This yard on Hoyt Ave. makes it clear that outdoor decoration season is under way. This week, Halloween. Can Christmas be far behind?
Say Goodbye to Leaves (the Right Way)
Leaf sweeping is underway across Saint Paul. A few streets in South Como already are finished; additional streets are scheduled in District 10 this Wednesday, Oct. 31, and next Friday, Nov. 2. Even more streets are on the schedule for Nov. 5, 8, 9, 13 and 14. A few things to remember:
  • It is illegal, unneighborly, and a few other things to sweep leaves into the street from your property or the boulevard. This ain't Roseville.
  • Watch for the "no parking" signs, which typically get pounded into the boulevard about 24 hours in advance of leaf-sweeping. Parking is prohibited on designated streets from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Disposing of your leaves: If you are not mulching or composting leaves at home, the easiest way to dispose of them (legally) is to take them to a Ramsey County yard waste site. Sites are open through the end of November on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and on Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The sites also take pumpkins, garden leftovers and, in some cases, trees and shrubs.
Vote
It's Easier Than Ever to Vote Early
Early voting begins this week at the Como Park Streetcar Station. Any Ramsey County resident can vote at the Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton, or at one of 10 other locations. Polls are open for early voting:
  • This Tuesday-Friday, Oct. 30-Nov. 2: noon-6 p.m. 
  • Next Saturday, Nov. 3: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Monday Nov. 5: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Or, you can wait until Election Day, Nov. 6, when polls open in all precincts from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 

The ballot includes elections for both U.S. senators, the U.S. House of Representatives, governor and other state constitutional officers, Minnesota House of Representatives, Ramsey County commissioner, Ramsey County sheriff, numerous judicial seats, and a Saint Paul School District referendum.
Halloween in the Parks
Northwest Como Recreation Center holds a Halloween bonfire tonight, Friday Oct. 26, from 6-8 p.m. The evening includes a DJ, costume contest, concessions, and outdoor activities. Northwest Como is at 1550 N. Hamline. 

North Dale Recreation Center holds a Halloween Craft Party this Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6-7 p.m. Children ages 1-1/2 to 6 years will create their own haunted house. Registration is $15. North Dale is at 1414 N. St. Albans.
Photo: University of Minnesota Raptor Center
Owling at the Moon
Parks after Dark holds an Owl Prowl tonight, Friday Oct. 26, from 7-8:30 p.m. Children age 5 or older, accompanied by an adult, can learn about these elusive nocturnal creatures -- even in the city. Participants will practice owl calls, dissect an owl pellet, and take a hike to search for nearby owls. Activities are based at the Como Park Streetcar Station. Registration is required; the fee is $5.
Pupils Plan Halloween Parade
Instead of just cars snaking around the block, this Wednesday, Oct. 31, it will be kids snaking around the block, too, as Twin Cities German Immersion School holds a Halloween parade. Expect costumed creatures to line up on the Van Slyke side about 2 p.m. From the map we've seen, they'll march west to Churchill, south to Como, then back to the school playground. 
Got Any Recommendations?
District 10 is looking for a reliable contractor to clear snow from inside and around the community organics recycling site on Beulah Lane in Como Park. If you have any leads or recommendations, email their contact information to us.
Walk It Off
Sidewalk reconstruction is under way on the north side of Energy Park Drive between Lexington and Snelling. Demolition is in progress; if the weather allows, new concrete will be poured this week. The right lane will be closed at times during the work.
Last Chance to Apply for Organizer Position
 
The Como Community Council is seeking a part-time Community Organizer to lead outreach to rental communities in the neighborhood. The application deadline is this Wednesday, 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.  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
Influence Como/Front/Dale's Future
The Como Community Council, the North End Neighborhood Organization, and the Ward 1 and Ward 5 offices are forming an advisory group to keep pushing for improvements, investment, and development in and near the intersection of Como, Front, and Dale. If you want to represent District 10 on this group, let us know. Email a letter promoting your qualifications and why you would be a good choice. 

The application deadline is Tuesday Nov. 6.  The District 10 board plans to make appointments at its Nov. 20 meeting.
Library Starts Art for Preschoolers
The MiniMasters arts series returns to six Saint Paul Public Library branch locations in November. The free workshops spur creativity and confidence in infants through 5-year-olds. Sessions, which begin this Thursday, Nov. 1, are led by organizations such as Artrageous Adventures, Articulture, ArtStart, East Side Arts Council, and Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Get topics, times, and locations here
City Hopes You Do More Than Show Up
Saint Paul continues its " Voices of Our Community" series.  The sessions each address a specific topic and are intended to shape city staff equity work. The long-term goal: Shift the culture of city procedures and policies, eliminate structural inequities, and ensure timely and relevant access to services, resources, support, and opportunity for every person in the city.  The remaining sessions:
  • Exploration and play: This Sunday, Oct. 28, noon-2 p.m., Rice Street Recreation Center, 1021 Marion St.
  • Equitable economic development: This Tuesday, Oct. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Eastside Enterprise Center, 804 Margaret St.
  • Just and peaceful neighborhoods: This Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Heritage Tea House, 360 W. University
  • City government workforce: Next 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
Yes, There's Football on a Friday 
This weekend at the State Fairgrounds:
  • Parking and shuttle buses for University of Minnesota football: Tonight, Friday Oct. 26, Robin Lot (south and east of Randall Ave.) Gophers play Indiana at 7 p.m.
  • Minnesota Weapons Collectors Show: This Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 27-28, Warner Coliseum. Hours: Saturday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Teens and adults, $5; children 12 or younger, free. All children 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Horse shows: Riders & Ribbons Schooling Event & Minnesota Academy Equestrian Finals: This Sunday, Oct. 28, Compeer Arena. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission for spectators.
Looking Toward November 
  • Next Saturday, Nov. 3: Career Fair, featuring opportunities with the City of Saint Paul and State of Minnesota, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Roy Wilkins Auditorium, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Free.
  • Monday Nov. 5: Heritage Preservation Commission hearing on request to add former St. Andrew's church building to Saint Paul's historic registry, 5 p.m. Third-floor City Council chambers at City Hall, 15 Kellogg Blvd. W.
  • Wednesday Nov. 14: Saint Paul Pedestrian Plan: Open House and Community Discussion, 5-7 p.m. Room 272, Wellstone Center, 179 E. Robie St.
  • Thursday Nov. 15: Ward 1 Community Meal, 5-8 p.m. Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent. Free. 
Staying Safe on Halloween 
Saint Paul Police offer these tips to make Halloween fun, not frightening:
  • Keep costumes short, so children don't trip while walking or climbing stairs.
  • Use make-up instead of a mask, so children have better sight lines.
  • Avoid using "weapons" as part of a costume. If you do include fake swords, knives, guns or other costume accessories, make them out of cardboard or a similar flexible material that can't cause harm.
  • Add reflective tape to costumes.
  • Provide children with a flashlight if they are out at dusk or after dark.
  • Advise children: Never enter a stranger's house or car.
  • Make sure children stay in a group.
  • An adult should accompany younger children. If children are out on their own, map out their route, so you know where to find them if necessary.
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.