August 5, 2022 | Friday

1 Vacancy on D10 Board

Interested in getting more involved with the Como Community? Our board has one vacancy to fill in our At-Large Senior (62+) Seat. To be considered for the board, submit a board member application.

Vacancies are appointed by the board, all appointed board seats are automatically included in the next annual election, and appointed board members may not serve as officers.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about being a board member you can reach out to D10 Como Park at district10@district10comopark.org.

Save The Date: Citywide Drop-off Event Sept. 17 @ Fairgrounds

Volunteers Needed!

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.

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. 12, 2022. Everything must be outside in front of your house by 8am Saturday, Sept 17, 2022. Rates apply.

Volunteers get a voucher for a free drop-off. Interested in volunteering to help us with the Sept. 17 event? Sign up for a shift on our Volunteer Registration Form!

Thank You Como Blood Drive Donors And Volunteers!

Thanks to everyone who donated at the fourth Como Community Blood Drive this week at the Zoo where the Red Cross collected 46 units of blood from 45 donors! Special thanks also to our sign-in table volunteers Judie, Priscilla, and and Dan!!

These drives support the great need for blood with workplace drives still far below pre-pandemic levels. The drives are the result of partnership with D10 Como Park, Como Zoo & Conservatory, and the American Red Cross. The next Como blood drive will be October 18. If you’re interested in volunteering at the check-in table, you can sign-up for an opening on our volunteer schedule or email district10@district10comopark.org. The drives are split into two shifts of two volunteers each, 9am to Noon and Noon to 3pm. It’s light work and a great way to connect with another neighbor.

Are You A Fair Neighbor?

The State Fair is nearing once again. Many long-time residents are aware that the City has a special “Parking Overlay District”, (mostly between Snelling and Hamline) during the fair which allows, and regulates, things like yard parking, street vending, and merchandise peddling. D10 Como Community Council has a “Neighbor’s Guide” to these special rules and regulations, including detailed maps of the overlay district, and who to call to report violations.

We understand that enforcement of these ordinances is far from perfect, but if we can increase understanding of the rules amongst the community it may help us have a stronger footing for getting through these hectic few weeks ahead.

Support a Person with Memory Loss and Their Caregiver

The Gathering, a Lyngblomsten group respite program, is looking for volunteers; can you help?

The Gathering provides caregivers a few hours' break while volunteers enjoy time with participants who have early memory loss. Volunteers help participants take part in staff-led, brain-stimulating activities that are fun for everyone.

Volunteer as a Respite Assistant or just come for a short time and lead an activity. The Gathering is a four-hour program held twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) at their Como Park location (1415 Almond Ave). For the health and safety of participants and staff, they request that volunteers are up-to-date with their COVID vaccinations and wear a mask while inside.

**Join on Zoom for an information session on Thursday, August 25th or October 6th at 3pm**

If you have questions or would like to sign up for either information session, please

contact Lngblomsten Volunteer Coordinator Melanie at mjagolino@lyngblomsten.org.

Como Woodland’s Bees, Butterflies, & Bugs - Nature Tour

Saturday, August 20th, 11am to 12:30pm

Come and join your neighbors at the Kilmer Fireplace to begin this guided nature tour through the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom at 1221 Wynne Ave.in Como Park (just west of the Como Regional Park Pool). Free and open to the public – adults and kids.

Some are showy pollinators and others are creepy crawlers, but all insects are interesting. And it’s that time of the summer when their numbers are peaking. Lead tour guide Britt Forsberg, University of Minnesota Extension Educator and Como Woodland’s pollinator expert, will be joined by amateur naturalist Scott Magnuson and Joan McKearnan, professor of biology & environmental science at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, to take you on this insect-centric exploration of the 17-acre Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom site.

Rain or shine, the tour will go on (except in the case of dangerous weather). Sign up for the tour at: www.tinyurl.com/CWOCBugs. 

Reservations are not required, but your RSVP makes it possible to contact you in case of cancellation.

