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Hamline Midway Neighborhood News for Sept. 29, 2011

 Contents:

  • HMC Events & Opportunities
  • Environment
  • Arts
  • Youth & Family
  • Community Development & Transportation
  • Extra! Extra!

 

HMC Events & Opportunities

What should become of the Hamline Park Building? Join us for a discussion about the future of this neighborhood landmark on Monday, October 10 from 7:00-8:30pm at the Hamline Midway Library’s auditorium, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. The City of Saint Paul has identified two potential options for the future of the Hamline Park Building: 1) Find a private developer to renovate and use the building, or 2) Demolish the building and reprogram the space for community use. Come hear the details and share your thoughts. The Hamline Park Building is located at 1564 Lafond Ave. For more information, contact Michael Jon Olson, Hamline Midway Coalition at michaeljon@hamlinemidway.org or 651-0494-7682.

Spring Festival 2012 Planning Has Begun! The Community Building Committee is looking for energetic volunteers to help plan next year’s Spring Festival. Come to the Community Building Committee meeting on Monday, October 3 at 6:30pm or contact Faith at faith@hamlinemidway.org or 651-494-7683.

 

Sign up for the New Neighborhood Discussion List! The Hamline Midway Neighbors Forum is a place to share announcements and discuss community issues and life specific to the Hamline Midway neighborhood. The Hamline Midway Neighbors Forum is supported by, but independent from, the Hamline Midway Coalition. The discussion has begun, so sign up today at http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-hm.


Environment

Snelling planters clean up – Please join us at 10:00am, Saturday, October 8 at Hamline Park to clean out the Snelling Avenue planters for the season. Wagons, wheelbarrows, tools, lawn bags, and drivers are most welcome. Rain date is 1:00pm, Sunday, October 9. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Michelle: mlfleisch@gmail.comor 651-645-8511.

Snelling planter stewards needed – The Hamline Midway Environmental Group (HMEG) is looking for new stewards for the Snelling Avenue planters and someone to help coordinate the planter project. Each year, Hamline University generously donates beautiful flowers for the planters, which are planted and cared for by neighborhood residents and business owners. Many veteran volunteers have moved on to other projects and new volunteers are needed. All help is welcome! This is a great service project for kids and organizations! For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Michelle: mlfleisch@gmail.com or 651-645-8511.

Include Pizza Boxes in Your Recycling! – Eureka Recycling is excited to announce that pizza boxes can now be included as part of the Saint Paul curbside recycling program! Important instructions for recycling pizza boxes:

  • Only cardboard takeout/delivery pizza boxes should be included. This does not include frozen pizza boxes you would get at the grocery store.
  • Please remove any plastic spacers, aluminum foil, or waxy paper sheets that came with the pizza.
  • Pizza boxes should not be set out with recycling if they are heavily caked with cheese or grease.
  • Thank you for recycling! As always, please call Eureka Recycling’s Zero-Waste Hotline at (651) 222-7678 if you have any questions about this or any other waste reduction topic.
     

Arts

Neighborhood Voices series – The Hamline Midway Library Association presents literary, visual, culinary, and musical artists at the Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. All events are free and open to the public. Mark your calendars! FFI, please contact Carrie at carriepomeroy(at)tcq.net.

  • Wednesday, October 12, 6:30-8:00pm at the Hamline Midway Library, poets Cary Waterman and Greg Watson will celebrate their new books out with Nodin Press, joined by musical guest jazz clarinetist Sean Egan.
  • Wednesday, November 9, 6:30-8:00pm at the Hamline Midway Library, photographer Wing Young Huie will discuss his University Avenue Project.
  • Wednesday, December 14, 6:30-8 pm at the Hamline Midway Library, local cookbook author Kimberly Johnson will share family history and recipes, with musical guest Matt Mayfield playing songs written especially for this event.

See youth art opportunities under the Youth & Family category. 

 

Youth & Family

Hamline Midway Library Happenings – Fall is in the air at the Library! Call 651-642-0293 or stop by the library at 1558 W Minnehaha Ave, near the intersection of Snelling and Minnehaha, to sign up for events that require pre-registration. All events are free.

