July 28, 2023 | Friday

St. Kate's Students to Present Their Como Research Project

Wednesday, August 2, 7pm @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

Please join us as our St. Kate’s Summer Scholars present their 2023 District 10 community work. 

Since the beginning of June students Eva Ngono and KC Meredyk, under the direction of Professor Rachel Neiwert, have been interviewing community members and researching the history of the South Como/Front St (Subdistrict 4) area as a part of the Como Neighborhood History Project.   

We encourage you to join us Wednesday, August 2 in-person at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) for their presentation and discussion of their summer project. This presentation will happen at 7pm, during an overlapping portion of our August Environment and Neighborhood Relations committee meetings. You're invited to join in for either committee meeting, but are welcome to simply come for the presentation if you prefer.

Join Us Next Week - D10 Meetings

Environment Committee Meeting - Wed., August 2, 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. 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 discuss plans for a backyard composting demonstration and recap this week's Lake Cleanup before seamlessly segueing into a presentation from St. Kate's Student's highlighting their work in our neighborhood. We'll be setting up in the BIG room, in-person attendance is highly encouraged for this one!

Neighborhood Relations Committee Meeting - Wed., August 2, 7pm 

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

NEXT WEEK’S MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 7PM

The Neighborhood Relations Committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:15pm. 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 startin' EARLY at 7pm with a presentation from St. Kate's Student's highlighting their work in our neighborhood. We'll use the remaining time to debrief the Ice Cream Social, touch on broad strokes for the October 7 Tilden Harvest Festival, and ideas for future meetings and members (maybe YOU?!) We'll be setting up in the BIG room, in-person attendance is highly encouraged for this one!

Give Blood in Como

Tuesday, August 1, 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 1 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!

National Night Out August 1

Saint Paul's National Night Out is Tuesday, August 2. Gatherings can be large or small and can be simple or very planned. Get event ideas, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and details of contests at stpaul.gov/nno.

You can find a list of registered gatherings here on the city's website.

Rescheduled from last week's heat

Bombus Among Us and Other Insects 

Wednesday, August 2 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.

10th Annual Lakeside Guitar Festival

Aug. 11 & 12 @ Como Lakeside Pavilion Free

Aug. 13 @ The Turft Club (Ticketed)

Music Mission announced its sort of 10th annual event, Lakeside Guitar Festival. 17 acts are scheduled to play music during the 3 day weekend at the historic Como Lakeside Pavilion Aug. 11-12 free with an additional ticketed show at The Turf Club Aug. 13.

In addition to great music, attendees can enjoy a pedal swap, silent auction, community strum along sing a song, food and beverages all set in an accessible green space at Como Lake.

LGF is run by community-conscious musicians and presents a diverse lineup of local and international acts across musical genres, focusing on encouraging new artistic collaboration and highlighting the world class small business and arts communities of Saint Paul. Previous headliners have included Keb Mo, Sunny War, and Steve Cropper performing alongside Minnesota greats.

 LGF 2023 expands to three days of concerts and workshops across Saint Paul, featuring Marc Ribot, one of the world’s great creative music guitarists as Saturday headliner and Minnesota songwriting legend Charlie Parr headlining Friday night, both at the Como Lakeside Pavilion and both FREE. With many acts across 3 stages, a Minnesota meets Mexico City improviser’s stage at the waterfall, and community activities from a pedal swap to bike and walk paths, LGF 2023 offers fun for the whole family of music lovers. Saturday August 12th closes with Minnesota’s Last Waltz (ticketed) at the Como Lakeside Pavilion. Schedule and Line Up 

 A Sunday night ticketed show at Turf Club presents “Americhicana” songwriter Carrie Rodriguez from Austin, Texas, klezmer rock heroes Klezmerson from Mexico City, and a first of its kind duo between jazz/rock and beyond legends John Medeski and Marc Ribot. The show serves as a Music Mission benefit. Purchase Tickets through the Turf Club. . Purchase Tickets Here.

Under The Lex

5-6pm Wednesdays thru Aug. 23 under the Lexington Pkwy bridge (near the Streetcar Station, 1224 Lexington) Free

This is so cool. St. Paul resident Youa Vang came across the path that goes under Lexington Parkway a few years ago, was inspired to use the space as a stripped down music venue, applied for funding and is now coordinating small Under The Lex concerts 5-6pm Wednesday afternoons through August 23.

The Remaining Lineup:

• 8/2 - Sarah Morris
• 8/9 - Lucy Michelle
• 8/23 - Chris Koza 

Yoga @ Como Pavilion Thru August

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8am @ Lakeside Pavilion

Instructor Sara Wait is offering donation based yoga this summer at the pavilion.

