September 1, 2023 | Friday

Como Community INSIDE the Gates

This year we're also featuring Como community members who are showcased AT the Fair. Here's a list of Como Community to add to your Fair dance card:

Como Competitors

• Early Weinert (2nd Grade) - K-12 Diorama Contest in the Education Building
• Rachel Gartner – Cross-Stich (Category 179 – Celtic Lady Autumn; orange, red, & gold) in the Creative Activities Building
• Rachel Bye – Quilt on a Stick (crowing rooster in front of the Sheep-Poultry building) in the Creative Activities Building
• Amy Marshall - Quilt on a Stick (boy sleeping with his cow in morning light) in the Creative Activities Building
• Catrina Ciccone – Crop Art (Weather map with <3 you Gram) in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
• Bridget Mans - Crop Art (picture of a bird) in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
• Joel Alter – Crop Art, second place ribbon (picture of a person outlining a body at a crime scene using seeds) in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
• Aaron Barnes & Morgan Weinert - Peppers (Group 4, which are put out Sept. 2) in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
• Jon Heyer – peppers, beans, & tomatoes (already won 4 ribbons!) in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
• Jon will also receive the State Fair’s 50 year award at the Leinie Lodge bandshell at 9:50am on Saturday Sept. 2
• Jeffery Thole – Potted Plant Competition (8/24-25) – 3 Winners! – Purple Prince Plant, Coleus – Fairway Orange, & Calamondin Orange in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building

Como Exhibitors

• Jennifer Victor Larsen - Donate Good Stuff (Where to donate (almost) anything and make 10x the impact of recycling) - Eco Experience Sustainability Stage - Sept 4 at 4pm

Como Vendors

• Stephanie Mirocha (Como Tree Trek Guide!) -  Otter Creations (paintings and jewelry) Center Aisle of Merchandise Mart
• Mehr Aslani is slinging directions daily at the Information booth across from the Haunted House. He knows where the cheese curds are!
• Shevek McKee (D10 Staff) - Kiwanis Malt Shop* just north of 4H building. (*A handful of shifts, come let Kiwanis know you missed them at the Ice Cream Social this year!)

We'd still love to hear from you and share your efforts with the community. It's always fun to have a specific muffin or collection to look for! You can send your name, Fair entry, and where it can be found (at least the building) to district10@district10comopark.org.

State Fair Grandstand & Fireworks Schedule

Below is a schedule of estimated times for the nightly fireworks display for teh remainder of the State Fair.

• Fri. Sept. 1 -  Jonas Brothers w/ Lawrence @ 7pm - Fireworks: 9:45pm
• Sat. Sept. 2 - The Hold Steady w/ Bob Mould Band & Dillinger Four @ 7pm - Fireworks: 10:55pm
• Sun. Sept. 3 - MSF Amateur Talent Contest Finals @ 7:30pm - Fireworks: 10:30pm-ish
• Mon. Sept. 4 - Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour @ 3pm - Fireworks: 9pm

Join Us Next Week - D10 Meetings

Environment Committee Meeting - Wed., August 2, 6pm

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

The Environment Committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm. All D10 Como Park meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.

Next week we will host guest community presenter John Notermann for a Passive House Presentation, discussing the final 2023 Lake Cleanup and the Oct/Nov Como Curb Cleanup, in addition to some regular committee updates.

Neighborhood Relations Committee Meeting - Wed., August 2, 7:15pm 

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

The Neighborhood Relations Committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:15pm. All D10 Como Park meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion. 

Next week we'll be discussing where help is needed in finalizing the October 7 Tilden Harvest Festival, Fall programming, and ideas for future meetings and members (maybe YOU?!)

Get Involved: Volunteer at the Citywide Drop-off Event Sept. 16 @ Fairgrounds

St. Paul Public Works Department partners with district councils to organize annual citywide drop-off events for residents to properly dispose of large refuse items and recyclable materials not collected via the residential recycling program. District 10 helps coordinate the event held annually at the State Fairgrounds.

Volunteers get a voucher for a free drop-off and there will be food provided. Sign up for a shift on our Volunteer Registration Form!

Senior Pick-Up 

As part of our coordination, we facilitate at-home pick-ups for qualifying items for community seniors. *If you are a senior in the Como area and would like your items picked up from your home, email district10@district10comopark.org no later than Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Everything must be outside in front of your house by 8am Saturday, Sept 16, 2022. Rates apply.

