You're Invited: Spring West Side Community Organization Events

Some would say that the West Side is the best side, but regardless of your directional preferences, you can still consider joining in on some upcoming West Side Community Organization events and/or the Saint Paul Citywide Clean-Up in June. Save the dates now and consider it a timely sign to start your spring cleaning!

WSCO West Side Leadership Convening Saturday, March 28th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. @ Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St E. A free event for West Side community members, sponsored by WSCO Join WSCO for this special conversation co-hosted by our partners from the Wilder Foundation.  Share what you think makes the West Side special and tell us what your vision is for a vibrant Community. Let's explore what's currently happening, what's on tap and what we can do to support or join in efforts that are already shaping our community. Key Objectives: Coming together as a community to sustain a vibrant West Side. What makes the West Side special? What are some challenges we face in realizing our vision of community? Generating excitement about getting more involved in our community. What projects are already underway for community members to become more involved?  Offer specific community engagement opportunities for the neighborhood. RSVP with Christine Shyne at christine@wsco.org or call 651-293-1708 Community and Arts Leadership Workshop on Placemaking Saturday, May 9th from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. @ Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St E Presented by Springboard for the Arts and sponsored by WSCO Are you an artist, or an arts supporter that loves the West Side?  Come learn how art and community come together to make a stronger neighborhood through creative placemaking!  Placemaking is the act of people coming together to change overlooked and undervalued public and shared spaces into welcoming places where community gathers, supports one another, and thrives.  Places can be animated and enhanced by elements that encourage human interaction – from temporary activities such as performances and chalked poetry to permanent installations such as landscaping and unique art. This free all day workshop will give you the tools and ideas to bring your community together through art! RSVP with Christine Shyne at christine@wsco.org or call 651-293-1708 Neighborhood Clean Up: Mark your calendars and call for volunteers Saturday, June 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.@ Maatsura Manufacturing, 325 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 Citywide Community Cleanups are one-day events which allow residents to discard just about anything. District Councils work in partnership with the City to bring together haulers and vendors in one central location and make efforts to reuse or recycle your old stuff for less cost than you would pay a garbage hauler to take it away. In 2015, there will  six cleanups throughout the year open to all St. Paul residents.  WSCO is partnering on the June 20th event and is asking for volunteers.  West Side clean up events in years past have been very successful thanks to the hard work of volunteers from across the neighborhood.  We'd like to make this years event as successful and convenient for West Siders as possible.  Expect a neighborhood wide mailing as the event draws near with more details.  2015 Citywide Cleanup Dates (open to all St. Paul residents) All cleanups are open from 8:00am - 1:00pm Saturday, May 30 - Washington Technology Magnet High School, 1495 Rice Street More Info: District 6 Planning Council at 651-488-4485 Saturday, June 6 - Harding High School, 1540 E. 6th St. (enter from 3rd St.) More Info: District 1 Community Council at 651-578-7600 Saturday, June 20 - Matsuura Machinery USA Inc., 325 Randolph Ave. More Info: West Side Community Organization at 651-293-1708 Saturday, Sept. 19 - Shepard Rd. (between Davern St. and Alton St., enter at Alton St.) More Info: Highland District Council at 651-695-4005 Saturday, Sept. 26 - MN State Fair Grounds (NE corner of fair grounds; enter off Larpenteur Ave. west of Snelling Ave.) More Info: District 10 Como Community Council at 651-644-3889 Saturday, Oct. 10 - Phalen Lake Beach House, 1400 Phalen Lake Dr. More Info: District 5 Planning Council at 651-774-5234 To view more details about each cleanup, visit this city web page: http://stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=4250. Volunteers needed We need volunteers to help guide participants through the process and when necessary, help them unload the materials. Volunteers (who work a three hour shift) receive a voucher toward the disposal of materials and a free lunch!  Shifts are 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers help residents with simple sorting of materials into dumpsters, helping them unload where necessary, and answering questions from residents. To volunteer for the June 29th clean up please contact Mason Wells at mason@wsco.org or by calling 651-293-1708 Growing West Side Farmer's Market Crowdfunding Campaign starting Sunday, March 15th "Hello Neighbor! We hope that you're enjoying the glimpse of spring this week! Before long it will be time for shopping and eating at the West Side Farmer's Market! "Starting this Sunday Growing West Side will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the West Side Farmer's Market. The funds will help us to hire a part-time market manager for Saturday market days, as well as cover some other expenses. "What's Crowdfunding? If you've ever heard of Kickstarter, then you are probably already acquainted with the concept. If not, then a brief explanation is in order. "Essentially, crowdfunding is a way to raise funds for a cause by appealing directly to the public in an online format. "If you contributed to Give to the Max last November, this campaign will be similar. Once you get to the website, you'll see a short video and a more detailed explanation of the campaign. "You'll have many levels of support to choose from, with some fun and useful rewards, as well as a list of very special prizes for those who contribute early! "Thank you for your support! "We look forward to seeing you this spring when the Market opens. It's gonna be bigger and better than ever!" For more information, email growingwestside@gmail.com Website Facebook Twitter Donate Copyright © 2015 West Side Community Organization, All rights reserved.