Out of the depths: This snapping turtle meandered out of Como Lake, presumably on her way to set up a nest and lay eggs. Photo: Nile Fellows
Get the Latest on Como Ave. Bike Trail
Another "open house" is scheduled this Tuesday, June 18, to discuss updated plans for an off-street bike trail along Como Ave. west of Hamline.

The open house, led by Saint Paul Public Works, will be similar to an event in January. Residents can drop-in anytime, review the latest sketches on recommended design options, ask questions, and share comments with project staff. In general, the proposal adds an off-street trail on the north side of Como Ave., retains existing parking between Hamline and Snelling, and narrows the street portion of the public right-of-way along portions of Como.

The project -- part of a larger reconstruction of Como Ave. -- is scheduled for 2020 and 2021. Work stretches from Hamline west to the Cleveland/Raymond intersection, and is part of Saint Paul's Grand Round.

Details: The open house is June 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. It precedes the monthly District 10 Como Community Council board meeting.
Brendmoen to Speak at Monthly D10 Meeting
Ward 5 Councilmember Amy Brendmoen will be the guest presenter this Tuesday at the June board meeting of the District 10 Como Community Council. Brendmoen will give updates on city issues and answer questions. (Ward 4 Councilmember Mitra Jalali Nelson will be at the July 16 meeting, and Ramsey County Commissioner Trista MatasCastillo will be at the Aug. 20 meeting.)

Details: The meeting begins this Tuesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All renters, homeowners, and other community members are welcome to attend and participate. Preliminary agenda
What's Going On in the Park...
  • The annual harvesting of invasive curlyleaf pondweed is under way on Como Lake.  
  • Pride Family Fun Day: It's hot dogs, corn, and more this Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in and around Como Park's main picnic pavilion on Midway Parkway. Free. 
  • Cozy's Pub: The restaurant in the clubhouse of the Como Park Golf Course is now serving breakfast on weekends from 7-11 a.m.
  • Skeeter Patrol: Weather permitting, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District plans "cold fog" treatment Friday night to control adult mosquitoes in Como Regional Park.
  • Capture the Flag: Every Monday from 8-11 p.m.; meet at the main picnic pavilion on Midway Parkway. There's a youth version every Monday from 10 a.m.-noon at the playground near the west picnic shelter. Free. 
  • Groovin' in the Garden: This Wednesday, June 19, it's The April Fools. The music, lawn games, climbing wall, and bounce house are free from 6-8 p.m. Pack a picnic, or buy food, ice cream, soft drinks, beer, or wine. Everything happens outside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory; if it rains, activities move inside. 
  • Como Woodland "Bio Blitz": Biology and environmental science professor Joan McKearnan leads a woodland animal nature survey. Meet at 8:30 a.m. next Saturday, June 22, at the Kilmer Fireplace (which is north of McMurray Field on Wynne Ave.) If you intend to go, email Teri Heyer so organizers have an idea of how many people to expect.
Recycle Smart: A Lesson in Metallurgy
Yes, you can recycle aluminum and "tin" cans in your blue cart. But you can't do the same with random metal items -- such as pots, pans, pipes, hangers, and tools. Instead, bring these metal items to a scrap metal recycler (or to a Citywide Drop Off event on June 22, Sept. 14, or Sept. 28. Learn more
Eureka logo
Do You Recycle Clothes, Too?
Eureka Recycling is studying used-clothing collection and recycling in the Twin Cities. Take their survey; if you want, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.

Don't Go West, or ... or ... 
Once again, MnDOT is closing westbound Interstate 94 between Western Ave. and Highway 280 this weekend for resurfacing. Lanes will shut down from 10 o'clock tonight, Friday June 14, until 5 a.m. this Monday, June 17. Ramps to the westbound lanes will start shutting down at 9 p.m. (In case you're wondering, eastbound lanes get the same makeover in September.)  Also under construction:
  • Larpenteur Ave.: Ramsey County is repairing pavement, upgrading signals and pedestrian ramps, and doing other work from Snelling almost all the way to Highway 280. Expect only one travel lane in each direction through early July.
  • Lexington Ave.: Utility work will shut down Lexington in both directions from Highway C north to Woodhill Drive this weekend. Work begins at 6 p.m. today, Friday June 14, and is expected to last until this Monday, June 17, weather permitting.
Learn log rolling at Lake Johanna.
You Can Do This in County Parks
Various Ramsey County parks have free (or inexpensive) activities for families and youngsters throughout the summer. A sampling:
  • Lake Johanna: Log-rolling, July 15 and Aug. 12, 6-8 p.m.
  • Keller Regional Park (Golfview Picnic Area): Canoeing, fishing, climbing, archery, bicycling, nature activities, and more, next Friday, June 21, 4-8 p.m.
  • Lake McCarrons: Fishing, canoeing, art, and other family activities, every Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Fishing lessons this Sunday, June 16, (and Saturday July 13), 10 a.m.-noon ($2).

Also, don't forget: North Dale and Northwest Como recreation centers have extensive schedules of one-day and ongoing summer activities of all ages, plus multi-day camps for children and teens.
The Water's Fine
Saint Paul Regional Water Services has published its annual water quality report. Like your children (we hope), our water has passing grades across the board.

