There's no stopping them: Scooters, trykes, flags, dogs, a trumpet version of "The Star-Spangled Banner," a city fire truck, and even spectators. They're all part of one of the nation's smallest 4th of July parades -- a three-block event that's been going on for 42 years on the 700 blocks of Montana and Nebraska.
District 10 Organics Recycling Site Opens
Recycling your food scraps and other household organic waste just got easier, because District 10's new organics recycling site in Como Park is now open. The community drop-off is a great option for those who don't have the space or time to maintain their own backyard compost bin. Plus, the District 10 site can accept items that are nearly impossible to compost in your backyard. Get all the details on how it works and how you can get started. Items you can recycle include:
  • Food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, eggs, and dairy)
  • Coffee grounds and tea bags
  • Paper towels, paper napkins, paper tissues, paperboard egg cartons, and delivery pizza boxes
The District 10 site:
  • is on Beulah Lane, just north of the Humane Society and just west of the McMurray Field baseball field and soccer fields
  • is closer and more convenient than existing County yard waste sites
  • is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • is free for all Ramsey County residents
What Are You Doing Next Friday?
District 10's annual Ice Cream Social is next Friday, July 15, from 5-8 p.m. at the Historic Streetcar Station. It's a night of free ice cream -- courtesy of Kemps and Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church -- plenty of lawn games, live music, and hanging out with the best neighbors in the city. The entire neighborhood is invited. On top of that, we'll have a small ceremony honoring the refurbished, historic pedestrian bridge outside the Streetcar Station.
Because nearby parking is limited, especially because of road construction, please consider walking, biking, car pooling, or taking public transit. To encourage biking, we'll have extra bike racks on hand. The Ice Cream Social is part of ComoFest, which brings fun every weekend in July to different parts of the Como neighborhood.
This uprooted tree blocked Cottage between Grotto and Avon.
After the Storm 
After Tuesday's storm, there's hardly a block in the neighborhood without major tree damage. Here's some advice from the city to ease the rest of your cleanup:
  • City crews will continue clearing debris from streets, sidewalks, and boulevards.
  • Residents are responsible for removing and disposing of trees and branches from their private property.
  • Whenever possible, residents should take debris from downed trees to a county yard waste site, some of which have extended hours to handle storm debris. However, city crews will pick up limbs and other small storm-related debris if residents stack it on the boulevard before this Thursday, July 14. (The city will not pick up stumps, large debris, or debris handled by commercial tree service operations.)
  • Tree-trimming companies operating in St. Paul must be licensed, and must display their license on their vehicle. Here is a list of licensed companies in St. Paul. The city also recommends that, to avoid getting fleeced, you get a written estimate and steer clear of contractors who require you to pay in cash.
  • You can report issues with damaged boulevard trees to 651-266-8989 or 651-266-9700, or by email.
  • If you have storm damage to your house or garage, the state Department of Labor and Industry maintains online lists of licensed, bonded, certified, and registered contractors of all trades.
  • For ongoing issues about power failures, contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999, and press 1.
Como Lakeside Pavilion
(Erik Pearson)
ComoFest Starts This Weekend
ComoFest starts tonight, Friday July 8, with North Dale's Movie Night, which features a free outdoor showing of "Pan." The evening gets rolling at 8 p.m.; the movie starts at dusk -- approximately 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray.
This Saturday, July 9, the Como Fest Art Fair features 20 artists who will have arts and crafts for sale. Plus, there's a live concert at noon featuring Blue Groove Bluegrass Band. The art fair is on the Promenade of the Como Lakeside Pavilion.
If you miss this weekend, don't worry: Our community festival offers affordable fun every weekend in July. If the free ComoFest events are not on your calendar, they should be. Get all the details at  www.comofest.com.
One of the lawn signs we're considering.
The Signs Are Everywhere
OK, we learned this week that splintered trees and live power lines will slow down traffic. However, short of something that drastic, District 10 still wants to help take back our streets from motorists who speed, blow stop signs, and generally disregard the fact that we live here.
