Check out this resource!!

Here is an interesting link to an organization that converts vacant lots into garden plots... Also includes a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) opportunity... and District 1 folks have GOT to love the name!!


Pigs Eye Organics

New Board Members Needed!!

The District 1 Community Council is looking for people to run for our board of directors at our March 28 Annual Meeting. We strive to have our Board be as representative of our neighborhood as possible. Although we encourage any interested person to apply, we are especially interested in having more representation from the neighborhood north of I-94 and west of White Bear Avenue and from people living in apartments or other rental property. We are also interested in including someone from the local business community.

A "job description" for board members can be viewed on our website at this location. Two year terms, but two one-year positions are also available.

Call Betsy with questions (651.578.7600) or email (district1council@aol.com)

St. Paul Almanac - Writing wanted...

The Saint Paul Almanac is looking for people to write or submit 600 word or less pieces about Saint Paul. The submitted work can be a recipe, a poem, a part of a play, or anything else a person from our area is interested in saying about the city.

Here is the link that will take you through the submission process - Saint Paul Almanac

Let everyone you know that this opportunity is available to highlight life or history in Saint Paul.

Submitted by Jennifer Syverson (she asks that you mention her name if you submit something)

Honor Roll A Big Success!

D1 honorees Carol Lewis (and grandson), Jay Sliwinski (and son), and Laura Heiman, along with Kathy Lantry.

On Friday, January 21, residents from all over the city of Saint Paul met at St. Thomas University to celebrate the work of volunteers in our neighborhoods. For a cold, snowy and windy night, it was a great chance for heart-warming acknowledgement of what makes our city so great!!

Deputy Mayor, Paul Williams, read a proclamation from the Mayor, declaring the day Neighborhood Honor Roll Day. Kathy Lantry also read a proclamation from the City Council and then she awarded the certificates of appreciation to the honorees. Santa was the emcee!!

In addition to this lovely reception, the names of all the honorees are engraved on plaques outside City Council Chambers - these are a history of who has been working hard to build up our community.

Kathy Lantry and Santa at the reception!

So, if you know someone who should be honored next year, pass on their name. We also have a nomination form on our website under the Get Involved drop-down, Neighborhood Awards...

Girl Scout Cookies - a New Business Model

February 5 marks the start of Cookie Go Day, the Girl Scouts new business model for selling their distinct variety of cookies. No more order and delivery - Cookies NOW! This means that Girl Scouts will have inventory in-hand as they sell cookies door-to-door starting on February 5, ending March 20.

the door-to-door sales

a cookie booth

There will also be Cookie Booths open across the River Valleys area - which is our area. There is an online Cookie Booth Locator at the Girl Scouts website that will be active on February 5, too. You can also download a Cookie Locator App for Android, iPhones and the Blackberry at **GSCOOKIES - call with your mobile device for the instant download.

The money the girls raise stays right here in the community and helps both the girls and the community. Girls learn business skills as they sell the cookies, and they are given opportunities for new learning and to put into community service projects with the proceeds.

A tasty way to donate to a good cause!


Content submitted by River Valley Girl Scouts

Fitness Package Available at Conway Rec (and Battle Creek...)

There will be an Open House of the Conway Rec Fitness Room on Thursday, January 27 from 6 -7:30p. You can sign up for a membership at the Fitness Room for $30/year if you are a Saint Paul resident, but there is $5 off if you sign up before February 10. If you work in Saint Paul and want to join, the fee is $60/year. Users of the Fitness Room can also pay a daily free of $3.

On site showers are available for members, too.

Come to the Open House and check it out. Contact the Rec Center at 651.501.6343 for more info.

Sent by Conway Rec Staff

PS - Battle Creek Rec has the same facilities - Fitness Room and showers.

County Committees Need Volunteers

Folks, there are opportunities available for people in our area to sit on some very important committees and commissions for Ramsey County.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE - this committee advises both the city and county on health issues, and they are looking for someone who works in a health or health-related field.

