September 29, 2023 | Friday | | |
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Thanks For Showing Up, Como! | |
We wanted to stop down and thank all of the community members who have come out to our recent events.
The Sept. 16 Citywide Dropoff event saw a dramatic increase in participation over the past couple years, over 700 vehicles dropped off over 20 TONS of electronics and 15 TONS of mattresses. We can't thank our over 40 community volunteers enough for helping out! (It's also worth noting that you can recycle electronics for free all year)
Last Saturday's Lake Como Cleanup event shattered our cleanup attendance record with 63 participants! Thanks to everyone who came out to all of our Cleanup events this year, and to the German Immersion School for helping send Parents/Students/Staff our way as well!
YOU can still help us break another participation record this year by registering for our Fall Como Curb Cleanup, officially kicking off this weekend!
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SATURDAY: 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, there are only a few spaces remaining!
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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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Join Us Next Week - D10 Meetings
Environment Committee Meeting - Wed., October 4, 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, starting in November our meetings will begin at 7pm. 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 Russ Stark, St. Paul Chief Resilience Officer and Ana de la Torre, Sustainability Coordinator to introduce the City's Climate Action Dashboard site. We will also be recapping the 2023 Lake Cleanup season and hearing how the Como Community Garden season fared, in addition to some regular committee updates.
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Neighborhood Relations Committee Meeting - Wed., October 4, 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, starting in November our meetings will begin at 7pm. 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 final details for the October 7 Tilden Harvest Festival, the upcoming D10 meetings change, the 2024 Calendar, and more. Join us!
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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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St. Paul Art Crawl: Front Ave. Pottery
October 6-8 @ Front Ave. Pottery and Tile (895 Front Ave)
Front Avenue Pottery and Tile is hosting Firing It Up in South Como again for the St. Paul Art Crawl Oct. 6-8.
The weekend-long event features free food and drink, Live Music (Friday), Throwing Demos (Saturday), and Kid Zones.
Dates/Times
- Fri, Oct. 6, 5-10pm
- Sat, Oct. 7, 10am-5pm
- Sun, Oct 8, 11am-4pm
More Info on the Front Ave. Pottery Facebook
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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 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
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Monday, October 9, 5pm-7pm at Churchill Gardens
- At the intersection of Van Slyke Ave and Churchill St, south of Como Lake
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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Open House: Como Park Long Range Plan
Tuesday, October 10, 5-7pm @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is inviting community members to an Open House for the Como Regional Park Long Range Plan Project on Tuesday, October 10 from 5-7pm at the Historic Como Streetcar Station. This event will follow a general open house format starting with a greeting period, followed by a short presentation at 5:45 PM.
The presentation will include:
- An overview of the project progress and proposed updates included with the project.
- Next steps as we move forward to adoption.
- An update for the Como Lakeside Pavilion project
The open house will conclude with an informal discussion period where those in attendance will be asked to provide feedback on what items proposed for this project should be prioritized for implementation.
Project Updates and Materials can be found at the Como Regional Park Long Range Plan Website
Additional Project information is located at the Como Regional Park Engage Saint Paul Website.
This event is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Snacks will be provided.
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Oktoberfest on Midway Pkwy
Saturday, Oct. 14, 6-10pm @ Holy Childhood Church (1435 Midway Pkwy) - $10, 21+
Holy Childhood Church is hosting an evening of beer, food, and fun at their Oktoberfest event. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional German festival!
At Oktoberfest, you can indulge in a variety of delicious beer and wine and feast on mouthwatering German cuisine, including bratwurst, pretzels and more!
As you enjoy the live music, you can take part in the exciting games and activities planned, there's something for everyone.
Mark your calendar for this unforgettable event! Join their Oktoberfest and experience the spirit of German culture, delicious food, and of course, fantastic beer. Prost!
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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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On Demand: Ward 5 Candidate Forum Recording

The League of Women Voters is holding forums leading up to the election.
The Ward 5 Candidate Forum was held last week and you can now view the recording here on YouTube. The other candidate forums will be hosted on the SPNN YouTube channel as they are available.
