D1 residents with Septic Systems Beware...

It’s beginning to look a lot like potential problems for rural septic systems this holiday season.

“It may not be such a happy new year for some households if we don’t get snow cover before temperatures really start to drop,” Dan Olson, public information officer with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), said.  “Snow helps to insulate septic systems and keep them from freezing.  Fortunately, temperatures across the state have remained relatively mild so far, but that could change any time.”

The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program provides tips for homeowners on how to prevent septic system freeze-ups and how to deal with them should they occur:
• Place a layer of mulch eight to 12 inches thick over the pipes, tank and soil treatment system to provide extra insulation.  This can be straw, leaves, hay or other loose material that will stay in place and not become compacted.  This is particularly important for new systems that were installed so late in the year that vegetative cover could not be established.  However, if the system is currently frozen, don’t add mulch now; it will delay thawing in the spring.
• Let the grass or native vegetation growing over the tank and soil treatment area get a little taller in the late summer and fall to provide insulation and help hold snow.
• Use water ― the warmer the better ― if you’re worried that your system is starting to freeze.  Spread out your laundry schedule so you run one warm/hot load a day.  Use the dishwasher and take hot baths.  However, DO NOT leave water running all the time, as this will hydraulically overload the septic system.
• Going away for an extended period?  Plan accordingly.  Have someone use warm water in your home regularly while you are gone or have your septic tank pumped out before you leave.  If a shallow tank is left full for several winter months, the sewage will become very cold and can freeze.
• Fix any leaky plumbing fixtures or appliances in your home.  This will help prevent freezing problems and help your system perform better all year long.
• If you have appliances that generate very low flows, such as high-efficiency furnaces, you can put heat tape in the pipe, and have someone come by and run warm water for a while you are on vacation.  Alternatively, install a small condensate pump that holds and discharges two gallons per cycle.
• Keep all vehicle, animal and human traffic off the system.  This is a good rule to follow all year long as compacted snow and soils cause frost to go down deeper and faster.  Pay special attention to the area between the house and the septic tank.
• Make sure all risers; inspection pipes and manholes have covers.  Sealing them and adding insulation is a good idea.  Insulation may be added during construction particularly if the top of the septic tank is within two feet of the surface.
• Keep an eye on your system.  If any seeping or ponding occurs, contact a septic systems professional to help determine the cause and remedy.
• Add more insulation to your system.  This could include replacing pipe with insulated pipe, installing expanded foam panels over the septic tank, or adding more soil cover.

A common cause of freeze-ups are pipes that are not installed with the proper slant or that have settled, resulting in dips in the line.  Where a dip or flat spot occurs, sewage can collect and freeze.  Pump lines can develop a dip right next to or above the septic tank as a result of soil backfilled during tank installation settling.

If your septic system freezes, call a septic system professional.  The MPCA website includes a search tool for finding certified professionals in your area.  Search the Internet for "MPCA SSTS licensed business search."  The pros have steamers and high-pressure jetters for thawing pipes.

Other methods used to fix a freezing problem include adding heat tape and tank heaters.  Cameras can be sent down pipes to determine where freezing is occurring.  If the soil treatment system is full of ice, or there is evidence of leaking, skip trying to thaw the lines leading to the treatment area as it cannot accept liquid until the area thaws in spring.

If it’s not feasible to correct a problem, the only option is using the septic tank as a holding tank until the system thaws naturally.  Have a pumper empty the tank when it starts to fill up.  In this situation, reduce water use by limiting the number of toilet flushes, taking short showers, and using the dishwasher at full capacity.

There are some things you should NEVER do to try to fix a frozen system:
•DO NOT introduce antifreeze, salt or a septic system additive into the system.
•DO NOT pump sewage onto the ground surface.
•DO NOT start a fire over the system to attempt to thaw it out.
•DO NOT run water continually to try to thaw the system.  This can overload the system.

For information on keeping your system healthy all year, visit the University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program website.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

The police cannot function effectively without the assistance of responsible citizens. We need your help in reporting suspicious activity. Some people fail to call because they are not aware of what is considered suspicious. Others notice suspicious activity and assume someone else will call. Still, others fail to call because they feel it may not be important enough or they are bothering the police.

