April 5? More like January 95. This flock of geese on Como Lake doesn't seem too bothered by the surreal weather that surrounded them this week.
If You're Waiting for the Deadline: It's Here
This Tuesday, April 10, is the last day to
get on the ballot for the Como Community Council board.
Eight positions are up for election this month -- and incumbents are not seeking re-election in seven of them. That means, in most cases, you'll run for an open seat without challenging an incumbent. Positions you can run for
:
Vice-chair
Treasurer
One representative from each of the four geographical sub-districts
Two at-large representatives from the community as a whole
Any renter, homeowner, or other resident of District 10 who is age 18 or older is eligible. So are authorized representatives from a business or nonprofit organization in District 10. If you are interested, fill out the online application by this Tuesday, April 10. Candidates who do not file by the Tuesday deadline can run as write-in candidates the night of the election. Learn more
If you are not running: Elections for the Como Community Council board are Tuesday April 17, beginning at 7 p.m., at District 10's annual meeting. Details about the candidates will be posted beginning this Wednesday, April 11, on District 10's website.
It's a Busy Land Use Meeting Monday
The rescheduled District 10 Land Use meeting takes place this Monday, April 9. The preliminary list of topics:
A presentation on whether to change city zoning to include Como among neighborhoods that allow accessory dwelling units
A request from residents to allow lawn parking during the annual Hmong Festival
Discussion on the proposed Lexington Parkway crosswalk in Como Regional Park, including drafting recommendations to bring to the Community Council board meeting on April 17
A update on a District 10 meeting with city agencies addressing issues affecting the neighborhood during the State Fair
The committee meets at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All community members are invited to attend and participate.
Raspberry bushes can make life thorny for burglars. (Photo: Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Hostile Vegetation is Just the Beginning
What you plant and where you plant it, the fencing you choose, and how you let your lights shine all can be tactics to keep your property safer. Pick up advice in these areas and more during "
Crime Prevention through Landscape Design," the next presentation in District 10's Sunday Series.
Patty Lammers, crime prevention coordinator for the Saint Paul Police, shares tips in natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement, access control, and even hostile vegetation. The free presentation is Sunday April 15 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
Spring Hours? Uh, Not Yet...
Ramsey County's
yard waste sites have come to terms with reality and are maintaining their "winter" hours through April 15. That means they're open only on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. They expect to begin weekday hours on Monday April 16.
Photo: MnDOT
But It is Road Construction Season
MnDOT begins a two-year construction project this Monday, April 9, on
Interstate 35 between Highway 97 in Columbus and Highway 8 in Forest Lake.
Temporary lane closures in each direction will begin Monday (weather permitting); within a week, northbound I-35 will be down to two lanes, and southbound I-35 restricted to three lanes. The project includes resurfacing the interstate, replacing the Highway 8 and Highway 97 bridges over the interstate, and replacing the northbound 35W bridge over 35E.
Opportunity Practically Drops in Your Lap
The Minnesota Food Association is setting up a
CSA drop location in the Como neighborhood this summer. The CSA membership (which stands for community supported agriculture) guarantees you fresh organic produce direct from the farm every week. Your food comes from Big River Farms in Washington County, which pools the output of small-scale farmers, many of them just starting on their own, including refugees and immigrants.
A full share is $695 for the 18-week season from mid-June to mid-October. A half-share is $415. A 9-week fruit share is an additional $550.
To order, use the code "Como Park" at checkout to receive $15 off your share.
Save Some Green on Your Composting
County residents can save $20 on
home compost bins that you will have in your hands this month. You can
order online or by phone at 651-641-4589. Use the promo code "Ramsey" to get your discount; a bin will cost you only $44 plus tax. The 17-cubic-foot bins are recycled plastic, 30 inches tall. 33 inches in diameter, and have a locking lid and sliding doors on each side. They will be ready for pick-up on April 28.
Cut Through the Confusion
In a medical emergency, chaos is common. The "
file of life" can calm that chaos so neighbors, first responders, and others have the basic information they need about the person: current medical conditions, allergies, medications, key contact information, and more. The Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program has file-of-life kits available for free; call 651-642-1127 to set up an appointment.
There's Room in Our Community Garden
A few plots are still available this season in the Como Community Garden. Garden plots are south of Almond and east of Snelling. Water is available. The fee for the season: $25.
