Bell Museum
2088 Larpenteur Ave. W. See website for regular museum hours and registration: bellmuseum.umn.edu.
Minnesota Youth Symphonies
presents a gallery musical performance to highlight the planetarium show “Secrets from a Forest.” Saturday, Jan. 4, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. No registration necessary. Included in the cost of regular admission (see website for details). Limited seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Winter camps
Two-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, Thursday, Jan. 2, and Friday, Jan. 3.
• STEM Safari for grades 1 and 2: Engineering and Astronomy
• Snow Much Fun for grades 3-5: Weather and Engineering
$145 for Bell members and $160 for non-members. Register online at bellmuseum.umn.edu.
St. Paul Parks and Recreation
Parents Night Out
5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3. Open gym and game room time. Pizza and juice available or kids can bring their own dinner. Ages 7-12. $15-$10. Langford Recreation Center, 30 Langford Park. Learn more and register at stpaul.gov/winter-events.
Como Park Ski Center
Two rope tows, a 150-foot vertical drop on 15 skiable acres, over 5K of groomed cross country trails, lessons for all ages and skill levels, and ski and snowboard rentals at 1431 Lexington Parkway N.
The chalet is located inside the golf course clubhouse. A St. Paul/Ramsey County mutual cross- country ski pass is required for all St. Paul ski trails. Various hours are weather-dependent and subject to change.
For hours, lessons, costs, rental equipment and free ski clinic information, visit stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/activities-events/winter-activities/downhill-skiing-snowboarding.
Ice skating lessons
Various recreation centers, including Langford Park and North Dale, starting Jan. 4. Find locations, costs and hours (lessons and recreation) at stpaul.gov. Weather dependent and subject to change.
Women’s Drum Center
Drum Basics: 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, at 2242 University Ave. W. Explore both hand and stick drumming utilizing easy, energizing exercises to build skills. The focus is on having fun. Instructor: Jo Klein. Drums provided. $15. Register at womensdrumcenter.org
Como Zoo Conservatory
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive. Free. A voluntary donation of $4 for an adult and $2 for a child is appreciated.
Music Under Glass
Free concerts in the Sunken Garden from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on select Sundays and Wednesdays from Jan. 12 to Feb. 13.
Due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert.
• Curt Obeda with Brian Z, New Orleans style blues.
Sunday, Jan. 12.
• CORDA, Jacqueline Ultan (cellist) and Pavel Jany (guitarist) blend together elements of jazz, classical music and a variety of international music styles. Wednesday, Jan. 15.
• Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton (accordion) teams up with Pat Donohue (fingerstyle guitar) and Richard Kriehn (mandolin). Sunday, Jan. 19.
• Kashimana (rich soulful blues voice) accompanied by Brad Draper (percussionist), blend of folk, blues and R&B, enriched with spoken word. Wednesday, Jan. 11.
• Jeff Ray (slide guitarist) with Mikkel Beckmen (one-man rhythm section), acoustic blues with world music influences. Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Senior Strolls
4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Special time reserved for adults ages 55 and older. Check in at the main Visitor Center entrance. Admission is free, but reservations required: comozooconservatory.org/como/senior-strolls.
Community sing
7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. Join musician Dan Chouinard and singer-songwriter Ann Reed for a sing-along on the third Monday of the month in the parish hall at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave. All voices welcome. Free.
Next Chapter Book Seller
6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. Book signing by Andrea Gilats, author of “Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity.” 38 Snelling Ave. S.
Ramsey County Libraries
Wednesdays with a Scholar
2:30 to 4 p.m. Register for Zoom link at rclreads.org.
• “Critical Political Realignment and the 2024 U.S. Elections” with David Schultz, Hamline University professor and expert on government election law, economics and all things political. Wednesday, Jan. 22.
• “Hubert Humphrey’s Quest for a More Just America” with James Traub, noted historian, journalist, scholar and author of “True Believer: Hubert Humphrey’s quest for a more just America” (2024). Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Senior activities
The St. Anthony Park Area Seniors kicks off the New Year with a mixture of in-person and virtual activities. Unless specified, registration is not necessary. Office phone number: 651-642-9052.
In-person activities include:
• Game day: 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, and Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Centennial United Methodist Church, 2200 Hillside Ave.
• Pound Fit: 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, at 2200 Hillside Ave. Contact office to register.
• Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance exercise class. 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Thursdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 at Lauderdale City Hall, 1891 Walnut St. Call the office to register.
• Handiwork group: 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 9, at St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave.
• Poetry group: 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, at 2200 Hillside Ave. Contact office for more information.
• Equal portions, luncheon presentation series: Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave. Contact office to register by Jan. 8.
Virtual:
• Chair Yoga: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, Jan. 6 and 13. Call the office for Zoom link.
• Lunch Bunch: Socializing and BINGO. Noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Call the office for connection instructions.
Kathy Henderson lives in St. Paul and is a freelance writer for the Bugle.