We encourage everyone to call police IMMEDIATELY if they feel a situation or a circumstance is suspicious. DO NOT think you are bothering the police; this is why we are here! DO NOT be embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. If police question someone who has legitimate reason to be where they are, they and the neighbors will be thankful that you are watching out for them and their property – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

IF IN DOUBT, CALL! It is better to err on the side of safety rather than regret having not called after an incident occurs.

The following is an example of incidents that should be reported to the police by dialing 911. This list is not intended to be complete. Use your judgment when calling the police.  Remember, if it seems suspicious, you should call.

ü    Person loitering in your neighborhood that you don’t recognize

ü    Persons loitering around cars, peering into them, or checking doors

ü    Alarms sounding or glass being broken

ü    Apparent “business transactions/drug deals” being conducted between people

ü    Someone going into a neighbor’s yard, looking into windows, checking doors of the house or garage

ü    Abandoned vehicle parked in your neighborhood

ü    Someone seen with a weapon

While some, if not all, of the above situations could have innocent explanations, the police would rather check beforehand on suspicious activity than be called to investigate a crime after it is committed.

Please remember, timely reporting is important. Dial 911 as soon as you witness suspicious activity!  Do not yell at or chase the suspect away.  Call 911, and give suspect and vehicle description to help the police respond appropriately or even catch a suspect.

Submitted by the St. Paul Police Crime Prevention unit.

December Health Tips from Anytime Fitness

Question: My 6-year old son wants to eat hot lunch every day because his friends do, but I know I could make him some healthier options here at home. Any advice?

Answer:  This is probably an issue that a lot of parents deal with. Sadly, the nutritional guidelines for public schools are terrible, which gives them a license to serve cheap, processed food. That being said, some schools make more of an effort in the area of nutrition than others. Therefore, it really depends on what your son has available to him at his school. Some schools actually offer salad bars and fresh fruit as staples, which is a good thing, but many don’t even go this far. My recommendation would be to pack him a cold lunch as the standard, but then look at the school lunch menu with him and pick out a few days that both of you approve of. This gives him a little control over his own food choices, but also lets you lay the ground rules for lunchtime eating. Ideally, the focus should be on healthful food options, and with careful planning, I think this can be accomplished with a combination of both cold and hot lunches.

Question: Is it wise to include supersets in my workouts and, if so, what are the advantages?

Answer: Supersets involve performing two exercises back to back with little or no rest in between. And if you’re looking to change up your workouts a bit, they’re definitely worth a try. There are numerous superset variations, but the most common types would be same muscle supersetting or antagonistic supersetting. As the name implies, same muscle supersetting incorporates two different exercises for the same muscle group. For example, one set of dumbbell chest presses could be followed by barbell incline press. Antagonistic supersetting involves opposing muscle groups, so you might combine biceps curls with triceps extensions, again with no rest in between sets. No matter what type of supersetting you engage in, there are three obvious advantages to utilizing this method of training. First of all, doing supersets saves time, which is clearly advantageous when people want to get in and get out. It also allows an individual to train at a higher intensity, which can produce better results in the long run. And lastly, because supersetting allows for increased workout intensity without using very heavy weights, the likelihood of injury decreases significantly. Give ‘em a try and see what you think!

Question: A couple of my friends have recently started juicing. What are your thoughts?

Answer: Juicers are quite popular these days, but here’s my take on the whole juicing phenomenon. Occasionally, I’ll meet people that just hate fruit and vegetables. They pretty much avoid them altogether. But interestingly, a few of these individuals have said that juicing seems to work for them. They don’t seem to have a problem drinking their fruits and veggies. If this is the case for you or someone you know, I say “go for it.” However, we need to remember that most juicers remove virtually all of the fiber as the fruits and vegetables are processed. If you add in the research that shows that fiber may provide much of the health benefits attributed to fruits and vegetables, we have a problem here. I would argue it’s much better to eat fruits and vegetables intact—the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Plus, most folks consume far too little fiber anyway, so juicing is just going to exacerbate this problem. Bottom line—save your money and stick with whole fruits and vegetables whenever possible.   

Submitted by David Tenner, the District 1 Anytime Fitness

Scam targeting elders...

We've had reports from local residents that an old scam is still in play. This phone scam targets elders, so if you or someone you know gets such a call, beware. Spread the word on this...

