A well-grounded education: Nkaujhuacua Lo and Ler Bwe Paw put the final touches on planting a new tree near the Frog Pond outside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Their day in the dirt was part of a weeklong science residency program for them and second-grade classmates from Saint Paul Music Academy. The planting of 21 news trees was supported by a National Football League urban forestry grant, part of the league's promotional outreach connected to the Super Bowl.
How to Get Involved, Idea #1
District 10 is looking for community members who want to keep Como Regional Park on the right path. If you're interested, fill out this form to let us know. Here are the opportunities:
Dockside: We're looking for one community member to serve on the restaurant's evaluation committee. Committee members will assess quality, customer service, community access, and other aspects of Dockside's performance.
On the Right Path: We're looking for multiple volunteers to join a work group that will make recommendations on how to make it easier to get around Como Park when you're not in a vehicle. We're seeking members who use the park in different ways: walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchair users, behind strollers, etc. Members will grade the quality, usefulness, and consistency of paths, signs, and other "wayfinding" tools. Members will suggest ideas to eliminate confusion and improve routing within the park, including to destinations on both sides of Lexington and outside of the Zoo/Conservatory campus.
We need volunteers to staff the annual Reduce & Recycle Citywide Drop Off Event at the State Fairgrounds next Saturday, Oct. 7. We especially need folks for the 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. shift. To volunteer, sign up online. If you volunteer:
You receive a voucher allowing you to dispose of one load of your own junk for free.
We feed you.
You help out a lot of people in a short period of time.
Volunteers MUST register in advance; because of safety and other concerns, we no longer can accept walk-in volunteers the day of the event.
How to Get Involved, Idea #3
Once again, the Como Community Council board has a vacancy in a Sub-District 4 seat. So, once again we are looking for candidates from South Como and Energy Park. The seat is open to anyone at least 18 years of age who lives in Sub-District 4; you can be a renter or a homeowner. Representatives from businesses or institutions based in the Sub-District also are eligible. The boundaries are Dale on the east, Snelling on the west, and the two sets of BNSF railroad tracks on the north and south.
Don't start from scratch: If you are a person of color (or know a person of color) interested in joining a district council board or committee, there's a free training opportunity just for you. The Neighborhood Organizing and Leadership Program offers its next class on Thursday Oct. 12, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Wilkins Room (Room 215) at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis. The training is presented by the University of Minnesota's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs.
Start Loading Stuff Now
You undoubtedly know by now that Saint Paul's annual Reduce & Recycle Citywide Drop Off Event at the State Fairgrounds is next Saturday, Oct. 7, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saint Paul and Falcon Heights residents can dispose of appliances, electronics, furniture, tires, demolition debris, scrap metal, and other household refuse you cannot put in the trash. There's a set fee per item or per load. For full details on what items are acceptable, and what they cost, see the city's All-In web page.
Seniors: If you are 65 or older and can't make it to the Fairgrounds, arrange a "senior pick-up." You'll pay the same fees as everyone else, but we'll pick up your discards for free. Contact the Como Community Council office by email or by phone at 651-644-3889.
Doing It by Committee is a Good Thing
In District 10, it's committees that get things accomplished. This week, two of District 10's standing committees do their thing.
Neighborhood Relations and Safety meets Tuesday, Oct. 3. Members expect to discuss initiatives to benefit foster children in our neighborhood, and to create a "welcome packet" for new residents.
Land Use Committee meets Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. We'll post agendas when they are available. Community members are always welcome to attend and participate.
At Least You Won't Need Quarters Anymore
Transit fares go up this Sunday, Oct. 1, on Metro Transit and Metro Mobility rides. Metro Transit fares rise 25 cents; Metro Mobility fares rise 50 cents. That makes bus and light rail fares $2 (higher during peak times and for premium services). Metro Mobility fares will be $3.50 ($4.50 during peak times). Metro Transit says this is the first fare increase since 2008.
Enjoy the ride? Metro Transit wants to know what you know about and think about public art along transit routes. Take their survey
No, it's not a Macintosh operating system; this snow leopard is the real thing.
It's a Transition Week in the Parks
Foresters did a prescribed burn Sept. 27 on the north side of Lake Como, to prepare the site for conversion of dead turf to a more authentic oak savanna. The site is on the bluff between Como Lake Drive and E. Como Lake Blvd., just east of Lexington. Native seeds will be injected later this fall, then covered with straw. The project is part of a larger shoreline restoration along the lake.