• All-levels yoga, meditation & sound bath
• Donation based
• Outside but covered by the pavilion
• Rain or shine
• Beautiful views of Como lake

Classes will meet every Tuesday & Thursday at 8am and run June - August.

Grab your mat, water, and some friends and let’s have some fun this summer!

SPPS Summer Meals Program in Como

Saint Paul Public Schools is providing free summer meals at no cost to kids 18 and under, or those over 18 with disability enrolled in a school program.

The nutrition services' food truck will serve meals Monday through Friday from 4:30-6pm at the McMurray Fields/Como Pool parking lot through August 18.

Get Involved: Midway Parkway Gardens - New August Dates

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: Weds: August 9 & 23 at 7pm
• Questions: Contact Molly O’Rourke at mollyfo.rouke@outlook.com

Location: Arona and Midway Parkway

• Group weeds: Wed, August 9 at 7pm
• Questions: Contact Jennifer Victor-Larsen at jennifer@larsentag.com

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 now 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

• Every 2nd Monday of the month from 5pm-7pm at Churchill Gardens
• At the intersection of Van Slyke Ave and Churchill St, south of Como Lake
• Mark your calendars for August 14 | September 11 | October 9

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

RSVP: Como Park Tour

Friday, August 25, 6:15-8:15pm meeting @ Como Conservatory

Almost everyone growing up in and around the Twin Cities area has a fond memory or story to tell about Como Park. But did you know that these experiences are intentionally crafted through spatial design by the park planners, founders, and gardeners? Even a seemingly natural piece of woodland may be imbued with symbolism and meaning, incorporating historical and cultural references, all deliberately implemented according to the design vision of a landscape architect.

Join Friends of the Parks and Trails for a leisurely stroll around Como Park, explore the behind-the-scenes aspects, and discover how our memories are shaped through spatial design. There will also be an opportunity to put your artistic skills to use and enjoy some fun sketching and socializing time at the end. Family friendly event. All are welcome.

RSVP to Amy Gage, amy@friendsoftheparks.org or 612-381-4410 by Monday, August 21.

Como Parks & Rec Programming

End-of-Summer Camps at Como Zoo & Conservatory

• Sensational Senses (1st-2nd grade) Aug 15-17 - $249*
• Como-ology I (3rd-4th grade) Aug 15-17 - $249*
• Como-ology II (3rd-4th grade) Aug 22-24 - $249*
• Como-ology I (3rd-4th grade) Aug 29-31 - $249*

Discounted rates are available for members of Como Friends.

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

• Intro to 3D Printing and CAD ages 8-12 - Aug. 7-10 - $145*
• New Glow-in-the-Dark Art ages 4-9 - Aug. 14-17 - $130*
• 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
• Summer Rec Check 1st-6th Grade - Weekdays thru Aug 24 - Free*

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Pokemon Game Coding ages 6-9 - July 31-Aug. 3 - $133*
• Floor Hockey with Luke ages 8-13 - July 31-Aug. 3 - $10*
• Jr. Engineering: Theme Parks ages 5-9 - Aug. 7-10 - $120*
• New Musical Theatre Camp ages 6-10 - Aug. 14-18 - $175*
• 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*

• 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 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• Ted’s Recreation (1084 Larpenteur Ave): 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.

*While license renewal dates serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.

Into the Depths with the artARK 

Thursday, August 3 - 6:30-8pm @ Capitol Region Watershed District (595 Aldine St)

Join Seitu Jones for a (dry land) tour of artARK, a floating platform for artistic and scientific exploration of the Mississippi River. Seitu Jones’s artARK and this program are part of the Wakpa Triennial, presented by Public Art Saint Paul. Seitu and his team will share their inspiration and vision for this project, including boat building techniques and a river-based curriculum.

Seitu’s legacy in the arts was woven into the work of Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), where he spent 17 years on its Board of Managers.

Join us to tour CRWD’s sustainable and LEED Gold certified building. Learn how rainwater is captured, filtered, re-used on site, and hear about CRWD’s art-centered approach to engagement.

New City Truck Parking Rules in Effect

On May 24, 2023, City Council adopted the new truck parking policy for Saint Paul. It is now in effect. You can see an infographic explaining the new rules and the rollout over on the city website: www.stpaul.gov/truckparking.

Vehicles in violation of the new rules will be ticketed with informational flyers for now until fines begin ramping up November 1.

