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Know Your Como: The Little Things Are The Big Things
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By Sonjie Johnson
“Duck Point?” I ask the man transplanting a brown-eyed Susan in an area adjacent to Como Lake’s East Como Blvd parking lot. His name is Alfred Kauth and he says that this is the Duck Point Garden.
Alfred explained that Duck Point is the name of the long, narrow peninsula on the east side of the Lake. The garden that he and his wife tend is comprised of native plants and called Duck Point Garden. It runs along the edge of the sidewalk, down the boulder path to the peninsula. A Monarch Waystation sign sits at the top of the garden, below a sign that reads “This garden is maintained for the enjoyment of all by Alfred & Sharon Kauth and Joe Crowe.” Read more...
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Next Tuesday: Lake Como Cleanup - July 25
We're planning our next Como Lake Cleanup for Tuesday, July 25, 5-8pm. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself.
District 10 provides trash-grabbers, rakes, buckets, nets, trash bags, and nitrile gloves for those who need them. Or, feel free to provide your own gear. Registration (by July 24) is encouraged, but not required, to help us plan and communicate if changes come up.
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St. Kate's Students to Present Their Como Research Project
Wednesday, August 2, 7pm @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)
Please join us as our St. Kate’s Summer Scholars present their 2023 District 10 community work.
Since the beginning of June students Eva Ngono and KC Meredyk, under the direction of Professor Rachel Neiwert, have been interviewing community members and researching the history of the South Como/Front St (Subdistrict 4) area as a part of the Como Neighborhood History Project.
We encourage you to join us Wednesday, August 2 in-person at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) for their presentation and discussion of their summer project. This presentation will happen at 7pm, during an overlapping portion of our August Environment and Neighborhood Relations committee meetings. You're invited to join in for either committee meeting, but are welcome to simply come for the presentation if you prefer.
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Give Blood in Como
Tuesday, August 1st , 9am-3pm @ Como Zoo
D10 Como Park is partnering with the American Red Cross and the Como Zoo & Conservatory to host a community blood drive at the Zoo Tuesday, August 1st 9am-3pm. Space is limited, reservations required.
Please consider giving blood, with so many still working from home, workplace blood drives have all but vanished, these community drives make a huge impact!
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Bombus Among Us and Other Insects
Wednesday, July 26 from 5 to 6:30pm
Kilmer Memorial Fireplace (just west of the Como Pool) 1151 Wynne Ave. St. Paul MN 55108
Join us for a Bumble bee and insect tour of the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom. This free 1.5 hour educational outing starts at the Kilmer Fireplace. Bumble bees, the Teddy bears of the insect world, will be our main focus. However, any insects that cross our path will be of interest. The Bumble bee observations will be added to the 5th Annual Backyard Bumble Bee Count (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/backyard-bumble-bee-count ). University of Minnesota Extension Educator, Britt Forsberg will be our expert guide for this outing. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the tour: SignUpGenius. This tour is sponsored by the Como Woodland Advisory Committee volunteers.
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New Music Series: Under The Lex
5-6pm Wednesdays thru Aug. 23 under the Lexington Pkwy bridge (near the Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington) Free
This is so cool. St. Paul resident Youa Vang came across the path that goes under Lexington Parkway a few years ago, was inspired to use the space as a stripped down music venue, applied for funding and is now coordinating small Under The Lex concerts 5-6pm Wednesday afternoons through August 23.
The Remaining Lineup:
- 7/26 - Ben Lubeck
- 8/2 - Sarah Morris
- 8/9 - Lucy Michelle
- 8/23 - Chris Koza
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Yoga @ Como Pavilion Thru August
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8am @ Lakeside Pavilion
Instructor Sara Wait is offering donation based yoga this summer at the pavilion.
- All-levels yoga, meditation & sound bath
- Donation based
- Outside but covered by the pavilion
- Rain or shine
- Beautiful views of Como lake
Classes will meet every Tuesday & Thursday at 8am and run June - August.
Grab your mat, water, and some friends and let’s have some fun this summer!
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SPPS Summer Meals Program in Como
Saint Paul Public Schools is providing free summer meals at no cost to kids 18 and under, or those over 18 with disability enrolled in a school program.
The nutrition services' food truck will serve meals Monday through Friday from 4:30-6pm at the McMurray Fields/Como Pool parking lot through August 18.
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Get Involved With Churchill Gardens! All Are Welcome!
