More than 1,300 walkers stream through Como Park in the annual Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sept. 18. An even bigger walk -- highlighting Down Syndrome -- takes place this Sunday.
Caring for Someone Can Be Fun
Lyngblomsten's original caregivers.
Lyngblomsten is launching two series so that caregivers of any kind in our community can recharge and realize they are not on their own. The programs help caregivers connect with other caregivers; learn new tools and strategies to take care of themselves while supporting their loved one; and enjoy some fun, creative, social time for themselves.
  • One series, organized by the Alzheimer's Poetry Project of Minnesota, kicks off this Wednesday, Sept. 28, with a free "poetry feast" from 1:30-3 p.m. at Lyngblomsten's 5-5-1 Club. The next day, Thursday Sept. 29, there's a free meet and greet at the same time to introduce "The Surprise of Self." That series -- which focuses on poetry, life stories and story telling -- runs Thursdays in October and November from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per session; the registration deadline is Monday Oct. 3
  • On Friday Oct. 7, there's a free meet and greet for "Kairos Alive!", which hosts a "Caregiver Creativity Café" Tuesdays in October and November from 10:30 a.m.-noon. The Creativity Café focuses on dance, music, and theater, culminating in an "intergenerational dance hall" in December. The weekly sessions are $3; the registration deadline is Friday Oct. 7.
You can get all the information you need online. Lyngblomsten is at 1415 Almond.
Rake Up! Neighbors Could Use a Hand
The Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program has two opportunities to help senior neighbors thrive in their homes, even as they age.
  • One is the Fall Yard Clean-Up. Round up a few friends or family members to rake leaves for a senior who still lives in his or her home, but can't handle fall chores like they used to. The day and time are up to you; the program even provides the lawn bags.
  • The second is for you social types who thrive on meeting new people or enjoy making friends across generations. The block nurse program can connect you if you can give one or two hours a week to develop this friendship.
If you are interested in either opportunity, call 651-642-1127, or email the Block Nurse Program.
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.  
Fairgrounds Drop-off is Oct. 8
Need to get rid of junk that you can't put in the trash? Then take it to St. Paul's Citywide Drop-off at the State Fairgrounds. The clean-up event runs Saturday Oct. 8 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Any St. Paul resident can participate.

If you're not familiar with the concept, watch a short video (just be prepared for the rumble-strip noise at the beginning). There will be an expanded re-use 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. For more details on what you can drop off, and what it might cost, see the city website. Finally, if you can't wait that long:
  • A full-scale drop-off takes place this Saturday, Sept. 24, on Shepard Road between Alton and Davern, also from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • An "electronics only" drop-off takes place next Saturday, Oct. 1, at First Covenant Church, 1280 Arcade St.
Get Rid of Dangerous Concoctions, Too  
While you're cleaning out your house, take a look in your kitchen cabinets, garage, or workshop. Got any products you no longer use?  If they say "Caution," "Warning" or "Danger" on the label, they don't belong in the trash. But you can bring them to a Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection site.

A mobile site will set up every Friday and Saturday in September at the State Fairgrounds, in the parking lots south of Como. The site is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Details of what you can bring are available online. Or call 651-633-3279, which is answered 24/7.
We're All Slowing Down 
The Saint Paul City Council will vote this Wednesday, Sept. 28, on a resolution to reduce the speed limit on Wheelock Parkway to 25 mph. The council meeting begins at 3:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Want to Join the District Council Board?
The District 10 Como Community Council is seeking candidates to fill a board vacancy from Sub-District 2. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, and must live in the area between Hamline on the west, Larpenteur on the north, Victoria on the east, and the BNSF tracks on the south (or represent a business or institution in that area).

