D10'S Ash Trees Dodge the Buzzsaw in 2020
For the first time in years, the city's Forestry Department does not plan to cut down any boulevard ash trees in District 10 in 2020.

In the past decade, the city has removed more than 800 ash from public property in Como, part of its ongoing fight against the invasive emerald ash borer. Citywide, more than 11,000 ash trees have been taken from boulevards since 2009; in 2020, foresters expect to cut down an additional 2,200 trees.

According to the city's inventory, there are about 365 boulevard ash trees left in District 10. About 120 of them are being treated with the insecticide TREE-age (Emamectin benzoate). Find out more, including an updated map of boulevard ash trees in Saint Paul. The map highlights existing trees, those being treated, and those scheduled for removal.
The Minnesota Cameroon Community Center is tucked between the hotel and Atrium office building in Bandana Square.
Groups Study Possibility of Family Homeless Shelter in Bandana Square
Interfaith Action and Ramsey County are exploring the feasibility of opening a homeless shelter and day center for families inside the Minnesota Cameroon Community Center in Bandana Square.

"There are no solid plans, but it's an exciting opportunity with lots of possibilities," Sara Liegl, director of Interfaith Action's Project Home, told District 10's Land Use Committee on Jan. 6. The groups are working out renovation and code requirements, costs, construction and operational funding, staffing, and logistical needs, Liegl said. Late summer is the earliest she envisions a shelter could open.

Ramsey County currently does not have a permanent shelter for homeless families. Instead, Project Home provides 40 beds a night in a rotating group of faith communities and schools. Families must move every 30 days. Throughout 2019, there were at least 120 parents and children on a waiting list for shelter beds at any given time, Liegl says.

The Cameroon Community owns about 57,000 square feet of space in the northwest corner of Bandana Square, in Energy Park. The space used to be a medical clinic. It still has more than 70 exam rooms with sinks, plus public bathrooms and other public space. The belief is that the former exam rooms could be converted into flexible, dormitory-style rooms. They could provide private space for 40-60 families of different sizes, and perhaps older women, Liegl says. Other space could be used for meals, showers, storage, laundry, and case management services.   

"When we found out about the plight of the homeless families, the school children, it was heartbreaking," said Christian Akale, a board member of the Minnesota Cameroon Community. "We hope the building will be part of the solution."
Give Your Favorite Business a Boost
Saint Paul is seeking nominations for its annual Business Awards. The four categories:
  • Traditions: A business that has been active for more than 5 years.
  • New Kid on the Block: A business that opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
  • Good Neighbor: A business that shows a dedication to improving the community.
  • People's Choice: A business recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
Get more information and nominate your choice (or even nominate yourself).
Girls' Hockey Takes It Outdoors
The NHL Winter Class is next year. This weekend, you can enjoy the annual Saint Paul Winter Classic at our very own North Dale Rec Center -- for free. Eight high school girls' teams compete outdoors: Detroit Lakes vs. Mankato East at 10 a.m.; Northfield vs. Mahtomedi at noon; Minneapolis vs. Moorhead at 2 p.m.; and Minnehaha vs. Saint Paul/Sibley at 4 p.m.

Friends of Como Athletics will run the concessions and fire pits. North Dale is at 1414 N. St. Albans.
New Advice for Those Needle Factories
Despite what we advised last month, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is urging residents not to leave old holiday trees, wreaths, garland, or spruce tips in their yard for the winter as wildlife shelter. The new precaution is to reduce the spread of Elongate Hemlock Scale, an invasive pest that attacks conifers. 

Still hanging on to your holiday greenery?
  • You can get rid of it for free at a Ramsey County yard waste site, where trees are mulched for use by District Energy. Sites are open Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • You can have your trash hauler take it away as one of your free "bulky items"; call your hauler to arrange a pickup. (Those trees, like other trash collected in the city, are burned at the county's waste incinerator.)
Miss Myra brings an old-timey vibe this Sunday.
Music Under Glass Gets Traditional
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's free Music Under Glass concerts continue this Sunday, Jan. 12. This week features the traditional jazz and blues of the Miss Myra Duo. The concert is 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Sunken Garden, but speakers pipe the music throughout the conservatory. You can buy beer, wine, and snacks. Here's the season lineup
It's Old-Timey at the Fairgrounds, Too
  • Winter Antiques Show: This Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 11-12, Warner Coliseum. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Teens and adults, $7; children 12 or younger, free. Discounts available.
Staying Up to Date
  • This Tuesday, Jan. 14: Ramsey County 2020 Census Job Fair, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Minnesota Career Force Center, 2266 2nd St. N, North Saint Paul. The Census offers a variety of temporary full-time and flexible part-time jobs, starting at $22 an hour.
  • Next Friday, Jan. 17: Family Skating Party and Bonfire, 6-8 p.m. Northwest Como Recreation Center, 1550 Hamline. Free.
  • Monday Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Holiday: Federal, state, and local government offices and courts are closed. So are public schools, public libraries, and most banks. There is no mail. Parking meters are free. However, North Dale and Northwest Como rec centers have normal hours. 
Take Precautions for that Winter Vacation
Heading out of town for a winter break? Do whatever you can to make burglars think twice about whether you are home or not. That includes:
  • Don't boast about your absence on social media. Criminals can monitor Next Door or Facebook for their next opportunity.
  • Hold your mail. (Sign up online)
  • Cancel newspaper deliveries (or have a neighbor pick up the papers for you).
  • Set timers on your lights, television, or radio.
You also can sign up for the Saint Paul Police Department's free Vacation Watch. Reserve officers will check your home once a day while you're away. Just call 651-266-5485. (Be prepared to provide a list of people who have keys, or who will be checking on your pets, watering your plants, or otherwise have access.)
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.