Please join the Churchill Gardens garden stewards to keep Churchill Gardens beautiful! We will have monthly group weed events now through October. Come when you can! There’s no commitment necessary to stay the full session or to come each time. We’d love to see you there!
When and Where
- Every 2nd Monday of the month from 5pm-7pm at Churchill Gardens
- At the intersection of Van Slyke Ave and Churchill St, south of Como Lake
- Mark your calendars for August 14 | September 11 | October 9
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PLUS! A pop-up event Sunday, July 23 10am-12pm - Bring your garden shears!
The Fine Print
Please come ready to bend, stoop and walk on sometimes uneven terrain. Trowels and some gloves will be available for people to use. You’re welcome to bring your own. Attendees will need to sign a consent and liability waiver when they arrive, and wear a hi-vis vest if available. People under the age of 18 need to be with an adult. Please bring your own water.
Questions?
Contact Alison Goetzman at alison.goetzman@gmail.com
Follow Churchill Gardens on Facebook
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Get Involved: Midway Parkway Gardens
All are Welcome! All days! All Locations!
Please join us this summer for planting, weeding and community building.
Location: Hamline and Midway Parkway
Location: Arona and Midway Parkway
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RSVP: Como Park Tour
Friday, August 25, 6:15-8:15pm meeting @ Como Conservatory
Almost everyone growing up in and around the Twin Cities area has a fond memory or story to tell about Como Park. But did you know that these experiences are intentionally crafted through spatial design by the park planners, founders, and gardeners? Even a seemingly natural piece of woodland may be imbued with symbolism and meaning, incorporating historical and cultural references, all deliberately implemented according to the design vision of a landscape architect.
Join Friends of the Parks and Trails for a leisurely stroll around Como Park, explore the behind-the-scenes aspects, and discover how our memories are shaped through spatial design. There will also be an opportunity to put your artistic skills to use and enjoy some fun sketching and socializing time at the end. Family friendly event. All are welcome.
RSVP to Amy Gage, amy@friendsoftheparks.org or 612-381-4410 by Monday, August 21.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
End-of-Summer Camps at Como Zoo & Conservatory
Discounted rates are available for members of Como Friends.
North Dale Rec Center (1414 N. St. Albans)
Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)
*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 License Renewals*
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Best Western (1010 Bandana Blvd): Liquor licenses are up for renewal Sept. 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.
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Ted’s Recreation (1084 Larpenteur Ave): Liquor license is up for renewal Sept. 25. 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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Willow Reserve Event
Sat, July 22, 9-11am @ Willow Reserve (1260 Arundel St)
Capitol Region Watershed District and Urban Bird Collective are hosting bird and plant ID tours Saturday, July 22, 9-11am. Join to learn more about the birds and plants found at Willow Reserve in Saint Paul's North End neighborhood.
This free, family-friendly event includes:
- Guided birding tours with the Urban Bird Collective
- Plant identification walks with Capitol Region Watershed District
Parking is located on the side streets of Arundel and Virginia Street.
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Food Too Good to Waste Program
Did you know that the average family in Minnesota throws away 187 pounds of food each year? That is around $1500 of wasted food! The good news is that most of the food waste produced at home is preventable. This summer we are excited to partner with the City of Saint Paul Garbage Program on the Food too Good to Waste Program.
The challenge runs July 10 – August 27 and will help St Paul residents to:
- Discover why good food might be going to waste in your home.
- Learn small changes to help you buy, prep, and store food like pro.
- Save money and reduce waste by using the food you have.
You can sign up any time during the challenge. There is Backyard Composting 101
Workshop this Saturday, July 22, 11am-Noon @ Frogtown Community Center.
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Public Works Route Patching across the City
St. Paul Public Works is in the process of “route patching” the entire city, which means they will review and patch all streets, and then go back and skim pave streets in areas that need more extensive work. Crews are expected to patch or skim pave all 530 miles of residential streets and more than 2,000 alleys throughout Saint Paul this summer and into the fall. Route patching is a more efficient, systematic approach to patching all city streets compared to responding to individual patching requests.
To help with this effort:
- Only report potholes on main (arterial) streets at this time. Do not report potholes on residential streets.
- Move vehicles if you see pothole patching crews in your neighborhood. The city will not be posting temporary “No Parking” signs.
- Be patient. Public Works will not be able to provide residents with details or timelines about when specific streets will be patched, as the street conditions vary greatly across the city.
