Let's take it outside: Meegan Hall leads District 10's quarterly community yoga class outside the Historic Streetcar Station. Photo: Cari Ness Nesje
Here's What You Would Miss on Tuesday
District 10 has asked Parks and Recreation to make this proposed crosswalk safer.
The monthly board meeting of the Como Community Council is this Tuesday, May 15. The meeting is a chance to
get up to date on the
proposed crosswalk on Lexington Parkway between the Lakeside Pavilion and golf clubhouse; the
proposed expansion of the Twin Cities German Immersion School; and the draft of Saint Paul's new Comprehensive Plan.
The 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.
Newton Wyatt Henderson in a 2017 photo
Police Schedule Predatory Offender Meeting
Saint Paul Police will host a Level III predatory offender notification meeting this Wednesday, May 16, at 6 p.m. at Western District headquarters, 389 Hamline Ave. N (just north of Interstate 94). Among cases to be discussed: Newton Wyatt Henderson, who has
registered to live in District 10, in the 1000 block of Avon St., between Hatch and Orchard.
Henderson, a 37-year-old white male, was convicted of sexual crimes and kidnapping involving a 17-year-old girl he did not know in 1997. He was released from prison in 2012; he is not wanted by police. However, Henderson is classified as a Level III predatory offender because of his potential to re-offend based on his previous behavior. Police cannot direct where previous offenders live, work, or go to school, but they routinely notify communities when registered offenders change addresses.
In announcing the notification meeting, police say: "... it is not our intention to increase fear in the community. We hope that it provides you with the necessary information to educate your family and friends regarding personal safety. Additional fact sheets providing crime prevention information will be available at the notification meeting."
Plan Now for the Citywide Drop-Off
The annual Citywide Drop-Off at the State Fairgrounds is much earlier than usual in 2018: It is not in October; instead, it is Saturday June 9 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The Drop-Off, organized by Saint Paul Public Works and District 10, is a great chance to get rid of the junk you can't throw in the trash -- and do it at reasonable prices. The best price: If you volunteer to staff the event, you can get rid of a load of your junk
for free.
If you are a senior: District 10 will attempt to pick up items in advance for senior citizens in the neighborhood. You pay for what you are disposing, but the pick-up itself is free.
Email District 10 or call 651-644-3889 so we can get you on the schedule. Deadline for seniors is Friday June 1.
Bonsai, Indeed!
The Minnesota Bonsai Society is back with a special
Mother's Day show this weekend at the Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory. More than 50 privately owned, trained trees will be displayed in the Ordway Gardens, joining the Conservatory's own collection.
Visitors not only can admire the potted works of art -- they can buy "starter" bonsai in the Garden Safari gift shop, and talk one-on-one with Bonsai Society members about how to get started as a novice grower.
The free show is open this Saturday-Sunday, May 12-13, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Photo: Commercial Laundries Inc.
Dirty Books Not Allowed
The Saint Paul Public Library launches its first
"Wash and Learn" location this Sunday, May 12, at the Giant Wash laundromat, 1675 Rice St. Saint Paul, in cooperation with Libraries Without Borders, will install laptops and WiFi hotspots at the laundromat, plus bookshelves with materials that customers can
check out and take home, or simply read while they are washing or drying laundry.
During the summer, librarians will be on site a few hours each week to teach workplace skills, lead story times for children, and answer questions. The goal is to help close the digital divide.
Mayor Melvin Carter III will lead the grand opening from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. As part of the festivities, patrons can do laundry for free.
This Many People Can't Be Wrong
Improving snow and ice removal. Improving ways to cross busy streets. Adding sidewalks to blocks that don't have them (something we know about in Como). Those are the top three priorities of Saint Paul residents who filled out an online survey about making walking safer and easier in the city. The survey is one more piece of advice for pedestrian safety advocate Fay Simer and a steering committee who are drafting the city's first comprehensive
pedestrian plan.
Photo: Anglie Sechler
Gardens Need a Little Love
The stewards of two of the most prominent public gardens in our neighborhood invite you to help clean up and prep the gardens next weekend.
Next Saturday, May 19: Meet at Churchill Gardens (at Horton, Van Slyke and Churchill) at 9 a.m. Bring gloves, a rake, pitchfork, shears and/or weeding tools.
Next Sunday, May 20: Meet at the wildflower garden north of the Lakeside Pavilion from 9-11 a.m. Bring garden gloves (leather is recommended); tools such as pruners, loppers, rakes and tarps; plus a hat and water for yourself. Questions? Contact Angie Sechler by email.
Rain Barrel, Advice are a Bargain
District 10's Environment Committee and the Capitol Region Watershed District hold a Rain Barrel Workshop next Saturday May, 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. Participants can get a rain barrel for the unheard of price of $29 (plus tax), and learn how to set it up so it works the way it's supposed to. (If you already have rain barrels at your home, you can show up and learn to use them correctly -- for free.) Supplies are limited, so register now.
Neighborhood Garage Sale is June 16
By popular demand, this year's Como Neighborhood Garage Sale is later than usual -- as we cross our fingers for better weather. The sale is the weekend of Saturday June 16. If you're pulling together a garage or yard sale, and want to be listed on the neighborhood map,
register online. Registration fee is $15.
Simple stretches can make a big difference. Photo: Love to Know
A Balanced and Flexible Life
The Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program (
now you can take a breath) is organizing
"Fitness and Fun" classes every Tuesday and Thursday in May. The lively, interactive classes for older adults improve balance, strength, and flexibility.
Classes are 2-3 p.m. in the community room at Arbor Pointe Apartments, which is on the northwest corner of Dale and Maryland. You can attend even if you don't live in the apartments.
Every finisher in the Mother's Day 5K gets a chocolate cake pop (and a rose).
Chasing Each Other Through the Park
Vivie's Fun Run: This Saturday, May 12. The benefit for Vivienne's Joy Foundation starts and ends at the main Picnic Pavilion. Same-day sign-up begins at 8 a.m.; the race starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $30 for adults, $8 for children.
Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk: This Sunday, May 13. The benefit for the Angel Foundation starts and ends at the main Picnic Pavilion. Kids' dash starts at 8:15 a.m.; main race starts at 8:30 a.m. Advance registration (through 11:59 p.m. Saturday) is $36.99; same-day registration is $45. (If you live nearby, note: The event's sound variance beginning at 7 a.m.)
Sales of All Kinds at the Fairgrounds
YMCA Garage Sale: Through this Saturday, May 12, Merchandise Mart. Hours: Today, until 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friends School Plant Sale: Through this Sunday, May 13, Grandstand. Hours: Today through 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Model Railroad and Hobby Sale: This Saturday, May 12, Education Building. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $6 (children 7 or younger, free)
Machinery Hill Criterium Race Series: This Tuesday, May 15, 5 p.m. Roads north of Dan Patch and south of Randall may be closed from 4-9 p.m. Races for cyclists, from beginners to experts. $10-$25
Also Going on This Week
This Monday, May 14: Saint Paul Public Housing Agency begins accepting applications for its waiting list for two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. Applications for efficiency, one-bedroom, and five-bedroom apartments are being accepted now.
Next Saturday, May 19: Mayor Melvin Carter's (Rescheduled) State of Our City Summit, 9 a.m.-noon. Johnson High School, 1349 Arcade St.
It's Not Too Early to Plan National Night Out
Registration is officially open for this year's National Night Out, which is Tuesday Aug. 7. Saint Paul Police, who coordinate the citywide night of block parties, have an easy-to-use form to
register your event online. The page also includes links to request a police or fire visit for your event, and to request the permit you need to close down your street.
Registered block parties will receive a participation guide and information about contests, including chalk art and best photo of a cop. If you register before June 15, you could be eligible for a starter pack that includes a banner, balloons and more.
The exhibit space at the Como Park Streetcar Station is now
open for the season every Sunday 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 Mike, who is the District 10 board member on staff (yes, even on Mother's 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.
