These days, turkey is the clear winner at Thanksgiving dinner.
But way back in the early Thanksgivings, turkey wasn’t the main event.

So… what was Thanksgiving dinner mostly made of originally?

Happy Thanksgiving!

🏛️ Mayor for a Day? Kids, This One’s for You!

Got a fourth, fifth, or sixth grader with big ideas? The League of Minnesota Cities is inviting students to answer one simple (and fun) question:
“What would you do if you were mayor for a day?”

Three students will be selected to win $100, and their essays will be published in Minnesota Cities magazine. Pretty cool bragging rights.

Deadline: December 12
Who can enter: 4th–6th graders in Maplewood and North St. Paul

Heads up: Only winners will be notified in early January

Note: This contest is run by the League of Minnesota Cities, not Maplewood or NSP themselves.

👉 Learn more and submit an essay at lmc.org/mayorforaday

Future mayors, this is your moment. 👀✍️

🏡 Maplewood Homebuyers: Helpful Resources to Know About

If homeownership is on your radar, Maplewood wants you to know there’s help available. The city partners with Ramsey County to provide education and financial resources for homebuyers, including:
• Homebuyer assistance
• Home improvement programs
• Foreclosure prevention

This time of year is a great opportunity for first-time buyers to start preparing and learning what options are out there. Maplewood and the East Metro offer strong, affordable choices compared to much of the Twin Cities.

Right now, Maplewood’s median home price averages around $330,000–$350,000, well below the Twin Cities metro median of about $400,000.

To learn more about classes and programs, visit MaplewoodMN.gov/homeownership

🚗 North St. Paul: Winter Parking Rules Paused for Thanksgiving Weekend

Good news, North St. Paul. The city is giving residents a break for Thanksgiving weekend.

Winter parking regulations will be temporarily paused in N. St. Paul from Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 12 PM through Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 AM.

During this time, no winter parking tickets will be issued, as long as snowfall stays under two inches.

N ST PAUL ONLY ->  Still no overnight parking in Maplewood!

Important reminder: If we get 2 inches of snow or more, winter parking rules go right back into effect so plows can do their job.

NOTE: Once the pause ends, normal winter parking rules apply again, meaning no parking on streets or alleys between 1 AM and 7 AM from Nov. 1 through March 31, regardless of snow. And during snowfalls of two inches or more, vehicles must stay off the street until plowing is complete.

Enjoy the holiday, park smart, and keep an eye on the forecast. 🦃❄️

🌳 North St. Paul Needs You on the Parks & Rec Commission

If you love our parks, trails, and community spaces, here’s a great way to get involved. North St. Paul is accepting applications for an open seat on the Parks & Recreation Commission starting in 2026.

The Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM at City Hall and helps guide decisions about parks, recreation programs, and public spaces across the city.

There is one open position with a one-year term, with the option to extend. Interviews will take place in January, and the application deadline is December 15.

If you care about keeping North St. Paul vibrant and active, consider applying today. 🌿

Click Here to Apply on the NSP Website

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 - Thanksgiving!

🦃 Thanksgiving Day – Right Here in The `109

What: A day to slow down, eat good food, and reflect on what matters most
When: Today
Where: Home, a neighbor’s house, or wherever your table happens to be
Why: Because gratitude brings us together. Whether you’re surrounded by family, sharing a meal with friends, or spending the day solo, you’re still part of this community.

Take a moment to be thankful, check in on someone, and enjoy the day. Happy Thanksgiving, 55109. 🧡

Black Friday

Black Friday at Maplewood Mall – $500 Shopping Spree Giveaway

What: Major Black Friday deals and a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Stores will be offering 50%–70%+ off, and 10 lucky shoppers will be randomly selected to win on Black Friday.
When: Black Friday
Where: Maplewood Mall
Why: Big savings, holiday shopping fun, and a real shot at $500 just for showing up and shopping. Maplewood Mall is going all out for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

🥩 Friday Night Fun at the North St. Paul Legion

What: Meat raffle, virtual racing, and a Lucky Buck drawing all in one night
When: Meat Raffle at 4:30 PM, Virtual Racing at 5:00 PM, Lucky Buck Drawing at 8:00 PM
Where: North St. Paul American Legion
Why: Because Friday nights are better with prizes, games, and good company. 🍻

Small Business Saturday

Be sure to stop by out local stores in the 55109 and support our Community!

