October 28, 2022 | Friday | | |
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Know Your Como:
What is That Thing?
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By Sonjie Johnson
Don McCall estimates that he’s been asked that question more than 5,000 times since he bought his velomobile in 2017. The most memorable encounter was with the St. Paul Police, who pulled him over for riding west on Como Avenue, in what they assumed was a motorized vehicle without a license. As with most encounters, the cops ended up in a long discussion and a picture of Don’s startling method of transportation.
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Como Kindness: 2022 Thanksgiving Meals Fundraiser
The Como Community Council is once again working to make sure neighborhood seniors are supported this Thanksgiving. So, in partnership with the North End South Como Block Nurse Program, we have a goal of providing meals for 80 neighborhood seniors. How you can help is simple:
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Make a financial donation. Every $12 you contribute buys one Thanksgiving meal: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, a roll and, of course, dessert.
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Volunteer to deliver meals w/ Block Nurse Program. Reach out to Alaina Gall at alaina@necbnp.org or 651-489-4067.
Once the Block Nurse Program needs are met, funds will go towards Thanksgiving initiatives at the Lyngblomsten Senior Community. Additional funds will be donated to the Salvation Army's Booth Brown House Youth Shelter Program's Thanksgiving meals.
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Last Chance: Vote for 2022 Como Halloween Decorations
We've got 16 homes registered in this year's contest. Now it's time to bundle up and take a stroll around the neighborhood before deciding who's earned YOUR vote for best decorations in the 2022 Halloween Decor Competition!
The map is now available here on our website, voting will be open through November 1!
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Join 2nd half of 2022 Como CURB Cleanup!
October 1 through November 30, in front of your own home!
Como Community Council is again teamed up with the Capitol Region Watershed District for the Como Curb Cleanup. When it rains, leaves on streets release nutrients into the water that flows into storm drains and the lake. There it becomes food for invasive algae. Join 100+ neighbors in sweeping your curb once a week this fall to help keep Lake Como clean with this surprisingly effective effort.
Signing up to be an official participant helps us track results and helps (a lot) to support future efforts! It's not too late to join the effort!
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D10 Meeting Updates
Environment Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 2, 6pm
The D10 Environment committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month. The meeting will be hybrid at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) and on Zoom. All D10 meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.
Next week we will be discussing the 2023 committee budget, park signs, 2023 Rain Barrels, and getting some other some regular committee updates.
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Neighborhood Relations Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 2, 7:15pm
The D10 Neighborhood Relations committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month. The meeting will be hybrid at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) and on Zoom. All D10 meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.
Next week we will be discussing the 2023 committee budget and fundraising goals, debriefing the Halloween Decor contest, and more!
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D10 Subdistrict 1 and At-Large Board Vacancies
Interested in getting more involved with the Como Community? Our board has three vacancies to fill: two At-Large and one Subdistrict 1 Seat (View subdistrict map). To be considered for the board, submit a board member application.
Vacancies are appointed by the board, all appointed board seats are automatically included in the next annual election, and appointed board members may not serve as officers.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about being a board member you can view info on our website or reach out to district10@district10comopark.org.
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Give to the Max day is coming up on November 17, 2022!
D10 Como Community Council the only non-profit organization working exclusively to make the Como Park Neighborhood a great place to live, work, learn and play. Since 1977, we’ve been proud to foster citizen participation in government and community decisions in our neighborhood.
But we can’t do it without you! Donate today!
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Happy Retirement Darcy Rivers!
Como is losing a bright shining star as Darcy Rivers, the Community Recreation Director for North Dale, Northwest Como, and Langford Park Recreation Centers, retires at the end of October. Darcy has worked for the city for over 40 years.
Darcy grew up in the Como neighborhood and has been a wonderful partner and advocate for the Como Community Council, actively participating in our committee meetings, planning, and tabling for rec center programming at all our events. We in the D10 office can't thank Darcy enough for her help navigating our 2021 Staff turnover and ambitious 2022 community event schedule.
Congrats Darcy, enjoy your retirement!!
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Get Involved: Clear Snow for Como Seniors This Winter
The North End South Como Block Nurse Program (BNP) is looking for people to help seniors shovel snow this winter.
Families, students, people who want volunteer hours... it's a huge need every winter and BNP has identified seniors in the community who need help clearing snow this year.
People who are interested can reach out to me at 651-489-4067 or alaina@nescbnp.org.
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Como Burgers Recognized on Pioneer Press List
This week the Pioneer Press released their 2022 Burger List, including a few local Como patties.
