District 10 residents Betti Iwanski and Kevin Alexander were among nearly 40 community members who had an energetic give-and-take this week with Eureka Recycling about Saint Paul's new cart collection system. Click on the photo for an in-depth article to find out what we like, don't like, would like to see happen, and what we learned.
More Ash Trees Coming Down
Saint Paul has begun removing 159 ash trees from boulevards in District 10, plus 175 more trees from the golf course in Como Park. Trees will be removed from:
  • Almond west of Pascal
  • Arona between Wynne and Midway Parkway
  • Breda between Hamline and Arona
  • Chatsworth between Nebraska and Hoyt
  • Grotto between Arlington and Larpenteur
  • Montana west of Grotto
  • Nebraska between Victoria and Oxford
  • Pascal between Midway Parkway and Nebraska 
In 2017, Saint Paul expects to spend nearly $1.7 million to remove more 1,300 boulevard ashes across the city, plus at least 300 additional ash trees in parks. Infestation by the invasive emerald ash borer is accelerating, the forestry department says. It estimates that 97 percent of the city now has infested trees. In 2016, four times as many boulevard trees became infested than in 2015. The stepped-up removal plan is designed to remove ash before decaying trees become a physical hazard.  
Enjoy the Winter Carnival Indoors
The annual Winter Carnival Orchid Show takes over the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory this weekend, Jan. 28-29. The show is the largest exhibit of privately owned orchids in the Midwest. It features hundreds of orchid plants owned by the conservatory, individuals, and commercial growers.

Beyond the official professional judging, the competitive show allows the public to vote on their favorite Winter Carnival-themed display. You can vote on the Orchid Society of Minnesota's Facebook page.

The show is open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Unlike most Conservatory exhibits, it is not free: Admission is $5 for teens and adults, $3 for children ages 3-12. Members of Como Friends and visitors with a Winter Carnival button get a $1 discount.  Note: Because of the orchid show, there is no Music Under Glass concert this Sunday.
Enjoy the Winter Carnival Outdoors
As you would hope, most of the Winter Carnival activities in our neck of the woods are outdoors. The most visible event locally: The Minnesota Snow Sculpting Competition is underway on the Fairgrounds.

You can watch sculptors in action today and Saturday, Jan. 27-28, from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and this Sunday, Jan. 29, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. You then can marvel at (or scratch your head about) the finished sculptures any day from 9 a.m. -10 p.m. through Sunday Feb. 5. Sculptures are set up in between Dan Patch, Underwood, Randall, and Cooper. Admission is free.