After this Saturday, Sept. 30, permit-only parking ends on residential streets west of Como Park.
Dockside still has free concerts: This Saturday, Sept. 30, it's Smokey Dokey at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 1, it's The Beguine Brothers Old Time C&W Revue LTD, also at 5:30 p.m.
Garden Party: The pollinator garden literally a few steps north of the Como Pavilion holds a fall cleanup this Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m.-noon. If you can stop by and help out, your effort will have a significant impact in preparing the garden for winter and assisting those creatures and insects who need the garden for their survival. Bring a pair of gloves and weeding tools, if you have any, along with a bottle of water. Join other neighbors in this environmental stewardship opportunity.
It's the last weekend for the summer flower show at the Marjorie McNelly Conservatory, the last weekend to feed the giraffes or see the Seal Island program at Como Zoo, and the last weekend of summer hours. Beginning this Monday, Oct. 2, the zoo and conservatory close two hours earlier; they will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. At the Zoo, it's "Cool Cat Conservation" weekend, with activities, programming, and talks focused on lions, tigers and snow leopards.
Shelters, pavilions, and restrooms at all Ramsey County parks are now closed for the season. Satellite restrooms are available through fall in most park locations. Come winter, you'll be able to find satellite restrooms only near boat launches.
Hunting Will Close County Parks
Controlled deer hunts begin next weekend in Ramsey County Parks; they will last into December. The hunts, being done by the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base, last three days each; a follow-up hunt typically takes place two-three weeks later.
Signs will be posted at common entry points when hunting is under way. During the hunts, large portions of a park may be closed, though most major paved hiking and biking trails will remain open.
It's Getting Crunchy, Part 1
Leaves are a potent source of nutrients. Handled the right way, they can be a good thing. Handled the wrong way, they help degrade our lakes and streams. The right way:
If less than 50 percent of your lawn is covered by leaves, mulch them into smaller bits with your lawnmower. Keeping them on your lawn in this way has roughly the same benefit as adding a round of store-bought fertilizer.
If leaves cover more than 50 percent of your lawn, rake and compost them instead. Either compost them in your backyard bin, or take them to a Ramsey County yard waste site.
Whatever you do, keep leaves out of the street, alley and storm drains. Letting their nutrients go directly down the drain is like dumping fertilizer into the lake or river.
It's Getting Crunchy, Part 2
Each fall, the Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program offers free leaf-raking for neighborhood seniors. If you are a senior who would like a hand -- or know one who needs a favor -- sign up quickly; the deadline is this Saturday, Sept. 30. Call 651-642-1127.
Neighborhood School Update
The new synthetic turf is now installed, painted, and striped on Como Senior High School's athletic field along Rose Ave. No comparison to what was there before.
It's Parent Night for 5th-8th graders at Twin Cities German Immersion School this Thursday, Oct. 5. Expect to see more cars on local streets from 6-8 p.m.
Great River School holds its HarvestFest next Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2-5 p.m. They'll have streets blocked off on Energy Park Lane, behind the school building.
Beer and concerts by bands such as The Pines are among reasons Rummage MN is "not your grandma's garage sale."
No Taking it Easy at the Fairgrounds
Rummage MN: Today-Saturday, Sept. 29-30, West End Market. Hours: 4-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. $8 in advance, $10 at the gate (free for children 14 or younger).
Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off: Today-Saturday, Sept. 29-30, parking lot south of Como Ave. Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Title Nine Blowout Sale: Through this Sunday, Oct. 1, Dairy Building. Hours: Until 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.
Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show: Through this Sunday, Oct. 1, Warner Coliseum. Shows at 1 and 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday. Free spectator admission.
Antique Spectacular and Flea Market: This Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Grandstand. Hours: Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Teens and adults, $7; children 12 or younger, free.
Military Relic and Collectors Show: This Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Progress Center. Hours: Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $6 (children 9 or younger, free).
Weapons Collectors Show: This Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Education Building and Annex. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 (cash only) teens and adults; children 12 or younger, free. Children 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Fall Swap Meet and Antique Auto Show: This Sunday, Oct. 1, Parking lots north of Hoyt Ave. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5 (seniors 65 or older, $3; children 10 or younger, free when accompanied by an adult).
