It's another typical weekday morning as construction continues on Snelling Ave. Thanks to requests from residents, District 10, and Council Member Russ Stark's office, MnDOT has put up barricades on nearby residential streets in hopes of slowing down drivers seeking a detour around the construction.  
How Do You Pronounce That?
Change is coming to the Como Park Grille/Java Train space.
A new restaurant with a big-time chef is headed for the old Como Park Grille/Java Train space. The Star Tribune reports that "Delicata will be a casual pizza and gelato shop. "

Matty O'Reilly will run the space at 1341 Pascal . He operates Bar Brigade in Highland Park, the Red River Kitchen food truck and City House (which is open seasonally on the Upper Landing), and Republic in Dinkytown. We don ' t have access to O ' Reilly ' s cell phone, but he told the Star Tribune that Delicata will feature classic and innovative pizza, salads, sharable plates, wine, beer, and cider. J.D. Fratzke, of Strip Club fame, is creating the menu, which O ' Reilly says will be mostly vegetarian.  Expect the place to open before the leaves fall.
Plan Your Garage Sale Strategy Now  
District 10's annual Como Neighborhood Garage Sale is next Saturday, May 20. We 've got a downloadable map posted online, so you know where to shop and what you 'll find when you get there.
A bee lawn
Get an Out-of-the-Ordinary Yard
   
Looking to do something different in your yard? At District 10's next Sunday Series event, expert panelists share outside-the-box ideas, practical advice, and answers to make your yard more useful and attractive for you, your neighbors, and wildlife. Our topics:
  • Creating a "bee lawn": James Wolfin, University of Minnesota Turf Management
  • Doing more with native plants: Tina Dombrowski, Como Park Conservatory
  • Edible landscapes: Jennifer Porwit, Ramsey County Master Gardener
  • Fruit and ornamental trees: Joe Baltrukonis, Ramsey County Master Gardener
  • Pollinator-friendly habitat: Judi Petkau, Big River Big Woods Wild Ones
Details: The free presentation is Sunday May 21, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Orchard Park Recreation Center, 875 W. Orchard.
Wait, There's More Outdoors! 
  
Immediately after the May 21 Sunday Series presentation, the Como Community Seed Library holds its May Share Seed and Plant Exchange. Swap your extra plants, seedlings, and seeds for something new. Share stories and adventures with other gardeners. Soak in demonstrations that will build your toolbox of skills and your seed-saving resources. The exchange, from 2:30-4 p.m., also is free and also is at Orchard Park, 875 W. Orchard. ( If you want to volunteer for the May Share and the perks that come with it, click here.)

To help you prepare: May Share coordinator Dawn Lamm has a supply of plastic garden containers to help you package and transport what you 're planning to share. You can pick some up (or drop off extra containers you don 't need) today, Friday May 12, from 4-7 p.m. or this Saturday, May 13, from 3-7 p.m. at 782 W. Arlington.
Get Over Your Social Anxiety
   
District 10 holds the first "neighborhood social" in South Como on Sunday June 4. Hang out with more neighbors than will fit at your house. Feast on food trucks, including La Tapatia, Cravin ' Pie, Mik Mart Ice Cream, and a hot-dog cart. Plus, we ' ll have face painting by Jens Werner and plenty of activities for the kids to burn off energy. There ' s no admission fee; the happiness takes place June 4 from 4-7 p.m. at Orchard Park, 875 W. Orchard.
Think Pink 
  
Today, Friday May 12, it's a Flamingo Friday Information Night and Kickoff Party at Cozy's Pub, 1431 Lexington Parkway N. The party runs 5-8 p.m.; at 6:30, they spill the secrets of how to run a successful Flamingo Friday on your block.
But It's a Dry Heat
  
Tonight, Friday May 12, a traveling sauna that 's celebrating 100 years of Finnish independence makes a one-night appearance in our neighborhood. The wood-fired sauna will be at the Como Park Lutheran Church parking lot (Hamline and Hoyt) from 6-9 p.m. Bring a swimsuit and two towels. Admission is first-come, first-served. 
It ' s a Big Week at Chelsea Heights  
   
This Saturday, May 13, it 's the 5th annual Silent Auction to benefit Chelsea Heights Elementary School. The night features appetizers, beverages, music by the Limns and, of course, intensely competitive bidding. It all happens from 6 p.m.-midnight at Gabe's By the Park, 991 N. Lexington. Tickets are $15 ($25 for a couple), which includes one drink ticket per person.