A caller responds to a "Hello" with "Hi Grandpa/Grandma, it's me." Without identifying themselves, they then try to figure out who they can impersonate and then launch into a story that they are stuck somewhere out of the city with friends and have been in an accident. They are trying to get people to wire them money to either "get back home" or "pay for doctor's bills" or something else.

Needless to say, you should just hang up. Do not ask, "Is this ____ (insert the name of a grandkid)?" If you don't recognize the voice, just hang up. If you or someone you know has had an experience with this, let us know. If you have caller id, check to see if a number comes up and report that to the police.

This is a similar scam to one in which folks may approach you in parking lots and say that their car has broken down on the freeway and need money for repairs, or they have just been robbed and need to get home or whatever. If you are approached in this way at a parking lot around here, walk away and report it to the store. Such solicitation is usually against the law.

Don't become a victim.

Shoveling and Accessibility

Keeping Sidewalks clear is always a concern, but here is a message from the City's Human Rights Department that we should all keep in mind...

With temperatures dropping and the snow starting to fall, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities would like to remind Saint Paul residents and businesses to keep sidewalks clear. Un-shoveled or poorly shoveled sidewalks and curb ramps make it dangerous and next to impossible for people with mobility and/or vision impairments to get around. 

Please make sure to fully shovel your sidewalk and curb ramps. There are resources available for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with shoveling. For assistance, seniors can call, 1-800-333-2433 (M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and people with disabilities are directed to call, 1-866-333-2466 (M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). Some resources may come with a cost associated.  Additional helpful information on snow emergencies and plowing at the Department of Public Works. 

St. Paul Parks Lottery begins Jan 3

City of Saint Paul residents and businesses can apply for park picnic permits beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. The Parks Permit Office will open at 6 a.m. with lottery numbers issued from 6 to 6:30 a.m. (Numbers cannot be transferred to other customers) and permits beginning to be issued at 6:31 a.m. Customers arriving after 6:30 a.m. will be issued permits on a first-come, first-served basis and will be issued permits after all the lottery customers have been served. Only one reservation may be made per day by an individual, group, or organization, and no phone reservations will be accepted until January 4.

Verification of a Saint Paul address will be required to obtain a lottery ticket and to make a reservation. Customers applying for a private event will be required to show a valid driver's license for proof of Saint Paul residency. For business reservations, documentation such as letterhead, stationery or business card must be provided prior to a lottery ticket being issued.

To be eligible for the permit lottery on Jan. 3, residents or businesses must arrive in person at the Park Permit Office, 1100 North Hamline Ave. On Jan. 4, permit applications will be accepted from residents and businesses of Saint Paul over the telephone, 651-632-5111 (TTY: 651-266-6378) with credit card payment only (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa). Park Permit Office hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Non-residents may apply for permits beginning Feb. 1, 2012.

For additional information visit www.stpaul.gov/parks

St. Paul Red and Blue Cares

On Saturday, November 19, there was a grand gathering at our local Target. The attendees were local families, firefighters, police officers, and volunteers. The occasion? A chance for local children to buy Thanksgiving dinner makings for their families in need. They were assisted by the firefighters and police officers in this first-of-its-kind event. Twenty local families were helped through generous donations by the Target Foundation and our local Target store.

The kids were also treated to lunch courtesy of Los Ocampo, Ho Ho Gourmet, Culvers, Little Oven, Dominos and KFC. Our local Target supplied drinks and the lovely cake. There were visits with mascots, mounted patrol, special police vehicles and at the local firestation.

Many thanks to the efforts of the planning committee, Saint Paul Police and Fire, Saint Paul Public Schools, the local restaurants, the volunteers and to Target.  (Photos courtesy of Senior Commander Joe Neuberger of the Eastern District SPPD!!)

Holiday Safety Tips

If you shop with credit cards, remember to only carry those cards you will be using. Report any missing cards right away (credit card companies don't hold you responsible for charges once you report the card stolen...), check your credit card statements for accuracy and keep a separate record of your cards and the numbers to call when they are lost or stolen.

If you carry cash to shop, only carry what you need, keep it in a safe place, and don't flash it around.

Store your gifts in the trunk before you leave the place you bought them. Don't get to your next location and then put things in the trunk. Use the store/mall lockers to store things if you don't carry them between shops at a single location. Immediately remove packages from your trunk when you return home - and don't store gifts in the garage (the garage lock is usually your weakest...).

