September 2, 2023 | Friday | | |
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Know Your Como: This Will Be as Hard as it is Beautiful
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By Sonjie Johnson
Imagine having a dream – a dream that seems entirely out of reach. And yet….
That dream came true for Dani Carlin, when he and his partner, Meg opened the doors of The Little Naturalist Day Care in Como Park in 2021. A nature centric, immersive pre-school day care, LNDC’s curriculum is primarily outdoors and provides hands-on nature projects throughout the year. Read more...
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SATURDAY: Lake Como Cleanup
Saturday, September 23, 9am-Noon starting @ Como Pavilion Lakeside
Our final 2023 Como Lake Cleanup is tomorrow, 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.
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Sign Up For Fall Como Tree Trek
Saturday, September 30, 10am–Noon @ Como Park
The D10 Environment Committee hosts Tree Trek, where community members can learn how to identify and appreciate the multitude of different tree species living in Como Park. Volunteer tree expert Stephanie Mirocha is our fabulous second-generation Tree Trek guide (her father was the original Tree Trek Guide).
Stephanie has a contagious passion for trees that expresses itself in so many ways on these tours, it's well worth your while!
The event is free, but please register in advance. Attendance will be limited to 25 participants.
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D10 Tilden Harvest Festival 2023
Saturday Oct. 7 3-5pm @ Tilden Park
We invite you to save the date for the D10 Como Community Council Harvest Festival. Join us on October 7th at Tilden Park from 3-5pm for demonstrations, pie tasting, carnival games, crafts, bookmobile and more! Thanks to The Raptor Center and Holden House for partnering and sponsoring this event!
If you’d like to help make this event a success, help us pass out flyers in the neighborhood or volunteer at the event, or sign up for the pie baking contest!
Everyone is invited to this free event!
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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.
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Give Blood in Como
Tuesday, October 17, 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, October 17, 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!
DONOR PROMOTION: Fall into giving blood Oct 1 thru 20 get $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.
If you’re interested in volunteering at the check-in table, we have one opening Oct. 17 Noon-3pm. You can sign-up for an opening on our volunteer schedule. It’s light work and a great way to connect with another neighbor.
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2023 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! You can also represent with a cool Curb Cleanup Lawn Sign this year if you register!
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Capitol Region Watershed District 25th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, Sept. 21 4-7pm @ CRWD HQ (595 Aldine St.)
Capitol Region Watershed District invites community members to its 25th Anniversary Celebration today (Friday) from 4-7pm. The celebration will be held at the CRWD office at 595 Aldine Street, Saint Paul, MN 55104. For directions and transportation options, visit capitolregionwd.org/contact.
Join for a short program at 4pm with food, drinks, music, and art making to follow.
- Enjoy Thai Thai Street Food, Burning Brother Brewing beverages (including non-alcoholic drinks), and cupcakes for each guest on us with RSVP.
- Make your own Mosaic on a Stick with Lori Greene.
- Explore the natural ink play station with Kimberly Boustead.
- Craft a kids' maraca with Women's Drum Center.
- Women's Drum Center will offer performances and participatory drumming.
- Our Sacred Water video and photography by InProgress will be on display in our lobby.
- Seitu Jones and an artist-naturalist will give (dry land) tours of the artARK, a floating platform for artistic and scientific exploration of the Mississippi River.
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Como Park/Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program New Name & Celebration!
Como Park/ Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program is changing its name to COMOCONNECTS Resources and Support for Neighborhood Seniors!
You can bookmark their new website at www.ComoConnects.org
There will be a celebration of the name change and 30 years of community service on Saturday, September 23, Noon-3pm at the lot on the corner of Hoyt & Hamline. Food, fun and music!
Questions? Phone: 651-642-1127
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To the Planetarium!
Tuesday, Sept. 26, Autumn Night Sky at Como Planetarium (Como Elementary School, 780 W. Wheelock Pkwy)
Get ready to look up and explore Minnesota's night sky! The Como Planetarium is ramping up their Tuesday community programming again with Autumn Night Sky. This program looks at strategies for finding your place in the universe through constellations, planets, and motions in the sky by tying together culture, science, and the human experience.
Learn how to tell a planet from a star in our sky, and how the Moon changes throughout the month.
Register through St. Paul Community Education:
They're also planning a Free Eclipse Star Party on Saturday, October 14.
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Como Park Schools Safe Routes Plan Available
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a nationwide effort to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school. Safe Routes to School benefits students and communities. Walking or biking to and from school is an easy way for kids to get exercise, stay healthy, and arrive at school ready to learn. More kids walking and bicycling to school reduces traffic and air pollution near schools and helps to unite neighborhoods.
Locally the City, County, and Saint Paul Public Schools have collaborated to create numerous planning documents for schools in our district, including Chelsea Heights Elementary in 2017, which was used to successfully apply for federal funding for pedestrian improvements last year.
Last month the latest batch of planning documents was formally approved, including for Como Park Elementary and High School. You can now view all the documents and executive summaries here on the City's SRTS webpage.