Future Farmers of America Fall Invitational: This Tuesday, Oct. 3, Miracle of Birth Center.
Harvest Horse Show: This Tuesday-next Sunday, Oct. 3-8, Warner Coliseum. Free daily admission except for Grand Prix show next Saturday, which is $15 at the door.
Half-Price Books Clearance Event: Next Friday-Sunday, Oct. 6-8, Grandstand. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Free admission.
This Week's Orange Barricade Review
Bridges: These bridges over the Mississippi are out of commission or have restricted travel while they undergo repairs: Ford Parkway Bridge, Marshall Ave./Lake St. Bridge, Smith Ave. High Bridge.
Trails: These roadways and trails are closed because of nearby bridge projects: Mississippi River Boulevard under the Ford Parkway Bridge; Samuel Morgan Trail under the High Bridge.
Como Ave.: The reconstruction west of Raymond has moved farther west; the road now is closed from Knapp to Commonwealth.
Dale St.: Down to one lane in each direction as part of the Wheelock Parkway reconstruction. It will be that way for two-three more weeks.
Lexington Parkway: Sidewalk and crosswalk work continues to reduce lanes between University Ave. and Randolph Ave. The entire intersection at Grand Ave. will be closed this Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 2-3.
Pascal St.: The bridge over Interstate 94 and the street at St. Anthony Ave. are closed for at least another week.
Shepard Road: Closed this Saturday, Sept. 30, from Randolph east to Washington St. because of work on the High Bridge.
Victoria St.: It's passable (at least some days) at the intersection with Wheelock Parkway, Maryland Ave., and Como Lake Drive.
Wheelock Parkway: Closed to through traffic between Victoria and Dale until November. Intersections at north-south streets close on a daily, as-needed basis.
Other updates:
Twin Cities Marathon: The race is this Sunday, Oct. 1; the northern segment of Mississippi River Blvd., Summit Ave., and John Ireland Blvd. will be closed.
Highway 10: The ramp from westbound Highway 10 to northbound I-35W is now open.
Maryland Ave.: Ramsey County's pilot project of converting Maryland from a 4-lane to 3-lane road between Edgerton and Johnson Parkway will continue through the winter. The extension will allow engineers and community members time to gather more data on how reducing travel lanes affects congestion, speeds, commuting times for cars and buses, pedestrian safety, crashes, the diversion of traffic onto nearby streets, and other factors. Results of the initial study are online.
What October Has in Store
Today, Friday Sept. 29: Fourth District Congresswoman Betty McCollum hosts an open house at her new district office, 2-4 p.m. 661 Lasalle St. #110. Map
This Saturday, Sept. 30. Saint Paul Public Works equipment auction: Inspection, 8 a.m.; auction begins at 9 a.m. 891 N. Dale.
This Wednesday, Oct. 4: Two public hearings: One on proposed zoning code amendments for short-term rental dwelling units (such as Air BnB) and bed-and-breakfast residences, one on a proposed "to go" packaging ordinance that would require carry-out food purchased in Saint Paul to be placed in compostable, reusable, or recyclable containers. 5:30 p.m. Third-floor City Council Chambers, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Next Saturday, Oct. 7: Como Park Senior High School Homecoming Parade, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday Oct. 11: Community Dialogue with Ramsey County District Court Judges, 6-7:30 p.m. Wilder Foundation, 451 N. Lexington Parkway.
Saturday, Oct. 14: Como Park Lutheran Church's Meatloaf Dinner, to benefit the Block Nurse Program, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 1376 W. Hoyt Ave.
The Truth and Fiction About Crime
District 10 and the Western District of the Saint Paul Police hold a community crime meeting on Tuesday Oct. 10. Patty Lammers, who is the Western District's new crime prevention coordinator, will present Crime Prevention 101. She'll:
Answer your questions about what is and isn't happening in the neighborhood
Make sure you know exactly what to do when you spot suspicious or criminal activity
Give advice on what neighbors must do together to prevent criminals from getting a serious foothold in our neighborhood
The meeting runs from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All are invited.
With summer officially over, the exhibit space at the Como Park Streetcar Station is back to off-season hours. It is open this Sunday, Oct. 1, from noon-4 p.m. After that, it's open only on the first Sunday of each month.
Stop in to learn a bit about the history of Como Park, pick up an organics recycling starter kit (just like the picture), pick up replacement compostable bags, 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.