Peoples Choice voting for the sculptures runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 29; the official awards ceremony is at 2 p.m.
The Carnival Doesn't Stop There
Here are other Winter Carnival events in our neighborhood this weekend:
  • An amateur snow-sculpting competition debuts, with smaller blocks of snow than the professionals use. You can throw together a three-member team and take part this Saturday, Jan. 28, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Zip past it all with a ride on the 300-foot snow slide. The slide is open today and Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., this Sunday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., then weekdays from 5-9 p.m. Rides cost $2, which includes a sled.
  • Como Park will be filled with disc golfers Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It's unclear whether medallion hunters are officially course hazards or not. The event is a fund-raiser for Second Harvest Heartland; registration is $35 for as many holes as you can play.
  • It's Vulcan Fun Day Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Meet the Krewe, take a fire truck ride, get your kids involved in a treasure hunt, or take a "polar plunge" to benefit Special Olympics.
Parks Always Have Stuff to Do
District 10's website has a full list of  new and ongoing activities for families, adults, and youth at North Dale and Northwest Como recreation centers. Activities starting soon include:
  • Recital, Ballet, Tap, and Jazz dance for children ages 5-6 and 7-12 (starts this Saturday, Jan. 28)
  • Tumbling for children ages 3-5 (starts Feb. 7)
  • A theater class for teens 15-18 called "Creation of a Storyteller" (starts Feb. 9)
  • A "family movie" series (starts Feb. 10)
  • Open Gym for families (starts Feb. 10)
  • The "Ice and Advil" basketball league for men age 35 or older (starts Feb. 12)
In addition, Northwest Como has two special events coming up:
  • A family skating party and bonfire, next Friday, Feb. 3, from 6-8 p.m.
  • Parents Night Out on Friday Feb. 10
D10 Logo PNG
Land Use Committee Meets Monday
District 10's Land Use Committee meets this Monday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m.  Potential agenda items include:
  • A request by the new owners of Gabe's by the Park to change the conditions of the restaurant's liquor license so the patio can stay open until 12:30 a.m.
  • An update from the developers of the former Sholom Home property, including their pending request to seek city revenue bonds to help convert the building into an assisted living facility.
  • An update on Hmong College Prep Academy's plans to appeal the city's decision that it must install a sidewalk along the south side of Wynne.
  • Revitalizing the Como Business Network to spur business development and investment in the Como Park neighborhood.
The meeting is at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Community members are always welcome to attend and participate. 
Bridge the Rural/Urban Divide
The Saint Paul Public Library's Urban Homesteading series returns in February with free advice to keep you in touch with Mother Nature. Nearby events include:
  • Maple sugaring in your own yard: Tuesday Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Rondo Library, 461 N. Dale. 
  • Backyard composting and vermiculture, Saturday Feb. 18, 1-2 p.m. Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice.
Can Dandelions Be Far Behind?
It's only January, but potholes are blooming all over. The quickest way to file a pothole complaint with Public Works is to send an email with pertinent information to: Potholes@stpaul.gov
Dance the Night Away
Lyngblomsten sponsors its "Fourth Friday" community dance tonight, Friday Jan. 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Newman-Benson Chapel. The free event features a live band, light refreshments, and dance instructor Christopher Yaeger. Community members are invited to join the fun. Lyngblomsten is at 1415 Almond Ave.
Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day."
It's Deja Vu All Over Again
It's Feb. 2, so it's only appropriate that Como Dockside's Thursday movie night features "Groundhog Day." Trivia begins at 6:15 p.m.; the free movie begins at 6:45 in the third-level banquet hall of the lakeside pavilion. For the revised full season schedule , see Dockside's online calendar.

Don't forget: Every Wednesday is "neighborhood night" at Dockside, with happy hour drink and food specials from 3-9 p.m., and classic board games galore. And -- Saturday brunch includes a free Louisiana-flavored concert from noon-2 p.m. This week, Jan. 28, it's the return of Daddy Squeeze & Elizabeth.  
Dates to Pay Attention To
  • Today, Friday Jan. 27: Deadline to apply for YouthBank Saint Paul project grants, which support social justice projects led by teens and young adults ages 14-21.
  • This Sunday, Jan. 29: Como Park Lutheran Church's Winter Organ Concert Series features resident organist Tom Ferry, 4 p.m., 1376 W. Hoyt. Free
  • This Sunday, Jan. 29: Last day to comment on the nine initial themes in the City of Saint Paul's upcoming Comprehensive Plan.
  • This Monday, Jan. 30: Public hearing at the Board of Zoning Appeals on a request by Como Park Apartments for a new 8-foot-tall sign at 1395 Jessamine, 3 p.m. City Hall Room 330, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
  • This Wednesday, Feb. 1: Online permits available for Saint Paul picnic shelters.
  • This Wednesday, Feb. 1: Ramsey County hosts a community meeting on its upcoming Rice Street Transportation Safety Study, 6-8 p.m. Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice.
  • Tuesday Feb. 7: Open house on High Bridge reconstruction project, 5-7 p.m. Bad Weather Brewery, 414 W. 7th.
  • Wednesday Feb. 8: Orientation workshop for groups and businesses applying for 2017 Neighborhood Star grants and loans, 10-11:30 a.m. Historic Mounds Theater, 1029 Hudson Road. (Application deadline is March 22.)
  • Wednesday Feb. 15: Public hearing on proposal to increase Saint Paul zoning fees by 5 percent, 5:30 p.m. 3rd Floor City Council Chambers, City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Fire Check-Up Helps Make Your Home Safer
Especially in the wake of this week's fatal fire, we remind you that Saint Paul homeowners can sign up for Project Safe Haven, in which the Saint Paul Fire Department will do a free fire safety inspection of your home; help you draft a family escape plan; and install smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and stovetop fire suppressors as necessary.

This Weekend at the Fairgrounds
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.