How Much Is It Costing to Use My Credit Card?

The Federal Reserve has created an online calculator to help consumers "identify the true cost of credit cards." This service helps us understand how much it costs in interest and principal to carry a balance on our credit cards.

You enter your credit card balance and the interest rate on your cards, and the calculator determines the total amount of interest you pay and how long it takes to pay off IF YOU ONLY PAY THE MINIMUM the credit card company requires.

The calculator is available by following this link. The same service is available in English and Spanish via touchtone telephone (toll-free) at 888.445.4801.

from the Community Affairs Dept. of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota

Good Neighbors - Pete and Jay

Pete Emeott (right) and Jay Sliwinski (left) have received this year's "Good Neighbor Award" from the District 1 Community Council. These fabulous volunteers have been running our pick-up service for seniors at our fall Community Clean-Up for years. They have assisted hundreds of seniors with clearing out unwanted stuff, and have made sure that the seniors are happy, feel connected to the neighborhood, and that the materials are recycled. It is a win-win-win situation! I can't tell you how many people have commented on the relief they feel at getting the clutter out of their homes, for a reasonable price, and with the help of such friendly folks.

Pete and Jay, the seniors thank you, the neighborhood thanks you, and the District Council thanks you for your great work and dedication.

And while I'm at it, let me remind everyone that the Clean-Up will be Saturday, October 10 this year, at Harding High School. We could use another couple of crews to help seniors this year, so if you have a truck or just want to help out, give the office a call at 651.501.6345.

School Supplies Donation Site

In collaboration with District 2 Community Council, District 1 Community Council is acting as a drop-off site for donations of school supplies for eastside school children. You can bring donations of notebooks, pencils, crayons, rulers, backpacks - you know, the usual stuff kids need for school - to our office and we will get the stuff to those doing the distribution. BUT CALL FIRST to make sure we will be around when you drop off things! We have limited hours, so I don't want people to make an unnecessary trip. If our office hours don't work for you, leave your contact information and we will figure out a way to pick up the donation.

Let's make sure every eastside child has the supplies he or she needs to be successful in school!

Thanks in advance for your donations. Our office is at the Conway Rec Center, 2090 Conway St. and our phone number is 651.501.6345

Community Meeting on Highwood Variance Requests

Please join members of the District 1 Community Council Land Use Committee on Wednesday August 5 at 6p at the Conway Rec Center (2090 Conway St.) to discuss two variance requests affecting properties at 2200 Hadley and 812 S. Winthrop. The first of these properties is requesting a variance for relocating a driveway to a newly built house (slopes involved...). The second is requesting a variance for property in the River Corridor, putting in a retaining wall in a steep slope.

Upcoming Hearings on Highwood Properties

There are two properties in Highwood asking for variances. One is asking for a variance for construction into a steep slope that is already underway and is in the River Corridor. The other is for extension of a driveway up a slope to a new construction on the former home site to make the new home more accessible.

We need to hear from neighbors about these proposals. There is a short timeline. The hearings are August 10 at 3p in the City Council Chambers, third floor of City Hall.

Contact Betsy for more information (district1council@aol.com or 651.501.6345). And if you want early notification of such zoning requests, follow this link to get signed up. Our district is DISTRICT 1 - signing up will keep you informed.

National Night Out is Just Around the Corner!

Remember August 4!! That's National Night Out this year and we are encouraging every neighborhood to celebrate. Every household should turn on its porch light for the night (not a bad idea for EVERY night!), and see if your neighbors want to get together for a potluck, a dessert and maybe games or a discussion. Contact Pam McCreary at 651.702.6770 and let her know what you're planning.

And there will be a community gathering at Faith Alliance Church, 520 N. Howard again this year. Announcement will be coming in the District 1 News - due at your doorstep next week (July 27 or so...).

The most effective way to keep our neighborhoods safe is to know your neighbors and spend time outside, watching the traffic, walking the block, playing in the front yard. AND its healthy for you, too!!

Public School Superintendent Search

The St. Paul Board of education is using consultants to guide their search for a new permanent superintendent. There will be an opportunity for community engagement in this search by 

1. providing input for the candidate profile (what would we be looking for?)
2. giving impressions of the finalists when they have been picked.

The Board is hoping to hire someone before the end of 2009, but at least by then. There is more information and updates about the search at the School Board's website.

Keep in mind that, although Sheridan School remains open for the 2009-2010 school year, the School Board will still need to close a school in the following year. If you have concerns, you better be ready with input!!