One idea: We're crafting lawn signs to grab drivers' attention and, we hope, make our streets safer. But first, we need to know which signs you prefer and which messages you prefer to send. So, take our survey. Tell us which potential messages you think will be the most effective. But hurry -- we're keeping the survey open only until this Sunday, July 10. Then, we'll turn your ideas into action.
Burdock
Eyes to the Skies, Hands on the Ground
Now that you're in shape from dragging tree branches around, clearing burdock from the Como Woodlands Outdoor Classroom should be a walk in the park -- literally and figuratively. The St. Paul Audubon Society and the Natural Resources division of Parks and Recreation are teaming up this Saturday, July 9, for an event they call "Birds and Burdock."
The day starts at 9 a.m. with bird walks, discussion about keeping the Woodlands a bird sanctuary, and how invasive species such as burdock make that more difficult. Afterward, volunteers will team up to clear burdock from the Woodlands. You'll get more than satisfaction for your efforts -- you'll get free lunch, too. All this, and you can be on your way by 11:30 a.m. Get more details online, including advice on what to wear and what to bring.
Where There's Smoke, There's Smoke
The city is conducting smoke tests of sewers in our neighborhood through August. The smoke tests find leaks in sewer lines. But the tests mean it will be common to see simulated smoke pouring from manhole covers, storm drains, roof vents, and building foundations. The simulated smoke will not enter homes that are properly plumbed and whose fixture traps contain water. If smoke does enter your building, open your doors and windows, and call the sewer safety testing crew at 651-238-0572. 
 
Residents are supposed to receive a door hangar two-three days before their block is tested, then receive an automated phone call one-two days beforehand. Based on the preliminary map, the tests are starting near Snelling and Jessamine, then working their way clockwise around District 10.
Don't Call in Sick on This Chance
This week is your last chance to take two City of Saint Paul on whether to require employers to provide earned safe and sick time. One survey seeks comments on the recommendations from the safe and sick time task force. Today, Friday July 8, is your last chance to add your two cents to that one. The second survey seeks comment on the City Council's actual draft ordinance. That comment period remains open until next Friday, July 15.
We Can Help You Throw a Block Party
District 10 has street barricades and portable recycling containers that community residents can use for block parties or other neighborhood or family events. You can borrow the recycling containers for free; there are two kinds:
  • For cans, bottles and other items you can include in your weekly curbside pickup
  • For food scraps and other compostable organics
The street barricades are required by the city when you block off your street or alley -- but ours are more affordable than getting them from Public Works. 
  • Barricades require a $50 deposit. We'll return $45 when you return the barricades.
  • Reservations are first-come, first-served.
  • To borrow our barricades, you must have an event permit from the city.
To reserve any of this equipment, call our office at 651-644-3889, or send us an email.
Get Your Detours Ready
New this week: The Highway 5 bridge over the Mississippi River closes completely from 8:00 tonight, July 8, until 5 a.m. this Monday, July 11. All ramps in the area will close an hour earlier, at 7 tonight. Also, Rose Ave. is now closed east of Victoria through August. Ongoing bridge work:
  • St. Clair Ave. bridge over I-35E. Closed through July 29.
  • Prior Ave. bridge over I-94: Closed until August.
Other road and highway projects on major travel routes to and from Como:
  • Chatsworth Ave.: Closed between Front and Horton, likely until August.
  • Churchill St.: Closed south of the Horton/Van Slyke intersection.
  • Dale St. at Interstate 94: Entrance ramps in both directions are closed until November. However, the exit ramps from I-94 to Dale remain open. The shutdown allows MnDOT to replace and upgrade the pedestrian and bicycle bridges over I-94 at MacKubin and Grotto Streets. Some lanes of I-94 may be closed east of Victoria between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
  • Dale St. at Highway 36: Westbound ramp is closed until September.
  • Highway 280: 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.
  • Interstate 35W: Resurfacing between Highway 36 and Interstate 694 continues nightly. What you can expect: Lane and ramp closures nearly every day between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. See a list of what will be closed each day. In addition, the northbound lanes will close completely next weekend, from about 10 p.m. July 15-6 a.m. July 18.
