Posted December 5, 2009

Community Holiday Party at West 7th Community Center. Sponsored by United Family Medicine Clinic. From 5-6:30 p.m., December 7. For information, call the center at (651) 298-5493.
Project Noel Gift Distribution at West 7th Community Center. From 2-6 p.m., December 16; makeup distribution day 9 a.m.-5 p.m., December 17. For information, call Jane Gregerson, (651) 298-5493, x215.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. EXTENDED through January 24 at the Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 West Kellogg. Features more than 250 artifacts from the Titanic; Omnitheater showing of "Titanica." For more information, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org.

Spirit of the Southwest.  Ongoing exhibit of more than 40 sculptural pieces inspired by the cultures and landscape of the American Southwest--through December 21. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays-Fridays; noon-3 p.m., Sundays; Gallery of Wood Art, Landmark Center, 75 West 5th St., St. Paul. Free; donations accepted. For details, call (651) 484-9094.
Open Microphone at Selam Coffee Cafe. Musicians, singers, poets; hosted by West End residents Bob and Therese Goddard. 6:30 p.m., December 26, 3860 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis. Call (651) 224-3207 for more information.  
2010 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta informational meeting. 6:30 p.m., December 15, El Burrito Mercado, 176 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul. Ak questions about 2010 Planning Committee. Refreshments provided. RSVP Brian Gioielli, (651) 222-6347 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Monroe High School Alumni Christmas party. Noon, December 8, Mancini's Char House. For details, call Caroline, (651) 222-0964.
Saturday Live! Programs start at 11:15 a.m. at St. Paul Central Library, 90 West 4th St. Dates:  December 12--Okee Dokee Brothers musical; December 19--Minnesota Zoomobile brings live animals; December 26--magician Star Michaelina. For details, call (651) 266-7000 or visit www.sppl.org.
Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center. November programs for adults, children, families & seniors; 365 West Marie, West St. Paul. For inforamtion, call (651) 455-4531 or visit www.dodgenaturecenter.org. 
Science Museum of Minnesota Senior Tuesdays. December 15. For seniors age 60 and over at the museum, 120 West Kellogg. $11 ticket includes 11 a.m. Omnitheater showing, gallery admission, free coffee and bakery item at Java Lab, and 10 percent off Explore Store. For information, call (651) 2212-9444, or visit www.smm.org.
Lowry Lab Theatre Improv Com edy. 10 p.m. every Saturday, 360 St. Peter. Cost $5. For information, visit www.treppenwitzimprove.com.
Depression & Bipolar Support Group. 7-8:30 p.m., December 16, St. Paul Jewish Community Center, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Free. Call (651) 698-0767 for details.
Tuesday Salons at Mad Hatter's. 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Tuesday at 943 West 7th St. Free, but donations appreciated. Dates:  December 8--Open discussion. December 15--Film (TBA); December 22--Holiday party; December 29--call for information, (651) 227-3228.
Professional Networking Meeting. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., January 26, at Jewish Family Services, 1633 West 7th St.  (No December meeting.) Information about professional resoruces and workshop for job seekers. For more information, call Estrella Flores, (651) 698-0767.
Minnesota History Center. For information on December programs at 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., call (651) 259-3000 or visit www.mnhs.org.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY WEST 7th COMMUNITY CENTER

West 7th Community Center, 265 Oneida St., offers a variety of services for area residents. Some programs are for seniors only; others are for families, children and/or adults of all ages. NOTE new front desk hours:  8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. CENTER CLOSED December 25-27 and January 1-3. For more information, call the center at (651) 298-5493 or visit www.west7th.org.  NOTE:  Most programs require registration a week in advance.  ATTENTION SENIORS:  Also see the Senior Calendar for a list of services and events especially for you at the community center. 

West 7th Girl Scout Juniors meeting. 6:30-8 p.m., December 7, at the center.
Fare for All discount grocery sale. 10 a.m.-noon, first Friday of each month. Affordable groceries for all; no income eligibility required. Call Jane Gregerson, (651) 298-5493 x215, for information.
Tae Kwan Do classes. Every Tuesday & Thursday; ages 5-adult. For details, call (651) 343-2070 or visit www.legacyama.net.
Immigration law consultations. 3:30-5 p.m., December 17. Free service provided by Guyton Law Firm. To register, call Jane Gregerson, (651) 298-5493, x215.
Family & criminal law consultations. 4:30-6 p.m., December 17. Attorney David Mortensen of Tarrant, Drummer & Liska will give free, one-time legal advice to families. You must pre-register; call Jane Gregerson, (651) 298-5493, ext. 215. 
Circle of Parents Support Group. 5:30-7:30 p.m., November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30. Free, including child care & light dinner. For information & to register, call Jane Gregerson, (651) 298-5493 x215.
Open Gym. 10 a.m-noon, December 12 & 19 (no gym December 26 or January 2). Free; children must be accompanied by parent or guardian over 18.
 

WEST 7th FAMILY CENTER
A program of Partners for Violence Prevention. Includes a drop-in playroom, chidlren's activities & family resources; located at LINWOOD-MONROE SCHOOL, 810 Palace, (651) 298-4566.

Drop-In Playroom & Playground. Open 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday at Linwood-Monroe School. Come enjoy playroom & outdoor playground for children, infant to 5 years old. Must be accompanied by their caregivers. For more information, call (651) 298-4566 or visit www.w7thfamilyplayroom.blogspot.com. 
Mondays: Breakfast with baby and open play.
Tuesdays: Music with Nate and doughnuts for Dad/muffins for Moms.
Wednesdays: Storytime and Born2Sign.
Thursdays: Art with Paula and open play.
Fridays: Children's yoga and open play. 

CHILDREN AND TEEN ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY WEST 7th COMMUNITY CENTER (also see Palace Rec Center below for more youth & teen activities)

School Release Day Programs. From 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the following days:  December 23--downtown ice rink; December 28--Macy's holiday display; December 29--St. Francis Bowling Lanes; December 30--Como park tubing and sledding. MUST register by calling (651) 298-5493, x211.
Teen Girls' Circle. Open to area high school girls. From 2:30-4:30 p.m., December 9. Register by calling Jane Gregerson, (651) 298-5493 x215. Circle resumes January 13.

PALACE RECREATION CENTER ACTIVITIES  FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

The Palace Recreation Center is located at 781 Palace Ave. Call (651) 298-5677 for hours and more information about activities for children and teens or visit www.stpaul.gov/parks.  To register for classes, activities, call (651) 298-5677 or (651) 472-3932 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Parks and Recreation Fees Assistance Program:  The city invites families to apply for assistance for sports, classes and activities program fees for their children. Contact Andy Rodriguez, (651) 266-6434, for information.

School Release Day Programs: Spend time at Palace having fun in a positive and safe place during those no-school days. Children must sign in but are free to come and go. For children ages 6-12; 1-5 p.m. December 28, 29 & 30.
Ice rink skating for youth of all ages Call for times.
Ice skating lessons for children ages 5-8. Starting in January (dates follow); learn fundamentals of skating, forward and backwards skating, stopping and falling safely. Cost $20.
Beginners ice skating:  From 11-11:45 a.m., four sessions starting January 16. 
Beginners-some experience ice skating: From noon-12:45 p.m., four sessions starting January 16. 
Yu-Gi-Oh. For all ages; 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. Ongoing registration. Cost $1/week.