In Our Community February 2020

Couples drum jam

Announcing a Valentines Day Couples Drum Jam at the Women’s Drum Center, 2242 University Ave.W. in St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 14, 6- 8 p.m. Couples come in all shapes and sizes! Valentine’s day is a day to celebrate the loving relationships in our lives, so come and join us in some lovely rhythms using the large variety of drums we have available at the Women’s Drum Center. “Special games and rhythm explorations will be part of the fun and of course, there will be chocolate!“ say planners. Register by email to reserve your place with your name and phone/cell number (in case of event changes): info@womensdrumcenter.net. Pay by cash or check at the event. $20 per person, or $30 per pair/couple. Facilitator: Jo Klein.

Learn about elections and security Feb. 18

“What Do YOU Know About Elections and Cyber Security?” will be presented on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30- 8 p.m. in the Ratskeller taproom at Summit Brewing (910 Montreal Circle) by the League of Minnesota Women Voters. The event is free and open to the public, with opportunities to purchase beverages onsite. Interested participants can register on the LWVSP website, (www.lwvsp.org).The program will delve into election cybersecurity from both a local and state perspective, with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon leading the discussion on the state level and Ramsey County Elections Manager Dave Triplett, providing insight at the local level.

Chamber Legislative Panel Feb. 19

Back by popular demand, hear from Hamline University professor of political science, David Schultz on his thoughts regarding the 2020 election on Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Delta Hotels by Marriott (1330 Industrial Blvd. N.E.). Prior to the Midway Chamber of Commerce luncheon, join Senator John Hoffman and additional elected officials as we discuss current issues facing local and state government. Leadership Awards finalists will be honored in the lead up to the Annual Celebration & Leadership Awards that will be held Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Intercontinental Hotel- Riverfront.

Annual gala celebrates 101 years

The Midway Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 101 years during its annual gala on Leap Day, Saturday, Feb. 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel Riverfront (11 E. Kellogg Ave.). Enjoy fellowship, food, and the annual Leadership Awards. Last year over 340 guests attended the Centennial Celebration making it the Chamber’s biggest Gala ever! More at http://www.midwaychamber.com/pages/Gala.

Community yoga set

The Como Community Council is expanding its Community Yoga sessions in 2020. Spring sessions take place on Sundays March 8, April 5, and May 3 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington Parkway N. Community member Meegan Hall leads the sessions, which will be suitable for all levels of skill and experience. Bring a yoga mat or blanket and wear comfortable clothes. Registration is $5. If you really want to plan ahead, sessions resume on Sept. 13, Oct. 4, and Nov. 8.

Respectful parenting group meets Feb. 27

Local children’s author, Ioana Stoian, will be sharing her latest children’s book, “Always Be You” on Thursday, FEb. 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. It is part of the Respectful Parenting: Let’s Talk About It! Library Series hosted by The Form Network (theformnetwork.org). Founded in May 2014, FORM is a growing community of parents, educators, students, and administrators who gather monthly to inspire, support and engage in topics relating to early childhood education and parenting. Form provides an open forum for collaborative inquiry, dialogue, and advocacy influenced by Magda Gerber’s Educaring® Approach.

emPOWER social hour

Join WomenVenture for an evening of networking, learning, inspiration, shopping, socializing and fun on Thursday, March 5, 4-7 p.m. at Urban Growler Brewing Co. (2325 Endicott St.). Comedian Miss Shannan Paul will host the event with short talks from WomenVenture CEO Elaine Wyatt and social entrepreneur Anna Tsantir of Two Bettys Green Cleaning Service. Enjoy drinks and appetizers, take part in fun networking activities and shop the mini-marketplace of WomenVenture clients.

Tonic Sol-fa show

Enjoy the award-winning music of Tonic Sol-fa at Roseville Area High School (1240 County Road B2 W.) Friday, Feb. 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online at: www.isd623.org/tonicsolfa. Tonic Sol-fa is a ground-breaking a cappella ensemble from Minnesota, in constant development since their formation two decades ago.

Introducing the HMELC

We are a group of residents and organizations who work to address the needs and experiences of youth 0-14 in our community. We are a group committed to enacting change through conversation, outreach and action. Our experience has taught us we can do more to support youth in our community when we do it together so we’re excited to invite our neighbors to drop us a line at earlylearning@hamlinemidway.org and/or join us at an upcoming meeting so we can get to know each other. Hope to see you soon!

• Feb. 13, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Hancock Recreation Center

• March 12, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Hamline Station Community Room

How to declutter and downsize

Monthly Luncheons – Second Tuesday of each month, 11:30 a.m–1p.m., at Hamline Church United Methodist (1514 Englewood Ave.). Chef Erik Hendrickson will prepare a wonderful meal, blood pressure checks will be provided, and new attendees are always welcome at our “Second Tuesday” luncheon events. Suggested donation $7.

• March 10 – Decluttering and Downsizing, with Laurie Wrobel of Clutter 911

Reading Buddies: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 12:30–1:10 p.m. We invite elders to be a Reading Buddy with third grade students at Hamline Elementary School. No experience is necessary, just a desire to interact with children. And you don’t have to attend every session, just come when your schedule permits.

Cards & Games: Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m. (after luncheon), Hamline Church United Methodist.

Jody’s Documentary Film Series: Jan. 29, 1 p.m. at Hamline Midway Library. Check website for film description (www.hmelders.org/events.html).

Chair Yoga with Nancy: Thursdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave.

Knitting & Crochet Group – Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. (ongoing) at Hamline Church United Methodist. Yarn and needles, tea and cookies provided.

“Friendly Frog” Potluck Lunch and Bingo: third Friday of each month, 11a.m.–2 p.m. at Frogtown Community Center (230 Como Ave.). Join other Frogtown seniors for a meal and bingo. Bring a dish to share, plus $1 for supplies, and 5 cents and additional coins for bingo cards.

Arts on Lafond

Arts on Lafond

Arts on Lafond is cultivating a thriving music and art scene in the Hamline Midway area of St. Paul. “We are a group of local artists who teach, perform, and encourage others in self-expression,” said organizers.

Feb.14 - All You Need Is Love - an evening of music and painting with Xibaba Brazilian world jazz. Visual artist Andrea Marboe will offer a guided painting experience; no art experience necessary. Paints, brushes, easels and canvas will be supplied. Painters are welcome to arrive at 6:30 p.m. to get started before the music begins. Suggested donation is $10 for the concert; $40 for the painting experience and concert.

All concerts run 7-9 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church 1697 Lafond Avenue St. Paul. For more information, contact 651-321-4235 or artsonlafond@gmail.com. Refreshments will be available.