Do you know which city traditionally gets colder every winter — North St. Paul or Maplewood? 🥶 Did you know one usually dips a little lower on the thermometer each year. Think you know which one it is?

Park Spotlight: Keller Park Underpass Mural

A stunning new mural now brightens the slope beneath Highway 61 at Keller Regional Park — and it’s more than just art. Created by local artists Aleya Berry and Layla Nerayo, the piece celebrates freedom, resilience, and the power of creativity to heal and connect communities.

Featuring a woman with vibrant green hair surrounded by sunshine and flowers, the mural carries the uplifting message: “As we excel, we create — freeing our minds.” Throughout the summer, the artists invited neighbors to join in the painting process, making it a true community effort.

The finished piece is a beautiful reminder to tap into your creativity, free yourself from limitations, and grow — just like the vines and bright colors that bring this wall to life. 🌻

Click here to learn more about Ramsey County Art in the Parks

Coco’s Clothing Swap Hosts Free Family Giveaway Event

Who: Coco’s Clothing Swap — a Twin Cities-based nonprofit providing free clothing to youth and families
What: Annual Fall Giveaway Event — Free costumes, winter gear, shoes & more!
When: Saturday 11am-2pm
Where: The Salvation Army – Lakewood
Why: To help local families get ready for the season with warmth, fun, and community connection

\Families can browse a wide selection of gently used Halloween costumes, winter coats, boots, and shoes — all free of charge.

The event will also include face painting, temporary tattoos, stuffed animal adoptions, and other kid-friendly fun. 

💛 Registration is required upon arrival and limits apply to ensure there’s enough for everyone.

Check out there facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/share/17TcxRVNSN/

Saturday

Fall Fun at Bachman’s “Hello Pumpkin” Event!

Who: Families, friends, and pumpkin lovers of all ages
What: Buy any pumpkin or gourd in-store, and Bachman’s will supply everything else you need—paint, glue, and creative inspiration galore. 🎨
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: All Bachman’s store locations
Why: To celebrate autumn with a little paint, glue, and a whole lot of imagination

Click here to check out the Backman Page

Butterfly Crafts at Lakeshore Learning!

Who: Kids (and parents who love hands-on fun!)
What: Free Animal-Themed Craft & Play Event 🐒🦋🐻
When: Saturday, October 18 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Lakeshore Learning – Maplewood (strip mall across from Maplewood Mall, near the former Joann Fabrics)
Why: It’s the perfect day to explore creativity, play, and maybe even win a prize!

Click Here to Learn More About the Event

Save Our Store Craft Fair at Borchert’s Meat Market

Spooky Movies & Snacks at Maplewood Mall!

Who: Families and kids of all ages
What: Free (kid friendly) Halloween movie screening with popcorn and snacks
When: Saturday, October 18 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Where: Center Court at Maplewood Mall

Sunday

🎨 Get Creative with Epoxy Resin at This Hands-On Workshop!

Who: Art lovers & DIY enthusiasts
What: Hands-on Epoxy Resin Pouring Workshop — learn mixes, dyes, and techniques to make your own unique project
When: Sunday, 12–3 PM
Where: Rockler Woodworking, Off Beam Avenue
Why: Explore epoxy resin art and create a personalized masterpiece to take home

💵 $108.38 per person

Each student works on their own project and returns later to pick it up after it’s fully cured. Perfect for beginners or anyone ready to experiment with resin!

Board Games at White Bear Meadery

Who: Game lovers, friends, and families looking for a fun Sunday activity
What: Board Game Night — pick from a selection of tabletop games or bring your own favorite
When: Sundays, 12 PM – 8 PM
Where: White Bear Meadery, off Highway 61
Why: Relax, socialize, and enjoy an afternoon of strategy, laughter, and friendly competition

Check out the Facebook Event Page or just show up and start playing!

Monday

North St. Paul Historical Society Annual Meeting — Everyone’s Invited!

Who: North St. Paul Historical Society
What: Annual Meeting & Open House
When: Monday, October 20 — Doors open at 6:30 PM, meeting begins at 7:00 PM
Where: North St. Paul History Museum — 2666 7th Ave E

This year’s highlights include:

• A look back at everything the Society accomplished over the past year

• A peek at the museum’s new exterior paint job and beautiful doll display cabinet

• The opportunity to vote on board members and meet City Council visitors

• Plus — an open invitation for new volunteers interested in getting involved!

Come out, share your ideas, and help shape the future of preserving North St. Paul’s history.

Click here to learn more on Facebook

Boo-tiful Houses Needed 👻

Is your place decorated for Halloween?

Or maybe your neighbor’s?

We are looking for fun houses to showoff on our newsletter!

Share it with us (spooky or silly, all welcome!)
👉 Submit this online form: holiday.the109.online

Keep an eye here for our growing list of Trunk N' Treats

Quick List:

10/18 - St. Johns Hospital (Maplewood) 1:30-4:30

10/25 - First Free Church (Maplewood) 10:30am-12:30pm

10/25 - Maplewood City Hall 1pm-4pm

10/25 - Christ Lutheran School (NSP) 4pm-6pm

10/25 - Presentation Church (Maplewood) 5pm-7:30pm

10/26 - St. Marks Church (NSP) 4pm-6pm

10/28 - Ecumen Senior Home (Maplewood) 5pm-6:30pm 

Get more info about each event on our Trunk N Treat Page

* We apologize for the error with last week - We stated the vikings play, but as we now know, it was an off week.  We will strive to do better.

Hey, friend — yes, you.

The world moves fast, and it’s easy to forget just how much of a difference you make. But here’s the truth: your smile, your kind words, your patience in line, your wave to a neighbor — it all adds up. You make our community a warmer, kinder place just by being here.

This week, try this simple challenge:
➡️ Say one kind thing to someone you don’t know.
➡️ Check in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
➡️ Remind yourself that you are doing better than you think.

You matter more than you realize — to your family, your neighbors, and to this community. ❤️

North St. Paul typically runs 1–2 degrees colder on average in winter! It sits in a slightly lower elevation bowl and tends to trap cold air — especially on calm, clear nights.

✉️ 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. 🏡✨