Schedule deliveries when you will be home or have them delivered to a trusted, stay-at-home neighbor. If you live in a multi-unit building, bring deliveries for your neighbors into a secured area.

Keep your home lighted and don't leave gifts in plain sight.

Then, there have been an increase in thefts of electronic devices such as I-phones and Droids. When you are out in public, keep alert to your surroundings, don't be focused on these devices. Usually they are stolen in a "grab and run" type of action - so staying aware of your surroundings reduces your chances of being targeted. In the cities, these items have been stolen by single individuals who were hanging around in groups usually in the evening or at night, often near shopping areas or bus stops. Report these thefts immediately.

Most thefts are crimes of opportunity - don't give someone the opportunity to do you wrong...

Home Energy Improvement Loans Available

The City still has funds available to make energy efficient improvements to homes in our neighborhood.  The Saint Paul Energy Smart Homes program provides no-interest, deferred loans of up to $6,500 to Saint Paul homeowners to install insulation and/or a new furnace or boiler. This limited-time offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis to homeowners of all incomes.

Homeowners across the city have already taken advantage of this program and we want more people in our neighborhood to benefit as well. 

Questions can be directed to Kurt Schultz, 651.266.6590 or kurt.schultz@ci.stpaul.mn.us or the City's partner, LeAnne at Neighborhood Energy Connection - 651.221.4462 ext 132. 

Thanksgiving Meals at Fare for All

Many Twin Cities families will be faced with high food prices this holiday season. Instead of having to scale back on their Thanksgiving meal, anyone is welcome to purchase a $30 holiday pack through Fare For All Express.  Much like a traveling grocery store, Fare For All Express is a program that sells fresh produce and frozen meat for up to 40 percent less than grocery store prices.  
 

Throughout the month of November, $30 holiday packs will be available for sale at all Fare For All Express locations.  The package will contain a 10-12 pound turkey, pie, frozen vegetables, cranberries, bread, and other items to complete a holiday meal.  At almost half of a typical grocery store price, it is the perfect way to get a great Thanksgiving dinner for less.  There is no need to pre-order the package. 

In our area, the Fare for All Express site is at Hazel Park Church
1831 East Minnehaha Avenue, St Paul, MN-55119 Call 651.735.2555 for more info.

Burns Park Playground

After a recent inspection of the Burns Park Play Area, our Parks Operations staff have expressed concerns about the safety of the aging play equipment. Therefore, we will begin removing the playground components starting the week of 11/21.

 

We are currently working with the community in designing a new play area for Burns Park, with the construction planned for spring of 2012.

If you are interested in helping with planning the new playground, please contact the District 1 office at district1council@aol.com or Dave with the city Parks Planning Department at David.Ronzani@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Submitted by Saint Paul Parks.

Wed. Nov 9 1p Test

National Test of the Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday, November 9, at approximately 1 PM, FEMA, in coordination with the FCC, will conduct the country's first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test.  The test will last approximately 3 minutes across the country.  The purpose of the test is to assess the reliabiity and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public.  The national-level EAS is a public alert, warning system that enables the President to address the public during extreme emergencies.  During the test, all EAS participants, including broadcast radio and TV, cable and satellite TV, will participate in the transmission of a live audio message indicating this is a test.  

 

According to Comcast, "in some rare cases to fully restore programming, customers may need to power down the convertor to restore programming.  If the test lasts for more than five minutes, then customers should unplug the convertor box, wait thirty seconds and plug back in."

Submitted by the City of St. Paul

Leave your Leaves with Ramsey County

The Ramsey County Yard Waste sites are burgeoning with activity this time of year as residents drop-off leaves they’ve diligently raked from yards. Each year approximately 400,000 residents visit one of the County’s seven yard waste sites to drop off yard waste, or to pick up wood mulch, compost, or black dirt – all free of charge! About one third of those 400,000 visits occur in October and November during the peak of the “leaf season.” When residents manage their yard waste at a Ramsey County site or in a backyard compost bin, they save thousands of yards of landfill space and recycle valuable nutrients back into the soil by making compost. Furthermore, residents who visit the yard waste sites in the spring can pick up free compost (as available) which closes the recycling loop and provides their gardens and lawns with a valuable soil amendment.