Spruce Up Those Storm Drains
Summer is prime time for storm-drain stenciling, courtesy of Friends of the Mississippi River. The project targets nonpoint-source pollution. If you've got a group of 20 or more, you get all the training and supplies you need, then spend 90 minutes with a Friends staff member, legally painting on the street or gutter: "Keep 'em Clean / Drains to River" (or Lake or Creek, depending on where you are). You can also get educational door-hangers for nearby residents and businesses. (If there's not that many of you, no sweat: You can check out a stenciling kit and do it on your own.)
Hazardous Waste Disposal: The Easy Way
Ramsey County sets up a temporary hazardous waste collection site every Friday and Saturday in June on Kent St. -- just east of Dale and north of Larpenteur in Roseville.  If you've got solvents or other chemicals that say Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison on the label, those are good candidates. So are batteries, cell phones, fluorescent bulbs, gasoline, mercury thermometers, paint, propane tanks, and used motor oil and filters. Disposal is free.  The site operates Fridays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  See the complete list of what you can bring. 
Brass Lassie bring Scottish and Irish music to our shores on Sunday.
Music at the Lakeside Pavilion
  • Today, Friday June 14: The Dollys, 7 p.m.
  • This Saturday, June 15: Roux Lala Cajun Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Sunday, June 16: Brass Lassie, 7 p.m.
  • This Monday, June 17: Northern Winds Concert Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Tuesday, June 18: The Bad Companions, 7 p.m.
  • This Wednesday, June 19: Mestifonia with Leonoris Causa, 7 p.m.
  • This Thursday, June 20: Ticket to Brasil, 7 p.m.
  • Next Friday, June 21: Beer Choir, 7 p.m.
Events are free. Find out more about the performers -- or get an advance look at the season's full mix of local artists and traditional bandstand performers -- on the Spring Café website.
It's Only a Month Away
ComoFest -- the annual amalgamation of affordable, family friendly fun in the neighborhood -- is only a month away. Make your plans now.

The ComoFest Art Fair still has openings for artists of all kinds. The fair is Saturday July 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the promenade at the Lakeside Pavilion. Get all the information you need, including how to register. 
At the Fairgrounds
  • Region 10 AHA Championship (horse show): Through this Sunday, June 16. Warner Coliseum.
  • Viking AMCA National Meet: Today-Saturday, June 14-15, Campgrounds. Hours: Until 8 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m Saturday. Admission: Teens and adults, $5; children 12 or younger, free.
  • Machinery Hill Criterium Race Series: This Tuesday, June 18, 5-8:45 p.m. Bicycle races for men, women, juniors, and masters. Entry fee: Adults, $25; juniors, $15.
  • MSRA Back to the 50s car show: Next Friday-Sunday, June 21-23. Hours: June 21-22, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; June 23, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Teens and adults, $12; children 12 or younger, free.
  • Twin Cities Classic Car Auction: Next Friday-Saturday, June 21-22, Cattle Barn. Doors open at 9 a.m., auction starts at 11 a.m. (Back to the 50s admission required.)
The Rest of the Week (and Month)
  • Today, Friday June 14: Movie Night at Marydale Park, 8 p.m. It's "Lego Movie 2," and Play-Well TEKnologies will have Legos to play with, too. Free.
  • Today, Friday June 14: Deadline to comment on Saint Paul's updated All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
  • This Monday, June 17: Public hearing on proposals for 2020-2021 Capital Improvement Budget, 4 p.m. City Hall Room 40, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. (One of the recommendations is for $1.5 million in additional upgrades to McMurray Field.)
  • This Tuesday, June 18, noon: Deadline to apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through Saint Paul Public Housing Agency, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, or Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority. (One-on-one application assistance is available Monday at the Rice St. Library, and Monday-Tuesday at the Arlington Hills, Dayton's Bluff, Latimer, Rondo, and Sun Ray libraries.)
  • Next Saturday, June 22: Citywide Drop-Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Washington Technology Magnet High School (enter from southbound Rice St. at Nebraska). If you volunteer, you can get rid of a load of your junk for free. Sign up or call the District 6 North End Neighborhood Organization: 651-488-4485.
  • Tuesday June 25: The Saint Paul City Attorney's Office and Councilmember Amy Brendmoen give an overview of the Neighborhood Justice Program, 5-7 p.m., Rice St. Library, 1011 Rice St. Free.
  • Thursday June 27: Public meeting on Saint Paul's Stormwater Permit Annual Report and Stormwater Management Program, 1:30-3 p.m. 9th Floor conference room, City Hall Annex, 25 W. 4th St. Or, email written comments by 4 p.m. June 27.
  • Thursday June 27: Community brainstorming meeting on business licenses, community notification, hearing, and petition requirements, 5:30-7 p.m. Rondo Community Library, 461 N. Dale.
Meet Who's in Charge
The Western District's monthly community meetings take place this Tuesday, June 18, at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at district headquarters, 389 N. Hamline. If you go, you'll meet command staff, hear about the latest crime trends in the city and district, be able to raise your individual concerns, and be able to grab all the crime prevention fliers you can use.
We Can Help with Your Party
District 10 has street barricades and portable recycling containers that community members can use for block parties, neighborhood, or family events. You can borrow the recycling containers for free; there are two kinds:
  • For cans, bottles and other items you can include in your weekly recycling.
  • For food scraps and other compostable organics.
The street barricades are required by the city when you block off your street or alley -- but ours are a more-affordable option than getting them from Public Works.  Barricades require a $50 deposit. We return $40 when you return the barricades.  Reservations are first-come, first-served. (To borrow our barricades, you must have an event permit from the city.)

To reserve any of this equipment, call our office at 651-644-3889, or send us an email.
Photo: T Boardman
Streetcar Station is Open Every Sunday
For the rest of the season, the Como Park Streetcar Station is open every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. It is a great chance to learn a little about the long-gone trolley system in the Twin Cities, about the history and visionaries behind Como and the city's overall park system, to pick up organics recycling bags or kitchen starter kits, or just to chat with a District 10 board member who is staffing the day. The Historic 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.