  • The Hamline Midway Library Association's third annual Library Love Festival will be held at the Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha, on Saturday, October 1, from 11:00am-3:00pm. The event will include a quality used book sale, family-friendly games, live local music, crafts with the Saturday Club, and a storytime with the Mighty Midway Storytellers.  The event will also feature information tables from community organizations and small businesses, great food, and more!  You can contact Carrie at carriepomeroy(at)tcq.net or Julie at gebbengreen(at)gmail.com for more information; please contact Amy at aksireland(at)yahoo.com to inquire about hosting a table at the event. A full schedule is available here.
  • Saints & Sinners Mystery Book Club will meet Saturday, October 8 from 1:00-3:00pm. E-mail gerrib13@q.com for information. Please include "Saints & Sinners" in the subject line.
  • The Kids Book Club will meet on October 1 & 8 at 1:00pm as they discuss books, participate in reading activities, and eat treats. Open to readers ages 8-12. New members are welcome!
  • The Teen Book Club meets on October 1 & 8 at 2:00pm for lively discussions and good times. Treats and fun provided. Call the library for more details.
  • Storyteller Open House – The Mighty Midway Storytellers will host a storytellers open house 1:30-3:00pm Saturday, October 15 for anyone interested in leading children’s storytimes. Drop in at any time to meet other members of the group and learn how you can get involved. Mighty Midway Storytellers is a low-strees, fun way to interact with kids. We lead once-a-month themed story times for children at the Hamline Midway Library that includes an interactive element. Storytime is the first Saturday of the month at 11:15am. For more information, contact Jean Thilmany at thilmanyj@gmail.com or 651-771-8421.
  • Toddler and preschool storytimes are offered every Friday at 10:30am. Bring your child to share in the joys of reading!
  • LEGO Engineering class for families: Use LEGO Technic pieces to build structures, machines, gadgets, and gizmos. Sometimes we'll use instructions, but most of the time, we'll be designing our own solutions to various challenges. You don't need to be an engineer or a LEGO expert to enjoy this class with your child. (This is not a robotics class.) The class is intended for children, aged 7-10, along with a parent. Class meets on Saturdays from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Oct. 22, November TBA, and Dec. 10. Please register at the library, space is limited. Questions? Send them to PeterHoh@yahoo.com.

Canvas Teen Arts Center Calendar – The Canvas is located at Hancock Rec Center: 1610 W. Hubbard Ave (across Snelling from Hamline University; take the 84 or 67 bus). ALL EVENTS ARE FREE! Contact us: canvas651@gmail.com or (651) 298-4393, www.canvas651.com,  www.facebook.com/canvas651.  

 

  • TODAY, Sept. 29 at 5:00pm, Informational Meeting for the Teen Leadership Council (food provided): Get involved with the Canvas and help decide what workshops we offer, what kinds of events we have, what the space looks like and much more. Looks great on a college application, makes a difference in the community and is lots of fun! Must be in 7-12th grade.  Involvement includes weekly meeting to plan Canvas events and workshops, learning new arts skills through classes and trainings, strengthening leadership skills, expanding your personal network and meeting professional artists.  Application and interview details TBA; starts October 12.
  • Every Monday from 4:30-6:00pm, Canvas Writing Circle: Poets, rappers, slam poets, songwriters or writers of any stripe: bring a poem, a song, a short story or whatever and get some feedback. An informal, fun way to become a better writer. Facilitated by National Poetry Slam champion Guante.
  • Every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, f/10 Photography Club: Whether you are new to photography or have some experience, everyone is welcome to come and explore this great art form. The Twin Cities Photography Group and the Canvas Teen Art Center are partnering to offer a weekly year-round, free photography club.  Mentors will work with f/10 club members to help them experiment with the various topics, learn equipment and techniques, and have fun. We will provide cameras for people to use during the club meetings, or you can bring your own.  Email tcphotogroup@yahoo.com with any questions.
  • Wednesdays Oct. 19, 26 & Nov. 2 from 6:30-8:30pm, JumpstART Workshops: Springboard for the Arts presents three workshops for teens who want to make the arts their career.  Talk about building a portfolio, college options and much more. 
  • Every Tuesday in October: 4:00-6:00pm, Canvas B-Boy/B-Girl Workshop: If you've ever wanted to learn how to breakdance, here's your chance!  This workshop is for beginners.
  • Every last Thursday of the month: 6:00-8:30pm, SPEAK ON IT Teen Open Mic: For poets, rappers, singers or anyone with something to say! You can also just come to watch, cheer on your friends, or hear something new.  Come early to sign up.
  • December 27, 28 and 29, times TBA, Canvas Spoken-Word Poetry Bootcamp: Our annual three-day intensive workshop looking at creating effective spoken-word poetry.  Open mic on the 29th.
  • Start your own club/group/workshop: We have a dance studio, lounge, art gallery, stage and more. If you want to start a hip hop club, hold practices for your dance crew, organize a Dungeons and Dragons tournament, facilitate a social justice workshop or just stop by and draw, dance, sing or hang out, the Canvas is open to you. Stop by, give us a call or email.