Remember, it is ILLEGAL to rake your leaves into the street in St. Paul - doing so adds tons of phosphorus pollution to the river AND it costs taxpayers for increase costs of street sweeping... Our yard waste site is off Londin Lane near Highwood Hills Elementary School. There is a second yard waste site that accepts woody waste at Frank and Sims (off Earl Street just north of Phalen Blvd).

Submitted by Ramsey County

Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Station to Come to SunRay Library?

The City of Saint Paul is in the midst of a project to install public, electric vehicle charging stations around the city using Federal grant money.  More information about this work is available at www.stpaul.gov/evchargingstations. 

 

A couple of the stations will be solar powered.  Below is an image of the array planned for installation in the Como Pavilion parking lot to power two electric vehicle charging stations (they are visible as two posts under the array, but look like the second attached photo).   This is being funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

The State of Minnesota has a small amount of renewable energy fund money that it is looking to use to assist Mpls and St. Paul in doing a couple of more solar charging stations.  If funded, we'd like to do an installation at Sun Ray library.  The design of the solar array and stations would be similar to the Como installation, although there could be some design modifications to the cross bar, which in the Como case was designed to match detailing on the Como Pavilion. 

 

Based on solar access at the Sun Ray site and the availability of utility service, an array would be best installed next to the SW corner of the upper parking lot at Sun Ray, near the sidewalk that runs between the two parts of the parking lot.  The array would be tied into the charging stations and the utility grid, thereby providing solar energy to the grid when the stations are not in use, and providing grid power to the stations when the sun is not shining.  The two charging station parking spaces could be designated as "EV Only" parking, or as first-come-first serve for any car, unless reserved. (The charging stations can be reserved on-line ahead of visits, so that only the person with the reservation can access the plug during that time.)

 

We'd like to proceed with this grant opportunity as quickly as possible, and if funded, would welcome input from District 1 on design and use.  Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on this. You can contact Merritt.Clapp-Smith@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Submitted by St. Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development

Aerial Photo Flights

The MAC was just informed today that the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would conducting repetitive nighttime aircraft overflights beginning tonight and continuing for the next three weeks.  See email below.

 

The map project area includes all of Saint Paul.  The aircraft will departing and landing out of the Holman Field Airport.  There will be just one plane conducting the study each night.

 

The project must be conducted during low-air traffic demand periods, which is why it is necessary to operate during the nighttime hours (11 p.m. - 5 a.m.).

 

The pilot have been instructed to follow the agreed upon "Pilot Information & Noise Abatement Procedures".  See the attached brochure.  The plane will be using slow flight and low power settings to minimize the noise.  However, it is my understanding that there is no flexibility in the altitude.

 

If you get complaints about the noise, please call the MAC's hotline - 612.726.9411 or www.macnoise.com/complaint. 

 

If you have specific questions about the project, please contact Tim Loesch, DNR GIS Supervisor, at 651.259.5475.

Submitted by the Mayor's Office

More Clean Up Info

Attendance at our clean up increased by 25% over last year and by 60% over two years ago. Total tonnage collected increased by 10%, but there was an increase in what went to the landfill and a decrease by 1% of what was diverted to reuse and recycling outlets. So the upshot is that only 48% of what was brought in was prevented from being trashed.


The mattresses and carpeting that were recycled this year amounted to 3% of the total collected.


We had an increase in the amount of lawnmowers and small motors that were recycled. And we also had a large number of fluorescent bulbs that got recycled.


As I mentioned before, we met our maximum of 40 seniors who were served by our pick up crew, and, unfortunately, had to turn away others who would have like to participate.


Thanks to everyone who volunteered, brought things in, and supports us with this important D1 event!

November Fitness Tips

Question: I’m not a particularly great cook, and I seem to eat a lot of boxed foods. Is this a problem if health is one of my primary goals?

Answer: It really depends on the specific foods you’re eating, but it’s definitely advantageous to eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables and all-natural whole grains as possible, not to mention fresh meats and seafood. That said, convenience, price, and several other factors most likely play into your food choices as well, so choosing the best foods 100% of the time may not be all that practical. My advice to you would be to move in the direction of fresh foods as much as you can, given your particular lifestyle. And remember, you don’t have to be a great cook to reap the health benefits of nutrient-dense foods. They may taste better if you know how to properly prepare them, but it’s pretty easy to throw together some chicken or fish with a cooked whole grain and some veggies for a quick and easy (and healthy) dinner. I would also recommend taking a basic cooking class so you can learn a new skill—one that will continue to pay health dividends moving forward.