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2023 Cultural and Neighborhood STAR Applications Now Open
The Cultural STAR program provides grants for arts and cultural programming and organizations within the City of Saint Paul. The Neighborhood STAR program awards grants for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods.
The Saint Paul City Council recently adopted guideline changes for both STAR programs to provide a more consistent program schedule and increase accessibility to grant funds while also accounting for a permanent decrease in the amount of annual funding.
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2023 Saint Paul Business Award Nominations Open
Community members, residents, employees, and business-owners are invited to visit stpaul.gov/bizawards to nominate, apply, explore past winners, and gain insight into the categories and criteria for submitting nominations or applications for the award.
The 2023 Business Awards nomination period is from July 3rd through August 23rd. Applications and nominations are open to all type of businesses. A Selection Committee made up of past award recipients will decide on the winners.
Award Categories:
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Alice O'Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment
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Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community.
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Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years.
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People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
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New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
Nominations must be submitted no later than August 23, 2023, by Noon. Find more information and nominate a business at stpaul.gov/bizawards.
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Summer Spark
Saint Paul Public Library offers free reading, learning fun for kids and teens through August 31 including hands-on exploration, reading challenges, and free books.
See the Summer Spark webpage SPPL.org/Summer/ for Suggested book titles, a calendar of events and performances, and more information.
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Ramsey County Environmental Resources
Environmental Service Center Community Conversations
Ramsey County is hosting two more community conversations in early August where residents are invited to share their thoughts on designs for the new Environmental Service Center. They can get a closer look at building and landscaping designs and learn more about the planned facility. Groundbreaking is expected to occur in late 2023. Learn more.
In-person
- In-Person
- Tuesday, Aug. 1, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
- Ramsey County Library – Roseville
- 2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville
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Virtual
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Tuesday, Aug. 8, 12 - 1 p.m.
- Zoom meeting
- Meeting ID: 946 8076 6361
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Passcode: 799317
Participate in Plastic Free July
Join the global movement to reduce your plastic usage this month! Plastic Free July provides ideas, articles, videos and other resources to help you learn more about single-use plastics and their damage to your health and the environment. Each participant makes a pledge to decrease their plastic usage.
Pledges some Environmental Health staff are making this month include:
- “Stop buying produce in plastic. Instead, I can wake up earlier on Saturdays and go to the farmers market with reusable produce bags!”
- “I won’t shop online this month to reduce the amount of plastic shipping packaging I receive.”
- “I will bring my own cup when getting coffee while out and about.”
What actions can you take to reduce plastic in your life?
Take the Stop Food Waste Challenge
About 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain, and you may be surprised to learn that much of that food waste happens at home.
By taking the Stop Food Waste Challenge and committing to actions that reduce wasted food, we can save money, fight climate change, provide for our families, and improve our cooking skills.
The challenge goes from August 1 through August 31. Join the challenge now at stopfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds? | |
Prelude to Fair-time Neighborhooding
The Como Fair Neighbors Safety Initiative send a daily email update during the fair, coordinate with the community ambassadors and law enforcement, and organize volunteer shifts for trash cleanup and being present to help confused people.
The group has started holding planning meetings for the 2023 fair. Here are a few updates from their meeting last week about what to expect during the 2023 fair:
- Continued partnerships with St Paul Police Department, Community Ambassadors, and the State Fair. We are working on a partnership with Public Works (they manage traffic signage and markers)
- Lawn signs designed and printed by the State Fair provided free to neighbors - message is to remind visitors we are a neighborhood, please be kind
- Fair hours remain the same as last year
- There will be daily community meetings and emails for the neighborhood - the new format for emails is MailChimp newsletters (sign up link)
- You can also sign up to volunteer here.
- The Fair is supporting a larger SPPD presence, including additional parking enforcement
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Their next meeting is scheduled for 7pm on August 9 on Zoom.
D10 Como Community Council has a “Neighbor’s Guide” to these special rules and regulations, including detailed maps of the overlay district, and who to call to report violations.
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Street Machine Nationals
July 21-23, 2023
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DESCRIPTION
The Street Machine Nationals features high-performance street machines, hot rods and street trucks from coast-to-coast, all on display. The Performance Marketplace will also showcase products from industry leaders offering special show-pricing.
LOCATION
Fairgrounds
HOURS
Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ADMISSION
Online Prices (through July 20th)
1-Day Adult (ages 13+): $15
Weekend Pass Adult (ages 13+): $25 (only available online in advance)
12 & Under: FREE
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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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