July 7th, 2023 | Friday

Annual Ice Cream Social and

Donation Drive

Friday, July 14th | 5:30-8pm

Join us next Friday for the Como Community Council Ice Cream Social, featuring free ice cream,(this year from local shop Dars Double Scoop), live music, donation drive, meet-and-greets with neighborhood organizations, and activities for kids.

New this year – the Como Community Council will be collecting donations for the Booth Brown House Youth Shelter. The items below will be collected at the Booth Brown House table at the event, or can be dropped off at the shelter (1471 Como Ave) before or after the event.

We will be collecting the following NEW items:

• Chapstick
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Deodorant
• Reusable Water Bottles
• Travel Size Lotions
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Bath Towels
• Detergent Pods

Volunteers Needed for Ice Cream Social

Can you face paint, twist balloon animals or lead kids art projects? We're in search of community members who would be interested in helping with kids activities for some or all of the Ice Cream Social!

Participants will get to know neighbors, have supply costs covered and receive a D10 Volunteer t-shirt! Email organizer@district10comopark.org to get involved.

Como Community Blood Drives

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!

Neighborhood Safety Initiative Community Meeting

Wednesday, July 12th via Zoom

Planning for the State Fair Neighborhood Safety Initiative is underway and will be hosting a community zoom meeting on Wednesday July 12

[If prompted, the meeting passcode is statefair]



They will be talking about:

• Overview of plans for 2023 & what to expect
• Partner updates
• Participation opportunities

Get in touch if there is anything specific you'd like to address at the meeting. Invite your neighbors!

The Music Man at the Pavillion

July 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd at 7pm

July 16th & 23rd at 1pm

Tickets are on sale now for The Rosetown Playhouse production of Meredith Wllson's THE MUSIC MAN. Seating at the shows at the Como Pavilion is general admission (no reserve seating). Doors will open at 6:15pm for first-come, first-served seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the show.

Sip & Dish with Como BNP

Thursday, July 20th | 2-4pm

Fireside Room - Como Park Lutheran Church

1376 Hoyt Ave.

This months event we will be celebrating all things "Americana" with fun and nostalgic party food - be ready to share fond 4th of July memories or traditions you have! We also will be talking about what needs may be out there for you that we may not know about. It'll be a good time of sharing, laughs, good food and reflection! 

As always, please call the office at 651-642-1127 if you need a ride. 

The Como Block Nurser Program is looking for volunteers of all types to help with driving, chore support, grocery delivery, dog walkers and more. Please call 651.642.1127 to volunteer!

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 5^th 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.

Groovin’ In The Garden Free Summer Music Series Returns

6-8pm Wednesdays in June & July @ Como Conservatory Free

Como Zoo and Conservatory invites you to pack a picnic and dancing shoes, spread out a blanket, and join the FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays in June and July from 6pm–8pm. Hotdogs, ice cream treats, beer and wine will be available to purchase.

• July 12 Mubbla Buggs
• July 19 Eleganza!
• July 26 The Flamin’ Oh’s

These are outdoor concerts in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The Zoo grounds and Conservatory close at 6pm.

**If it rains, the concert will move inside the Visitor Center Porch next to the Water Gardens.

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

• Group weeds: July 12 at 5pm
• Group weeds: 4th Weds: July 26 at 7pm
• Questions: Contact Molly O’Rourke at mollyfo.rouke@outlook.com

Location: Arona and Midway Parkway

• Group weeds: 2nd Weds: July 12 at 7pm
• Group weeds: 4th Sats: July 22 at 10am
• Questions: Contact Jennifer Victor-Larsen at jennifer@larsentag.com

Featured Upcoming Events

• July 7 - Shakespeare in the Park (Como Lakeside Pavilion)
• July 8 - Dance Around Minnesota (Raspberry Island)
• July 12 - Community Cookout (Northwest Como)
• July 13 - Movies in the Parks: DC League of Super Pets (Sibley Manor)
• July 13 - Safe Summer Nights (MLK Rec Center)

