Betty Hebble helps fellow pupils cross the street safely outside Chelsea Heights Elementary School. The school crossing guards receive training from St. Paul Police before they begin their assignments. One pupil said most drivers are cooperative, "but people who don't live here don't always follow our directions." Speaking of safety: The Como Family Safety Fair takes place tonight -- April 1 -- at North Dale Community Center. The Safety Fair begins at 5:30; a free movie, "Shaun the Sheep," follows at 7 p.m.
The Time to Run is Running Out
This Tuesday, April 5, is the deadline to get your name on the ballot for this month's elections to the District 10 Board of Directors. We will have elections for eight seats on the Como Community Council: We'll need representatives from every sub-district, plus from the district at-large. You can get all the details of how to become a candidate, what kind of commitment you're making, and more on our website. The elections take place at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday April 19.

Make sure you're registered: All residents age 18 or older who live in District 10 can vote in the April 19 elections. So can authorized representatives of businesses or nonprofits based in District 10. If you haven't voted before, you can register online. The online voter registration deadline is Friday April 15.  
Land Use Committee Meets Monday
The District 10 Land Use Committee meets this Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. Community members are always welcome to attend. Agenda items include:
  • A presentation by the International Institute on its expansion plans along Como Ave., on District 10's western border.
  • A discussion with Ramsey County engineers about traffic and lane-design issues on eastbound Energy Park Drive at Lexington, on Lexington between the railroad tracks and the Como/Horton intersection, and on Lexington south of Larpenteur.
Help Keep Pedestrians Safe
District 10 is joining other district councils, St. Paul Police, and St. Paul Smart Trips in a pedestrian safety campaign called Stop For Me. We are highlighting intersections where it is dangerous for pedestrians to cross. Later this year, District 10 and Stop for Me will hold "safety events" at some of these intersections.  
  • Take our quick survey: Help us identify intersections in District 10 that are the most dangerous for pedestrians.
The Truth About Saint Paul's Bike Plan
St. Paul is adding more paint and paths to make bicycling safer, more accessible, and more useful for more riders. Our next Sunday Series presentation looks at project timelines and what the bike plan specifically does and does not envision for District 10. Special focus is on the Grand Round on Wheelock Parkway, through Como Park, and along Como Ave. "The Truth About Saint Paul's Bike Plan" takes place Sunday April 10, from 1-2:30 p.m., at the Como Park Streetcar Station. It's free.
  • The following week's installment, on Sunday April 17, is "Garbage 101." We'll look at how trash and recycling are constantly changing in St. Paul and Ramsey County, and talk about St. Paul's look into organized trash collection.
Eureka logo Pick Up New Recycling Bins This Sunday
The Como Park Streetcar Station is open this Sunday, April 3, from noon-4 p.m. A District 10 board member will be on hand to distribute recycling bins, composting bags, or just take your comments and suggestions. Or, you can read the exhibits or admire the newly waxed floor. The Streetcar Station is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.  
Get Help Getting the Lead Out 
Fact: About 75 percent of homes built before 1978 contain some lead paint. That's most of our neighborhood. For children who live in or spend a lot of time in those homes, that poses a major risk of lead poisoning. Here's one way to reduce those risks: If you've got old windows with lead paint, Ramsey County and NeighborWorks Home Partners can cover 75 percent of the cost of replacing those windows. (If you're a landlord, they'll cover half the replacement cost.) But funding is running low. To find out if you qualify, and how to apply, call Nicole at 651-348-5080.
What If We Actually Talk with Each Other?
Conversations on Race, a six-part series exploring issues of race and racial equity, begins this Monday, April 4. A session takes place every Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway. The series includes movie screenings, book discussions, presentations, and panels. This series is free, but registration is required.
It's Not That Much of a Stretch
A student group at Como Park High Schools is organizing eight weeks of after-school yoga for students. Here's the catch: They need yoga mats. If you've got a used, underused, or extra mat you can donate, drop it off before April 13 at the school office, 740 W. Rose. 
River Group Wants to Give Out Money
The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization is accepting grant applications from community groups working on -- or with an idea for -- clean water and habitat. Initial applications for a Mini Grant are due by Monday April 11; full applications for selected projects will be due May 26.
A Week of Creativity for Kids
St. Paul Public Schools are on spring break next week, April 4-8. In response, St. Paul Public Libraries are hosting an entire week of free Maker Break activities, where the goal is to "build, construct, tinker, and create." Most of the activities are for pupils in Grades 1-6, but a few are open to other ages as well. Some activities require pre-registration. Classes take place at different library branches; the first one begins this Sunday, April 3; the last one is next Saturday, April 9.
Gottlieb's 'Man Looking at Woman'
Taking Things in Your Own Hands 
It's a new month, which means new activities in Lyngblomsten's Artful Living Series. All activities are open to the entire neighborhood. A hands-on introduction to clay pottery, taught by instructors from the Northern Clay Center, runs two Fridays, April 8 and 22, from 2-3:30 p.m. The fee is $30. 
 
