Residents sent so many photos of the splendors of autumn in Como that we couldn't keep up. So, for a few weeks, we're reliving recent glories. Jennifer Victor-Larsen had this "O Canada" moment on Midway Parkway.
Como Dockside Shuts Down Nov. 22
Beignets were one of Dockside's Louisiana specialties.
Saint Paul officials say they'll announce by the end of November on how they're moving forward to replace Como Dockside, which will shut down for good this Wednesday, Nov. 22.

"Our plan is to have next steps settled by the time Dockside closes," Parks Director Mike Hahm says. The week after Thanksgiving, the city intends to make public how it is reaching out to and soliciting potential replacement businesses, "whether that's an RFP or something else," Hahm says. Outreach plans will include specific opportunities for the community to get involved.
 
The city and restaurant management jointly announced the cancellation of Dockside's contract on Nov. 10.   "It's disappointing," Dockside manager Jarret Oulman told District 10.  "There is real opportunity there."  Ultimately, however, Dockside could not overcome inconsistency in service and quality, the seasonal peaks and dips in business, or figure out how to run a reliable restaurant while meeting all the other responsibilities of its city contract, Oulman says. 

In his conversation with District 10, Oulman talked in depth about lessons learned the hard way, and about expectations that he thinks the city and Como residents need to re-examine.
  • It's not over till it's over: Dockside's brunch this Saturday, Nov. 18, wraps up with music from Shawn & Marie at noon.
  • Want to support local restaurants? Here is a list of sit-down and carry-out eateries and bars in District 10. 
D10 Presentations Get Down to Business 
A market analysis of District 10, with a focus on the Dale St. corridor, plus an update on long-delayed Como, Front and Dale Commercial Vitality Zone improvements, will be featured during the monthly Como Community Council board meeting this Tuesday, Nov. 21.
 
Jay Demma, from the consulting firm of Perkins + Will, will highlight  market studies he did under contract for District 10 and the District 6 Planning Council. His studies examine what kinds of new businesses could work best in Como. After that, Andrew Hestness, from Saint Paul's Department of Planning and Economic Development, will preview infrastructure improvements the city is considering at Como, Front and Dale. (A more detailed community meeting on the Commercial Vitality Zone will be Thursday Dec. 14.)
 
The monthly District 10 meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All community members are welcome to attend and participate.
Recycling is Delayed One Day 
Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, recycling in District 10 is one day later next weekend. Recycling will not be picked up  as usual on Friday; instead pick-up will be next Saturday, Nov. 25.
Spread the Praise Around  
District 10 is accepting nominations of local individuals or organizations to add to Saint Paul's Neighborhood Honor Roll. The annual, citywide award pays tribute to residents who improve the quality of life in Saint Paul. The award typically recognizes members of our community who make a sustained and lasting impact in the neighborhood and city.

To nominate someone: Email us no later than Friday Dec. 15. Give us a short description of their accomplishments or the reasons they should be honored for making Como a better place to live, work, or play. The District 10 Board will evaluate nominees at its Dec. 19 meeting. A dinner and ceremony on Jan. 26 will officially recognize honorees from District 10 and other Saint Paul neighborhoods. Those selected have their names engraved on a plaque in City Hall. 

Did You Forget to Give to the Max?
That's OK -- there's another mass opportunity to support your Como Community Council. It's on "Giving Tuesday" -- Nov. 28. Your financial donation helps us continue working with you to solve issues and improve the quality of life in Como year-round. The donation site will remind you of the range of work we do and successes we achieve. And if you're not someone who gets into these kind of crowd-sourcing activities, then simply do it on your own timetable -- even before the 28th. Either way, we thank you in advance.
Sorry, Skeptics: It's Open  
The paving is done, the lanes are striped, and the newly reconstructed Wheelock Parkway is now open to traffic. As for unfinished details:
  • It may take several weeks for the traffic light at Dale and Wheelock to get hooked up, so temporary stop signs will remain in place on Wheelock.
  • Crews have to install permanent stop signs at other cross streets along Wheelock.
  • Traffic engineers are re-evaluating the placement of stop signs and pavement markings at the Wheelock/Como/Victoria intersection.
  • Trees and remaining sod will be planted in spring. In the meantime, soil stabilizer is being sprayed on topsoil between Grotto and Danforth to coat it for the winter. 
Handle the Holiday Hustle with Yoga 
Get away from the pressure of "XX shopping days left" by joining neighbors for a relaxing morning of coffee and yoga on  Sunday Dec. 3 . Instructor Meegan Hall of Como Park Yoga and Wellness leads a one-hour session beginning at 9 a.m . in the Historic Streetcar Station. The class will be suitable for all skill levels, and will be limited to 30 participants . Register online now 
 
We'll provide coffee, cider, and morning treats. You should bring a yoga mat or a blanket, and wear comfortable clothes. The session is free, but donations are welcome; they help District 10 put on community-building events like this.
Get an Edge on the Season
  
The Como Park Snowsports Booster Club holds its annual ski and snowboard equipment swap this Saturday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the ski chalet, 1431 Lexington Parkway N. All proceeds from the sale of clothing and gear benefit the nonprofit.