Como Parks & Rec Programming

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

• Taekwondo Jr July ages 6-8 - Mon & Wed in July- $60*
• Taekwondo July ages 9-21 - Mon & Wed in July - $60*
• Senior Day ages 50+ - Thursdays thru Aug 31 - Free
• Senior Fitness ages 55+ - Tues & Thurs thru Aug 31 - Free
• Senior Gamers ages 50+ - Tuesdays thru Aug 29 - Free
• New Summer Rec Check 1st-6th Grade - Weekdays June 21-Aug 24 - Free*
• Baseball Camp ages 7-10 - June 20-23 - $20*
• Baseball Camp ages 10-14 - June 20-23 - $20*
• Pokemania STEAM Adventure ages 6-10 - June 26-29 - $133*
• Dance with Me Ballet Camp ages 2-5 - June 26-30 - $43*
• Baby Ballet Camp ages 3-4 - 1pm or 1:30pm June 26-30 - $38*
• Pre and Intro Ballet Camps - ages 5-7 and ages 8-11 - June 26-30 - $38* & $50*

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Taekwondo July ages 9-21 - Tue & Thur in July - $60*
• Taekwondo Jr. July ages 6-8 - Tue & Thur in July - $60*
• Slime-Tastic Art ages 5-12 - June 21-22 - $85*
• Gardening with Bill & Robert ages 7-12 - Misc dates June-August - $20*
• Basketball Skills Camp ages 8-14 - Tue & Thur in July - $15*
• Swimming Field Trip ages 7-12 - Tue, July 11, 12:30-4:30pm - $10*
• Artist Workshop Camp Ages 6-10 - July 17-21, 10am-Noon - $80*
• Easy & Fun Snacks with Luke ages 7-11 - Tuesdays starting July 18 - $10*
• Artist Workshop Camp ages 11-16 - Aug 14-18, 10am-Noon - $80*

*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*

• Como Zoo & Conservatory (1225 Eastabrook Dr.): Liquor licenses are up for renewal July 23. 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.
• D & L Food and Gas (626 Larpenteur Ave): Gas Station license is up for renewal July 28. 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.

Ramsey County Environmental Resources

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? 

Conversations about Environmental Service Center

Join us at one of two community conversations to share your thoughts on designs for the new Environmental Service Center. County staff will share information about the center and be available to answer questions. All Ramsey County residents are encouraged to attend.

Learn more and attend a community conversation

Summer Sidewalk Installations

Starting this summer, the City of Saint Paul will construct new sidewalks to improve public safety along the south side of Larpenteur Avenue between Dale Street and Marion Street. Filling in missing sidewalk “gaps” is part of Saint Paul’s Citywide policy and will also improve mobility and connectivity throughout the City.

Updates will be posted on the 2023 Citywide Sidewalk webpage.

Please direct questions to Project Manager Jary Lee.

Highland Park Pool Family Fun Night and Fundraiser for Swim Safety

Friday, July 14th | 6-9pm

Highland Park Aquatic Center

1840 Edgcumbe Rd

Funds will support swim lesson scholarships for children and youth at all Saint Paul Aquatic locations. Hosted by the Friends of St. Paul Aquatic in partnership with Abbey's Hope, the goal of these scholarships are to decrease barriers to swim lessons, decrease disparities in swimming ability and ultimately, prevent drowning incidents. Find out more and register for the event HERE.

Seeking Community Input: Library Safety

With an investment of American Rescue Plan funds, the Library is working with consultant SDK and a team of experts from traditional security, restorative justice, and violence interruption work to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of its current safety resources and evolve its systemwide safety plan, including creating a new role of safety specialists. This work is part of the city’s overall approach to community-first public safety in Saint Paul.



Please take a few minutes to complete the Community Safety Survey to help inform the Library’s efforts to create spaces that are welcoming, safe, and affirming for people of all communities, cultures, and abilities. Survey closes on July 9.