Annual ritual: For many families, Memorial Day means visiting and sprucing up grave sites of relatives. Pat and Judy Corrigan were among visitors at Calvary Cemetery who spent part of the day washing headstones, trimming grass, or adding adornments to family plots.
Get Serious About Spring Cleaning
St. Paul's first community cleanup day -- where you can dispose of the stuff you can't put in the trash -- takes place next Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Washington Technology Magnet High School, 1495 Rice Street. At this event, any city resident can drop off old appliances, furniture, tires, demolition materials, and more. You can drop off household quantities of confidential paper for shredding. And, there's a reuse area where you can leave items that are perfectly functional, but you don't need any more. If you can't get all your junk together in the next week, future cleanup dates are:
  • June 25: Harding High School, 1540 E. 6th St.
  • Sept. 24: Shepard Road (between Davern and Alton)
  • Oct. 8: Fairgrounds

The fine print: There are fees for most items. The drop-off events accept only cash or checks. You can find these and other details online.
Get Rid of Your Own Toxic Waste Dump
Old electronics: St. Paul holds a drop-off event exclusively for TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computer equipment, cell phones, cords, and similar accessories on Saturday June 18 at Dunning Field, from 9 a.m.-noon. Find the fee schedule and other details online.

Hazardous waste: Ramsey County has a temporary collection site for household chemicals, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, and other poisonous and dangerous items that should not go in the trash. The site is at 1725 Kent St. in Roseville, just north of Larpenteur Ave. and east of Dale St. The site is open every Friday in June from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and every Saturday in June from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The site is free for county residents; see the county website for a list of acceptable items.
 
Start Your Countdown to ComoFest
ComoFest expands in 2016 to bring affordable fun to every part of the neighborhood every weekend in July. Here's a brief rundown of the schedule. You can find full details at www.comofest.com.
  • Friday July 8: North Dale Movie Night. A free outdoor showing of "Pan."
  • Saturday July 9: ComoFest Art Fair. Art and crafts for sale, plus live music, on the Promenade of the Como Lakeside Pavilion. Online registration for artists is now open.
  • Friday July 15: District 10 Ice Cream Social. Enjoy neighbors, ice cream, lawn games, and live music.
  • Sunday July 17:  ComoFest 5K Walk/Run for Everyone. Sponsored by the Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program. Online registration is now open.
  • Friday July 22: Lyngblomsten's Mid-Summer Festival. An arts showcase, with hands-on activities, music, food, and games -- ending with a community dance under the big tent.
  • Saturday July 23: Community Appreciation Picnic. Topline Federal Credit Union hosts a free cookout.
  • Friday, July 29: Northwest Como Campout. Fun family activities, a free outdoor showing of "Zootopia," and the annual family outdoor overnight campout. To reserve your camping spot, call 651-298-5813 or register online.
  • Saturday July 30 and Sunday July 31: ComoFest Music Festival. The Underground Music CafĂ© transforms its parking lot and indoor stage for live music, presentations, a local talent show, crafts, food, beer, coffee, and more.
The Raptor Center is one of the attractions at tonight's Como Carnival.
Ending the School Year with Fun and Games
The annual Como Carnival, to benefit Como Park Elementary School, is tonight, June 3, from 5-7:30 p.m. on the school grounds, 780 W. Wheelock Parkway. Admission is free. The fund-raiser includes more than a dozen carnival games, plus food, plus a demonstration from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, plus free shows in the Como Planetarium, plus both the horse patrol and canine patrol from the St. Paul Police Department, plus raffles, plus a silent auction, plus something called a Snack Walk -- which sounds simply too good to pass up.
Photo: Como Zoo and Conservatory
Wanted: Teens with Leadership Skills
St. Paul Youth Commission: Parks and Recreation is accepting applications from teens interested in building on the commission's successful projects during the 2016-2017 school year. The application deadline is Wednesday June 15; details are available online.
Youth Commission members must be city residents in grades 9-12. The commission has 22 members: it needs representatives from each neighborhood (including Como), plus five at-large members. Meetings are Monday nights, usually downtown; commission members receive bus passes to get there.