Rosh Hashanah

It has come to our attention that this event is scheduled on Rosh Hashanah. We understand this makes it very difficult for those who celebrate to participate. If you are unable to participate because of Rosh Hashanah celebrations and have items you would have liked to drop off, please reach out to district10@district10comopark.org by Monday, Sept. 11. There are alternatives for a handful of the items accepted at the event we can direct you to, and other requests will be considered for addition to our Senior Pick-Up. As with Senior Pick-Up requests, each will need to be individually considered against the logistical capacities of our volunteer team and fees would apply per the pricing list linked below.

Get Involved: Lake Como Cleanup - September 23

We're planning our next Como Lake Cleanup for Saturday, September 23, 9am-Noon. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself. We’ll meet near the dock on the lower level lakeside of the Pavilion to pick up tools, supplies, and have a refreshment

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 Sept. 22) is encouraged, but not required, to help us plan and communicate if changes come up.

Registration has also begun for the 2023 Como Curb Cleanup, in front of your own home!

Como Bakers: Harvest Festival Pie Contest Returns!

Saturday Oct. 7 3-5pm @ Tilden Park

It's time to pull out your best pie recipe for the 2nd Annual Pie Contest at the Como Harvest Festival. Last year, over 250 neighbors voted on their favorites and this year, the winner could be YOU!  Find out more and register your pie here - the winner will get bragging rights and a gift card to Hot Hands Pies.  

Get Involved: MN SEED Opportunities

Connect with the MN SEED Project for seedy opportunities:

• Saturday 9/9 1-3pm Gibbs Farm Seed Collection Event
• Thursday 9/14 9:30-11:30am Monarch City Seed Collection
• Sunday 9/17 1-3pm CRWD Seed Collection Event

To register for these and other MN SEED Project Opportunities check out www.MNSEEDProject.org.

Thank you to Capitol Region Watershed District for continued Support!

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 September 11 | October 9

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

2023 CRWD Lake Como Walking Tours

September 12 (Tuesday) & 18 (Monday), 5:30-7pm starting at Como Lakeside Pavilion

Experts Britta Belden and Bob Fossum from Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) will lead two educational tours along Como Lake’s walking path that highlights the lake’s history, its dynamic urban ecosystem, and the water quality issues facing it. They will also provide an in-depth overview of projects aimed at improving Como Lake (both past and future) including shoreline restoration efforts, aquatic plant control, fishery management, and major in-lake and watershed phosphorus reduction projects.

Come with your questions and enjoy a fall evening at Como Lake!

Please register in the links below or by calling CRWD at (651) 644-8888. There is a limit of 30 people per tour. Sign-up will be open until capacity is reached.

The tour will be weather dependent. An event cancellation will be sent out via email the day of the tour if storms are expected.

Dedicate a Bench at Como Lakeside Pavillion

The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy has an opportunity to dedicate a new bench at the Lakeside Pavilion.

If you’ve sat on the moveable benches for a concert or play lately, you know they are worn (and often wind up in the lake thanks to high winds or hijinks). The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy planning to replace the worn-out benches on the Promenade in 2024 and 2025 with these dedicated benches.

The new benches will be easy to maintain, complement the historic look of the building, and, best of all, carry the name of someone you care about who shares your love of this extraordinary park! Over time, hundreds of visitors, concertgoers, and neighbors enjoying the lakeside view will enjoy your bench. 

Name your bench with a gift of $1,500 today. Gifts to the Bench Campaign can be made with cash (checks or securely online), IRA Distributions, or stock transfers. 

Como Parks & Rec Programming

Registration for fall swimming lessons at Great River Water Park is now open. Great River Water Park will reopen for the 2023-24 season on Monday, September 18.

Como Regional Park Pool has been open only for morning lap swim and water aerobics August 28 through September 1. It will fully closed for the season starting September 2. Highland Park Aquatic Center and Phalen Beach are open regular hours for the remainder of the season (September 4). 