Weigh In: Rethinking I-94 Feedback

MnDOT’s ongoing effort, Rethinking I-94, is a long-term process to engage community members and stakeholders who live, work, commute, and play along the 7.5-mile segment of I-94 located between Highway 55/Hiawatha Ave in Minneapolis and Marion Street in St. Paul. The objective of Rethinking I-94 is to address identified transportation needs while ensuring community members and stakeholders have a meaningful voice in the process.

As community input is an essential part of this process, their goal is to hear from as many community members as possible about the future of this corridor while they work through the mandated state and federal environmental processes. 

Project alternatives were released to the public on July 18. You can review and provide feedback on the alternatives now through the fall.

The alternatives at this stage are a combination of highway and transit ideas that reflect the basic design and number of lanes of the roadway, the type of transit service provided, and potential transit stop locations. They are high-level, meaning that more details will be developed as feedback is received and additional technical information is gathered.

Additionally, you can stay up to date on all project developments by signing up for the monthly Rethinking I-94 newsletter. 

Food Too Good to Waste Program

Did you know that the average family in Minnesota throws away 187 pounds of food each year? That is around $1500 of wasted food! The good news is that most of the food waste produced at home is preventable. This summer we are excited to partner with the City of Saint Paul Garbage Program on the Food too Good to Waste Program.

The challenge runs July 10 – August 27 and will help St Paul residents to:  

• Discover why good food might be going to waste in your home.
• Learn small changes to help you buy, prep, and store food like pro.
• Save money and reduce waste by using the food you have.

You can sign up any time during the challenge. There is Backyard Composting 101

Workshop this Saturday, July 22, 11am-Noon @ Frogtown Community Center.

Public Works Route Patching across the City

St. Paul Public Works is in the process of “route patching” the entire city, which means they will review and patch all streets, and then go back and skim pave streets in areas that need more extensive work. Crews are expected to patch or skim pave all 530 miles of residential streets and more than 2,000 alleys throughout Saint Paul this summer and into the fall. Route patching is a more efficient, systematic approach to patching all city streets compared to responding to individual patching requests. 

To help with this effort:

• Only report potholes on main (arterial) streets at this time. Do not report potholes on residential streets.
• Move vehicles if you see pothole patching crews in your neighborhood. The city will not be posting temporary “No Parking” signs.
• Be patient. Public Works will not be able to provide residents with details or timelines about when specific streets will be patched, as the street conditions vary greatly across the city.

2023 Saint Paul Business Award Nominations Open

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 is from July 3rd through August 23rd. 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 August 23, 2023, by Noon. Find more information and nominate a business at stpaul.gov/bizawards. 

Summer Spark

Saint Paul Public Library offers free reading, learning fun for kids and teens through August 31 including hands-on exploration, reading challenges, and free books.

See the Summer Spark webpage SPPL.org/Summer/ for Suggested book titles, a calendar of events and performances, and more information.

Ramsey County Environmental Resources

Environmental Service Center Community Conversations

Ramsey County is hosting two more community conversations in early August where residents are invited to share their thoughts on designs for the new Environmental Service Center. They can get a closer look at building and landscaping designs and learn more about the planned facility. Groundbreaking is expected to occur in late 2023. Learn more.

In-person  

• In-Person
• Tuesday, Aug. 1, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Ramsey County Library – Roseville
• 2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville

• Virtual  
• Tuesday, Aug. 8, 12 - 1 p.m. 
• Zoom meeting
• Meeting ID: 946 8076 6361
• Passcode: 799317 

Ramsey County Waste Reduction Advisory Committee

Ramsey County has opened applications to join their Waste Reduction Advisory Committee. Members of the Waste Reduction Advisory Committee assist in the development of Ramsey County's Solid Waste Management Plan. This plan guides Ramsey County’s work in reducing waste, increasing recycling and supporting a healthy community. 

• The committee will meet 3 - 4 times between Oct. 2023 and March 2024 to discuss and provide input on solid waste management goals and policy direction.
• Members are compensated $25 per meeting and provided a full meal.
• ALL Ramsey County residents are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals can apply here. Scroll down the page to find the Waste Reduction Advisory Committee. Applications are due August 18, 2023.

Take the Stop Food Waste Challenge

About 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain, and you may be surprised to learn that much of that food waste happens at home.

By taking the Stop Food Waste Challenge and committing to actions that reduce wasted food, we can save money, fight climate change, provide for our families, and improve our cooking skills.

The challenge goes from August 1 through August 31. Join the challenge now at stopfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org