Youth Engagement Program: Como Zoo and Conservatory is seeking teams of 3-5 students in grades 9-12 who have a conservation-based project they want to turn into reality. Program participants receive financial and logistical guidance and mentorship, take part in a four-day summer workshop, and join monthly meet-ups with other teams. The application deadline is Thursday June 30; full details are available online.
Photo: Mike Lentz
Feeding Your Natural Instincts
The Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo and Market takes place for one day only: this Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Cub Foods pavilion at 1201 W. Larpenteur. The market features native plants from 12 local growers; it's sponsored by Wild Ones, St. Paul Audubon Society, and the Capitol Region Watershed District, among others.
Who Doesn't Need a Bigger Kitchen?
A public hearing takes place this Monday, June 6, on a request for a zoning variance to allow a kitchen addition on the home at 1358 Almond Ave. Jeremiah and Tamara Mans are seeking a 6-inch variance on the setback required from the east property line. The Board of Zoning Appeals holds the hearing at 3 p.m. in Room 330 of City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. Can't be there? Send written comments to Yaya Diatta by email or by mail, c/o Department of Safety and Inspections, 375 Jackson St. Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101.
Landlords, It's Your Last Chance
A free landlord training workshop, co-sponsored by District 10 and HOME Line, takes place this Tuesday, June 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. The workshop welcomes property owners and managers, whether they rent out a single-family home or multiple units. Topics include the tenant application process, discrimination and fair housing issues, repairs, bedbugs, evictions, and requirements about when a landlord can or cannot enter an apartment. There will be plenty of time for specific questions. Registration is required.
No, you won't have to spell the names of these tiny water creatures. Photo: Jan Hamrsky
Wonder What Lives in Como Lake?
Then bring a child, age 6-11, to "Bugs' Night Out" this Tuesday, June 7. Science teacher and bug expert Brandon Burns will help children find out what kind of macroinvertebrates inhabit the lake -- and what that tells us about the lake's water quality. To reserve your spot, contact the Capitol Region Watershed District's Lindsay VanPatten by email or by phone at 651-644-8888. Then meet at the dock area near the Pavilion at 6 p.m. Tuesday. All adults must be accompanied by at least one child.
Georgia O'Keeffe's
"Oriental Poppies"
Seeing Art with a New Eye
The ever-intriguing Artful Living series at Lyngblomsten features two new programs this Tuesday, June 7. The entire community is welcome.
  • Peter Wong features his photos, plus photos by his students in two Dakota County school districts. His free presentation is 6-7 p.m. in the Newman-Benson Chapel.
  • Art With Heart kicks off a four-week session exploring the legacy of Georgia O'Keeffe. The classes run Tuesdays, June 7-28, from 1-2:30 p.m. at the 5-5-1 Club. Registration is $25; sign up by email or by calling 651-632-5330.
Photo: Heather Holm
Gaining on Them, One Yard at a Time
Want to do something different with your yard? The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization has ideas. The " Water Wednesdays" series lays out how what we do with our lawns, gardens, and landscapes can prevent pollution, protect water quality, and provide habitat -- or not. The free workshops take place one Wednesday a month, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the organization's Stormwater Park and Learning Center, 2522 Marshall St. NE in Northeast Minneapolis. Here's the lineup:
Pulling an All-Nighter
Como Park High School parents host their annual All-Night Party for graduating seniors this Thursday, June 9, at the school. The party runs from 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday. Activities include diversions such as DJs, a photo studio, a casino, a movie, and video games; other games such as billiards, ping pong, and foosball; style opportunities such as henna, air brush tattoos, and caricature artists; and sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and swimming. 
  • Parents are still accepting food donations from community members; contact the Booster Club by email if you can help out.
Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check
The Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program offers free blood-pressure checks several times a month. The next opportunities:
  • This Thursday, June 9, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Como Park Lutheran Church, 1376 Hoyt
  • Wednesday June 15, 11 a.m.-noon, Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1074 Idaho
  • Thursday June 16, 11 a.m.-noon, Arbor Pointe Apartments, Dale and Maryland.