North Dale Rec Center (1414 N. St. Albans)

• Taekwondo Jr ages 6-8 - Mon & Weds in Sept. - $60*
• Taekwondo ages 9 & up - Mon & Weds in Sept. - $60*
• Tumbling ages 5-6 - Sept.-Oct. Mondays - $40*
• Video Game Club ages 9-14 - Sept.-Dec. Thursdays - Free*
• Basketball Skills ages 9-15 - Sept. 19-28 - Free*
• Skate Fest - Sept. 28, 6-8pm - Free

Ongoing Drop-In Programming

• Little Picasso ages 1-5 - Bi-weekly Monday 10-11am Sept.-Dec. - Free*
• Tot Time ages 0-5 - Mon & Weds 9am-Noon - Free
• Zumba ages 18+ - Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm - $4
• Crochet/Knitting - Tuesdays 9:30-Noon Sept.-Dec. - Free
• Senior Day ages 50+ - Thursdays 10am-2pm - Free
• Senior Fitness ages 50+ - Tues & Thurs 9:30-10:30am - Free
• Senior Gamers ages 50+ - Tuesdays Noon-2pm - Free

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Taekwondo Jr ages 6-8 - Tues & Thurs in Sept. - $60
• Taekwondo ages 9 & up - Tues & Thurs in Sept. - $60*
• Musical Theatre ages 6-10 - Sept.-Dec. Fridays - $175*
• Canvas Painting ages 7-12 - Sept. 21 3-4:30pm - $10*
• Artist Workshop Fall ages 7-12 - Oct. 11-Nov. 15 - $60*
• Halloween Bonfire - Oct. 27, 6-8pm - Free

*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.

Neighborhood Notes

Upcoming License Renewals*

• Duke's Car And Towing (977 Front Ave): Auto Repair Garage License is up for renewal Oct. 18. 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.

Weigh In: St. Paul City Council to Consider Ordinance Banning Public Tobacco & Cannabis Smoking Next Week

Next week's City Council Meeting will include a public hearing on an ordinance for a proposed public smoking ban (ORD 23-40). You can read the text of the proposed ordinance and view text comments that have already been submitted here on the city's website.

As with any City Council public hearing, community members can participate in public commenting in the following ways:

• Be present at the City Council Meeting: Wednesday, September 6 at 3:30pm to testify in-person at the public hearing at City Hall (15 W Kellogg Blvd)
• Submit a written public comment to Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us 
• Encourage your St. Paul friends/neighbors to do the same
• Amplify your own/others’ testimony on social media to heighten the issue for local media and public awareness.

Alley Captain Conference at October Snow Summit

Sat, Oct. 14 9am-2pm @ Dale Street Municipal Garage (891 Dale Street)

Calling all Alley Captains past, present, and future! Saint Paul Public Works Department is planning a Snow Summit on October 14 that kicks off with an Alley Captain Conference from 9-11am, for those who organize the required annual snow clearing of shared alleys.

This is a special free forum to bring together Saint Paul residents who are currently serving as the alley (or block) captain for your neighbors to learn from other alley captains. The conference is open to current and prospective alley captains - and anyone who is interested in learning more about how to organize their neighbors to get their alley plowed by the residents or a private contractor. This conference is also open to board and committee members of Saint Paul District Councils.

From 11am-2pm community members can visit with different exhibitor groups, organizations, and city departments to learn about winter preparedness and check out winter equipment. (And Food Trucks!)

The event details are still being worked out, but Public Works is asking interested Alley Captains (and wannabe Alley Captains) to RSVP to secure their spot and help them plan!

Weigh In: 2024 City Budget Priorities

The Mayor's 2024 budget is in the City Council's corner now and their 2024 community Budget Survey is live.

You can also find the link to the survey and detailed information about the Council’s 2024 Budget process, including the up to date schedule and other documents, by visiting the City Council’s Budgeting & Financial Planning website.

MnDOT hosting public meetings to get feedback on Rethinking I-94

WHAT: MnDOT to host a series of virtual and in-person public meetings to promote, answer frequently asked community member questions, and solicit corridor resident and regional stakeholder feedback relating to the Rethinking I-94 alternatives released last month.

WHO: Rethinking I-94 project leaders and technical experts will host meetings for interested members of the public.

WHEN: A series of public meetings will be hosted in-person in mid-September.

Thursday, Sept. 14 – St. Paul, In-person

Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale St. N, St. Paul

7:30-9:30am, 11am-2:30pm, 6-7:30pm

Note: Interpreters will be present at all meetings. There will be a children’s activity area at both in-person events. More information can be found on the Rethinking I-94 project webpage.

CONTEXT: In July MnDOT released the initial set of alternatives to the public, inviting community members to share their thoughts and insights via a survey. The initial set of alternatives are high-level, meaning that more details will be developed as feedback and additional information is received. This series of public meetings is part of ongoing efforts to engage the people that live, work, and play along the corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul as MnDOT gathers their insights to determine the direction of Rethinking I-94.