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers free after-school program - Rec Check is a free after-school program for youth, grades 1-6. Youth check in with a staff person upon arriving and check out when leaving.  Parents can choose to be notified if their child does not check in. Programs are held Monday-Friday from 3:00-6:00pm during the school year. Programs offered include homework help, arts & crafts, indoor and outdoor games, and more. Enrollment is limited. Registration is required and occurs on site. A change in Minnesota law now allows the Saint Paul Public Schools to transport children after-school to a drop-off site at or near Saint Paul Parks & Recreation’s Rec Check Programs. The application form is available from the school office or the Transportation Department website. Transportation home from Rec Check is not provided. Rec Check is offered at Hancock Elementary and other sites, call (651) 298-4393 for more information.  

MN Parent Education Fair - Choosing the best school for your child can be a difficult task—let Minnesota Parent lend a hand at the annual Education Fair! This is an opportunity to meet representatives from a variety of schools and after-school programs to help you make the best decisions for your children. This FREE event will also feature fun activities and entertainment, so bring the whole family! The Minnesota Parent Education Fair will be held on Saturday, October 15th from 10:00am through 2:00pm at the Como Zoo and Conservatory Visitor’s Center. For more information, call 612-825-9205 or visit www.mnparent.com.

Halloween Celebration - St. Paul Parks and Recreation invites you to bring the family to a free, fun Halloween celebration.  Get into the spirit by wearing your Halloween costume.  Activities for children age 12 & under include carnival games, craft project and moon walk. Saturday October 22, 2011, 11:00am – 1:00pm at Palace Recreation Center, 781 Palace Ave., St. Paul, MN  55102, (651) 298-5677.

Family Fall Bonfire – Tuesday, October 18 from 6:30-8:00pm come out to the Family Fall Bonfire, sponsored by St. Paul Parks and Recreation. Activities will include games, face painting, roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate. Participants may want to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on. Event is Free. Langford Recreation Center, 30 Langford Park, 651-298-5765.

 

Community Development & Transportation

 Latest CCLRT Construction Update

Griggs Street Bikeway Public Meetings – The Griggs Street Bikeway is a project funded through the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program to provide improved bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on Griggs Street.  Existing bike routes on Summit and Minnehaha will be connected via the improved Griggs route. Public process will take place in October 2011, with design elements determined by December 1, 2011.  Construction will take place in Spring and Summer 2012. There will be three public meetings in October 2011. Contact Emily Erickson at 651-266-6059 for more information.

  • Monday, October 3.  7:00-8:30pm, Dunning Recreation Center.  Learn about the goals of this project and Griggs's role in the transportation network.  Help us identify problem areas and influence how we can make Griggs better for all users.
  • Sunday, October 9.  1:00-2:00pm, Intersection of Griggs Street & Summit Avenue.  Chat with City Staff about design options to make Griggs better as we bike the street together.
  • Tuesday, October 11.  7:00-8:30pm, Dunning Recreation Center.  Give feedback on the design options developed as a result of the first two meetings.