There Are Other Kinds of Art, You Know
The St. Anthony Park Branch of the St. Paul Public Library has a busy week of special events:
  • In conjunction with the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival, the library holds a used book sale this Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Tres Mundos performs a free multicultural mix of music, languages, and dances of the Americas this Tuesday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m.
  • A free screening of the movie "Bridge of Spies" is this Thursday, June 9, at 2 p.m. It's the more-or-less-true story of an American lawyer who is recruited during the Cold War to help the CIA exchange  a Soviet spy for captured American U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. The film stars Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, and Alan Alda.

The St. Anthony Park branch is at 2245 Como Ave.
Minimizing the Sweat in Sweat Equity
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota has classes lined up for June to get the most out of your old(er) home.
  • The Handyperson Special is a three-week,  Wednesday evening series in south Minneapolis. It covers electrical this Wednesday, June 8; plumbing on June 15; and heating/cooling on June 22. Registration is $80 for nonmembers.
  • Healthy Paints for Healthy Living takes place in St. Paul next Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Registration is $50 for nonmembers.
  • Refinishing Wood Floors takes place in St. Paul next Sunday, June 12, from 1-4 p.m. Registration is $45 for nonmembers.
Can Stock photo
It's Happening All Around Us
  • This Saturday, June 4: Albert Street block party. Noon-10 p.m., between Arlington and Frankson.
  • This Thursday, June 9: District 10 Neighborhood Relations Committee. 6:30-8 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Discussion includes planning for the July 15 Ice Cream Social. Community members are always welcome to attend.
  • Next Friday, June 10: The Planning Commission holds a public hearing on the proposed Snelling-Midway soccer stadium master site plan. 8:30 a.m., City Hall Room 40, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
  • Next Friday, June 10: Hmong College Prep Academy commencement ceremony. 6-8 p.m., Brewster St. between Snelling and Pascal.
  • Next Saturday June 11: A Line "bus rapid transit" service begins on Snelling Ave. Free rides will be available all weekend.
  • Friday June 17-Sunday June 19: Back to the 50s Car Show, State Fairgrounds.
  • Tuesday, June 21: District 10 Como Community Council Board Meeting. 7 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station. Community members are always welcome to attend. 
  • Saturday-Sunday, July 2-3: Hmong Freedom Celebration and Sports Tournament. 6 a.m.-10 p.m., McMurray Field and surrounding parts of Como Park.
  • Tuesday Aug. 2: National Night Out.
Actually, You Can't Get There from Here
Our summer of disappearing bridges continues. New bridge work:
  • Interstate 35W: Closed between Highway 10 and I-694 from 10:00 tonight, Friday June 3, through 5 a.m. this Monday, June 6. The weekend shutdown lets MnDOT remove the County Road H bridge. The bridge won't be back in action until late fall.
  • St. Clair Ave. bridge over I-35E. Closes at 5 a.m. this Monday, June 6, through July 29.
  • Victoria St. bridge over I-94: Closed through June 15.
Ongoing bridge work:
  • Cretin Ave. bridge over I-94: Scheduled to reopen this Monday, June 6.
  • Highway 5 bridge over Mississippi River: Only a single lane is open in both directions until November. Ramps at Edgecumbe Road, Highway 55, Mississippi River Blvd., and Shepard Road are closed.
  • Lexington Ave.: Closed at Highway 36 until September, so MnDOT can replace the Highway 36 bridge.
  • Prior Ave. bridge over I-94: Closed through Aug 15.
Meanwhile, here are other road and highway projects on major travel routes to and from Como:
  • Chatsworth Ave.: Closed between Front and Horton through July.
  • Highway 280: The ramps at Larpenteur and at Como Ave. are open. However, the highway remains closed between Broadway and Interstate 35W. Only a single lane is open between Broadway and Como.
  • Interstate 35E: Nightly lane closings continue between Maryland Ave. and I-94. Occasional work takes place as far north as Highway 36. Lane and ramp closings continue on L'Orient and Pennsylvania Ave./Phalen Blvd.
  • Larpenteur Ave.: Sidewalk, curb, and crosswalk work between Snelling and Oxford continues into July.
  • Wheelock Parkway: Closed between Rice and Edgerton until fall.
