More than 400 people turned out for last Sunday's "Music Under Glass" concert by The Last Revel at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. There's another concert this Sunday; see the details below. (Photo: Rachel Hanson)
It's Never Too Early to Think About Biking
A concept of how the Grand Round might look where Wheelock meets the Gateway Trail.
An open house on Tuesday Jan. 19 will show off the latest design concepts for the Saint Paul Grand Round -- a plan to expand pedestrian and bicycle connections between Phalen Park, Como Park, and beyond. The plan would, for example:
  • Add sidewalks and off-road bicycle paths along Wheelock Parkway.
  • Improve walking and cycling paths through Como Park.
  • Improve pedestrian and bicycle access along Como Ave. west of the park, along the Fairgrounds, and past the University of Minnesota's Saint Paul campus.
Many of the proposed improvements are years into the future and still lack funding. However, Como Ave. is scheduled to be restriped this summer between Hamline Ave. and Raymond Ave. Also this year, reconstruction of Wheelock is scheduled between Rice St. and Edgerton St.

This year's construction will set the pattern for how new safety and accessibility improvements, boulevard paths, sidewalks, signs, lighting, and other amenities could look and function when they move into District 10. That happens in 2017, when reconstruction of Wheelock is scheduled between Como Park and Western Ave. The open house is 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Ave.
How to Become Less Citified 
Even city dwellers can get back to the land with Urban Homesteading seminars starting this weekend at Saint Paul Public Libraries. In the first session, Ramsey County Master Gardeners share secrets on how to grow fresh salad greens indoors -- no special lights or greenhouses necessary. They'll even give you the seeds to get started. The free event is this Saturday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. at the Riverview Library, 1 E. George St., on the West Side.

Future sessions cover topics such as raising chickens in the city, growing grapes, and tapping nearby maple trees to make your own syrup. The complete schedule 
How Much Influence Do You Have?
Saint Paul is now accepting applications for city committees, boards and commissions. The application deadline is Monday Feb. 1. Panels with current vacancies include:
  • Board of Zoning Appeals, which rules on zoning variances. BZA has two vacancies.
  • Capital Improvement Budget Committee, which reviews, ranks, and recommends proposals to improve city land and buildings, including streets, parks, and libraries. CIB has six vacancies.
Other committees make appointments on a rolling basis. You can complete an application online. The city's website includes an overview of the more than 30 city committees, boards, and commissions for which residents and business representatives can apply. That page also links to the individual committees and their specific requirements.
Local Parks Work to Get You Off the Couch  
Northwest Como Rec Center and North Dale Rec Center started rolling out a new lineup of activities this week for everybody from preschoolers to adults. Get an overview on our website Or, for the full schedule, call Northwest Como at 651-298-5813 or North Dale at 651-558-2329.
Music is Not a Spectator Sport 
Lyngblomsten has two opportunities this week so you can do more than listen to music -- you can make music, too, regardless of your "training."
  • The first is TaikoAlive!, a Japanese drum performance from the MacPhail Center for Music. After the concert, you'll get a chance to take over the drums. TaikoAlive! starts at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 10, at the Newman-Benson Chapel.
  • The second opportunity is to join ranks with the Sing for Life Choir. This ad hoc group meets every Wednesday, beginning Jan. 13, to learn vocal technique and choral skills while singing popular songs. The choir meets from 9:15-10:15 a.m. at The Heritage.
Both events are free and open to the entire community. Lyngblomsten is at 1415 Almond Ave.
Stay Warm the Right Way   
Real winter is supposed to return this weekend. That's why the Saint Paul Fire Department is warning: Never use a stove or oven to heat your home; the risk of a fire or other accident is too high.

Home heating sources are the second-leading cause of residential fires in Minnesota (cooking is the first). If you need supplemental heating, the fire department says, use a space heater. But follow these precautions:
  • Plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
  • Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as furniture, toys, paper, or blankets and other bedding.
  • Always turn space heaters "off" when you leave the room, leave the house, or go to sleep.
Crime Prevention Tip of the Week
Thefts of autos -- and thefts from autos -- have been the most common crime in our neighborhood the past few weeks. Saint Paul Police point out it takes less than 20 seconds for professional thieves or joy-riders to break into your vehicle and drive off -- especially if you make it easier for them.
  • The No. 1 rule to avoid becoming a victim: Lock your car and take your key with you every time you leave -- even if you're out of the car "just for a minute." That's especially true this time of year if you are leaving the car running to "warm up" before you go somewhere.
  • To further protect yourself: Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If you do that, and your keys are lost or stolen, it could help a thief burglarize your home, too.
Around the Neighborhood
  • In the big sporting event in town this week, the North Star Roller Girls host a bout at the Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m.
  • Getting a little more publicity is the presumably frigid NFL playoff game between the Vikings and Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, Jan. 10, at noon at TCF Bank Stadium. That means parking and shuttle buses will be swarming the Fairgrounds' Robin Lot along Randall Ave.
Siama Matuzungidi
Thaw Out After the Vikings' Game
This week's " Music Under Glass" features Siama Matuzungidi's Afrobilly, who team up with cellist Jacqueline Ultan. The free concert is Sunday, Jan. 10, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the toasty Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. Beer, wine and snacks are available for purchase; seating is not. Future concerts 
So You Know What's Going On
  • This Tuesday, Jan. 12: Como Business Network, 7:30-9 a.m., HHH Job Corps Center.
  • This Thursday, Jan. 14: District 10 Neighborhood Relations and Safety Committee, 6 p.m. Historic Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 19: District 10 Como Community Council Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Historic Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
  • Wednesday Jan. 20: Saint Paul Planning Commission: Public hearing on the District 10 Como Community Plan. 5:30 p.m., City Council chambers.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 27: District 10 Environment Committee, 7 p.m. Historic Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
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.