The elected candidate will serve the remainder of the vacant term, which expires in April 2018; get to be directly involved in issues affecting our neighborhood's quality of life; and even get a table card with their name on it. A special election to fill the vacancy is Tuesday Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., before the monthly board meeting.
  • To submit your name, contact the District 10 office at 651-644-3889, or by email.
Vote
Believe It or Not, You Can Vote Now   
Absentee voting is now open in Minnesota. In Ramsey County, you can vote absentee by mail, or vote in person at the elections office, 90 W. Plato Blvd. Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays; there will be extended hours closer to the Nov. 8 Election Day. Get details online.
Something to Look Forward To
Saint Paul 's recycling program will undergo big changes beginning in January 2017. Among the highlights:
  • Eureka Recycling will replace bins with covered, wheeled carts
  • Pickup will switch from curbside to alleys
  • All multi-unit buildings will have the opportunity to recycle
  • Residents will get wheeled carts after Thanksgiving
Stay tuned: We 'll keep you up to date on details as the switch gets closer.
Rec Centers are in Full Swing
North Dale Community Center and Northwest Como Recreation Center have posted their fall activity schedules. For a full list of adult, teen, and youth activities -- including fitness, sports, crafts, and training -- see District 10 's website.
Next Friday, don 't miss the " Welcome Bonfire " sponsored by Northwest Como 's Booster Club. The free event is 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday Sept. 30.
Libraries Take On the Censors  
It 's  Banned Books Week at the Saint Paul Public Library. Readings, movies, and author signings highlight the ongoing challenge that censorship poses to children 's and adult books. Activities take place at different branches from Sept. 27-Oct. 1; check online for the full schedule.
This portrait of Judge John Boerner is part of the law library collection.
A Peek Behind the Robes
The Ramsey County Law Library celebrates its 80th anniversary this Monday, Sept. 26, with a free open house and tour, including its newly restored judicial portrait collection. Events start at noon with a presentation by Augsburg College professor William Green on the early years of civil rights in Minnesota. The open house and tours follow. It 's all on the 18th Floor of the Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Construction Season is Still with Us  
  • Interstate 35E: The freeway will completely shut down in both directions between Interstate 94 and Shepard Road beginning at 10 o'clock tonight, Friday Sept. 23, until 5 a.m. this Monday, Sept. 26. The shutdown accommodates ongoing bridge work.
  • Interstate 94: Westbound traffic will squeeze into one lane between Century Ave. and Mounds Blvd. beginning at 7 o'clock tonight, Friday Sept. 23, until 5 a.m. this Monday, Sept. 26. The westbound McKnight Road entrance ramp also will close.
  • Como Lake bicycle path:  The terrible section of path between the Nagasaki Road parking lot and Victoria is being replaced. Weather permitting, new asphalt should be in place this weekend.
And some things are open (again):
  • Jessamine Ave. in the McMurray Field area of Como Park is now open -- but you can get there only from Hamline Ave. on the west. For the time being, Jessamine is a two-way street with a turnaround on the east. The old intersection at Lexington Parkway is closed for good. Wynne Ave. and all the parking on the pool side of the fields also are closed. Jessamine between Churchill and Chatsworth technically remains closed until crews lay the final lift of asphalt.
  • Wheelock Parkway is now open between Interstate 35 and Rice St.
See our website for a much longer recap of street, bridge, and highway projects still in progress in and around Como. 
This Week's Bulletin Board of Activities
  • This Saturday, Sept. 24: Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hamline Midway Library, 1558 Minnehaha Ave.
  • Next Saturday, Oct. 1: Volunteer planting of the triangle gardens at Horton, Churchill, and Van Slyke. To volunteer, contact Bonnie Youngquist at 651-489-7499 or by email. 
  • Monday Oct. 17: District 66 Candidate Forum. 7-8:30 p.m., Falcon Heights City Council Chambers. Sponsored by Roseville League of Women Voters.
pumpkin
Charlie Brown Would Be Happy
The Como Park Pumpkin Patch opens this weekend. The patch, outside of Como Dockside, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-sunset through October. It features not just pumpkins, but games, inflatables, a hay ride and more. Admission is $5-$9, depending on age.

Meanwhile, Dockside continues to provide free outdoor music even as daylight hours dwindle. The concerts are every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5 p.m.; see Dockside's calendar for the full schedule. This weekend 's concerts:
  • Friday, Sept. 23: Mike Gunther, 5 p.m.; Ravenscroft Musicke Guild album release concert, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 24: Doug Otto and Hurricane Harold
  • Sunday, Sept. 25: Dan Israel
Amazing Race photo by Salvation Army Northern Division
Also Going On in the Park
  • This Saturday, Sept. 24: Most Amazing Race. Starts at Como Picnic Pavilion, with challenges throughout the park and metro area. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m.
  • This Sunday, Sept. 25: Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. Starts at Como Picnic Pavilion, then uses the paths around lake and elsewhere in the park. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. Shuttle buses operate from Bandana Square.
Time to Seed the Future
It's harvest time in our gardens, which means it's time for another get-together with the Como Community Seed Library. The volunteer group is holding a free fall gathering on Sunday Oct. 16 from 1-3 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station.

