Stepping into summer: 3-year-old Will Smith is on a mission outside the Lakeside Pavilion. Photo: Debby Smith
Coming Soon to a Parkway Near You
District 10 raised the idea. You supported it overwhelmingly. Now it's going to happen. The Park District has drawn up a plan (see below) to make it safer to get to the Como Park golf clubhouse / ski center / Cozy's Pub on foot or by bicycle. The plan includes installing a marked crosswalk and a new median in the center of Lexington Parkway. It will be built this year -- perhaps as early as August.
When District 10 surveyed more than 700 residents this year, 89 percent supported the idea of making it easier to get from the east side of Lexington to the west side without having to travel in a motor vehicle. The Park District proposal is one way to accomplish that. District 10 continues working with park engineers to improve the plan, which still has issues. Get all the details on what the Park District is proposing, and what we're still discussing.
This sketch shows the new median, marked crosswalk, and access sidewalks just north of the golf course driveway.
Now That Summer's Here in Full Force
ComoFest launches its 2017 session next Friday, July 14, with District 10's annual Ice Cream Social. We'll have:
Free ice cream (courtesy of the Humphrey Job Corps Center)
Scrumptious toppings (courtesy of Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church)
Ice cold water (courtesy of Cozy's Pub)
Lawn games (courtesy of D10 board members)
Music (courtesy of Paul Seeba)
Amusing activities (courtesy of The Bubble Baron and face-painter Jens Werner)
The best neighbors in the city (courtesy of you)
We also expect a Saint Paul fire truck, the Saint Paul Police bike squad, and more than a half-dozen neighborhood organizations sharing information. The Ice Cream Social runs 5:30-8 p.m. July 14 in and around the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Parking is limited, so don't hesitate to carpool, walk, or bike (we'll have extra racks available).
Illustration by Erik Pearson
Also During ComoFest's Opening Weekend
Next Saturday, July 15, ComoFest delivers two free events:
The ComoFest Art Fair runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lakeside Pavilion. Three dozen local artists have all kinds of creative and practical art and crafts for sale. There's free music from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. And Studio M Fitness offers a free yoga class at noon. (Walk-ins are welcome to the class, but please bring your own mat if you have one.)
That night, Beloved Studios holds a Summer Party, complete with food, art, music from Union Junction, and an open house at the art and tattoo studio. Events run 6-9 p.m. July 15 in the parking lot outside 1563 Como Ave.
Future events during the last three weekends of July include a 5K run, a 26.2-yard run, outdoor movies, and more. See
www.comofest.org for the complete details on the complete schedule of affordable family fun in every part of our neighborhood.
Hang Onto Your Recycling an Extra Day
The Independence Day holiday means Eureka Recycling will empty our carts one day later than normal this week. In plain English, recycling will not be picked up today, Friday July 7. Instead, it is scheduled to be picked up on Saturday, July 8. So, just be patient -- it's a virtue, they tell us.
Get a Handle on New Assessments
Wonder what all the back and forth over Saint Paul's Right-of-Way Maintenance Assessment actually means? For the next three Mondays, Mayor Christopher Coleman and finance director Todd Hurley explain the old and new ways of doing it, paying for it, and how it affects your taxes and assessments. Plus, they'll take your feedback and try to answer your questions. The free sessions are:
This Monday, July 10, 6-7:15 p.m., Highland Community Center, 1978 Ford Parkway
Monday July 17, 6-7:15 p.m., Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center, 800 Conway St.
Monday July 24, 6-7:15 p.m., Oxford Community Center, 270 Lexington Parkway N
Ramsey County Fair is Back in Action
The Ramsey County Fair runs this Wednesday, July 12, through next Sunday, July 16. Admission is free, but parking is $3. The Fair is at 2020 White Bear Ave., Maplewood. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon-midnight Friday and Saturday; and noon-9:30 p.m. Sunday. Activities include carnival rides, a petting zoo, entertainment, a talent show, a car show, animal displays and demonstrations, and exhibits.
Vote with Your Feet (or Something Like That)
Saint Paul is developing the city's first pedestrian plan. The goal: Make walking safe for all members of our community. The plan will guide how and where to invest in Saint Paul's streets and sidewalks.
To help the city out, District 10 is inviting your feedback about what it's like to walk here in Como. Take our local survey-- it takes less than 3 minutes, unless you're really verbose or indecisive.
You can also take the citywide survey. (Heads up: You'll have to click "Walking Saint Paul," then log in for this one.) Finally, if you want to find out more about what this pedestrian stuff is all about, see the city's dedicated web page.
Watching Our Waste: Take a Tour
Ramsey County's Recycling and Education Center offers tours the second Tuesday of every month. That means this Tuesday, July 11, is the day. The 45-minute tour covers the basics of trash, which the facility shreds to convert to energy. A tour is free, but you've got to pre-register: call 651-266-1199.
Individuals and groups of less than 10 can join tours at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Larger groups can arrange their own tour any time spots are available. The center is at 100 Red Rock Road, Newport, which is near the intersection of Highway 61 and Interstate 494.
You're Not on Your Own
If caring for an elderly family member, friend or neighbor is becoming too much for you, the Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program might be able to help. The organization's nurse can set up a visit, determine your needs, and connect you with community resources to take off some of the load. Call the Block Nurse Program at 651-642-1127.
A Deliberate Act of Kindness
Need house repairs that you can afford? Habitat for Humanity's A Brush with Kindness program is now taking applications for work to be done in 2018. The program provides a wide range of repairs -- painting, mechanical, carpentry, tree trimming, accessibility modifications, and more -- done by teams of contractors and volunteers.
