• Sweep up leftover salt after the pavement dries
• Team up with neighbors to keep shared areas from being over-salted

And here’s something new: You can pick up a free bag of traction grit from Nov 25 to Jan 16 at participating locations. Grit works in any temperature, helps with traction, and won’t pollute our lakes.

Find pickup sites at:  getgrittymn.org

Small changes add up. If we all pitch in, we can keep our winter safe and keep our lakes healthy for spring.

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.

Thursday

🎹 Lorie Line: Holiday Concert

What: Celebrate the Christmas season with legendary pianist Lorie Line, returning for her 36th year of touring. Expect beautiful costumes, heartfelt stories, stunning piano arrangements, and a warm, faith-filled night of holiday music.
When: Tonight, Nov. 20
Where: Ashland Theatre at the Maplewood YMCA
Why: It’s a beloved holiday tradition and a perfect way to start the season. Tickets are available on the website or at the door.

Cost: $62

Saturday

🎄 Stories, Tree Lights & Mrs. Claus at Maplewood Mall

What: Kick off the Christmas season with Mrs. Claus at Maplewood Mall. Enjoy free photos, story time, hot cocoa, cookies, ornament hanging, and a big family tree lighting celebration.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22
Where: Maplewood Mall
Why: A perfect holiday kickoff for families who want some Christmas magic without spending a dime.

🧁 Bake Sale, Boutique & Garage Sale

What: Shop baked goods, handmade items, and quality garage sale finds at the Council of Catholic Women’s annual fundraiser. All proceeds support school and parish programs, missions, and community needs.
When: Saturday, 12–6 PM and Sunday, 9 AM–12 PM
Where: Church of St. Peter, Fellowship Hall (2600 Margaret St., NSP)
Why: A great way to support local programs while finding treats and treasures. Note: Credit cards, cash, and checks accepted.

High-quality item donations can be dropped off Saturday, 11/22 from 9 AM–12 PM at Fellowship Hall.

🦃 Turkey Bingo – Knights of Columbus

What: A fun evening of bingo, prizes, and community support. Pay once and play all night. One card is $4 or three for $10, and kids 6 and under get a free card. Enjoy complimentary sandwiches while you play.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 • 5:30–7:30 PM
Where: Church of St. Peter, O’Reilley Hall, 2600 N. Margaret St., NSP
Why: Win gift cards, a $100 coverall prize and support local groups like - Coats for Kids, Meals on Wheels, and the North St. Paul Food Shelf. 

Cash and checks only

Sunday

🥋 Women & Girls Self-Defense Seminar – United Jiu Jitsu

What: A special donation-based seminar for women and girls (ages 10+), focused on real-world self-defense skills, confidence, and awareness. No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes.
When: Sunday, Nov. 23 • 2:30–3:30 PM
Where: United Jiu Jitsu, 2055 White Bear Ave, Suite 100, Maplewood
Why: Personal safety matters. Learn simple, effective techniques and strategies taught by Professor Riser, an experienced instructor and community advocate.

Minors must attend with a parent or guardian.
Non-members can sign the event waiver online.

Click Here to Learn More on their Facebook Event Page

🥧 Thanksgiving Pie Social – First Evangelical Free Church

What: Kick off Thanksgiving week with an evening of worship followed by a pie social. Enjoy classic and contemporary praise music, several baptisms, and then a hallway full of pies and whipped cream. You may bring a pie to share by dropping it off in the gym before the service.
When: Sunday, Nov. 23 — Worship at 6 PM, Pie Social at 7 PM
Where: First Evangelical Free Church, 2696 Hazelwood St., Maplewood
Why: A joyful night of community, celebration, and all the pie you could ever hope for during Thanksgiving week.

Check out the Facebook page to learn more

Local Restaurant Directory

We’ve been building a Local 55109 Restaurant Directory for Maplewood & North St. Paul.

It's our growing list of spots to grab dinner, find a happy hour, or finally try that little place you’ve driven past a hundred times.

Click Here to see our N. St Paul and Maplewood Restaurant Directory

Take a peek, discover something new, and maybe pick a place for this weekend.

Know a restaurant we should add?
Send us an email the109online@gmail.com -> the best recommendations always come from locals. 🍔💛

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

We’re coming up on Thanksgiving, and it’s easy to get caught up in everything we wish we had, everything we’re still waiting on, everything that didn’t quite go the way we hoped.

But pause for a second...

Look around.

Sometimes the biggest blessings are the small ones. 

The ones we step over without noticing: A place to rest. A meal that fills you. Someone who waved back. A quiet morning. The strength to keep going even on the tough days.

And if this season feels a little thin, here’s something beautiful to remember:
You don’t need to have a blessing to be one.

A kind word. A shared moment. A tiny act of care.

Those things count. They matter.

And they can change someone’s whole day.

However this week looks for you, know this:
You matter. Your presence matters. Your goodness matters.

This community is better because you’re in it. 💛

25 pounds.
No wonder your yard looks like a squirrel storage unit.

✉️ Got something to share?

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

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. 🏡✨