Unplugged: Saint Paul Police write up one of the door-to-door vacuum salesmen who became infamous on Como social media sites the past few weeks. Police issued tickets for traffic violations and for soliciting without a peddlers license. And police issued this advice to residents: Don't open the door. Don't invite strangers into your home. If you want an appliance demonstration, make an appointment on your terms at your convenience. 
History -- Right Before Our Eyes
State Fair history includes some unbelievable stories.
Long-forgotten photographs, stories, legends, and lore of the Great Minnesota Get-Together launch District 10's 2018 Sunday Series this weekend. Minnesota State Fair director and Como resident Jerry Hammer guides us through the most recent 100 years of State Fair history.

Details: This Sunday, Feb. 25, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Newman-Benson Chapel on the Lyngblomsten campus, 1415 Almond Ave. Free.  Other presentations we've got booked in this year's Sunday Series :
  • March 18: The Next Step in Pedestrian Safety
  • April 15: Crime Prevention through Landscape Design
  • June 3: Como Park Tree Trek
What Do You Think?
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation plans to build a pedestrian crosswalk, a raised median, and other infrastructure on Lexington Parkway near the parking lots for the Golf Course and Lakeside Pavilion.

Engineers presented the plan last summer. Since then, some residents say they consider the plan a necessary and overdue improvement. Others have questioned whether it would be safe enough for pedestrians and cyclists. Still others have suggested ideas that could improve the project but cost more money.

District 10 is exploring residents' priorities about the crosswalk proposal and some of the potential options. Take the survey
Yoga: Back by Popular Demand
District 10's first " community yoga" of 2018 is next Sunday, March 4, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Instructor Meegan Hall of Como Park Yoga and Wellness leads the session. All you need to do is bring a yoga mat or blanket, wear comfortable clothes, hang out with neighbors -- and register now.

All levels of skill and experience are welcome. We'll have coffee, cider, and treats to help you ease into the morning. The session is at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. The $5 registration fee benefits the Como Community Council. The class is limited to 25 participants. 

Community yoga will take place one Sunday morning each quarter; future dates are May 6, Sept. 9, and Dec. 2.
When It Piles Up
This is a good weekend to take a refresher course on what to do when Saint Paul declares a snow emergency. 
Fences Make Good Neighbors
A new security fence is going up around the old Sholom Home site at 1554 Midway Parkway. According to the city's Department of Safety and Inspections, "The property owner just called and said he is having it done."
Always Looking Ahead
District 10's Environment Committee meets this Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. The committee will brainstorm and start locking down events and activities for the year. Community members are welcome to attend, participate, and share their priorities for 2018. The meeting is at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.  
Sit Down with Your Councilmember
Ward 1 City Councilmember Dai Thao holds two "community conversations" this week. The first is this Thursday, March 1, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Awash Market, 590 W. University Ave. The second is next Friday, March 2, from 1-2 p.m. at Golden Thyme CafĂ©, 921 W. Selby Ave. (Ward 1 is the part of District 10 south of Front Ave.)

Ward 5 City Councilmember Amy Brendmoen holds "community office hours" on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 4-5:30 p.m., at the Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice St. That includes March 6 and March 20. (Ward 5 is the part of District 10 east of Lexington and north of Front, plus the corner of the neighborhood west of Lexington and north of Hoyt, plus the block north of Montana and east of Dunlap.)
Winter Ales and More 
The Winter Beer Dabbler returns this Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2-6:30 p.m. You'll know about it, because cannons will announce the opening of the taps at 2:30. There will be music, food, fire pits, laser shows, vendors, and samples from more than 150 local, regional, and national craft breweries. Activities are in the State Fairgrounds' Midway parking lot and Warner Coliseum. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the gate, with premium packages (and discount rates for designated drivers) also available.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Teen Author Gives Free Writing Workshops
Benjamin Alire Sáenz, the Saint Paul Public Library's 2018 Read Brave author, will present two public writing workshops this week. Sáenz will discuss his book "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," the writing process, and answer questions.
  • This Wednesday, Feb 28, Sáenz will be at Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Ave., from 5-6:30 p.m. 
  • This Thursday, March 1, he will be at Rondo Community Library, 461 N. Dale, also from 5-6:30 p.m. 
Get Away from the Snow
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's Music Under Glass concerts continue this Sunday, Feb. 25, with an eclectic world stew from CafĂ© Accordion Orchestra. Their performance, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., is free; there's a cash bar for beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks.   The series continues Sunday afternoons until March 11; get the rest of the line-up . 
As the Days Get Longer...
  • This Sunday, Feb. 25: Como Park Lutheran Church Organ Concert Series, featuring Greg Peterson, from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, 4 p.m. At the church, 1076 W. Hoyt. Free.
  • Wednesday March 21: Financial Literacy Workshop: Improve Your Credit Score, 6 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station. Free. Sponsored by TopLine Federal Credit Union. To register, call 763-391-9494.
Once the snow thaws, here are other events in the works in District 10:
  • Saturday May 5: Como Community Seed Library Green Thumb Kickoff, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station.
  • Saturday May 19: Rain Barrel Workshop, 1-3 p.m. Twin Cities German Immersion School.
  • Saturday June 9: Citywide Drop-Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. State Fairgrounds.
  • Saturday June 23: Workshop on Curb-Cut Rain Gardens, noon-3 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station.
Police Offer Civilians an Inside Look
Next Friday, March 2, is the deadline to apply for the Saint Paul Police Department's Civilian Police Academy. The academy runs 12 Wednesdays -- May 16-Aug. 1 -- from 6-9:30 p.m. Participants learn about the department's divisions, discuss its policies, and experience simulated training. They'll get an inside look at the county jail, patrol operations, forensics, bomb squad, SWAT, and more.

Participants must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and live in Saint Paul (or own property or a business in the city). The academy is free, but space is limited. To apply or for information, contact the Community Engagement Unit at 651-266-5485 or by email.
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.