Wonder who determines how much you pay for electricity and natural gas -- and what goes into those decisions? Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota will try to explain it all at this week's District 10 Environment Committee meeting. 

The presentation will focus on the potential impact on consumers of Xcel Energy's proposed Integrated Resources Plan. That plan, which is required by the state, spells out exactly how Xcel intends to generate power in Minnesota for the next 15 years.

Have you started or run a business? Do you work in the trades? Can you share expertise in managing personal finances, life skills, or other specialized areas?

Then you could make a difference for neighbors at the Booth Brown House. This Salvation Army program, at Como and Pascal, provides emergency and supportive housing for teens and young adults. Booth Brown helps residents stabilize their lives and step into adulthood. Having adults who can talk through key skills, knowledge, or opportunities -- once or on a regular basis -- can help youth take one more step.

If you're interested, or want more information, call Steven Godfrey, 651-251-3502 x102.

Congratulations to Jacque Lindskoog, Steven Lutes, the Pettinelli family, and Jeanne Shankle, who will receive $25 gift cards for participating in District 10's Como Scavenger Hunt. Based on what we can tell from website traffic, nearly 600 people downloaded our clues this summer.

It's too late for you to qualify for prizes, but it's never too late to go on a hunt yourself. There are two hunts: one east of Lexington, one west of Lexington. As for other neighborhood activities:

Discover one of our neighborhood's overlooked treasures -- or discover more -- when Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom holds a "summer open house" on Saturday Aug. 22. Guides who really know their stuff will help you discover more about the woodland's distinct plant communities, animal residents, and human history. Plus, you'll get tips on making the most of the woodland's trail system and using the iNaturalist citizen science app to help you track what you discover.

Your guides include Britt Forsberg, Minnesota Bee Atlas coordinator for the University of Minnesota Extension; Teri Heyer, Urban Connections program specialist for the U.S. Forest Service; and Joan McKearnan, professor of biology and environmental science at Anoka-Ramsey College.

Activities run Aug. 22 from 9:30-11 a.m., beginning at the Kilmer Memorial Fireplace, 1221 Wynne Ave. The event is free but email reservations are required. Participants are expected to embrace social distancing and masks.

The good news? Minnesota leads the nation in response rate for the 2020 U.S. Census: 72.3 percent of state households have filled out their form. The glass half-empty view: That means more than 1 in 4 households have not. Then again -- it's not too late. You can still complete the census online or by phone.

There's no State Fair at which Adopt-a-Drain can recruit new participants. So, they're counting on you to expand the number of people committed to keeping area waterways cleaner and pledging to clear storm drains of leaves, grass or other vegetation, garbage, and general debris.

Here's the incentive: Say District 10 referred you, and you get a free tote bag. Or, if you already are an adopter, refer a friend, neighbor, family member, co-worker, etc. Then you both get tote bags. Here's where to find a drain to adopt.

Last week, we reported that vehicle thefts in Como are up more than 40 percent so far in 2020. To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft: 

To help residents and institutions comply with the state's pandemic mandate to wear masks indoors in public spaces, Ramsey County has supplies available for businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, and self-employed workers. To request masks, send an email; include your organization's name and address; the contact person and their phone number; the number of employees; the primary languages spoken by workers and customers; and the race/ethnicity of ownership or leadership.

Individuals who need a mask can get one free of charge at selected community organizations (search the statewide map). Options closest to Como include:

As coronavirus cases rise in Minnesota, remember: Widespread testing is available. New for August: Free testing is available every Saturday at Aldrich Arena, 1850 White Bear Ave., Maplewood; and every Sunday at Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice St. Testing runs 2-6 p.m. The sites are open to everyone: symptoms or no symptoms, insurance or not. There are drive-thru and walk-up lanes. Interpreters will be on site. Registration is recommended, but not required.

To test or not: The state has an online screening tool that can help you decide whether or not you should get tested. Symptoms of Covid-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or a loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include GI issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

Where else to get a test: Ongoing testing sites often have different criteria on whom they will or will not test; here is the statewide database. Nearby public testing sites include: