It's been a long time since we've seen this: Nile Fellows captured a rare sunrise over Como Lake last week. 
3 Run for Spot on D10 Board
Three candidates are on the ballot to fill a vacancy on the District 10 board from South Como and Energy Park neighborhoods. They are (in alphabetical order) Alexis Baker, Angelique Dahlberg, and Benjamin Kowalsky-Grahek.  The election is this Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., before the monthly board meeting. Everything takes place at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.

All residents age 18 or older who live in Sub-District 4 can vote. So can authorized representatives from a business or nonprofit organization located in Sub-District 4. Community members must vote in person; there is no absentee or proxy voting. Sub-District 4 is commonly known as South Como and Energy Park. The boundaries are Dale on the east, Snelling on the west, and the two sets of railroad tracks on the north and south.

Under District 10's bylaws, additional nominations may be made from the floor; however, they will be write-in candidates. You can read about the candidates and download the Election Guide on District 10's website.
District 10 Seeks Organizer
The Como Community Council is seeking a part-time Community Organizer to lead outreach to rental communities in the neighborhood. The application deadline is Oct. 31.  The position pays $15/hour for a minimum of 200 hours between the start date and May 31, 2019.  You can download a PDF of the full job description from the District 10 website.

Applicants should submit a letter stating their interest, qualifications, and relevant experience. 
  • Email your letter as a PDF, or
  • Mail your letter to: District 10 Como Community Council, 1224 Lexington Parkway N, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Get More Connected
The first-ever Como Connect -- a free, neighborhood resource fair -- debuts this Saturday, Oct. 13. It's a chance to see, in one place, how much the community has to offer.

The event features organizations and activities focused on aging in place, caring for children, keeping Como Lake clean, improving do-it-yourself skills, improving your environmental impact, practicing urban agriculture, keeping your home and loved ones safe, and much more. The family-friendly event includes in-depth breakout sessions, giveaways, and activities for children.

Como Connect is Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 670 W. Wheelock Parkway.
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
A free seminar -- Scam Proof Your Finances: Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft -- takes place this Wednesday, Oct. 17. The workshop (presented by LSS Financial Counseling, TopLine Federal Credit Union, and District 10) will discuss:
  • How identity theft happens
  • Steps to stop it
  • How to use a "deter-detect-defend" strategy to minimize your risk
The seminar runs from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington Parkway N. It is open to anyone; in this technological age, that includes children, teens, and adults. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 763-391-9494. 
Let's Protect Tilden Park, Too
District 10 hosts a community crime meeting Monday Oct. 22; the focus is the increase of unsavory activity that neighbors are noticing in Tilden Park. Patti Lammers, the crime prevention specialist for the Saint Paul Police Department's Western District, will lead the meeting. She'll discuss what neighbors are seeing, then work with them on tactics to target unwanted activity and keep the park wholesome.

The meeting is free; it begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1460 Almond Ave.   
The Como Curb Cleanup does synchronized raking on a neighborhood-wide level.
Let the Raking Begin
The 2018 Como Curb Cleanup is out of the gates. The volunteer, community initiative is simple in design, but mighty in its impact.

Here's the simple part: When you rake your lawn, you rake leaves out of the gutter (and the alley), too. Here's the mighty impact: We keep an astounding level of nutrients from seeping down storm drains and degrading Como Lake or the Mississippi River. Here's why: Fallen leaves on paved surfaces are like a tea bag. When the leaves get wet, phosphorus and nitrogen leech out. But if we get to the leaves first -- zip, zilch, nada!

The project has more than 100 "demonstration houses" committed to participate; you can join them (officially or unofficially). Get more information here

Speaking of raking: If you have extra time or extra bodies, why not rake the leaves of an elderly neighbor, too? The Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program has a list of seniors who need a favor. Email Nichole Vesperman
It Won't Take Care of Itself
Volunteers are needed this Saturday to prepare the Como Native Plant Garden for winter. Work will include pruning plants, clearing the garden of weeds, and poss ibly planting and seeding for next spring. The garden is between the Como Lakeside Pavilion and its north parking lot. Work will be between 9 a.m. and noon Oct. 13. Bring gloves, your favorite gardening tools, and any large garbage bags your can spare for debris. For more information, email Angie Sechler. (Rain date is this Sunday, Oct. 14, also 9 a.m.-noon.)
Exactly How Would You Change Things?
Saint Paul is holding 10 " Voices of Our Community" feedback sessions. The sessions, each focused on a specific topic, are intended to shape city staff equity work. The long-term goals: Shift the culture of city processes and policies, eliminate structural inequities, and ensure timely and relevant access to services, resources, support, and opportunity for every person in the city. 

