Como 'Park': Anna Lebsock, like many of her neighbors, flags down State Fair visitors for  lawn parking on the 1500 block of Arona. The sign came with the house when she bought it. "The guy before us was a legend," Lesbock says. After sitting out the first day of the Fair her first year in the house, she and her partner, Matt Schaefer, have been parking cars ever since. "It's addictive," Lebsock says. Schaefer says it's a great way to meet neighbors. "I see them more now than I do all year."
The End of Summer as We Know It
The Sparky Show -- like many events -- wraps up for the year this weekend.
The State Fair is not the only thing that ends this weekend.
  • Summer vacation ends for elementary, middle, and high school students. School buses will be on the streets in full force this Tuesday morning, Sept. 6.
  • The Sparky Show at Como Zoo gives its last performance of the year at 3 p.m. Labor Day.
  • Como's Blooming Butterflies exhibit also closes  at the end of the day Labor Day.
  • The Como Park Pool shuts down for the year at 7 p.m. Labor Day. Ramsey County beaches, which already sent their life guards home for the season, close at sunset Labor Day.

Finally, it's also the last weekend for the free "Music in the Park" series at Como Lakeside Pavilion. This weekend's performers:

  • Today, Friday Sept. 2: Celebration Brass Quintet, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 3: Paul Seeba Duo, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 4: Sweet Rhubarb, 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 5: LaVelle Jazz Little Big Band, 7 p.m.
The Bands Play On

The Como Park Pavilion Promenade does not go dark just because the days are getting shorter.  

  • Como Dockside's Farmer's Market continues every Thursday afternoon from 2-6 p.m.
  • Dockside continues to provide free concerts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. throughout September; see Dockside's calendar for the schedule.
Put Your Best Foot Forward   
District 10 and Saint Paul Police are organizing another "Stop for Me" pedestrian safety demonstration -- this time at our neighborhood's most dangerous intersection: Como, Front and Dale. It's on Wednesday Sept. 14 from 3-5 p.m. We're teaming up with District 6 in the North End to make this a success.

Can you join us? Contact the District 10 office by email or by phone at 651-644-3889. We need volunteers to help educate drivers that state law requires them to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks -- every corner, every time. Police will ticket drivers who do not obey the law.
Backyard Fires: Thumbs Up or Down?
This weekend is your last chance to take our survey on what you think about backyard fires in our neighborhood. District 10 's Land Use Committee is collecting resident feedback about what are known officially as "recreational fires. " Survey questions include whether or not you would support restrictions or a ban on such fires in St. Paul. The survey closes this Monday, Sept. 5.
Find Out the Results
Results of the survey on recreational fires will be one of the topics discussed at District 10's Land Use Committee this Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. The meeting is at the Como Park Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Community members are always welcome to attend and speak.
District 10's Neighborhood Relations and Safety Committee also meets on Tuesday, same time, same place, same invitation.
Board Considers New Bylaws   
The District 10 Como Community Council Board plans to vote Sept. 20 on an overhaul of the organization 's bylaws. The proposed changes clarify a number of technical issues (such as how to establish quorums), establish standing committees and their jurisdictions, convert some existing language into board policy that can be more easily revised, and ensure that language is consistent with the organization 's articles of incorporation. A draft of changes is posted on the District 10 website. The board expects to vote on the changes during the regular monthly council meeting, on Tuesday Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station.
Fairgrounds Drop-off Event is Oct. 8
Got junk you need to get rid of? How about not-so-junky stuff you simply don't need anymore? Then take it all to St. Paul's Citywide Drop-off Event at the State Fairgrounds. District 10 is the lead organizer for the annual event, but any St. Paul resident can participate.

