Here is the Bugle’s latest Midpoint, a mid-month web report on some local news and information, since the publication of our January 2025 issue.

Orchid flower show Jan. 25 and 26

During the St. Paul Winter Carnival, all things cold are celebrated. One event stands out and gives attendees a way to escape to the tropics without even getting on a plane: the Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive.

Hundreds of orchid plants owned by the McNeely Conservatory, along with members of the Orchid Society of Minnesota, affiliated orchid societies and commercial orchid growers, will transform the Conservatory into a tropical wonderland where orchids rule instead of King Boreas.

The orchid show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 25 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 26 at the McNeely Conservatory. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for Como Friends members, seniors 65+ and children under age 12. 

         Click Here To Purchase Tickets.

Now in its 50th year, the Winter Carnival Orchid Show has become the premier winter event for orchid lovers throughout the Midwest. 

(Because of the Winter Carnival Orchid Show, there will be no Music Under Glass event on Sunday, Jan. 26. The free concert series will resume Jan.  29.)

Submitted by the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser

Murray Middle School is holding its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3 at the school’s cafeteria.

School music director Denae Olsen told the Bugle the fundraiser is intended to raise money for instrument repairs and purchases, transportation to different music events and to purchase band and orchestra music.  

She reported, “Students from the music department are working hard to get music practiced for the dinner.  Each student will be playing a solo or ensemble for the music.”  

Tickets are available for purchase ahead of time or at the door. Pay as you are able. Suggested prices are:  $10 per individual, $30 per family and $50 to “pay it forward.” Click here for information:

https://shorturl.at/AQD3V to purchase a ticket. 

Compiled by Sarah CR Clark, a regular Bugle freelance writer. Olsen

SAP Elementary School play

St Anthony Park Elementary School’s fourth grade classes recently performed a version of Paul McCartney’s picture book Hey Grandude! Students spent eight days working with Hinter Hands in an artist-in-residence program.

Students designed and made masks, painted scenery, learned Beatle songs and choreographed accompanying dances. They performed their show for classmates and families on Jan. 15.

Submitted by Sarah CR Clark.

February Bugle coming

The February issue of the Bugle is now out in bulk distribution locations and headed for many readers’ mailboxes in the next few days with stories on, among other things:

• A blind woman who has written a braille encyclopedia.
• The Scarborough Fair women’s retail shop reopening in Falcon Heights and
• News about the return of St. Anthony Park’s progressive dinner.

Midpoint Report is compiled by Bugle managing editor Scott Carlson.