The first session, about streets and sidewalks, is this Saturday, Oct. 13, from noon-2 p.m. at Hmong American Partnership, 1075 Arcade St. Future sessions:
  • Employment opportunities: This Thursday, Oct. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hamline University's Klas Center, 1537 W. Taylor.
  • Fair and affordable housing: Tuesday Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m., Saint Paul City School, 643 Virginia St.
  • Exploration and play: Sunday Oct. 28, noon-2 p.m., Rice Street Recreation Center, 1021 Marion St.
  • Equitable economic development: Tuesday Oct. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Eastside Enterprise Center, 804 Margaret St.
  • Just and peaceful neighborhoods: Thursday Nov. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Heritage Tea House, 360 W. University
  • City government workforce: Saturday Nov. 3, 2-4 p.m., Roy Wilkins Auditorium, 175 W. Kellogg
  • Smart government: Thursday Nov. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway
  • Safe housing: Thursday Nov. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fire Station #9, 1624 E. Maryland
  • Building our city: Sunday Nov. 18, noon-2 p.m., Wellstone Center, 179 E. Robie
Your Last Swing at the Full Cozy's Experience
The change in seasons means this is the last weekend to enjoy the full menu at Cozy's Pub at the Como golf course. Customer appreciation specials this weekend include 2-for-1 appetizers and 2-for-1 beer in cans. Cozy's is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. today-Sunday, Oct. 12-14. Beginning this Monday, Oct. 15, options will be limited to concession fare, which pretty much means hot dogs, brats, chips, and candy. 
Barricades in New Places
Construction crews aren't finished for the season:
  • Nagasaki Road closes this Tuesday, Oct. 16, for what is supposed to be a day of sewer work.
  • Don't be surprised if sidewalk reconstruction begins on the north side of Energy Park Drive between Lexington and Snelling. Depending on weather, demolition could begin toward the end of this week; new concrete is likely to be poured the week of Oct. 22.
  • MnDOT is closing the ramp from westbound I-94 to southbound 35W for 10 days. The ramp shuts down tonight, Friday Oct. 12, at 10:00 and won't reopen until the morning of Monday Oct. 22. 
This Week and Beyond
  • This Saturday, Oct. 13: BT5K Run and Walk, 9 a.m. Como Park Picnic Pavilion and paths. It's a benefit for the American Brain Tumor Association.
  • This Sunday, Oct. 14: Second Sunday Concert, 2-3 p.m. Newman-Benson Chapel at Lyngblomsten, 1415 Almond. Featuring vocalist Paula Lammers. Free
  • This Tuesday, Oct. 16: Como Community Council board meeting, 7 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station. In addition to a special election (see first article), the meeting includes a presentation about Saint Paul's Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission. See the preliminary agenda
  • Friday Oct. 26: Halloween Bonfire, 6-8 p.m. Northwest Como Recreation Center.
  • Friday Oct. 26: Parks After Dark: Owl Prowl, 7-8:30 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station. $5. Register now
  • Friday Oct. 26: Deadline to apply for a Partner Grant with Capitol Region Watershed District.
Pursuits of All Sorts at the Fairgrounds
Class Explains Police Autism Training
Saint Paul police hold a introductory class this Wednesday, Oct. 17, about the department's C.A.R.E. program: Cops Autism Response Education. The free class is open to all individuals on the autism spectrum, their caregivers, and those looking for information about the training program. It will cover how police are expected to respond to individuals on the spectrum, and include time for questions. The class is Oct. 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Western District headquarters, 389 N. Hamline. 
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.