Como Parks & Rec

Fall activity registration is now open. Activities and events are available for all ages. Browse upcoming activities and events. 

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

• Flag Football Camp ages 8-12 - Week of August 15 - $104*
• SUMMERFEST all ages - August 18, 5-7pm - Fundraiser for North Dale Booster Club
• Online Gardening - Growing Microgreens ages 18+ - August 20, 10-11am - Free
• New Fantasy Football Intro ages 10-13 - Mondays Starting August 22 - Free
• New Senior Fitness ages 55+ - Tuesdays & thursdays Starting Sept. 1 - Free

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Drone Instruction Basics for Beginners ages 11-15 - Week of August 15 - $115*
• Strategy Game Buffet Camp ages 6-10 - Week of August 15 - $89*
• Basketball Camp ages 7-12 - Week of August 15 - $104*
• End of Summer Art Bash ages 4-9 - August 19, Noon-3pm - $36*
• New Canvas Painting ages 7-11 - Sept. 13, 3-5pm - $10*
• New Messy Art for Tots ages 2-6 - Wednesdays starting Sept. 14 - $10*

*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 Applications/Renewals

• Ted’s Recreation (1084 Larpenteur): Liquor License is up for renewal Sept. 25. 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.
• Best Western (1010 Bandana Blvd): Liquor Licenses are up for renewal Sept. 1. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 4 Council Member Mitra Jalali: ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Elections and Voting

• The primary election is Tuesday, August 9. 
• Absentee voting is June 24 - August 9, 2022, for the Minnesota state primary. Absentee ballots must be returned by August 9.
• Residents may register at in-person absentee voting locations or at their polling place on Election Day. Proof of residence is required.  
• Visit the MN Secretary of State website to see if you are registered, how to register, who's eligible to vote, and more. 

Also read more information on elections and voting on the Ramsey County website. Some of the info includes maps, redistricting, key dates, and how to vote if you are homeless, a student, fear for your safety, have a criminal record, or are under guardianship.  

The League of Women Voters also has information and resources on voting and elections. Information on City, County, State, and National Officials, maps, find who represents you, and more. 

Take the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Community Survey 

The City of St. Paul is about to prepare a new Parks and Recreation System Plan, and they want to hear from you! Your input on this 10-minute survey will help to inform improvements and changes to parks like Como, the Zoo and Conservatory, athletic fields, recreation centers, trails and more. If you’re a regular parks user, follow this link to help guide the future of St. Paul’s parks!

Office of Neighborhood Safety Seeking Members for New Community Council

St. Paul's new Office of Neighborhood Safety is inviting community members to apply to join the Neighborhood Safety Community Council (NSCC). As detailed in the city’s administrative code, this 15-member group will work with the Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety to develop an annual strategic plan that identifies, recommends and prioritizes public safety initiatives, establishes areas of focus, and monitors justice and violence prevention metrics and indicators. This work will also include reviewing and reporting on the effectiveness of activities and initiatives undertaken by the Office of Neighborhood Safety.  

The NSCC will also make recommendations for grant-making activities related to enhancing neighborhood safety, including reviewing and evaluating funding proposals. The recent announcement of $4 million for grants reflects the resources the NSCC will work with the Office of Neighborhood Safety to allocate in support of neighborhood safety efforts across Saint Paul.

The NSCC will meet at least four times per year, with additional meetings taking place as often as necessary. The council also may establish areas of focus and create a task force to support each area of focus. Task force members can include a combination of NSCC members as well as other community members who are not current appointees and will be selected by the continuing members. Members of the NSCC as well as members of task forces will receive a stipend of $50.00 per meeting.

Save The Date: Budget Public Hearing - Sept. 20

5:30pm at Como Lakeside Pavilion

The City Council is planning another public hearing on the Mayor’s Proposed budget. It will be on Tuesday September 20th at Como Lakeside Pavilion @5:30pm.

• Facebook Event
• City Council Budget Website

What's going on at the Fairgrounds?