Letter Carrier John Moudy keeps the mail coming -- and the dogs barking -- while delivering along Breda Ave. during a blustery day this week.
Bravo to Our Environmental Activists
District 10's Environmental Committee is the winner of this year's Lifetime Stewardship Award from the Capitol Region Watershed District. Members of the committee have a long history of fighting for water resources in the neighborhood -- especially by leading the never-ending efforts to improve the quality of Como Lake. In fact, it was members of the committee who organized in 1998 to petition the state to create the watershed district in the first place. The committee is also responsible for the creation and oversight of the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom.
Members and their achievements will be honored with a dinner Dec. 15. Committee activists past and present who would like to attend should email the District 10 office so we can get you on the list.
Here's Your Chance to Weigh In on Property Taxes, Public Services
  • Ramsey County holds a public hearing on its proposed 2016 budget and property tax levy on Monday Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Roseville Library, Hamline Ave. and County Road B.
  • The St. Paul school district holds its public hearing on its proposed 2016 tax levy on Tuesday Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. at district headquarters, 360 Colborne St.
  • The City of St. Paul holds its "truth in taxation" public hearing on the city's proposed budget and property tax levy on Wednesday Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Free Energy-Saving Help for Renters
Do you own, manage, or live in a multifamily residence? Then you should check out Xcel Energy's programs to save you money and energy. The program includes:
  • A free energy audit of the entire building
  • Free LED lights in exit signs and other fixtures in common areas; free showerheads, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and faucet aerators in residential units; and free water-heater blankets for the building
  • Cash rebates on other energy-saving measures you undertake
Find full information online
photo from www.myfluenthome.com
Don't Give Thieves a Gift   
Holiday shopping is kicking into high gear. But with so many people shopping online, package theft is in high gear, too. The St. Paul Police Department has a list of common-sense steps you can take to make sure you get your packages at your home before thieves do.
Say Something Nice About Someone
Our neighborhood is filled with people and organizations who help make Como a better place to live, work, or play. It's time to nominate them for St. Paul's Neighborhood Honor Roll.

The annual, citywide award pays tribute to residents who improve the quality of life in St. Paul. The award typically recognizes members of our community who make a sustained and lasting impact in the neighborhood and city.

To nominate someone: Email us with a short description of their accomplishments or the reasons they should be honored. The deadline is Monday Dec. 7. The District 10 Board will evaluate nominees and select up to three winners at our Dec. 15 meeting. A dinner on Jan. 29 will officially recognize honorees from District 10 and other St. Paul neighborhoods. Previous Honor Roll winners from District 10  
Put Away the Golf Clubs, Grab the Skis  
Registration is now open for lessons in downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding at the Como Park Ski Center. Group and private lessons are available for adults and children. Though many classes start after Christmas, the first classes begin as soon as Dec. 12. Now that it's finally turned cold, that actually may be possible. Details and registration are available online.
But If You Prefer Indoor Activities...
A new series of tae kwan do classes starts the first week of December at local rec centers. Registration is $50 a month, plus uniform fee. Details:
  • For youths ages 6-17, Tuesdays at 4:30 beginning Dec. 1 at Northwest Como Recreation Center
  • For youths ages 4-6, Wednesdays at 5:30 beginning Dec. 2 at North Dale Recreation Center
  • For youths ages 6-13, Wednesdays at 4:30 beginning Dec. 2 at North Dale
  • For teens and adults, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. beginning Dec. 2 at North Dale
For information or to register, call Northwest Como at 651-298-5813 or North Dale at 651-558-2329. 
The Last of the Barricades   
Snelling Ave.: Construction of stations and loading platforms continues as Metro Transit prepares to launch its A Line bus rapid transit. Ongoing construction will mean some lanes and sidewalks are closed at Larpenteur, Hoyt, and Nebraska. But the southbound entrance ramp from Como is now open, so you can skip that detour.
Put Recycling and Composting on Your To-Do List
Free recycling bins and free kitchen compost starter kits are always available at the District 10 office, in the Historic Streetcar Station at Lexington and Horton.
You can pick yours up on Sunday Dec. 6 from noon-4 p.m. Or, if you can't wait that long, call us at 651-644-3889 and arrange to pick yours up by appointment.
Around the Neighborhood This Week ...
  • 5K Fun Run and Walk. Saturday Nov. 21, 9 a.m., Como Lake. Adults, children, and pets are welcome at this fun run sponsored by Studio M and Como Dockside. The run benefits Paws for Learning, which provides therapy dogs for school classrooms. Details
  • University of Minnesota Football. The Gophers have home games on Saturday Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. and Saturday Nov. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Parking and shuttle buses will run from the Fairgrounds' Robin Lot, south and east of Randall Ave.
  • Border Battle Football. The Vikings play the Packers at TCF Stadium on Sunday Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m. Parking and shuttle buses will run from the Fairgrounds' Robin Lot, south and east of Randall Ave.
County Wants Your Feedback  
Ramsey County wants to know how much you use -- or don't use -- the "Going Green" guide it sends out each year. Take a survey to help make the guide to recycling, yard waste, and other information more useful.
Stay Up to Speed with What's Going On
  • This Monday, Nov. 23: Public hearing by the Zoning Board of Appeals. 3 p.m., Ramsey County Courthouse Room 330, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. The board hears a request by the Twin Cities German Immersion School for a variance that would allow a second 29-square-foot sign facing Como Ave.
  • This Wednesday, Nov. 25: District 10 Environmental Committee. 7 p.m., Historic Streetcar Station.
  • Nov. 30: Community meeting on proposed Minnesota United soccer stadium and Midway redevelopment. 7-8:30 p.m., Midpointe Event Center, 451 N. Pascal.
  • Nov. 30: District 10 Land Use Committee. 7 p.m., Historic Streetcar Station.
  • Dec. 2: District 10 Executive Committee. 7 p.m., Historic Streetcar Station.
  • Dec. 10: District 10 Neighborhood Relations and Safety Committee. 6 p.m., Historic Streetcar Station.
  • Dec. 15: Open House about Como Park Transportation Plan. 4:30-6:45 p.m., Historic Streetcar Station. See details
  • Jan. 12: Como Business Network breakfast meeting, 7:30-9 a.m., HHH Job Corps.
Interested in a Seed Exchange? 
Members of District 10's Environmental Committee are looking to set up a seed exchange for heirloom garden vegetables, native plants, and other growing things, starting next spring. If you are interested in taking part in a free seed library, contact Dawn Lamm by email. Or, find out more on Facebook.
When Was the Last Time You Read Together?
The St. Paul Public Library kicks off its 2016 Read Brave program this  Saturday, Nov. 21, with a "meet the author" event. Read Brave encourages adults and teens to read the same young adult novel. This year's selection is "Stick" by Andrew Smith. Smith and 2013's Read Brave author, A.S. King, will speak and sign books at the kickoff event, which takes place Nov. 21 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave. Smith will also return in February for more in-depth conversations about his book.
Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Weekend    

Because of the holiday, this newsletter will not publish next Friday. We'll be back in touch on Dec. 4. If anything big happens before then, you'll find information on the District 10 website.  
Spread the Word
District 10 is one of Saint Paul's 17 citizen participation districts. The  District 10 Como Community Council is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by members of the community. The Council's mission is to inform, educate, and connect the neighborhood to increase community pride and confidence. 

You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in District 10 activities.