COUNTY/CITY HOMELESS ADVISORY BOARD - this board advises both the city and county on issues affecting people who are experiencing homelessness and it recommends policy changes to reduce and eventually eliminate homelessness in our community. Of interest are people knowledgeable in Metro-wide Engagement on Shelter/Housing.

RAMSEY-WASHINGTON METRO WATERSHED DISTRICT - members must be voters in our area of Saint Paul (and the other covered areas outside the City) and may not be a public officer in any level of government. Members help manage water and related resources of the watershed. Individuals are sought for 2 three-year terms.

FOOD AND NUTRITION COMMISSION - this joint city/county commission exists to suggest policies, share information, and plan for increased access to safe, affordable and nutritious foods. People from minority populations, farmers, workers at food shelves, grocers, health officials and others are sought to fill ONE VACANCY.

Let me put in a big plug for the FOOD AND NUTRITION COMMISSION... this group has the potential to affect the long-term well-being over everyone in the city and county. They also need people to serve on subcommittees they are forming that deal with access, distribution and other topics. With the changes to our parks system, we have a chance to open up space at our parks to those who want to grow their own food... Now is the time to work on this.

To apply, call 651.266.8001 or go to the county website. All applications for these positions are due by February 18, 2011.

Submitted by Ramsey County and added to by District 1

Neighborhood Litter Campaign

To address the ongoing problem of trash and litter in our community, the City of Saint Paul Public Works Department will engage community volunteers to clean up, beautify and improve their neighborhoods. This clean up campaign is working to create safer and more livable community environments throughout the city.

Litter. Trash. Garbage. Waste. No matter what you call it, it is bad for the city for many reasons:

• it poses health risks;
• it harms water quality and wildlife habitat;
• it can be associated with increased crime;
• it creates an ugly and disheartening environment;
• it costs a lot of money and time to clean up.

The COME CLEAN program offers multiple ways to participate. You can work in your own neighborhood or ask the City to find another area that needs some attention. You supply the time, energy and enthusiasm and the City will supply the trash bags, gloves (when available), and many, many thanks.

Program Opportunities

• Clean up events
• In coordination with Spring Park Clean ups (in April)
• Invest Saint Paul area events
• As requested - Pick up an area/street
• one time event
• Ongoing commitments
• Adopt-a-Container
• Adopt-a-Block
• Designated area

For more details about the COME CLEAN program, visit the City of Saint Paul website or contact the COME CLEAN coordinator, Kris Hageman at 651.266.8866 or kris.hageman@ci.stpaul.mn.us

District 1 Note: We were the start up site for this program with the assistance of neighbor, Sue Moyer. So far, Byerly's, Taco Bell, Creek Point Apartments, and Boys Totem Town have made ongoing commitments to the program. If you are already picking up litter somewhere, join in! And talk to local businesses about sponsoring a container on the street!

Free Exterior House Painting for Seniors in Need

Allowing seniors to remain living independently in their own homes, with dignity and pride, is an on-going outcome of the Paint-A-Thon program. Each August, thousands of volunteers scrape, prime and paint the homes of low-income seniors and people with disabilities - at no cost to the homeowner.

The effort brings stability and beauty to neighborhoods in more than 45 cities throughout the 7 county metro area. This year, volunteers from corporations, congregations, civic groups, and schools will paint more than 100 homes the weekend of August 6-7.

To qualify for Paint-A-Thon, homeowners must:

• own and occupy a single-family home, in need of pain, but not in need of major repairs,
• live in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington County,
• be 60 years of age or older, or have a permanent physical disability (if under 60),
• meet monthly income guidelines.

If you have a neighbor, friend, or family member who could benefit from the program, or if you are an eligible homeowner, call the Paint-A-Thon office at 612.276.1579 for further information or to request an application. You can also visit us at paintathon.gmcc.org to download an application.

The deadline to apply is May 6, 2011.

Submitted by Paint-A-Thon organization.