In addition, two Art with Heart classes begin this Tuesday, April 5, and run four consecutive Tuesdays:
  • Mixed Media Arts covers various painting techniques in mixed media, acrylic, and watercolor. Class runs 10-11:30 a.m.; the fee is $50.
  • Exploring Art examines the life and work of Adolph Gottlieb, an American abstract expressionist painter, sculptor, and printmaker. Class runs 1-2:30 p.m.; the fee is $25.
You can register for any of these classes by email or by phone: 651-632-5330.
Help Storm Drains Make a Statement
Want to make a visible impact on water quality of our nearby lakes, creeks, and river? Then help the Friends of the Mississippi River stencil storm drains. It's a 90-minute project for groups of 20 to 200. Stenciling takes place in May and June, but sign-up is available now. Details are available online. If you can't round up that many folks, you can check out individual stencil kits for up to two weeks at a time.
A Better Way to Throw a Party
Thinking about a graduation party, family reunion, big holiday weekend, or neighborhood picnic or block party this summer? Here's a chance to reduce your environmental footprint: Next Thursday, April 7, is the deadline to order a Zero Waste Party Kit through Eureka Recycling's Zero Waste Buying Co-Op. You can order plates, napkins, cups, and utensils -- all of which can be composted. Which means they don't end up in a landfill. And you can buy them at bulk prices.

Don't forget the office: The buying co-op also has 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper (in multiple colors) and recyclable binders.
Find Out More About What's Going On
  • This Tuesday, April 5: Como Regional Park Advisory Committee. 6:30-8 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Agenda items include the Saint Paul Grand Round, McMurray Field reconstruction, and Como Dockside community engagement process.
  • This Wednesday, April 6: St. Paul City Council public hearings. Topics include new zoning requirements for congregate living, and Phase 2 of the Como-Chatsworth street reconstruction project. All public hearings begin at 5:30 p.m. in the third-floor City Council Chambers at City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
  • Tuesday April 12: Ask a Student Pharmacist. 10:30-11:30 a.m., North Dale Community Center, 1414 N. St. Albans.
  • Friday April 22-Sunday April 24: St. Paul Art Crawl, Front Avenue Pottery, 895 Front Ave.
  • Saturday April 23: 30th annual St. Paul Citywide Cleanup. 9-11:30 a.m., Como Park and six other locations.

  • Saturday June 11: A Line bus service begins on Snelling Ave.
We've Got More Events on the Drawing Board
District 10 is organizing these events this spring. Put them on your calendar now; stay tuned to our website for more details.
  • Clean Energy Forum: Sunday April 24, 1-2:30 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station
  • Como Park Neighborhood Garage Sale: Saturday May 14
  • Como Neighborhood Seed and Seedling Share: Saturday May 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station
Crime Prevention Tip of the Week
One of the best ways to prevent becoming a crime victim: Be aware of what's going on around you, says Pam McCreary, crime prevention specialist for the St. Paul Police Department's Western District. Don't get too engrossed in your smartphone or book. "Too many victims say: 'I just didn't see them. I didn't hear them coming.' If you take the time to look around, look at them -- they don't want to be identified. They're more likely to say 'Not this one'," McCreary advises.

If you are robbed, call 9-1-1 immediately, she says. That gives police a much better chance of tracking down the thieves before they get too far.
 
The Latest Crime Report for Our Neighborhood
And So It Begins
If you're heading to the airport, Mall of America, Ikea, or other destinations in that general direction, life just got worse. This Monday, April 4, construction resumes on the Highway 5 bridge between St. Paul and Fort Snelling. Through November, travel will be down to one lane in each direction. A bunch of ramps in the area also will be closed. Get the gory details
At the Fairgrounds
The Saint Paul Osman Shrine Circus continues through this Sunday, April 3, at the Warner Coliseum. Showtimes are 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. today (Friday); 10 a.m., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
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 expressed interest in District 10 activities.