Question: I hate getting sick. Can you provide some tips and hints to keep me healthy throughout the winter months?

Answer: I’m with you—being sick sucks! Luckily, there are a couple tried and true habits that will help you avoid the latest bug. First of all, wash your hands frequently, and by all means, avoid touching your face (especially your eyes, nose, and mouth). Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of sleep (people forget how important this is to a healthy immune system), and get a flu shot as well. It goes without saying that a healthful diet is ideal, but I would also recommend a good quality multivitamin/ mineral supplement too, since most people struggle to eat a balanced and varied diet on a daily basis. But to me, the most effective way to avoid illness is to stay away from people that are already sick. This can certainly be a challenge, especially if you have kids, but do your best. Put these tips to good use, and you should be able to skirt through the winter with nothing more than the occasional head cold, if that!

Question: I’m big into weightlifting, but I’m not a huge fan of cardio. Is there a way for me to enhance heart health without hopping on one of the traditional pieces of cardio equipment for 45 minutes at the gym?

Answer: Yes—absolutely! Cardio doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get on the bike, treadmill, or elliptical. You simply need to get your heart rate up and that can be accomplished during your weight training sessions. Doing compound sets or supersets, or intense circuits with very little rest, will definitely get your heart rate kicking, and these provide the fitness and health benefits you’re looking for. You can get active in plenty of other ways too, without feeling like a hamster on a wheel. Try playing one of your favorite sports or go hiking in a nearby park. Even tubing or sledding in the wintertime can provide a good cardiovascular workout. Just think outside the box a little and keep the focus on fun!

Submitted by David Tenner, club manager at Anytime Fitness

Free Eastside Thanksgiving Meal

You are invited to join your fellow East Siders for the fifth annual, free, East Side Thanksgiving Day Meal on Thursday, November 24.  The meal is hosted by Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, located at 674 Johnson Parkway.  The meal begins at noon and will be served until 1:15pm.  Reserve your place at the table by calling the church office at 774-2396.

Submitted by Pastor Brian Scoles

Rail Noise and Senator Franken

District 1 staff and residents met with Senator Al Franken's staff this week to discuss the on-going problem neighbors have with CPRail noise - in particular, the squealing of the braking system that is used as railcars are shifted from one engine to another.

For several years we have been trying to work with the railroad to address this very particular problem - one that they were willing to help with in the 1990s, but which has returned with a vengeance. Despite the railroad's promise that they would arrange a site visit so that a few of us could view operations and try to figure out what has changed in the past 4-5 years, nothing has been happening and the noise is still there.

Franken's staff has committed to researching the regulations that govern the noise levels at the railroad. We feel that they are outdated and cannot address the kind of high-pitched, intermittent, short duration bursts of sound. And the staff will look into this...

We will keep you updated as we hear what the Senator's staff finds out...

Build Community and Get Ready for WINTER!

I know for some it is hard to think that soon there will be snow falling but here’s an idea to help make worthwhile use of the winter months!

Are you a resident who would like to help form a community group to volunteer to shovel sidewalks at vacant homes in your neighborhood?  Not only would this help to build a strong neighborhood by getting to know your neighbors, it would also help to prevent potential crimes in the neighborhood by making it appear as if the vacant properties are not sitting empty waiting to be vandalized. Also, a well kept property may just attract new neighbors to fill those vacant properties. Remember, being a good neighbor helps everyone and promotes, GOOD NEIGHBORS!

This is just a picture to remind you of what is coming...

Submitted by Pam McCreary, Crime Prevention Organizer

Building Good Neighborhoods

As we are heading into the holiday seasons I would like to suggest a possible neighborhood project.  This is not just for the blocks who have organized block clubs but for everyone! 

Just as the blog entry submitted by Store to Door would help home bound people; I would like to see neighbors also start on their own block or area.  Do you know of someone who could use a little help? Maybe they are having a hard time making ends meet financially, recovering from an illness, or not able to leave their home for other reasons.  Consider joining together to help these neighbors out.  It could be by providing a bag of groceries or holiday meal, helping to rake and collect leaves before the snow falls, or offering to keep their sidewalks free of snow and ice. 

