Help Wanted: Springbrook Nature Center Director

When Siah St. Clair retires this spring, Fridley will have seen three longtime local leaders leave in a matter of months: at City Hall, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, and the city's signature nature park.

Another person at the helm of a major Fridley institution is saying goodbye. Siah St. Clair, longtime director at the city's Springbrook Nature Center, is retiring this spring, the center's Facebook page announced Thursday. The City of Fridley posted a job announcement for the director position online. City Manager Bill Burns retired at the end of 2012 after 24 years, with Finance Director Darin Nelson serving as interim city manager until Burns is replaced. Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts director Lia Rivamonte is also leaving this spring. "She has given her notice effective March 31st," the center's board president, Ann Bolkcom, said by email. "Banfill will miss her experience and guidance." Here's what the Springbrook director job …

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$5 Million Bonding for Springbrook Nature Center Proposed

Minnesota House and Senate have bills for improvements to Fridley park site.

Springbrook Nature Center Bills Introduced at MN House, Senate

Legislation would fund $5 million project at Fridley park with state bonds.

Improvements at the City of Fridley's Springbrook Nature Center may not be at the top of the state agenda, but they're close. The companion bills in the Minnesota House and Senate were among the first 100 to be introduced in the new session of the state Legislature, which began Jan. 8, 2013. The Springbrook bill in Senate File 24, introduced Friday, and House File 65, introduced Monday. Fridley's state senator, Barb Goodwin, and state representative, Connie Bernardy, are among the co-authors. The senate bill's next step is the Finance Committee, where Goodwin has a seat. Here is the text of the two bills (identical at this point): A bill for an act relating to capital investment; appropriating money for the Springbrook Nature Center; …

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When Exactly Is the Quadrantids Meteor Shower?

Updated: Clouds, city lights and brief duration could make it difficult to catch a shooting star, but there's always online viewing.

Updated below. If you blink you might miss the Quadrantids Meteor Shower. It peaks in the hours right before dawn on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2012, with a maximum number of meteors per hour of about 80. The Quadrantids come from an asteroid called 2003 EH1, just as the Geminids did in early December. Meteor showers usually are named based on the constellations where they originate. Quadrans Muralis (mural quadrant) between Bootes and Draco. The meteor shower is expected to last "only a few hours," according to NASA.com. That means you should look for it in tonight (the night of Jan. 2–3), not tomorrow night (the night of Jan. 3–4). The moon will set after midnight, so the best time to view the meteors will be between then and sunrise at about 7:…

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Family New Year's Eve Events—Including NOON Year's Eve at Fridley's Springbrook Nature Center

Only 16 spots were left for the Springbrook event as of Sunday.

NOON Year's Eve at Springbrook Nature and Other Family NYE Events

New Year's Eve can be for kids, too. Check out these activities around the Twin Cities.

Breakfast with Nature Santa

Santa stops by Fridley's Springbrook Nature Center on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.

Eat Breakfast with Santa in Fridley

Three opportunities in the next week, at the Shorewood Bar and Grill Dec. 8 and 15, and at Springbrook Nature Center Dec. 11.

Have Breakfast with Santa in Fridley

Three opportunities in the next 10 days, at the Shorewood Bar and Grill Dec. 8 and 15, and at Springbrook Nature Center Dec. 11.

Chow down with Santa Claus at one of these upcoming breakfast events: Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 8 and 15, 2012, 9:30 a.m., Shorewood Bar and Grill Kid friendly entertainment all morning including: Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elves, as well as, face painting, live music, a Christmas movie, and other special games and activities. Cost: $13 (ages 4–10), $18 (older). Benefits Wishes & More, a Twin Cities based wish granting agency that enhances the life of a child fighting a terminal or life-threatening condition by providing extraordinary experiences.  Breakfast with Nature Santa, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Springbrook Nature Center Recycled crafts, stories, pictures with Nature Santa, and a delicious breakfast. Experience a "green" Christmas …

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Santa Comes to Fridley

The jolly old elf will visit at least three places: Fridley Community Center (Fridley Women of Today's Santa's Workshop), the Shorewood (breakfasts benefit Wishes & More) and Springbrook Nature Center (Breakfast with Nature Santa).

Santa Claus is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Fridley several times in the coming weeks: Santa's Workshop, Dec. 1, 2012, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Fridley Community Center Children's shopping, crafts, cookie decorating, carnival games and a visit from Santa. Have your photo taken with Santa ($3). Food available for purchase. All proceeds go to families in the Fridley School District. Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 8 and 15, 2012, 9:30 a.m., Shorewood Bar and Grill Kid friendly entertainment all morning including: Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elves, as well as, face painting, live music, a Christmas movie, and other special games and activities. Cost: $13 (ages 4–10), $18 (older). Benefits Wishes & More, a Twin Cities based wish granting agency …

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