'Make & Take' Rain Barrel Workshops - $45

Friends of the Mississippi is offering two rain barrel workshops in St. Paul, Sundays, Sept. 17 & Oct. 8, 1-3pm at the Wellstone Center at Neighborhood House

Installing a rain barrel is a simple, high-impact way to save water and help protect the Mississippi River and its watershed.

Registration is $45 and covers the barrel, kit and class. Both classes are identical, pick the date that works for you.

Heads up: These workshops often sell out, so early registration is highly encouraged. 

If you have difficulty with the registration, or have any questions, email volunteer@fmr.org.

Historic Preservation Candidate Forums

Two City Council candidate forums are planned in September to address issues of the preservation of historic heritage sites and buildings in the City of St. Paul. The forums were announced by the SP Historic Preservation Political Committee.

Council candidates for Wards 2, 3, and 6:

Thursday, September 7 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Waldmann Brewery (445 Smith Ave N)

Council Candidates for Wards 1, 4, 5, and 7:

Monday, September 11 from 6pm - 7:45pm at the Rondo Community Library (461 North Dale)

Candidates for City Council will be asked questions about their stands on preserving historic structures and features in the city. They will also be asked about the role they think historic preservation plays in the economic development of the city. Questions will be posed by leaders of the Political Committee, and members of the audience will also be able to pose questions. Eligible candidates must officially file by the August 15 and have a campaign finance report on file with Ramsey County.

The sponsoring organization for these forums is the SP Historic Preservation Political Committee (SP HPPC), a non-partisan political committee established under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The committee is registered in Ramsey County, and may collect and distribute contributions to campaigns. The mission of the SP HPPC is to support candidates for City office who support the preservation of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes through voter education, advocacy, and support through activism and monetary contributions.

Questions about the SP HPPC can be directed to Paul Hardt, Secretary/Treasurer, paul_hardt@yahoo.com or through their Facebook page.

Ramsey County Environmental Resources

Waste Reduction Advisory Committee

Do you have a passion for protecting public health and the environment?

Ramsey County is updating its Solid Waste Management Plan, and need members of the community to serve on their Waste Reduction Advisory Committee to provide feedback and ideas on how trash and recycling are managed in our county. You do not need to know a lot about waste management – just have an interest in talking about it!

They're looking for your ideas on:

• Waste reduction and reuse.
• Recycling and trash.
• Food waste reduction and food scraps recycling.
• The intersection between climate and waste management.
• Equity and environmental justice.

Commitment and Compensation

Your time commitment will be to attend three to four meetings in spring 2024. The County will provide an orientation for members not familiar with waste issues. For each meeting, you will receive a $25 VISA gift card and full meal as compensation for your time and ideas.

Nomination

Do you know someone who you think would be great on this committee? Nominate them by sending a quick email to Nawal Ahmed (nawal.ahmed@ramseycounty.us) that includes their contact information and why you think they should join the Waste Reduction Advisory Committee.

Application

If joining this committee interests you, please complete the application at ramseycounty.us/SolidWasteManagementPlan by Dec. 1, 2023.

Become a Recycling Ambassador

Registration for the fall Recycling Ambassador Program training is now open. Recycling Ambassadors undergo a six-week training to learn more about environmental health. Using knowledge gained, Recycling Ambassadors volunteer 20 hours or more annually to encourage others to reduce, reuse and recycle. Topics covered in the training include:

• Waste systems in Ramsey County.  
• Composting.  
• Climate change. 
• Environmental justice. 
• Household hazardous waste. 
• General recycling. 

The trainings will take place virtually using Zoom from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday from Sept. 20 -- Oct. 25.  

Volunteer activities include tabling at community events, participating in neighborhood clean-ups, assisting at monthly Fix-It Clinics and more!  

Learn more and sign up.

Recycling in Saint Paul

Household Hazardous Waste

Be careful when cleaning out hazardous items from your garage and home. Never put hazardous items in your recycling or garbage containers. Take all unwanted household hazardous items, including fertilizer, used oil, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and toxic chemicals to the Ramsey County, Minnesota hazardous household waste facility for safe disposal. For a full list of accepted items, visit www.RamseyRecycles/HHW. 

Green To-Go Packaging Initiative

Did you know that the City of Saint Paul has a green to-go packaging ordinance? It requires food vendors to provide either recyclable or compostable to-go containers. If you're a food service business owner in Saint Paul, find details for free resources and assistance here on the City's website.