Photo: Eric Bernstein
Crime Prevention Tip of the Week
Some basic reminders for St. Paul dog owners:
  • All dogs at least 3 months old must be licensed.
  • If your dog is not in a fenced area, the dog must be restrained by a tether or leash that's 6 feet or shorter.
  • Dogs are not allowed to run free in parks, school playgrounds, or other public spaces -- unless you're at an official off-leash dog park. St. Paul has four off-leash dog parks within city limits; Ramsey County has four other off-leash parks.
  • Pick up after your dog. Residents walking their dog must carry a bag or other equipment as evidence that they are able to clean up their dog's deposits.
Cats, on the other hand, are allowed to roam. It's discouraged, but it's legal. However, outdoor cats must wear a current rabies tag.
  
The Latest Crime Report for Our Neighborhood  
David Bowie and Muppets team up in "Labyrinth."
Saturday Night at the Movies
Beginning this weekend, Dockside experiments with a Saturday night " Music and Movies" series, featuring cult favorites. The first combination: The movie " Labyrinth," and music from The Gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League. Things get going tomorrow, June 4, at 7:30 p.m.
The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus is part of Sunday's Queer Music Consortium.
Our Own Variety Show
This week's Music in the Parks schedule at Como Dockside Pavilion:
  • Tonight, June 3: Le Dolce Vita Jazz, 7 p.m.
  • This Sunday, June 5: Queer Music Consortium, 3 p.m. The Calliope Women's Chorus, One Voice Mixed Chorus, Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus, Minnesota Freedom Band, and Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra perform separately and together.
  • This Sunday, June 5: Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Monday, June 6: Center for Irish Music Youth Ensemble, 7 p.m.
  • This Tuesday, June 7: St. Paul Police Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Wednesday, June 8: Medalist Concert Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Thursday, June 9: Calhoun Isles Community Band, 7 p.m.
  • Next Friday, June 10: Harmonic Relief Adult Show Choir, 7 p .m.
All presentations are free. For the entire summer lineup, go to the Calendar section at Dockside's website. 
This Weekend in the Park
  • This Saturday, June 4: Step Up for NF Walk. North Picnic Pavilion; 2-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. Registration: $20 in advance, $30 on site; family rates available.
GM vehicles of all makes and eras show off at the Fairgrounds Sunday.
This Week at the Fairgrounds       
  • Through this Sunday, June 5: North Central Reining Extravaganza horse competition, Warner Coliseum. Opens daily at 8 a.m.
  • Through this Sunday, June 5: Appliance liquidation, Education Building. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
  • Through this Sunday, June 5: International Gem and Jewelry Show, Progress Building. Noon-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $8 (no children 8 or younger allowed).
  • This Saturday, June 4: Baby Steps 3K Walk, Grandstand. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.; walk begins at 9 a.m. Registration: $20 adults, $10 children. Streets in the northern and western parts of the Fairgrounds will be closed during the walk.
  • This Saturday, June 4: St. Paul Summer Beer Fest, International Bazaar. 2-5 p.m. $45 in advance, $55 at the door.
  • This Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5: Antiques and Decorative Arts Show, Fine Arts Center. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6.
  • This Sunday, June 5: Car Show and Swap Meet, Machinery Hill. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. General Motors vehicles only. Admission: $5 teens and adults; children 12 or younger, free.
  • This Tuesday, June 7: MacQueen equipment training expo, Progress Center, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • This Tuesday, June 7: Bicycle races, 5 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Expect roads north of Dan Patch and south of Hoyt to be closed.
  • This Thursday, June 9, through Sunday June 12: Region 10 Arabian Horse Association championship show, Warner Coliseum. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Free.
  • Next Friday, June 10: Antique motorcycle swap meet, Progress Center. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: $5 teens and adults; children 12 or younger free with paid admission.
Pick Up a Recycling Bin This Sunday
The Como Park Streetcar Station is open from noon-4 p.m. this and every Sunday through September. It's your best opportunity to pick up a blue recycling bin, organics composting bags, or just share comments and suggestions with a District 10 board member. The Streetcar Station is at the 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 expressed interest in District 10 activities.