Park Bugle

Ever notice that charming white gazebo circled by a garden in the small triangular park at the corner of Gibbs and Brewster avenues, just a block from Como Avenue? The Alden Square Park has been nurtured for 30 years by a neighborhood organization called the Neighbors of Alden Square, which has helped care for and maintain the space over time.

It was about a year ago, on an overcast and uncomfortably cool spring day, that Jennifer Garbow and Brandon Alkire pushed away overgrown branches as they cautiously maneuvered through the Native American Medicine Garden on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus. While the garden plot appeared in dire need of re-invigorating and replanting after five years of disuse, they enthusiastically talked of possibilities and promise. Fast forward to one year later.

The 4th in The Park: Parade, games, tournaments, contests, children’s activities, food trucks and bandstand entertainment at Langford Park, 2180 Knapp St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Luther Place and Como Avenue to Langford Park via Knapp Avenue. More details at 4thinthepark.org.

If you spend time shopping, are on social media, listen to podcasts, follow fitness trends, work in an office, or have teenagers at home, you’ve likely been bombarded with messages about electrolyte drinks. Talk about electrolyte beverages is nearly everywhere. While electrolyte supplements have long been around (think Pedialyte and Gatorade), there are now countless new options being marketed with the suggestion that nearly everyone should be drinking them.

After taking a year off due to construction on its building, the St. Anthony Park Library’s annual book sale returned in June, raising more than $10,000 toward library programming and materials. Nearly 6,000 books were donated, according to book sale coordinator Bryn Marion, of which 5,000 were sold. More than 500 people made purchases, averaging about 10 books per buyer. “We don’t know exactly how many people donated the books, but we estimate it was in the hundreds,” Marion said.

Track and Field – Como junior Charlie Loth won two state titles in high school track’s two longest races (see accompanying feature story on page 12). Senior teammate Ben Clark qualified for state in the 3200 meters with Loth, finishing 10th while setting a personal best. Junior Tate Prinsen was the Section 4AA champion in the 110-meter hurdles and qualified for state in both hurdling events, placing 10th at state in the 300-meter hurdles.

You’ll find familiar favorites and special programs on the July calendar at the St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave. Unless specified, registration is not necessary. The library will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Summer Sparks, the Saint Paul Public Library’s summer reading initiative, continues through Aug. 31. Kids and teens are encouraged to complete reading challenges and earn books and other prizes.

Two longtime Murray Middle School science teachers retired at the end of the school year. Mary Crowley was the first female science teacher in Murray’s history. She taught at the school for 31 years. Originally from Milwaukee, Crowley earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in education at the University of Minnesota. She was instrumental in creating a connection between Murray and the U’s Science for All Outreach Program. Crowley has two sons attending college in the Twin Cities.

“Being a farm kid, he can walk the talk.” That description of Brian Buhr was made 13 years ago by Professor Mike Boland when Buhr was appointed as dean of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) at the St. Paul campus. Buhr is leaving that position as of July 1.

Editor’s note: The Como class of 2026 experienced the challenges of most high school students, balancing the demands of classes with new opportunities and responsibilities coming into view. In the following essays, Como graduates Sofia Gonzalez, Hattie Miller and Leul Solomon reflect on their school experiences. Growing up in the Como area I have had the privilege of being part of a welcoming and supportive community, and Como Park High School has definitely lived up to that standard.