🥫 Free Food Distribution – Everyone Welcome

What: A free food distribution for individuals and families in need. No restrictions. Bring your own bags if you can. Volunteers are also welcome.
When: Saturday, Nov. 29 • 10:00–11:30 AM
Where: North Lakes Christian Church (2585, 7th ave E, NSP)
Why: To help make sure no one in our community goes without food. There will be a great selection available this month.

Have questions or want to volunteer? Message the organizers through the event page: fb.me/e/emH3jKlSF

🛠️ Home Depot Kids Builder Workshop

What: A free hands-on building workshop for kids, where they can make a fun project and take it home. All materials provided.
When: Saturday, starting at 9:00 AM (runs until supplies last)
Where: Home Depot – check your nearest store
Why: A great way for kids to learn basic building skills, get creative, and spend a fun morning with family.

Registration is recommended. Click here to Reserve Your Spot sign up. 🧰👷‍♀️

Small Business Saturday at Maplewood Mall

What: A full day focused on supporting local stores and local vendors. Shop small, discover unique gifts, and meet the people behind the businesses.
When: Saturday (the day after Black Friday)
Where: Maplewood Mall
Why: Supporting small businesses keeps our community strong, and this is an easy way to shop local all in one place.

Got something to sell? Vendor spots are available for $35 to set up inside the mall.

Monday

🎄🍝 Pasta Dinner Supporting the North St. Paul Christmas Tree Project

What: A pasta and meatball dinner with raffles to raise funds for the North St. Paul Christmas Tree Project, a local effort helping families in need during the holidays. Dinner includes bread, salad, and pasta.
When: Monday, Dec. 1 • 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: The Dugout Bar, 96 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi
Why: Enjoy a great meal, win raffle prizes, and help bring Christmas cheer to families right here in our community.

Cost: Adults $10, Kids $5

Tickets available online and at the door.

Check out the Facebook Event Page Here

Tuesday

🧾 Truth in Taxation Meeting – North St. Paul

What: A public Truth in Taxation meeting where property owners can learn about and share feedback on proposed city budgets and property taxes.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 6:30 PM
Where: North St. Paul City Hall
Why: Understand how proposed tax changes may affect you and ask questions directly. The City is proposing an 8.0% tax levy increase for 2026, which would equal about $7.83 more per month for a median-valued home. Individual tax changes may vary based on property values.

Property owners should have received their Proposed Property Tax Notice in mid-November. All residents are welcome to attend and participate.

Maplewood City Council Meetings

What: City Council Workshop followed by the regular City Council meeting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Workshop at 5:15 PM, Council Meeting at 6:30 PM
Where: City Hall
Why: Stay informed and engaged with city discussions and decisions.

Click here for the Agenda information.

Wednesday

Maplewood Arts & Culture Commission Meeting

What: Maplewood Arts & Culture Commission meeting
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 6:30 PM
Where: City Hall
Why: Hear discussions and ideas around public art, events, and cultural projects in the community.

Click here for the Agenda information

Leftovers Edition

No restaurant spotlight this week… because let’s be honest, we’re all eating Thanksgiving leftovers anyway.

A few fun ideas to level up round two:
• Turkey & stuffing grilled cheese
• Mashed potato pancakes (add cheese, trust us)
• Stuffing waffles topped with turkey and gravy
• Thanksgiving fried rice using turkey, veggies, and an egg
• Everything-in-a-bowl with gravy as the sauce

One bird. Five meals. Zero regrets.

But, we all know you will be sick of those leftovers soon...

So stop by one of your favorite, local restaurants!

(We hear there is a new bakery in town..  Check back next week for an update!)

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

Thanksgiving looks different for everyone.

Big tables, small gatherings, takeout, leftovers, or a quiet day to yourself. However today finds you, you belong here.

If you’re feeling thankful, hold on to that feeling.

If today feels a little heavy, that’s okay too. 

Sometimes just getting through the day is something to be proud of.

You matter to this community.

Your presence, your kindness, and your simple everyday moments help make 55109 feel like home. 

Happy Thanksgiving. 🧡

Venison.  Deer meat was more common at early harvest feasts. Turkey became the favorite later because it was easier to raise, affordable, and big enough to feed a crowd — and tradition did the rest.

✉️ 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. 🏡✨