The clean-up event runs Saturday Oct. 8 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. It is an easy way to get rid of items you can't put in the trash. You can dispose of some things for free (examples: bikes, cell phones, dishes, fluorescent bulbs, linens, and tools). Typically, however, there's a charge. For a load of general junk or construction debris:
  • Cars pay $10
  • Vans, pickups, and trailers pay $15-$20
For specialized items, there are specific fees. For example:
  • Tires are $3-$10
  • Electronics are generally $8 each
  • Appliances are generally $10 each
  • Old furniture is generally $5-$20, depending on what it is
There also will be an expanded reuse area, so goods in good shape can go to a nonprofit instead of to the landfill. Plus, you can bring confidential papers for free shredding.
Get Rid of Your Junk -- for Free
St. Paul residents who volunteer to staff a shift at the annual Citywide Drop-off Event at the State Fairgrounds get to dispose of one load of their own junk for free. If you want to volunteer for a 3-1/2 hour shift, contact District 10 by email or by phone at 651-644-3889.
Congratulations!
District 10 resident Clara Haycraft has been appointed to a three-year term on the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission.
Speaking of Parks...
St. Paul Parks and Recreation is surveying residents on how we use city parks -- and how satisfied we are with what our parks offer. The survey covers regional parks (such as Como), recreational centers (such as North Dale and Northwest Como), and "passive " parks (such as Tilden). This Wednesday, Sept. 7, is the last day to take the survey.  
The Ins and Outs of Your Credit Score
District 10 will host a workshop sharing advice with individuals on how to improve their credit score. The free financial workshop is being organized and presented by TopLine Federal Credit Union and LSS Financial Counseling. Topics include the rules and myths of credit scoring, how to spot errors on credit reports, and exercising rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The workshop takes place on Thursday Sept. 22, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Como Park Streetcar Station, on the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. The seminar is free and is open to the general public, but reservations are required. To reserve your spot, contact TopLine by phone at 763-391-9494 or by email.
It's Easier than You Think   
Figuring out how to respectfully help elderly neighbors is not always simple. Here are helpful tips from the Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program:
  • If you've got older children, volunteer them to mow your neighbor's lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow. Tell your neighbor it will help your kids fulfill community service requirements for school or church.
  • If you're going to the grocery store, ask your neighbor if you can pick up any items for them.
  • Make some extra food, prepare a dinner plate, and share it. Tell your neighbor you hate to see good food go to waste. Or, invite them to dinner in the first place.
  • Ask them if they know about the free resources the Block Nurse Program offers. Give them the program number -- 651-642-1127 -- so they can set up a meeting.
Care about Clean Water?   
The Capitol Region Watershed District is looking for volunteers to become Master Water Stewards. The program teaches residents how to teach their neighbors to reduce runoff and the related pollution that threatens our lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Full information about the 2017 training schedule and participation requirements is available online. Free informational meetings -- which don't commit you to anything -- take place:
  • This Tuesday, Sept. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watershed District offices, 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4.
  • Tuesday Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m., Bang Brewing, 2320 Capp Road, St. Paul.
What to Do with Old Prescriptions    
This month marks the fifth anniversary of Ramsey County 's medicine collection program. The free program lets residents dispose of unused prescription medicines safely and securely, so the pills don 't fall into the wrong hands or wind up tainting our water supply or the environment.
Full information is available online, including where to bring old prescriptions and what is accepted. The program is an initiative of Saint Paul/Ramsey County Public Health and the Ramsey County Sheriff's office. 
Stay Ahead of the Curve   
  • Sunday Sept. 11: Summit Hill House Tour. Noon-6 p.m., sponsored by District 16 Summit Hill Association. $35; tickets are available online or at Kowalski's, Bibelot, and Great Harvest stores.
  • Tuesday Sept. 13: Public hearing on proposed 2017 water rates. 5 p.m., Saint Paul Regional Water Services, 1900 Rice St.
  • Tuesday Sept. 13: Public information session on the environmental assessment of MnDOT's construction plans for Interstate 35W between Roseville and Lino Lakes. Plans include a MnPass express lane for part of the route. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eagle Brook Church, 3603 95th Ave. NE, Blaine.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 13: Como Regional Park Advisory Committee. 6:30-8 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station.
  • Wednesday Sept. 14: Open house information session on assessments and end of construction in Phase 1B and Phase 2 of the Como-Chatsworth RSVP project. 6 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington Parkway N.
  • Wednesday Sept. 14: Public information session on the environmental assessment of MnDOT's construction plans for Interstate 35W between Roseville and Lino Lakes. Plans include a MnPass express lane for part of the route. 5:30-6:30 p.m., New Brighton City Hall, 803 Old Highway 8, New Brighton.
  • Wednesday Sept. 21: Public hearing on assessments for Phase 1B and Phase 2 of the Como-Chatsworth construction project. 5:30 p.m., City Council chambers, third floor of City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. Questions? Call 651-266-8858.
  • Saturday Sept. 24: Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hamline Midway Library, 1558 Minnehaha Ave.
Film Proves that Pirates Aren't Just History
The St. Anthony Park Library 's monthly cinema series features " Captain Phillips," based on the 2009 story of the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in 200 years. A free showing of the movie is this Thursday, Sept. 8, from 2-4 p.m. at the library, 2245 Como Ave.
Some Road Projects End, Others Begin 
  • Como Park: Construction begins this Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the Circle Garden area outside the Conservatory. 
  • Highway 280: Although the resurfacing project is essentially finished, ongoing stormwater work will result in periodic closures of northbound lanes north of Broadway.
  • Marshall Ave.: Closed between Snelling and Pascal until next Friday, Sept. 9
  • Raymond Ave.: Expected to close between Como Ave. and Standish St. beginning this Tuesday, Sept. 6.
On the more positive side (at least for most people):
  • The ramps at Interstate 694 at Rice St. and Lexington Ave. are open.
  • The Prior Ave. bridge over Interstate 94 is open.
  • The exit ramp from eastbound Interstate 94 to Dale St. is open. The entrance ramps from Dale to 94 remain closed in both directions, likely until November.
 See our website for that much longer list of street, bridge, and highway projects still in progress in and around Como. 
Start Saving Those Seeds    
It's harvest time in our gardens, which means it's time for another get-together with the Como Community Seed Library. The free fall event is Sunday Oct. 16 from 1-3 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. The afternoon includes a seed, recipe, and harvest exchange; information on extending the harvest in your garden; tips on putting your gardens to bed with proven methods for a more resilient, successful growing season next year; and a children 's activity.