Being a good neighbor helps everyone and promotes, GOOD NEIGHBORHOODS!

Submitted by Pam McCreary, D1 Crime Prevention Organizer

Citizen Police Academy

The Saint Paul Police Department is working to demystify the intense work that goes into successful investigations and solving crimes by throwing open its doors to the 2011 winter class of the department's Citizen Police Academy.

Seats are still open for this behind-the-scenes peek into the world of law enforcement. Beginning Dec. 28, 2011, up to 25 community members will gain first-hand experience on topics that include:

Police use of defensive tactics and firearm issues.

Patrol procedures.

Work with the department's canine unit and mounted patrol.

Forensic investigating.

Information about the evolution and history of the Saint Paul Police Department.

 The Citizen Police Academy gives residents and community members a better understanding of the array of situations in which officers can find themselves on any given day. Participants must commit one night each week for 11 weeks, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Participants will also have opportunities to discuss issues important to our community with SPPD representatives.

There is no cost to participants. The expectation is that they will take what they learn and help other community members understand the work of SPPD officers. Upon completion of the academy, participants are also eligible to serve on the Saint Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission. To be considered for the academy, applicants must meet the following requirements or be designated by SPPD Chief Tom Smith:

Must be a resident of Saint Paul or be a business or property owner within the city limits.

Must be 21 year of age or older.

Must not have a criminal history.

For more information about the Citizens Academy or to apply, please contact CPA Coordinator Don Luna at 651-266-5583.

Submitted by St. Paul Police

Safety Advisory: Theft of Jewelry from Children

Saint Paul Police are investigating several theft reports where a woman took gold necklaces from children after the woman appeared to have befriended them and their parents. The incidents occurred at two area markets: Hmong Village, 1001 Johnson Parkway, and Hmong Market, 217 Como Avenue.

In several incidents the woman approached families with children and began a friendly conversation before offering to introduce the children to her own. Parents believed this offer to be true and allowed their children to walk away with the woman. She used that opportunity to take the children’s gold necklaces, and then left the area. There have been no reports that any children have been harmed.

Witnesses described the suspect as an Asian woman in her twenties who appears to be pregnant. She was seen driving a Toyota minivan with Wisconsin license plates. Anyone who has information about this case or similar incidents is asked to call 651-291-1111.

Submitted by SPPD

Store-to-Door Volunteer Opportunities

Store-to-Door is a nonprofit organization that provides grocery and prescription delivery services to the Twin Cities Metro area. Winter is their busiest season, increasing their client base by over 200 last year. They serve on average 1,300 clients per year, with their average client being a female aged 84 years.

Do you enjoy shopping? Walk with purpose, gain friends and help people stay independent. Please consider grocery shopping for the homebound elderly for 2-4 hours twice per month or on a weekly basis. Volunteer Shoppers work in partnership with five metro area Cub Food Stores to shop for clients' orders and prepare them for delivery. Store-to-Door paid staff deliver groceries directly to clients' homes. Volunteer Shoppers are needed at the St. Paul Midway Cub (T, W, Th, F), the Maplewood Cub Store (Th, F) and the Bloomington Cub Store (T, Th), with a minimum 3 month commitment.

Enjoy the telephone? Are you comfortable with computer on-line work? Please consider being a Volunteer Order Taker. Volunteers call two clients each week entering their order online into the S-t-D order database. Please consider this a one year commitment. This commitment helps you to know the client's grocery interests and provides stability. Each volunteer helps S-t_D serve an additional 4 clients (2 every other week). Online training module is available.

For more info contact Kristen Hoplin at 651.642.1892 or visit their website at www.storetodoor.org.

Submitted by Store to Door

Reporting Suspicious Activity

The police cannot function effectively without the assistance of responsible citizens. We need your help in reporting suspicious activity. Some people fail to call because they are not aware of what is considered suspicious. Others notice suspicious activity and assume someone else will call. Still, others fail to call because they feel it may not be important enough or they are bothering the police.

We encourage everyone to call police IMMEDIATELY if they feel a situation or a circumstance is suspicious. DO NOT think you are bothering the police; this is why we are here! DO NOT be embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. If police question someone who has legitimate reason to be where they are, they and the neighbors will be thankful that you are watching out for them and their property – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

IF IN DOUBT, CALL! It is better to err on the side of safety rather than regret having not called after an incident occurs.

