September 12, 2024

Crop Art: Comedy and Commentary at the State Fair

Neighbor Teresa Anderson has won 11 State Fair Blue Ribbons in her 21-year career as a crop artist. Theresa shared the story of her artistry and the history of Crop Art at the Minnesota State Fair—the only major Crop Art Competition in the world!

Visit the CropArt website to see many more artists and their creations!

Contact us if you would like to request a link for the video of Theresa’s presentation.

October 10, 2024

St. Paul’s Childcare Initiative: What Voters Need to Know

This year Saint Paul citizens will vote on a ballot initiative requesting a ten-year city tax levy to provide early learning  subsidies. The fund would provide financial aid on a sliding scale to families needing care for their young children. 

Megan Gunnar, PhD, from the Institute of Child Development at the U of MN, will introduce critical  issues of early childhood education and care for all children.  

Representatives both in favor of and opposed to the initiative will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Judy Woodward.

Nov. 14, 2024

A Sea Change for Lake Superior: The Warming of the World’s Largest Lake

Famously frigid Lake Superior, holding 10% of the world’s fresh water, is now among the fastest warming lakes in the world! Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education has produced a documentary exploring the implications of this fact and how citizens can helping sustain the earth’s freshwater resources.

The project is a co-production with PBS North. Join us as guest John Shepard shares his insights on the production and his dedication to helping you learn how to help keep our beloved Lake Superior cold, clear and clean.

January 8, 2025: Managing Emotions and Social Relationships in a Polarized Era

Many of us are struggling with how to retain our emotional equilibrium while navigating relationships with loved one who make different political choices. Family therapist and Braver Angels cofounder, Bill Doherty, will share his ideas about keeping your emotional balance and not losing relationships in the months and years ahead.

September 2023

SAPBLA held a forum with the candidates running for the St. Paul Public School Board. The following week, the League of Women Voters sponsored a candidate forum which you can watch below.

October 2023

Northern Nights, Starry Skies

Filming courtesy of the St. Paul Neighborhood Network. Click below to see the video.

November 2023

Safety in St. Anthony Park and Greater St. Paul

Filming courtesy of the St. Paul Neighborhood Network. Click below to access the video.

December 2023

Holiday Sing Along with Dan Chouinard.

January 2024

Tackling Climate Change, One Home at a Time

Co-sponsored by Transition Town-ASAP, SAPBLA hosted an informative and practical discussion about steps you can take to be more climate-aware when considering home construction, renovation, and home energy use, while making the most of government incentives.

February 2024

Navigating Next Steps in Elder Care:

Do not wait for a crisis to come up with a plan. When you or your aging parents need care, your family may need to step in to help. Learn practical, medical, and financial factors you and your loved ones should consider when preparing to make a transition.

Watch the presentation on YouTube. Click below for the presentation slides.

March 2024

SAPBLA celebrated Pi Day, March 14, with pie eating, a pie -baking contest, trivia and crafts. Congratulations to Bryn Manion, winner of the pie-baking contest

April 11, 2024

Goodbye Lawn, Hello Garden!

“Organic Bob” Dahm, of Organic Lawns by Lunseth, discussed options for new plantings and easy methods to remove turf and create healthy soils, gardens, and landscapes. On April 27, he led a workshop using neighborhood lawns to demonstrate practical lawn alternative methods.

May 9, 2024

The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health

SAP resident and author, Mia Nosanow, discussed her new book, The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health, based on her 20 years of experience as a mental health counselor at Macalester College. Her book is a complete resource for college and college-bound students — as well as the parents, families and professionals who support them. Melissa Lundquist, SAP resident and Professor of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas, moderated the conversation.