All aboard for the Bugle!

The following appeal comes from our Bugle board members Kristin Wiersma, Rosann Cahill and Beth Magistad:

“The Park Bugle is seeking volunteers to serve on our board of directors.

“We are looking for folks with enthusiasm and creativity from Lauderdale, Falcon Heights, Como Park and St. Anthony Park to join our board and help us shape the future of this wonderful community resource.

“Our board consists of residents and business people with strong connections to the communities we serve. Come join us! Learn about the neighborhoods, meet interesting people and help shape the work of the Park Bugle! Two-year terms begin July 1.

“For more information or to submit your name contact Kristin Wiersma wiersmakristin@gmail.com or Rosann Cahill rfcahill@gmail.com’’

I can personally attest that these are exciting times for the Bugle as we edge ever closer to 50 years of service to our communities of St. Anthony Park, Como Park, Falcon Heights and Lauderdale. We have a vibrant, active board that has us embarked on strategic planning, enhanced news and information coverage and a heightened focus on connecting neighbors.

One example: The Bugle’s expanding presence with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, since the first of the year, when we hired our first social media specialist, Laura Adrian.

And we continue to have a strong staff with a new, but experienced hand in Eddie Hofmeister whom we hired to replace our previous page designer Wendy Holdman, who left recently.

We are also pursuing expansion of our fundraising efforts and tapping into new grant opportunities to add to our news gathering capabilities.

So, please consider joining our Bugle board of directors. I promise it will be an enriching, rewarding experience.

Around the town

There is a lot of exciting news in Bugleland these days.

In this issue, we report that Willie’s American Guitars, the iconic destination of rock stars and others for vintage guitars, is moving from its Cleveland Avenue location in St. Paul’s Mac-Groveland to a quiet new corner in St. Anthony Park. Read all about it in Cigale Ahlquist’s front page story.

We also report on the vital role that the International Institute of Minnesota is likely to play should our area receive Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing the senseless war initiated by Russia. Freelance writer Christie Vogt, a former Institute employee, gives us the inside look.

Meanwhile, you will also find other interesting stories in our April issue, including Eric Erickson’s report on the resurgence of the Como Park High School boys basketball team and Sarah CR Clark’s story on the Avalon School’s plans for using a grant from the St. Anthony Park Community Foundation to create a play. And don’t forget the Birdman of Lauderdale—he’s sharing a column on the Common Redpoll.