For more information, contact Dawn Lamm  by email or find Como Community Seed Library on Facebook.
Cirque du Soleil's "Toruk" is one of the park district field trips.
Adults Can Take Field Trips, Too
Local recreation centers are taking the hassle out attending fun events outside the neighborhood by organizing "adult field trips." The events:
  • Cirque du Soleil's "Toruk," Target Center, Friday Sept. 30, 1:30-6:30 p.m., $45. Activity #18354
  • Healthy Life Expo, Minneapolis Convention Center, Sunday Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $5. Activity #18345
  • Jingle Bells Doc, Orchestra Hall, Saturday Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., $55. Activity #18347.
A van will pick you up at North Dale Recreation Center, and drop you off afterwards. Attendance is limited; sign up online using the activity number for the event you want to attend, or sign up in person at North Dale (1414 N. St. Albans) or Northwest Como Recreation Center (1500 N. Hamline).   
Photo: Visit St. Paul
What's the Truth about the Mississippi?
The National Park Service and Friends of the Mississippi River release a " State of the River " report this month to bring us up to date on water quality, the health of wildlife, and the health of the Mississippi River corridor in general as it flows through the Twin Cities. You can take part in the report 's release in person. Tickets are free -- but seating is limited. The event is Thursday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
This Week's Crime Prevention Tip
Western District police recovered a U-Haul truck with about 50 stolen items inside. If you've had a package stolen from your porch, or had items taken from your garage or home in the past few weeks, call Sgt. Jim Gray at 651-266-5416 to help determine if any items are yours.
 
The Latest Crime Report for Our Neighborhood:
A lot of thefts this week: of bicycles, of autos, and from autos.
Recycling Skips a Day
Because of the Labor Day holiday, recycling in District 10 will be picked up on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
But the holiday weekend does not affect hours at the Como Park Streetcar Station. It 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, pick up compostable organics recycling bags, learn a little bit about the history of Como Park, 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.