If you want a plot: Call the District 10 office at 651-644-3889, or put in your request
by email.
Plots are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. (Residents who live in Como get first priority).
'A' Stands for April Activities
Saturday April 14: Workshop: Citizen Science Apps, 2-4 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington Parkway N. Presented by University of Minnesota Extension and Como Woodland Advisory Committee. Registration is free, but space is limited.
Saturday April 21: Parks and Recreation Spring Cleanup, 9-11:30 a.m., Como Lakeside Pavilion. Join other volunteers in spiffing up the park.
Saturday April 28: 2018 City Nature Challenge, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom. Track what lives in the woodland, part of a competitive "bio-blitz" in 60 cities worldwide.
Thursday-Sunday, May 3-6: Festival of Nations, Saint Paul RiverCentre. The International Institute (which is based in District 10) is recruiting volunteers to work 3- or 4-hour shifts. Tasks include staffing booths, setting up, tearing down, cleaning tables, or greeting visitors. Volunteers get free admission. Sign up here
The Citywide Drop-Off at the Fairgrounds moves up to June 9 -- and needs volunteers.
Once the Grass Grows
District 10 has its hand in a number of community events this spring. A rundown:
Saturday May 5: Como Community Seed Library May Mosaic, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station. Swap seeds, plants and perennials; swap stories; get advice from Master Gardeners; learn the very real benefits of bees, wasps, and birds in your yard; and more.
Saturday May 19: Rain Barrel Workshop, 1-3 p.m., Twin Cities German Immersion School. Get a rain barrel for the unheard of price of $29 (plus tax) -- and learn how to use it effectively. If you already have rain barrels outside your home, you also can learn to use them effectively -- for free. Space is limited, so register now.
Sunday June 3: District 10 Sunday Series: Como Park Tree Trek, 1-2:30 p.m. Meet outside the Lakeside Pavilion. Arborist Tim Morgan leads a walk to help us better identify and understand local tree species, their health, and the diseases and pests that affect them.
Sunday June 3: Block Party in the Park, 4-7 p.m., Orchard Park. Neighbors hanging out with neighbors. You don't have to live in South Como to join the fun.
Saturday June 9: Citywide Drop-Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. State Fairgrounds. Get rid of the junk you can't throw in the trash. Volunteer -- and you can get rid of junk for free.
Saturday June 16: Como Neighborhood Garage Sale. By popular demand, it's later than usual this year, in hopes of better weather.
Saturday June 23: Como Lake Rain Garden Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon. Como Park Streetcar Station. Capitol Region Watershed District leads a hands-on workshop to identify locations for the next wave of boulevard rain gardens in District 10. These are among the most cost-effective ways to collect and filter polluted street runoff before it reaches the lake. The best part: The selected locations will get rain gardens installed at no cost. Register now
From Three Rings to Chain Rings
Saint Paul Osman Shrine Circus, through this Sunday, April 8, Warner Coliseum. Performances: Friday-Saturday, April 6-7, 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 8, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$95; children 2 or younger, free.
Machinery Hil Criterium Race Series: This Tuesday, April 10, 5 p.m., Cooper and Randall. Training races for cyclists, from beginners to experts. $10-$25
Stay on Your Toes When Walking
Longer days mean more of us are going out for a walk. Here are tips to stay safe:
Travel light. Carry only an ID and bare essentials. Don't bring more cash than you need; bring only one credit or debit card.
Take advantage of lights. Park in well-lit areas. Walk in well-lit areas. Don't take shortcuts.
Travel well-lit. Wear reflective clothing or lights at night. Wear bright clothing any time.
Bring a travel buddy. A friend or a dog works.
Don't walk distracted. Keep your phone in your pocket; talking, texting, or surfing means you are less aware of what's going on around you. Similarly, earbuds or headphones mean you probably won't hear someone coming up from behind.
Cross carefully. When crossing a street, make eye contact with drivers. Make sure traffic stops in all directions before you step into the roadway.
The exhibit space at the
Como Park Streetcar Station is open this Sunday, April 8, from noon-4 p.m. Stop in to learn a bit about the
history of Como Park, pick up replacement organics recycling bags, or just share comments and suggestions with Amy, who is the District 10 board member 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.