The Angry Line Cook food truck, based in Como and 2022 Sunday fixture in the TopLine parking lot, was recognized in the "Cheffy Burgers" category. And, of course, Half Time Rec appears in the "Dive Bar Burgers". Congrats to both on the recognition!
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Keystone Food Collection Event
Sunday, November 6, Noon-2pm @ Como Park Lutheran (Hamline & Hoyt)
Como Park Lutheran is partnering with Keystone Community Services for another food drive next weekend. The number of households using food shelf services is steadily increasing as food, gas, and utility costs rise resulting in Keystone seeing a 66% increase in households served since February 2022.
Most Needed Items:
- Canned soups with pop tops (helpful for people experiencing homelessness)
- Canned fruit & vegetables
- Oil
- Sugar/flour
- Peanut butter
- Boxed meals
- Cereal
- Canned meat/fish
- Household/hygiene products (toothpaste, toilet paper, tooth brushes, soap, etc.)
*Cash/checks (payable to Keystone Community Services); $25 = 75 nutritious meals!
Questions? Contact Como Park Lutheran Church | 1376 Hoyt Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55108 | 651-646-7127 | office@comoparklutheran.org
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Como Regional Park Trail Master Plan
The City of Saint Paul's Parks and Recreation Department is engaging community members to inform and develop an updated Trail Master Plan for Como Regional Park. The master plan will emphasize improving the connection between the trails within the park to Saint Paul's Grand Round trail network. The process will prioritize connections around Como Lake, Picnic Pavilions, McMurray Fields and Outdoor Classroom areas over those within the Zoo, Conservatory, or Golf Course areas.
On the City's site you can:
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Use the Map to drop pins, share photos and leave comments on areas of the park you'd like to see improved, or places you like the most.
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Take the Survey to share how you use the park and how you would prioritize improvements to it.
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Post Comments and photos to the community Ideas Board to get the conversation going with other Como Regional Park visitors.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Parks and Rec Halloween events:
Oct. 28 - Halloween Bonfire (Northwest Como)
Oct. 28 - Halloween Drive Thru Event (Battle Creek)
Oct. 29 - Safe Summer Nights Fall Festival (Arlington Hills)
Oct. 31 - Fall Festival (West Minnehaha)
Activities vary by location, click links for details
North Dale Rec Center (1414 N. St. Albans)
Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)
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Halloween Bonfire - Friday, Oct. 28, 6-8pm (Costume Contest!) - Free
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New Drawing as Easy as 1,2,3 ages 6-10 - Mondays Nov. 14-Dec. 5 - $62*
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New Candylicious Thanksgiving Craft ages 4-9 - Nov. 18, 9am-Noon - $40*
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New Taekwondo Jr Dec ages 6-8 - Tuesdays and Thursdays in Dec - $60*
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New Taekwondo Dec ages 9-21 - Tuesdays and Thursdays in Dec - $60*
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New Painting Party for Adults ages 18+ - Dec. 7, 6-7:30pm - $35*
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New Holiday Ornament Making ages 5-9 - Dec. 16, 2:30-4pm - $10*
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New Parents Night Out ages 6-11 - Dec. 16, 6-9pm - $10*
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New Basketball Skills Ages 11-14 - Dec. 19 and 20, 3:15-4:45pm - Free*
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New Volleyball Camp ages 10-14 - Dec. 27-30, 1:30-3:30pm - $70*
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Men's Open Soccer ages 18+ - Thursdays thru Mar. 30 - $3
*Registration Required
St. Paul Parks & Rec Fee Assistance Program
The City of Saint Paul operates a special program that helps families pay for Parks & Recreation youth classes and activities. Fee Assistance can be requested by families who meet program requirements when registering for youth activities. To be eligible for the program, youth must live in Saint Paul, be 18 years old or younger, and qualify for free and reduced lunches.
Fee Assistance can be used toward most recreational sports or activities offered by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. To view the online catalog of all available activities offered, click here.
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Neighborhood Notes
Upcoming Applications/Renewals
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Carter’s BP (623 Como): Gas Station License is up for renewal Dec. 29. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
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Speedway (950 Lexington): Gas Station and Malt Off-Sale Licenses are up for renewal Dec. 1. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
*While license renewal dates serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.
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Hamline Midway Library Update
Design Celebration Event- Saturday, November 5, 11am-12:30pm @ Hamline Midway Library (1558 W. Minnehaha Ave.)
The Saint Paul Public Library is hosting in-person, open house-style gatherings to celebrate the final building designs and floor plans for the future transformation of Hayden Heights, Riverview, and Hamline Midway libraries. At each gathering, attendees can view the final building design and floor plan that were informed by community input, learn more from LSE Architects about project details and next steps, enjoy refreshments, and bring their little ones for a fun, family-friendly interactive activity.