Wait, there's more: Next Friday, May 19, it 's Chelsea Heights ' annual carnival. The all-ages fun runs from 5-8 p.m. at the school, 1557 Huron. Activities include food, games, face painting, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, and raffles. Tickets are 50 cents each. 
It 's a Busy Week at Lyngblomsten
 
  
  • Lyngblomsten's Second Sunday Concert features the MacPhail Center's Caitlin Lucic on marimba. The concert is 2-3 p.m. this Sunday, May 14, in the Newman-Benson Chapel.
  • This Thursday, May 18, Lyngblomsten hosts a "Meet the Mayor" conversation with Mayor Christopher Coleman. The free event is 4-6 p.m. in the Community Room.
  • Then, next Sunday, May 21, the Husby Memorial Concert features the Caritas Vocal Ensemble at 3 p.m. in the Newman-Benson Chapel.
All events are free, open to the public, and take place on the Lyngblomsten campus, 1415 Almond Ave.
Community Council Meets Tuesday  
  
The monthly meeting of the District 10 Como Community Council is this Tuesday, May 16. The meeting features a presentation by Julia Wolfe, of Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health, about the changing face of aging and how communities can work to better serve an aging population. The agenda also includes  discussion about:
  • Lexington Parkway pedestrian and traffic projects
  • Saint Paul's debate on whether to opt out of a state law on "temporary family health care dwelling units" 
  • A pilot project for pedestrian safety flags in our neighborhood
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Community members are always encouraged to attend and participate. 
Photo: Anthony Souffle
City Council Takes Up Stump Issue  
   
The Saint Paul City Council considers a spending resolution this Wednesday to redirect $450,000 in order to remove stumps and replant saplings to replace ash trees removed this winter. Council Member Amy Brendmoen is co-sponsoring the resolution, in part to address concerns raised by District 10 residents about the lack of a timetable to replace the boulevard trees.
The Benguine Brothers Old Time Country and Western Revue "got both kinds of music" this Wednesday. 
Music (and Dance) on the Promenade
The weather is supposed to be perfect this weekend for free outdoor music on the promenade of the Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Parkway N. This week's lineup:
  • Today, Friday May 12: The Fairlaines 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 13: St. Joseph's School of Music String Fest, 11 a.m.; Saint Paul Ballet, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 14: Ben Cook-Feltz, 3 p.m.; Mother Banjo, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, May 15: Barbaro, 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 16: Stringdingers, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 17: The Beguine Brothers Old Time Country and Western Revue Ltd., 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 18: Bethel University Jazz Orchestra, 5-8:30 p.m. (Dance lessons begin at 5; the dance floor opens at 5:30.)
  • Next Friday, May 19: The Textiles, 7 p.m.
Check out the season's full lineup at Dockside's calendar page.
There is a Lot of Stuff Going On 
  • Tonight, May 12: Great River School's annual student musical, 7:30 p.m. This year's theme: the British Invasion, featuring music by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull -- and the Spice Girls (?!).  1326 Energy Park Drive; admission: $10 ($5 for students).
  • This Saturday, May 13: 5K Walk and Fun Run, to benefit Focus & Paws Learning Center, 9 a.m., Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Parkway N. Followed by Studio M birthday party. Entry fee: $25 per person, $60 per family.
  • This Tuesday, May 16: Informational meeting on sewer smoke testing, 5:30-8 p.m. Rice Street Public Library, 1011 Rice. Testing takes place this summer roughly between Dale west to Victoria, and Wheelock north to Larpenteur.
  • Next Friday, May 19: Deadline to give your opinion on different LED streetlights being tested in Saint Paul. Maps and information are available online. 
  • Next Friday, May 19: Public hearing on Saint Paul River Balcony Master Plan, 8:30 a.m. Planning Commission, Room 40, City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. Email comments to Lucy Thompson. 
  • Next Friday, May 19: Twin Cities Bike to Work Day
  • Wednesday May 24: Saint Paul Public Works Open House, 4-7 p.m. 891 N. Dale. Free
  • Sunday June 11: "Working Together to Improve Como Lake," 1-2:30 p.m. Como Lakeside Pavilion, 3rd floor. Part of District 10's Sunday Series.
Don 't Stack the Deck Against Yourself
The Saint Paul Fire Department is fighting a surge of fires on backyard decks. The reason: Smokers toss their cigarettes, which then ignite the wood decking or dry vegetation underneath. The same thing with charcoal or embers from grills. Firefighters ' simple advice: Keep burning materials away from anything else that can burn. 
 
The Latest Police Report for Our NeighborhoodBe on the lookout -- There ' s clearly a pattern of thieves breaking into garages at night. 
This Week at the Fairgrounds     
  • Friends of the American Saddle Horse Spring ShowThrough Sunday, May 14, Warner Coliseum. Sessions at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Free admission for spectators.
  • Minnesota in May  Barbecue Contest Today and Saturday, May 12-13, Campgrounds. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. each day.
  • Friends School Plant SaleThrough Sunday, May 12-14, Grandstand. Until 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. 
  • Model Railroad and Hobby Sale: This Saturday, May 14, Education Building. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $6 (children 5 or younger, free)
  • Machinery Hills Criterium Race Series: This Tuesday, May 16, roadways north of Hoyt Ave. 4-9 p.m. Bicycle road race training series; four races (beginners-experts). Entry fees: $10-$25.
Streetcar Station Opens for the Season
The Como Park Streetcar Station is now open every Sunday through September from noon-4 p.m. Stop in to learn a bit about the history of Como Park, admire the new paint job or waxed floor inside, pick up an organics recycling starter kit (including a plastic kitchen bin), or just share comments and suggestions with a District 10 board member who's on staff that day. 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.