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Opportunity to Support Como High Booster Club
The Como Park High School Booster Club is having a fundraiser. They have a goal of raising $15-20K a year and have been falling short in recent years. As a result, they've foregone a Senior All Night Party for the last few years. These kinds of clubs are often underfunded, and our students are missing out!
The Booster Club supports student activities, athletics, and clubs throughout the calendar year which include: Homecoming, Senior Picnic, Robotics club, Girls in Tech, athletic teams, Black Student Union, Link Crew, English Language Arts, Table Tennis Club, Como Global Showcase, Youth in Government, Counseling Department, Cougar Journal, Como Park FFA, Art and music programs, and more!
You can Donate online or by check. Checks should be made payable to: CPSHS Booster Club and dropped off at the main office or mailed to:
CPHS Booster Club
740 Rose Ave. West
St. Paul, MN 55117
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Registration for fall swimming lessons at Great River Water Park is now open. Great River is reopened for the season now.
Youth winter basketball registration is now open--free for ages 9 and up!
Parks is also seeking basketball officials (16+), gym monitors (18+), scorekeepers (14+), and volunteer coaches for this upcoming season.
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.
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Neighborhood Notes
Upcoming License Renewals*
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Automate Car Repair (991 Front Ave): Auto Repair Garage License is up for renewal Nov. 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.
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Speedway (950 Lexington Pkwy): Malt Off Sale and Gas Station 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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In-person Homework Help at Saint Paul Public Libraries Returns September 25
Saint Paul Public Library offers free homework assistance to students of all ages at in-person, drop-in Homework Centers at five library locations and online. Homework Centers are free to use and offer students of all ages support, technology, and resources to study independently or with the help of volunteer tutors.
Students also have access to computers, printers, reference books, school supplies and a comfortable space to study at all Homework Centers. Saint Paul Public Library’s in-person Homework Centers schedule is:
Arlington Hills Community Center
1200 Payne Ave, 55130, 651-632-3870
Monday-Wednesday, 4-7 p.m.
Highland Park Library
1974 Ford Pkwy, 55116, 651-695-3700
Monday-Wednesday, 4-7 p.m.
Rice Street Library
1011 Rice Street, 55117, 651-558-2223
Monday and Tuesday, 4-7 p.m.
Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Rondo Library
461 Dale Street N, 55103, 651-266-7400
Monday-Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
Sun Ray Library
2105 Wilson Ave, 55119, 651-501-6300
Monday and Tuesday, 4-7 p.m.
Along with in-person homework assistance, Saint Paul Public Library also offers one-to-one homework help online every day from 1-11 p.m. in English and Spanish for students of all ages. Online homework help, available on the Library’s website through HelpNow, can be accessed from anywhere using a library card. More information at www.sppl.org/homework.
All Saint Paul Public School students, along with students at some charter and private schools in Saint Paul, automatically receive a virtual library card through the Library Go program. Students can use their school ID number to check out e-materials using the Libby app or up to ten physical items at the library and access other services, like databases and online homework help.
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Save the Date: 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!
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Ramsey County Environmental Resources
Free Electronics Recycling for Ramsey County Residents
Ramsey County residents looking to get rid of computers, televisions, cell phones and other electronics now have a free and easy way to recycle them. Ramsey County has partnered with Repowered to refurbish or recycle unwanted electronics, keeping toxic metals like lead, mercury and cadmium out of the environment. All data from electronics dropped off at Repowered will be physically destroyed or electronically wiped.
The electronics collection site is located at:
Repowered
860 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Learn more about Ramsey County’s electronics recycling program and check which items are accepted at ramseycounty.us/Electronics or call 651-633-EASY (3279), answered 24/7.
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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.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds? | |
Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
SEPTEMBER 8 - 30, 2023
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DESCRIPTION
Many household products contain hazardous materials. Bring these items to Ramsey County's free household hazardous waste collection sites for safe disposal. Located in the lot south of Como Avenue.
HOURS
Fridays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Kids Fall Consignment Sale | |
DESCRIPTION
You will find a variety of quality toys, books, high chairs, swings, exersaucers, strollers, nursery furniture, and so much more! Have some things to sell? Consignors earn up to 70% of the selling price of their items and have early shopping privileges.
LOCATION
Education Building
HOURS
Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (many items are 1/2 price this day)
ADMISSION
Friday: Early Bird tickets start at $5
Saturday: Free admission
Sunday: Free admission
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Twin Cities Mission Furniture & 20th Century Design Show
SEPTEMBER 8 - 30, 2023
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DESCRIPTION
The show will include other 20th Century movements including Art Modern, Art Deco and Mid Century. High quality reproductions will also be for sale. From Stickley to Eames, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
LOCATION
Fine Arts Center
HOURS
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ADMISSION
Adults: $7
Children (12 & under): Free
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The Minnesota Mineral Club Annual Rock, Mineral + Gem Show | |
DESCRIPTION
This annual show features lapidary demonstrations, exhibits, kids' corner activities, rock identification, 35+ rock, mineral and fossil vendors, and food trucks.
LOCATION
Dairy Building
HOURS
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ADMISSION
Free public admission
$2 suggested donation for 17+
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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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