At this family event, you can learn more about how to extend your growing season, get advice on how to best prepare for next season, and join an exchange of seeds, recipes, skills, canned and fresh harvest and, of course, stories. Scheduled presenters include representatives from Ramsey County Master Gardeners, Seed Sages, and the District 10 Environment Committee. The afternoon includes a make-and-take event for kids.  
 
For more information, contact Dawn Lamm  by email or follow Como Community Seed Library on Facebook.
Even Better than Chalk on a Sidewalk
The Friends of the Mississippi has ready-to-use kits to help you and up to 20 friends stencil storm drains and reduce river pollution in St. Paul. They 're looking for volunteers to do stenciling -- on your schedule -- between now and Oct. 3. You can get more details online or by contacting Kate Clayton by email or at 651-222-2193 ext.17.
Watershed Districts Looking to Team Up
The Capitol Region Watershed District is accepting nominations for its annual Watershed Steward Awards, which recognize individuals, groups, and projects that help protect local lakes and the Mississippi River. Nominations are due on Monday Oct. 17. Details are available online.

 The watershed district is also accepting applications for Partner Grants ranging from $2,000-$20,000 for water-themed education or outreach projects within the watershed district, which includes most of District 10. Proposals are due on Monday Oct. 31.  Details are available online.

Finally, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization has a similar "mini-grant" program that provides up to $3,000 for ideas in the big river 's watershed. Submit your ideas by Friday Oct. 14; you 'll be notified by Halloween if you 're selected. After that, you 've got until Jan. 16 to get your act totally together.
Mayor's Office Looking for a Few Good College Students  
Mayor Christopher Coleman 's office is accepting applications from graduate and undergraduate college students for various unpaid internships. Some positions are part-time, some full-time. Applications are accepted until positions are full. Full details are available online.
A Place for Teens to Channel Their Creativity 
SPNN -- the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network -- is accepting applications for its Set It Up media and after-school initiative for high school students. Participants can produce television shows, music, photography, and animation. Applications are due Sunday Oct. 16; get more details online.
This Week's Crime Tip
Saint Paul Police have set up an emergency alert system for residents and businesses. The alert will notify you when there is an imminent threat to safety in a geographic area (or areas) you specify. Situations can include active shooter events, searches for violent suspects, or other activities that immediately impact public safety or require public awareness. You will receive emergency alerts on a land line or cell phone, through text message, through email, or multiple sources, in the order you prefer. Get more information or sign up online.
A lot of thefts, a few burglaries, and some vandalism and narcotics cases dominate this week.   
What Isn't Going on at the Fairgrounds?
  • Western Saddle Clubs Association Championship Show: Through this Monday, Sept. 26, Warner Coliseum. Free public admission.
  • Munchkin Markets children's clothing consignment sale: Through this Sunday, Sept. 25, Education Building. Hours: 3:30-8 p.m. today, Friday Sept. 23; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Private admission Friday; $1 public admission Saturday; free admission Sunday.
  • 20th Century Art and Design furniture and accessories sale: This Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25, Progress Center. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7 for teens and adults; free for children 12 or younger.
  • 4-H Dog Show: This Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25, 4-H Building. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free public admission for agility, obedience, showmanship and rally events.
  • Parking for the Roy Griak Invitational: This Saturday, Sept. 24, lots south of Como Ave. The state's largest cross-country meet begins at 9 a.m.
  • Parking for University of Minnesota Gophers football game: This Saturday, Sept. 24, Robin Lot south and east of Randall Ave. The game against Colorado State begins at 11 a.m.
  • Metro Area Children's Water Festival: This Wednesday, Sept. 28, 4-H Building, Baldwin Park, Home Improvement Building. Hours: 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • YMCA Garage Sale: This Thursday, Sept. 29, through next Saturday, Oct. 1, Merchandise Mart. Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.
  • Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show: Next Friday, Sept. 30, through next Sunday, Oct. 2, Warner Coliseum. Shows at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday. Free public admission.
Get 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, 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.