Our New State Senator

You know that Mee Moua resigned last year as the state senator from our area and that former Saint Paul Police Chief, John Harrington, was elected in November... well, if you were wondering what committees Senator Harrington is on, these are the ones:

• Judiciary and Public Safety
• Education
• Environment and Natural Resources
• Local Government and Elections

So if you have questions, comments or suggestions for the senator on anything, but especially about issues in these areas, here's how to get in touch with him...   

address - 17 State Office Bldg, 100 Rev. Dr. MLK Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155-1206

phone - 651.296.5285

email - sen.john.harrington@senate.mn

We have updated our website with this info, too.

St. Paul wins National Night Out Award - AGAIN!

Congratulations to everyone who participated in National Night Our 2010!

The National Association of Town Watch (NATE) has awarded Saint Paul, MN the top ranking for participation and success in the #2 category. This includes cities with a population of 100,000 - 299,000. There were 145 cities nationwide that submitted entries in category #2.

Again, congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated and helped to show what a great city Saint Paul is to live, work and play in.

For information on how to get your neighborhood organized for National Night Out 2011 (Tuesday Augut 2nd) call Pam at the Police Storefront, 651.578.7400 or email at district1cpc@aol.com.

Submitted by Pam McCreary, D1 Crime Prevention Specialist

Burglaries in D1 - Solved?

It may be true that you can't prevent burglaries 100% of the time, but keeping your doors and windows locked 100% of the time will certainly lower your risks of becoming a victim!

In the past 6 weeks, 15 homes in District 1 have been burglarized. This is a staggering number for our district. A few things you can do to lessen your chances of being a victim are:

• always lock your doors and secure your windows
• if you have a deadbolt (and you should...) in addition to a handle lock, use it!
• lock your storm door - it is one more hurdle thieves have to break and may discourage them
• if you have a security alarm ALWAYS set it
• report any suspicious activity to police by calling 911
• start a neighborhood watch group - call Pam at 651.578-7400 for help with this.

And just so you know, the police have apprehended several suspects who may be responsible for these crimes and many more. It makes a difference to take these steps.

Submitted by Pam McCreary, D1 Crime Prevention Specialist

Changing Lives on the Eastside

When Linda leaves her office, she knows that being a volunteer tutor during her lunch hour once a week is an hour well spent. She works with James, just one of over 8,000 students in Saint Paul Public Schools who can benefit from tutoring in reading or math. He knows, as do his teachers and parents, that tutoring can help. What's more, becoming proficient in reading and math will ensure that James is prepared for a successful life beyond high school.

We know that tutoring works. After one year of tutoring through the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation's Tutoring Partnership for Academic Excellence, 74% of students made growth in reading scores, and 72% in math. These results reflect the positive impact of a community's commitment to tutoring.

St. Paul citizens understand the increasing importance of education as a bridge to future success. Community members all over Saint Paul are joining together, giving one hour a week, to make a difference in our schools as tutors. Please join with Linda and become one of the members of your community making a difference in the life of a child, one hour at a time.

Tutoring programs at Eastern Heights Elementary and Battle Creek Middle School have an immediate need for people willing to give their time once a week. Initial training in reading or math is provided -- for free. In addition, school coordinators and teachers provide ongoing support.

Battle Creek Middle School

Eastern Heights Elementary School

You can help -- one hour a week as a tutor serving a student at Eastern Heights Elementary, Battle Creek Middle School, or another Saint Paul school. Please contact tutoring coordinators Maren Nelson (651.293.8870, maren.nelson@spps.org) or Kristina Mandell (651.744.2073, kristina.mandell@spps.org) for more information. For more information about the SPPS Foundation and the Tutoring Partnership, visit SPPS Foundation.

Submitted by Kristina Mandell, tutoring coordinator, Battle Creek Middle School

Nutritional Advice from Fitness Experts

Q: I've become much more aware of my carbohydrate intake, specifically focusing on sugars. I watch sweets and limit refined grains, but what about fruit? It obviously has a lot of sugar, so should I limit that too?