  • Jessamine Ave.: Closed between Chatsworth and Churchill. Also closed are the dead-end segments of Kilburn, Ryde, Colne, and Milton south of Como Ave. Construction will last at least through August.
  • Larpenteur Ave.: Sidewalk, curb, and crosswalk work between Snelling and Oxford continues until later in July.
  • Lexington Ave.: Closed at Highway 36 until September, so MnDOT can replace the Highway 36 bridge. Entrance and exit ramps in both directions are closed.
  • Van Slyke Ave.: Closed between Horton and Chatsworth.
  • Wheelock Parkway: Closed between Rice and Edgerton until fall.
Wait, Let Me Check My Calendar   
  • This Sunday, July 10: Last day to register online for the ComoFest 5K Walk/Run for Everyone. The run, sponsored by the Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program, is 8:30 a.m. Sunday July 17.
  • This Wednesday July 13: "Raingardens for Clean Water." 6-7:30 p.m., Stormwater Park and Learning Center, 2522 Marshall St., Minneapolis. Part of Mississippi Watershed Management Organization's monthly "Water Wednesdays" workshops.
  • Tuesday Aug. 2: National Night Out. Register your event with the city. 
  • Tuesday Aug. 9: North Dale Recreation Center Summerfest. 5-8 p.m. 
  • Saturday Oct. 8: Citywide Drop-off Event. State Fairgrounds
Fire Prevention Tip of the Week
Smoke alarms save lives -- but only if they work!  The Saint Paul Fire Department recommends:
  • Test your smoke alarms every month
  • Replace the battery every year
  • Replace the smoke alarm itself every 10 years
The Latest Crime Report for Our Neighborhood  A lot of thefts this week.  
The Twin Cities Youth Symphony is only one of the orchestras this week at the Lakeside Pavilion.
Free Music at the Pavilion
Here's this week's Music in the Parks schedule at the Como Dockside Pavilion. All presentations are free. For the entire summer lineup, go to the Calendar section at Dockside's website.  
  • Tonight, Friday July 8: Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, 7 p .m.
  • This Saturday, July 9: Blue Groove Bluegrass Band, noon; Pan-Handlers Steel Drum Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Sunday, July 10: Heart of a Tinman, 7 p.m.
  • This Monday, July 11: Fridley City Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Tuesday, July 12: Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, 7 p.m.
  • This Wednesday, July 13: Minnesota Sinfonia, 7 p.m.
  • This Thursday, July 14: Tiller Black, 4:30 p.m. (during weekly Farmers Market); First Things First, 7 p.m.
  • Next Friday, July 15: Mill City Five, 7 p .m.
Free Music at the Zoo
Groovin' in the Park: The Morning Kings. This Wednesday, July 13, 6-8 p.m. Concerts occur every Wednesday through Aug. 3 on the lawn outside the Zoo and Conservatory's Visitors Center.  
No, this is not what a smoke test on your sewer looks like; this is a Color Run.
This Week at the Fairgrounds
  • This Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10: Minnesota Saddlebred Horse Association Capitol Classic, Horse Barn, AgStar Arena, and Livestock Area. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. each day. Shows at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Free admission for spectators.
  • This Sunday, July 10: The Color Run, on roadways throughout eastern portion of the Fairgrounds. Runs last from 9 a.m.-noon, but cleanup (and limited access to the Fairgrounds) will last until 4 p.m. Registration: $45. As many as 20,000 runners are expected so, in our neighborhood, parking will be banned from one side of the street from 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday from Snelling to Pascal, between Hoyt and Como.
  • This Tuesday, July 12: Criterium du Nord bicycle races. Expect roads north of Dan Patch and south of Hoyt to close from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
  • This Thursday, July 14, through next Sunday, July 17: MAQHA Corporate Challenge Horse Show. Warner Coliseum. Shows daily at 8 a.m. (except 7 a.m. Saturday). Free admission.
  • Next Friday, July 15, through next Sunday, July 17: Street Machine Summer Nationals, throughout Fairgrounds. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Pick Up Your Recycling Gear Here
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, compostable organics recycling 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.