NewsletterBanner1.jpg
NewsletterBanner2.jpg

August 25, 2023 | Friday

This Weekend

Fri, Aug. 25 8:45pm | Movie in the Park: Mario Movie @ Edgcumbe Rec Center Free


Sun, Aug. 27 9-11am | Community Weeding POP-UP @ Churchill Gardens


Aug. 24-Sept. 4 | The Minnesota State Fair


Dock & Paddle Schedule

Upcoming

Mon, Aug. 28 6:30pm | Let Freedom Ring Concert @ Northrup Auditorium Free w/ Registration


Tue, Aug. 29 6-8pm | Hamline Midway ice Cream Social & Diaper Drive @ Hamline Park Free


More D10 Events

Como Community Outside the Gates

The Fair Neighbors Safety Initiative has been preparing for the 2023 fair. All are welcome at their Daily 9am State Fair morning meetings, garden at Midway and Arona.


You can sign up here for their newsletter, including daily fair-time updates. They also have a WhatsApp group for emergency messaging during the fair, you can get connected by attending a meeting or responding to a newsletter.


They're looking for more volunteers! Help with trash pickup, serve as a communication connector for your block, or just be available to be a visible and helpful presence in the neighborhood. Sign up to volunteer here.


Thanks so much to Kate, Jennifer, and Cindy, the volunteer neighbors who lead the Neighbor's Safety Initiative who put so much time and effort into helping to smooth the myriad rough edges that come with living next to the fair! MPR Recently Interviewed Kate about the effort.


State Fair Overlay District?

D10 Como Community Council has a “Neighbor’s Guide” to the special rules and regulations of the State Fair Overlay District in effect during the fair, including detailed maps, links to specific ordinance texts related to Parking (Yard, Street, and Alley), Vending & Peddling, Golf Carts, and who to call to report violations. Note: Falcon Heights does NOT allow yard parking or offer vending permits.


Bike to the Fair? Note that the South Bicycle Parking lot has moved to the Loop Gate (near the Miracle of Birth building), they say it's larger than the old location to so it's okay to tell your friends.

What's Happening at the Fairgrounds?

Como Community INSIDE the Gates

This year we're also featuring Como community members who are showcased AT the Fair. We're hoping to hear from some more Como Fair artisans, bakers, and growers in the coming week, but 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 Activites 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
  • Aaron Barnes & Morgan Weinert - Peppers (Group 4, which are put out Sept. 2) in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
  • Bonus: Sheila Mullen (D10 Staff's Mom) - Choc. Chip Cookies & Apple Bread in Creative Activities Building (She moved to Woodbury for some reason, don't hold that against her)

Como Exhibitors

  • MNSeed - UFGA Table Sunday 8/24 9-11am in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building
  • Jennifer Victor Larsen - Donate Good Stuff (Where to donate (almost) anything and make 10x the impact of recycling) - Eco Experience Sustainability Stage - Aug. 29 @ 10am & Sept 4 at 4pm

Como Vendors

  • Stephanie Mirocha (Como Tree Trek Guide!) -  Otter Creations (paintings and jewelry) Center Aisle of Merchandise Mart
  • 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!)


Do you vie for a coveted blue ribbon with your peppers, baked goods, crop art, or other artisan activities?! Do you have a stall where you sell your art or other creations?


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.


You can also find this list, updated with any mid-week submissions, here on the D10 website.

 

State Fair Grandstand & Fireworks Schedule


Below is a schedule of estimated times for the nightly fireworks display during the 12 days of the State Fair.


  • Thurs. Aug. 24 - The Black Keys w/ The Velveteers @ 7pm - Fireworks: 9:30pm
  • Fri. Aug. 25 - THE CHICKS w/ Wild Rivers @ 7pm - Fireworks: 10:15pm
  • Sat. Aug. 26 - Keith Urban w/ Lindsay Ell @ 7pm - Fireworks: 9:45pm
  • Sun. Aug. 27 - Boyz II Men & Chaka Khan w/ NUNNABOVE @ 7pm - Fireworks: 10:20pm
  • Mon. Aug. 28 - Happy Together Tour 2023 @ 7pm - Fireworks: 9pm
  • Tues. Aug. 29 - Brandi Carlile w/ Wynonna Judd @ 7pm - Fireworks: 10:30pm
  • Wed. Aug. 30 - Yung Gravy w/ bbno$ @ 7pm - Fireworks: TBD
  • Thurs. Aug. 31 - DURAN DURAN w/ Bastille, Nile Rodgers & CHIC @ 7pm - Fireworks: 10:55pm
  • 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
Full Grandstand Schedule
ComoCommunityCouncilBanner.png
 

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.