A: Fruit is essentially all sugar, but it also has lots of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Because of tis, there is no reason to limit or avoid fruit. In fact, most people could probably use an extra serving or two each day. The only individuals that may need to moderate their intake a bit are those dealing with diabetes, but even they can still have a few servings daily, as long as they're spaced well throughout the day. Generally, when we talk about limiting sugar, we're focusing on the added sugars that seem to appear in so many foods. Added sugars contribute significantly to overall carbohydrate and calorie intake, and are one of the many reasons for the nation's expanding waistline. Unfortunately, it's very easy for an avoidance of sugars to become an avoidance of all sugars, and even carbohydrates in general. Let's not forget - carbohydrates are an important energy source for the brain, the red blood cells, and our muscles. And carbohydrate-heavy foods are not just empty calories; they contain a variety of other healthful nutrients as well. It is important to find a happy balance for that works for you.

Submitted by David Tenner of AnyTime Fitness on Suburban Ave.

Mounds Theatre has Dinner Theater Programming + Youth Theater School

The Mounds Theatre, 200 Earl St., has been a landmark on the eastside since 1922. It closed its doors in 1967 but came back with a focus on youth in 2001. In 2011, in addition to establishing the Mounds Youth Theatre School (MYTHS), it will be host to a series of dinner theater productions. These productions build on last year's successful musical theater events with a series called "The Bait Shop Trilogy" that will include musicals based on season openers throughout the year. Check out The Mounds Theatre for ticket availability.

MYTHS will include three 10-week sessions focusing on helping students develop in the areas of acting, dancing, and singing, and will be conducted during the school year. Multi-week intensive workshops will be conducted in the summer, culminating in a performance of a production where the students are involved in every aspect of the show.

As Mounds Theatre enters its next phase in its history, it is energized to continue in its mission to "create opportunities for youth, adults, and professionals to actively participate in drama, music, dance, cinema, multimedia, and other arts and cultural activities." It continues this mission by maintaining existing programs and moving into new forms of quality youth programming and new expressions of uplifting entertainment for its audiences.

Check them out!!

Submitted by Mounds Theatre Staff

Fitness Class at BC Middle School Needs Participants

There is a Cardio Resistance Combo class being offered at Battle Creek Middle School in two 6 week sessions. The first session starts January 26 and the second begins April 6. The class runs from 5:45 to 6:45 and costs only $48 a session. This class uses steps, flex bands, free weights and other means as resistance. You need to supply your own resistance band and a pair of free weights (between 2 and 5 pounds).

This class ran last fall and got rave reviews from local residents. Here is a chance to help you out with your New Year's Resolution to get into shape.

Call Harding area Community Ed to register at 651.293-8733

Fitness in the New Year - FAQ of the month...

Q: Several people use websites to help them track their nutrition and fitness. Are these health and wellness websites worth the time, money and effort?

A: Ultimately, it depends on the individual. However, research has proven that consistent monitoring and added accountability can pay off in the long run when you're looking to make lifestyle changes. This can come in many forms, but one of the most popular these days is certainly through the use of websites. They can be a great tool as you try to change your behaviors, and may be just what you need to maintain your motivation. There are a number of options out there, from basic nutrition and fitness tracking sites to others that offer a wide variety of capabilities in all areas of health and wellness. I have to admit that I'm biased when it comes to this discussion. Anytime Fitness has created on of the most progressive, comprehensive and fun websites to use if you're looking to facilitate you own health and wellness. It's called Anytime Health (anytimehealth.com)! The site has a diet tracker, an activity tracker, a workout planner that uses over 300 high-definition videos, as well as having a robust community with a Q&A section, support groups, a contest page, and a site blog. And these features are just the tip of the iceberg. If you get a chance, check it out. You can sign up for a free account that gives you somewhat limited access, and if you like what you see, you can join for a nominal yearly fee.

Submitted by David Tenner, club manager at the Suburban Anytime Fitness. He can be contacted at david@anytimestpaul.com

Editor's note: we will be having these regular fitness updates here in an effort to support the well-being of our community members...