Don't forget to check out The League of Women Voters one-stop-shop for all things voting at Vote411.org. Find your polling place, key deadlines, first time voter checklist, and more! By the end of September 2023, the online Voters' Guide will be up and running. Compare candidates side-by-side, share links to candidate info with friends and learn about who is seeking to represent your interests.
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Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Committee seeks applicants for openings
Metropolitan Council has openings on the Transportation Advisory Board and we are looking for community members from the geographic area you represent to serve. We hope you will share this call to serve with your constituencies – either by forwarding this email or on your social media channels.
Direct interested candidates to the current committee vacancies page where they’ll find what they need to apply. The deadline is Nov. 9. Here is the application link.
The Met Council relies on these committees to help develop solutions that best serve the entire region. We are seeking diverse perspectives – across geography, income, age, race and ethnicity, ability and life experiences – to inform our policymaking and operations.
These are volunteer positions, but members are reimbursed for expenses related to their service, such as parking. Applicants will be asked to participate in a 10-minute, in-person interview with a selection panel before a final decision will be made.
If you have any questions about the advisory committee process or the committee, please contact Jenna Ernst, program technical specialist, jenna.ernst@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1758.
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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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Climate Action Community Conversation
From more extreme weather events to higher rates of diseases, climate change impacts so many parts of our lives. While we all feel these impacts, they are greatest among under-recognized, ethnically and racially diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Together we can help minimize the impacts of climate change. Please join Ramsey County on Oct. 18 from 4pm-7pm at Neighborhood House/ The Wellstone Center to discuss Ramsey County's planned climate actions. Registration required. All are welcome, including young adults and children. You will receive a $25 gift card and a full meal as compensation for your time.
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Fall Yard Waste Disposal
This fall, drop off your leaves, small branches, grass clippings at a Ramsey County yard waste site for free. Yard waste items cannot be dropped off at the food scraps (organics) sites. For a list of yard waste site hours and locations, visit www.RamseyRecycles.com/yardwaste.
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Community Invited to Attend Upcoming Information Sessions to Learn About 1% Sales Tax Proposal
The City is hosting several information sessions to share more about the proposed one-percent local sales tax increase. Participants will be able to submit questions at each information session. All sessions are free and open to the public.
Comprehensive improvements to Saint Paul roads and parks are estimated to cost $1 billion over 20 years. A sales tax is proposed to address the safety and longevity of the city’s transportation infrastructure and parks and recreation facilities. If approved by Saint Paul voters, funding from a local sales tax would provide $738 million for street improvements and $246 million for parks and recreation facilities improvements.
For more information about the proposal, visit stpaul.gov/salestax.
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Monday, October 2, 5:30-7 p.m., El Rio Vista Recreation Center, 179 Robie St E
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Tuesday, October 3, 5:30-7 p.m., Battle Creek Recreation Center, 75 Winthrop St S
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Wednesday, October 4, 5:30-7 p.m., North Dale Recreation Center, 1414 St Albans St N
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Monday, October 9, 5:30-7 p.m., Hayden Heights Recreation Center, 1965 Hoyt Ave E
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Wednesday, October 11, 5:30-7 p.m., Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy
A panel discussion was held on Monday, Sept. 18th online. A recording of the full 90-minute panel is available on the Union Park District Council Website.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds? | |
Antique Spectacular Fall Show | |
DESCRIPTION
250 dealers offer a unique blend of antique furniture, collectibles and outdoor flea market items. Interested dealers should visit Prime Promotions' website.
LOCATION
Grandstand
HOURS
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ADMISSION
Adults: $8
Children (12 & under): Free
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Roadsters Swap Meet
Sunday, October 1
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DESCRIPTION
A traditional automotive swap meet where builders and restorers can find some early car parts, typically at reasonable prices.
LOCATION
Parking lots north of Hoyt Ave.
HOURS - Sunday
4:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
ADMISSION
General Admission: $5
Children (12 & under) w/ adult paid: Free
Swapper: $20
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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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