Support Local Businesses during Construction! –Become a member of the Discover Central Corridor program and receive discounts at local businesses. Visit www.centralcorridorperks.com for more information.

  

Saint Paul Home Rehabilitation Loan Program - The City of Saint Paul is offering owner occupied deferred home improvement loans to homeowners who live in areas highly impacted by foreclosures.  The program targets households up to 115% of area median income (AMI) and provides interest free deferred loans that will be due on sale or when the owner no longer occupies the property as their primary residence. The maximum loan amount is $20,000. For further information and eligibility qualifications, contact Tchu Yajh at 651-266-6592 or tchu.yajh@ci.stpaul.mn.us. The website for the program is http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=4588

  

Small business loans and forgivable loans available - Sparc offers small business loans and forgivable loans to retail, service, light industrial, and other businesses for needs like: expansion, start-up, move to a new location, storefront facelift, equipment upgrade, inventory, heating / cooling, and building maintenance. Sparc funds can be combined with other financing sources. Call Sparc for more information: 651-488-1039.


Extra! Extra!

Concerned about crime in the neighborhood? You can always contact Faith at the Hamline Midway Coalition at 651-494-7683 or faith@hamlinemidway.org for support, information, and ideas. Check out these additional offerings:

  • Attend community meetings at the Western District headquarters (389 N. Hamline Avenue) every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30am and 6:30pm to hear the latest crime news and prevention tips. This is your chance to have your concerns and questions heard by Senior Commander Todd Axtell and other officers. The next meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, October 18.
  • Get local crime statistics and updates in your e-mail inbox – Previously, the St. Paul Police Department used a service called Nixle to alert interested community members about crime activity. This service has been replaced by the City of St. Paul’s e-Subscription service. Signing up takes only a few minutes. Visit this website to sign up: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/STPAUL/subscriber/new.
  • The Western District now has a Facebook page to connect with residents. Visit the Western District Facebook page and click on “Like” to receive updates in your Facebook feed.

Hamline Midway Elders Events - Call HM Elders at 651-209-6542 to make reservations or request free transportation to any of the events including the free blood pressure clinics, grocery shopping and/or medical appointments; if you’re age 60+ and are interested in safe, gentle in-home exercise instruction;  would be interested in having a free wellness check for your pet in October; or would enjoy visiting with an Inver Hills nursing student each month during the fall semester. Events are held at Hamline Church, 1514 Englewood Ave. unless otherwise noted.

  • Free Joint Friendly Exercise Classes - A new, eight week series of joint friendly exercise classes began Sept 27 and will run each Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 - 3:00 PM through Nov 17. There is no cost for the classes which are led by instructors trained through the MN Arthritis Foundation.
  • Free blood pressure and nurse consultation clinics for any Hamline Midway resident 50+ yrs will be held October 11 from noon-12:30pm.
  • Hamline Midway residents age 60+ who would like to request a free well pet check for their pet may call Hamline Midway Elders to be scheduled. The checks are conducted by third year U of MN veterinary medicine students.
  • Second Tuesday Luncheon: The Basics of Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s – Hamline Midway Elders holds luncheons for seniors on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Call HME to request free transportation. Come for the meal or the presentation only; a free-will donation is requested for the meal. The next luncheon will be held Tuesday, October 11 at 11:30am, with the presentation at 12:15pm.


 * Stay up to date by checking HMC's online calendar*

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Want Ongoing Announcements in Your Inbox?
If you would like to receive e-mail notices from HMC staff about neighborhood news, events, meetings, and opportunities, contact faith@hamlinemidway.org or sign up by entering your email address in the box in the upper right corner of the Hamline Midway Coalition's website. You will need to confirm your subscription in order to begin receiving emails. HMC sends emails about once per week.
A discussion listserv is also available at http://e-democracy.org/midway.