Speaking of: The Como Park Ski Center is now taking registration for lessons in Nordic skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding. Group lessons are available for ages 4 to adult. Private and adult-only lessons also are available. 
Downhill and snowboard lessons start in January, but cross-country lessons begin as early as Dec. 9.
Rondo Library Shows Off its Renovation
 
Rondo Community Library celebrates its grand reopening this Saturday, Nov. 18, from 1-4 p.m. The library, which is the city's busiest branch, will show off the results of its half-million-dollar renovation. The space includes a larger homework center, more quiet zones, a dedicated teen area, and a more-open floor plan. New equipment and collections include a 3D printer, sewing machines, Story Kits, and vinyl records.

Saturday's celebration includes music, games, sweet potato pie, hot cider, a workshop on handmade paper, and Every Body's In (a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth with community mentors).
An official portrait of Nyati. 
The Overwhelming Favorite
 
Como Zoo's new female western lowland gorilla has a name: Nyati. Kind of like in Saint Paul's mayoral election, the name won by a landslide, capturing 62 percent of the vote from Zoo visitors last weekend.

Nyati was born Oct. 18 to Alice and Schroeder. The whole family -- plus all of Schroeder's troop -- are being kept out of the public eye while Nyati bonds with Alice. Visitors will be stuck  observing the Zoo's bachelor gorillas: Jabir, Samson, and Virgil.
Take all the portraits you want this Sunday morning. De La Vue Photography
Shutter Inside -- Don't Shudder Outside
 
Here's a rare chance to trade in the cold for a few hours of lush time inside Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. This Sunday, Nov. 19, the Conservatory opens early -- from 8-10 a.m. Artists can set up their easels, photographers can set up their tripods, or families can stage their holiday photos amid the gardens. Cost is $5. The opportunity will repeat on Dec. 2, 9, 10 and 17.

Time is running short: By the way, the fall flower show in the Sunken Garden ends on Sunday Nov. 26.
Watching Our Waste: Pumpkins and More 
Ramsey County's yard waste sites are still open five days a week -- but only until the end of November. That means it's still easy to compost your leaves, grass, garden remnants, pumpkins, and brush. The sites are open Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (including the day after Thanksgiving) from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. But beginning in December, the sites are open only on weekends.
Get More with Your Library Card
 
 
Want a free pass to one of more than 30 Twin Cities museums or theaters? Just use your Saint Paul or Ramsey County library card, go online, and see what's available through the smARTpass program. The cultural organizations make a limited number of tickets available. Options include TU Dance; the Minnesota and Saint Paul Chamber orchestras; Schubert Club; Hennepin Theater Trust, Northrup, and the O'Shaunessey; SteppingStone, Penumbra, and Park Square theaters; and the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Minnesota Children's Museum.
Transit Juggles Schedule for Thanksgiving 
If you plan to ride Metro Transit buses or trains during Thanksgiving weekend, take note: 
  • Metro Transit buses and Green and Blue line trains will follow their Sunday/holiday schedules on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Nov. 23.  
  • Because ridership decreases on the day after Thanksgiving, Metro Transit will reduce service next Friday, Nov. 24. The silver lining: You'll also get weekend fares.
For information, check out Metro Transit's website. 
Looking Ahead...
  • Monday Nov. 27: Ramsey County 2018 Budget and Tax Proposal Public Hearing. 6:30 p.m. Shoreview Library, 1560 N. Victoria.
  • Tuesday Nov. 28: Saint Paul's Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission introduces new commissioners and explains the new city ordinance under which it now operates. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Progressive Baptist Church, 1505 Burns Ave. Free
  • Wednesday Nov. 29: District 10 Environment Committee. 7 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Community members are always welcome to attend and participate.
  • Thursday Nov. 30: Deadline to submit a proposal for a recreational amenity where the Como Park miniature golf course now exists. 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday Dec. 5: Saint Paul Public Schools 2018 Tax Proposal Public Hearing. 6:30 p.m. School district office, 360 Colborne St.
Saturday Only -- at the Fairgrounds
  • Jingle Bell 5K Run for Arthritis: This Saturday, Nov. 18, starting at the History and Heritage Center, 10 a.m. Various roadways on the Fairgrounds will close until noon. Entry fee: $40.
  • North Star Roller Girls: This Saturday, Nov. 18, Warner Coliseum. 7 p.m. Admission: $13 for adults and children 11 or older; children 10 or younger get in free with a paying adult. Group discounts and package promotions are available.
Criminals Like Shopping, Too
As shopping season gets into full swing, take this advice from Saint Paul Police with you:
  • Dress casually and comfortably; don't draw attention to yourself.
  • Don't carry a wallet or purse if you don't have to. Don't wear expensive jewelry. They are prime targets in crowded shopping areas and public transportation.
  • Stay alert to what's going on around you. Don't overload yourself with packages. Maintain clear sight lines and freedom to move.
  • Be cautious with strangers who approach you for any reason. There is no limit to how con artists try to distract you in hopes of taking your money or belongings.
  • Shop during daylight. If you must shop at night, bring a friend or family member with you.
D10 Offices are Closed One More Week 
Because of Thanksgiving and other reasons, District 10's offices will be closed during the day this week, Nov. 20-24. Staff and board members will monitor emails and voice mails (651-644-3889) as much as possible. But, the office will be open during the monthly Como Community Council board meeting this Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. 
  • Also because of the holiday, we will not publish a newsletter next Friday, Nov. 24.
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, just as we did with today's photo from Jennifer Victor-Larsen . 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.