NEMS PTA seeks sponsors
Northeast Middle School PTA is looking for sponsors for student enrichment programs such as band, environmental stewardship, the 8th-grade promotion ceremony at the University of Minnesota and a Project Success musical production, such as “Frozen, Jr.,” which the students put on this year.
Sponsorships are $250, $350 and $500 and offer various levels of recognition for organizations. If you’d like to customize a sponsorship, contact Anne Erickson, anne.erickson@mpls.k12.mn.us. For more info, email northeastmiddlepta@gmail.com.
CHPS names Sherk as Columbia Academy principal
Columbia Heights Public Schools announced March 28 that Leslee Sherk will be the new principal at Columbia Academy next year. She will replace Duane Berkas, who is retiring in June.
Sherk began her career at Highland Elementary School in 1999 as a second grade teacher. After working for a few years in the St. Anthony-New Brighton district, she began teaching at Valley View Elementary in 2009. Sherk has been with CHPS for 16 years and has worked in a variety of roles around the district, including teacher, peer reviewer, dean of students and assistant principal. Sherk will be responsible for meeting the diverse academic needs of more than 700 students in grades 6-8. She will also lead, develop and support approximately 60 staff members.
Columbia Parkway trail to be rebuilt
The trail along Columbia Parkway will be rebuilt next year. (Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board)
The Columbia Parkway Regional Trail will get a makeover next year. The trail, which travels along the north side of Columbia Park for nearly a mile between St. Anthony Parkway and Central Avenue NE will be repaved and repaired. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will also upgrade wayfinding, accessibility, landscaping and safety.
An open house will be held Tuesday, April 15, 6-7:30 p.m. at Lucky Shots Pickleball Club, 3300 5th St. NE. Design work and construction bidding is planned in 2025, with construction expected in 2026. Last year, MPRB received $650,000 in funds for the project from the Metropolitan Council; it expects the project to cost $520,000.
Megan MacLeod is 2024 Villager of the Year
The St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce has named Megan MacLeod 2024’s Villager of the Year. A retired special education teacher, MacLeod has strengthened St. Anthony Village through her involvement in various organizations, including VillageFest and the St. Anthony Kiwanis Club. As Kim Pavelka, president of St. Anthony Kiwanis, noted, “Megan is always someone you can count on. Whether she’s delivering Meals on Wheels, leading service projects, or welcoming new neighbors with homemade baked goods, she embodies the spirit of community. Her dedication, humor and kindness make her a true ambassador for St. Anthony.” She’ll be recognized at an awards dinner at Jax Cafe on April 24.
Prescribed burn at Edgewater Park
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will conduct a prescribed burn in the wildflower garden at Edgewater Park, 2420 Marshall St. NE. MPRB uses the burns in some park and garden areas as well as natural areas to maintain healthy habitat for native plants and wildlife.