Final building design and floor plan for each library will be announced on October 31, 2022 at sppl.org/transform.
Meanwhile...
The Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places has sustained an appeal submitted to list the existing Hamline Midway Library building on the National Register of Historic Places and has given direction to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to present the nomination to its Review Board.
The City continues to object to the nomination of the building to the National Register of Historic Places.
The SHPO Review Board hearing is scheduled for November 15, 2022, at 6pm Individuals interested in providing comment may testify at the hearing, with testimony limited to three minutes, or provide written testimony to Secretary, SHPRB, SHPO, 50 Sherburne Ave., Suite 203, St. Paul, MN 55155 or amy.spong@state.mn.us.
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Nominate a CRWD Watershed Steward
Calling all clean water fans!
Capitol Region Watershed District is accepting nominations for the 2022 Watershed Steward Awards, also affectionately known as the Stewies, to honor individuals and organizations that exemplify watershed stewardship through activities or projects that show a commitment to help protect, manage and improve our lakes and the Mississippi River.
To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the Watershed Steward Nomination Form linked below. All nominations are due by November 11, 2022.
Save the date! The Recognition and Awards Ceremony will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
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MNSure Open Enrollment starts next week
You can sign up for 2023 private medical and dental insurance through MNsure starting next Tuesday, November 1. Open enrollment runs November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023.
Are you ready? Here are some simple steps you can take now.
Note: This open enrollment does not apply to MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance. If you qualify for one of those programs, or are a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, you can enroll year-round.
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Fall Street Sweeping
This week St. Paul Public Works began its 2022 Fall street sweeping efforts. City crews are sweeping approximately 530 miles of residential streets throughout the City. Weather permitting, the street sweeping operation is expected to take approximately four to six weeks.
Saint Paul Public Works reminds businesses and residents what they should do to help the citywide sweeping efforts:
- Do not push any materials, including leaves, grass, or debris into the street. Please properly bag and dispose of any leaves, dirt, and grass clippings. Residents can take materials to Ramsey County compost sites, use their yard waste services, or if the resident is part of the Citywide Garbage Service, they can put out compostable yard waste bags with their garbage service to be collected at $3 per bag.
- Move vehicles and follow all posted “No Parking” signs. The City will post temporary “No Parking” signs 24 hours in advance of sweeping operations. Vehicles parked in areas with “No Parking” signs could be ticketed and towed.
- Do not put garbage or recycling carts in the street. Please make sure carts are only placed on the boulevard, not the street. (This is advised all the time, not just during sweeping)
- Adopt A Drain. Residents can help protect our waterways by adopting a storm drain (or two) in their neighborhood, and keeping it free of debris, snow, and ice in the coming months. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/adoptadrain
For more information, including a map and schedule about Saint Paul’s street sweeping operations, visit www.stpaul.gov/sweep.
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Absentee Voting Open for General Election
Anyone eligible to vote in Ramsey County may cast their absentee ballot – either in person or by mail – before the general election on Nov. 8. Voters can cast their ballot from Sept. 23 through Nov. 7.
Sample ballots are available at mnvotes.org.
Vote in person
Beginning Sept. 23, in-person absentee voting is available at two locations. Eligible voters may visit either location, regardless of their home address. Locations include:
Beginning Nov. 1, four additional locations will offer in-person absentee voting:
In alignment with Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, Hmong interpreter election judges will be available at in-person voting locations in 2022. Sample ballots will also be available in Hmong at mnvotes.org.
Vote by mail
Voters can visit ramseycounty.us/VoteByMail to request a ballot. A ballot will be mailed to the voter along with a pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope for returning their completed ballot materials. Voters can track the status of their absentee ballot through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online ballot tracker.
Ballots returned by mail must be received by the Ramsey County Elections Office by Nov. 8 per state guidelines to be accepted.
Voters may also return their ballot in person at the Ramsey County Elections Office or the Ramsey County Library in Roseville. All ballots must be returned inside the building to designated staff who will verify the voter information is complete. Ballots placed in any outdoor document drop boxes or payment boxes will not be accepted.
Voter registration
Residents may register at the in-person absentee voting locations or at their polling place on Election Day. Proof of residence is required. A list of approved documentation and sample ballots are available at mnvotes.org.
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Have something you'd like us to consider sharing in our newsletter? Email us at district10@district10comopark.org | |  |
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Support Community Engagement
Do you appreciate the work D10 Como Park does in the community? Consider supporting D10's work by making a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!
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