View the Accepted Items and Pricing List
NewsFromYourNeighborhoodBanner.png
 

Get Involved: Churchill Gardens Pop-Up Event This Weekend

Sunday, August 27, 9-11am @ Van Slyke/Churchill/Horton Intersection.


Join us to finish preparing the gardens for planting day in September! We have thistle and weeds to remove. The area where we will be focusing on will be in the shade from the morning sun.


All are welcome! Come for a little bit or stay the whole time! Meet other neighbors who want to keep Como looking beautiful. Your help makes the garden better!


Tools and gloves are provided. Bring water or your morning coffee, and hope to see you there!


Facebook Event Link


Questions?

Contact Alison Goetzman at alison.goetzman@gmail.com


Follow Churchill Gardens on Facebook

 

Get Involved: MN SEED Opportunities


Connect with the MN SEED Project for seedy opportunities :


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!

 

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.

Register for Sept. 12
Register for Sept. 18
Learn more about CRWD's Lake Como efforts
CRWD is turning 25! RSVP for their Sept. 22 Anniversary Celebration
 

Dedicate a Bench at Como Lakeside Pavillion


Are you still riding the high of last week's Lakeside Pavilion visioning presentation? 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. 

More Information About Dedicating a Bench
 

Como Parks & Rec Programming

Rec Center Fall programming registration is now open. View the programming guide here.


Parks and Rec Athletics registrations have been doing well, which is further increasing the need for referees.

Learn more and apply here (ages 16+).


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

Ongoing Drop-In Programming

 

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.

More Info and FAQ on Fee Assistance Program
 

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.

CityRegionalBanner.png
 

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!

More Info About Snow Summit
Alley Captain Registration
 

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.


Results will be shared on the website at a later date.


For you budget fiends, here's the docs of the adopted 2023 Budget for additional reference.

 

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.

 
Rain Barrel

'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.

More Info & Registration
 

Love a Como Business? 2023 Saint Paul Business Award Nominations Deadline Extended

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 has been extended through September 15 at Noon. 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:  

  • Alice O'Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment 
  • Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community. 
  • Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years. 
  • People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents. 
  • 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 September 15, 2023, by Noon. Find more information and nominate a business at stpaul.gov/bizawards

 
 

Ramsey County Environmental Resources


New yard waste site policy: Dumping trailers

Starting Sept. 1, 2023, mechanical or hydraulic dumping trailers and dump trucks will not be allowed at Ramsey County yard waste sites - this includes both residential and commercial equipment. Dumping trailers and dump trucks pose safety and contamination concerns and are primarily used by commercial services, which are not permitted at our yard waste sites. If you have a dumping trailer or dump truck, you should use a commercial yard waste site

Read the Policy

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

Food Scraps Composting

Composting your food scraps is easy and free. Drop off your food scraps including meats, bones and paper towels at one of Saint Paul's 8 locations. Utilizing these sites is a great way to reduce greenhouse gases and cut down on your garbage bill. Como has a 24/7 site on the West side of McMurray Fields at 1149 Beulah Ln. Find other locations at www.stpaul.gov/organics


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

 
PolicePatch.png

Latest Crime Incident Report


District 10 SPPD Incident Report (Updated 8/1/23-8/15/23)


Note: Our crime data is sourced from City of St. Paul dataset.


Find past reports on the D10 Website

Environmental Resources

Free COVID Resources

 

Thank You For Reading!

1ed4d41f-1b58-49d5-ac7a-75c1f8b239a4.png

Have something you'd like us to consider sharing in our newsletter? Email us at district10@district10comopark.org

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!

Donate to D10 Como Park
Facebook  Email  Web