Homeowners pay off the repairs over two years. Eligibility depends on income; for example, the ceiling is $47,600 for an individual, $68,800 for a family of four. Applications opened this week and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
In Case You Need Some Space
If you're looking for space for a small meeting or event, don't overlook the Community Room in the Lakeside Pavilion. Como Dockside makes the room available from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. every day. The room seats about 30; it has tables, chairs, electricity, and free public wi-fi. You can reserve the room in two-hour blocks for $50 -- or free if your event is not trying to make money. (In either case, a $50 deposit is required.) For all the details and fine print, email Melissa Malen at Studio M Fitness.
Turn the (Calendar) Page
This Tuesday, July 11: District 10 Neighborhood Relations and Safety Committee meeting, 7 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station. (Rescheduled because of the holiday.)
This Thursday, July 13: District 10 Land Use Committee meeting, 7 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station. (Rescheduled because of the holiday.)
Next Friday, June 14: Classical Actors Ensemble presents a free outdoor performance of Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors." 7-8:30 p.m., near the USS Swordfish Memorial (also known as the torpedo)
Monday July 17: Saint Anthony Park Library 100th birthday celebration, 5-7 p.m. Lawn party and more, at 2245 Como Ave.
Thursday July 20: Como Zoo and Conservatory Sunset Affair, 5:30-10 p.m.
Bob Dylan in "The Last Waltz" documentary. (Wonder if he's in town this weekend?)
Dance -- or Watch Others Dance
It's music and dance this week at the Lakeside Pavilion -- sometimes at the same time. The lineup of free music on the promenade:
Today, Friday July 7: Brio Brass, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 9: Como Pops, 3 p.m.; Hopkins Westwind Concert Band, 7 p.m.
Monday, July 10: Saint Paul Ballet, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 11: Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 12: Red Rock Swing Band, 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 13: Continental Ballet Company, 7 p.m.
Farmers Market returns: The Dockside Farmers Market is back for a month. Find it Thursdays from 2-6 p.m.
No movie this week -- but there is a concert about a movie about a concert: You'll have to pay to get in this Saturday to the promenade at Dockside. The Belfast Cowboys, Big Pink, and "many special guests" lead a tribute to "The Last Waltz," the legendary film about the last concert performance by The Band. Reserved tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate; general admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the gate. The show starts July 8 at 5:30 p.m.; gates open at 5.
The Garden Party Continues
Every Wednesday this month, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory hosts Groovin' in the Garden. The free outdoor concert runs from 6-8 p.m., with plenty of food, ice cream, beer and wine for sale so you can justify skipping dinner. If the weather is bad, they move the show indoors. This week, July 12,
go honky-tonkin' with Trailer Trash. Catch the
full season line-up.
New Roadblocks This Week
Brewster St. essentially will be closed beginning this Monday, July 10, between Snelling and Pascal as utility work gets underway for the expansion of Hmong College Prep Academy.
Como Ave. is now closed completely in both directions west of Raymond Ave. Raymond, however, is open to Energy Park Drive, so that detour is available.
Over on Snelling Ave., as usual, only one lane is open in each direction between Como Ave. north to County Road B. Larpenteur is also down to one lane eastbound at Snelling. The ramps from northbound Snelling to eastbound Highway 36 and from eastbound 36 to northbound Snelling are closed through July 20.
Thieves Go Shopping with You
Hey, ladies. If you're in the habit of propping your wallet in your shopping cart while you're at the store -- don't. Teams of thieves are targeting you. They swipe your wallet, cash and credit cards while you're fussing with a toddler. Or, one of them distracts you while you're grabbing something off the shelf, while the other grabs your wallet and disappears down the aisle. It's a reason to never turn your back on your purse, backpack or other carrying case at any time. Better yet: Lock your purse in the trunk of your vehicle before you leave home. Then use a belt pack to carry your wallet, phone, and coupons when shopping.
The Color Run: This Sunday, July 9, Grandstand and roads throughout the Fairgrounds. Races at 9, 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. Entry fee: $49.99 individuals; $44.99 as part of a team of four or more. Parking will be restricted on July 9 from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. on neighborhood streets from Snelling east to Pascal and from Hoyt south to Wynne.
Criterium du Nord race series: This Tuesday, July 11, roadways north of Hoyt Ave. 4-9 p.m. Bicycle road race training series; four races (beginners-experts). Entry fees: $10-$25.
MAQHA Corporate Challenge horse show: This Thursday, July 13-Sunday July 16. Warner Coliseum.
Street Machine Summer Nationals: Next Friday, July 14-Sunday July 16. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $13 in advance, $15 at the gate, children 9 or younger free with a paid adult.
Borrow portable recycling stands like these for free.
We Can Help with Your Party
District 10 has street barricades and portable recycling containers that community members can use for block parties, neighborhood, or family events. You can borrow the recycling containers for free; there are two kinds:
For cans, bottles and other items you can include in your weekly recycling.
For food scraps and other compostable organics.
The street barricades are required by the city when you block off your street or alley -- but ours are a more-affordable option than getting them from Public Works.
Barricades require a $50 deposit. We return $45 when you return the barricades.
Reservations are first-come, first-served.
To borrow our barricades, you must have an event permit from the city.
To reserve any of this equipment, call our office at 651-644-3889, or send us an email.
Streetcar Station Opens Every Sunday
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 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.
Photographers, Don't Keep It to Yourself
We know plenty of you are taking pictures of the
people, places and things that make our neighborhood unique. Well, we'd like to give you more exposure. This newsletter is happy to highlight the best of what local photographers send us about life in Como Park. It's easy: Just
email us your top image from the past seven days or so.
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.
Know someone else who is interested in what's going on in our neighborhood?