The following is an example of incidents that should be reported to the police by dialing 911. This list is not intended to be complete. Use your judgment when calling the police.  Remember, if it seems suspicious, you should call.

ü    Person loitering in your neighborhood that you don’t recognize

ü    Persons loitering around cars, peering into them, or checking doors

ü    Alarms sounding or glass being broken

ü    Apparent “business transactions/drug deals” being conducted between people

ü    Someone going into a neighbor’s yard, looking into windows, checking doors of the house or garage

ü    Abandoned vehicle parked in your neighborhood

ü    Someone seen with a weapon

While some, if not all, of the above situations could have innocent explanations, the police would rather check beforehand on suspicious activity than be called to investigate a crime after it is committed.

Please remember, timely reporting is important. Dial 911 as soon as you witness suspicious activity!  Do not yell at or chase the suspect away.  Call 911, and give suspect and vehicle description to help the police respond appropriately or even catch a suspect.

Submitted by the St. Paul Police

Preliminary Results of our Clean Up

cars lined up to unload

Maybe it was the lowered cost for dropping off electronics, or maybe it was a collective need to unload our lives, but our attendance this year at the Community Clean Up was significantly higher than in years past. We maintained our maximum of 40 seniors who we were able to assist in getting their stuff to the Slumberland parking lot - and we are sorry that we had to turn away some seniors requesting help - but the other people coming into the site totaled 230, almost 100 more than our historical average, and about 50 more than last year.

We had a very large crew of volunteers this year - 5 crews helping seniors, and 14 youth from Boys Totem Town, in addition to about 25-30 other volunteers. This number of helpers, and a redesigned layout at the site, seemed to have things running much more smoothly than in the past. And it also helps having volunteers return year after year who know the routine.

our reuse section with free stuff

We had less in the reuse area this year, but we are still waiting for final weights on the total amount reused, recycled and sent to the dump.

Many thanks to Slumberland, Brueggers, Little Oven, Boys Totem Town, and all the D1 volunteers for their help making this another successful event.

Metro Transit Open House at Metro State 10/11

Metro Transit will be having several open houses next week to gather public input on a study they are conducting to improve transit service on some of the most heavily used bus routes. They are studying eleven corridors in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs that combined carry about half of the local daily bus ridership.  The focus of this study is on improving existing bus routes, not planned or under construction Light Rail lines.  These open houses will be informal and participants are welcome to come and go as they please. There will be three meetings; two in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul. Meeting times, locations and directions are listed below. If you would like more information and a map of corridors in this study please visit: http://metrotransit.org/arterial-study.aspx

- Tuesday, Oct. 11 - 6 to 8 p.m., Metro State University, Founders Hall, 700 E. 7th St., St. Paul

Nearby bus routes: 61, 63 and 74, Parking ($2.50) is available on Maria St. between E. 6th and 7th streets, across from Founders Hall.

Submitted my Metro Transit

October is Crime Prevention Month!

What you can do to help protect yourself and your property;

- Keep your doors to your home and garage locked at all times

- Get to know your neighbors – organize a Neighborhood Crime Watch / Block Club by contacting Pam at the District 1 Community Council 651-578-7400

- Don’t let people you don’t know into your home such as solicitors or repair people unless you initiated the visit

- Never leave windows open when you are not at home or overnight unless you have them secured to only open 6” or less

- Do not leave valuables near an open window – criminals have been known to cut a screen, reach in, and take what is within reach!

- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle at any time.  Always take them into your home and if you must leave them in the vehicle, put them in the trunk before you reach your destination

- Always call police at 911 or the non-emergency number 651-291-1111 if you see suspicious or unusual behavior.  No call is too insignificant to call police!

It is always a good time to practice safety and crime prevention techniques.

Always be ready to be safe!

“TO DO" List: During your fall frenzy to complete projects around the house during this week's warm weather, add security to the top of the list!

Think of all your outside entry doors, including the garage and service

doors, as a 'system' and make sure deadbolts are installed, glass is

reinforced, framing is strong and solid, use high security strike plates

with three inch screws and adequate depth for the deadbolt throw to

reach inside the framework. Then - LOCK IT!   

Submitted by Pam McCreary, Crime Prevention organizer, D1