February 2, 2024 | Friday | | |
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Know Your Como History:
Exploring Como – Between the Tracks
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By Laura Oyen
Last summer two St. Catherine University students, Eva Ngono and KC Meredyk and their Advisor, Associate Professor Rachel Neiwert, assisted the Como Neighborhood History Project in historic research and community member interviews in the study of Subdistrict 4. Collecting and recording the stories about the neighborhood and community members who lived in this area, between the railroad tracks, was the focus for the summer of 2023. Documenting stories of our community for future residents is what this project is all about.
We are pleased today to roll out the final product of their work with additional stories contributed by members of the History Project...Read More
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SATURDAY: D10 Blizzard Breakfast
Sat, Feb. 3 10-Noon @ North Dale Rec (1414 St Albans)
Join us for the first Como Community Council event of 2024 - the COMO BLIZZARD BREAKFAST! Come to North Dale Rec Center on Saturday, February 3 from 10am-12pm for a FREE pancake breakfast (sponsored by Bethel Lutheran Church), live music, a Now Make Art activity for kids of all ages, local organizations, outdoor activities, bonfire/smores, and NEW this year - a LOCAL MAKER'S MARKET!
The market hosts local makers selling house plants, baked goods, jewelry, pottery, woodworking and more - visit our website to check out this year's booths!
This event is made possible with funding from Ramsey County Public Health, Saint Paul Cultural STAR, North Suburban Kiwanis, Bethel Lutheran, the City of Saint Paul, and the wonderful staff at North Dale Rec!
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Join Us Next Week
D10 Community Meeting- 1st Wednesdays - Feb. 7, 7pm
Hybrid on Zoom and @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)
The first Wednesday of every month typically hosts our Environment and Neighborhood Relations committee topics for discussion and planning, as well as guest presentations related to those issues. Occasionally time sensitive Land Use and Board/Organizational items are included on the agenda as well.
Next week we will get an introduction from the HHH Job Corps, meet the new 977 Front Auto Repair License applicant, hear an update about the Como Trails CIB Project, recap the Blizzard Breakfast, and discuss an upcoming D10 history presentation! Come see if we can fit it all in!
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Jump on it: Plastic-Free Challenge
The Plastic-Free Challenge is a month-long effort thru February 29 to reduce plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics, in ways that fit best in your lifestyle and have the most impact on reducing your footprint.
Join the D10 Como Community Council team!!!
Or start your own team.
The challenge runs during the month of February 2024. Sign up now! You might learn something!
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TC German Immersion Festival of Cultures
On Thursday, Feb. 8 from 5:30-7:30pm the Twin Cities German Immersion School (1031 Como Ave) is hosting its 2nd annual TCGIS Festival of Cultures which celebrates the diversity of the school's community by sharing their unique cultures through music, art, storytelling, dance, food, and community. This is a free event for the public!
Cultures represented by TCGIS families presenting at the festival include: Serbian/Balkan, Latvian, Norwegian, Colombian, Sami American, Guatemalan, Irish, Mongolian, Swedish, Korean, Palestinian American, Japanese, Russian, Finnish, Scottish, Swiss, Syrian, and German Rhineland. View the event on Facebook.
Cultural performers include: TCGIS Liederkranz Choir, Henna Artists, Native American drum group, Balkan Jamboree, Taiko Arts Midwest Japanese drumming, Peruvian Dance Group, Jawaahir Arab Dance Group, Columbia Live, SG Edelweiss Bavarian Dance Group, Minnesänger German American Institute Choir.
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Final Week: 2024 Music Under Glass
Select Sundays & Wednesdays thru Feb 7, 4:30-6:30pm @ Como Conservatory, Free!
Head to the tropical gardens and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass, and ballads. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase. No reservations required.
2024 Line-up:
More info on the Zoo website
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Re-Lining a Wool Coat Class
Does your favorite coat have a torn lining? Or maybe you just want to refresh your wardrobe with a fun pattern or pop of color? The MN Tool Library is coordinating a two part sewing skillshare where you'll learn how to replace the lining in a wool coat.
- Session One (Sat. Feb. 17 11am-1pm @ St Paul Tool Library) will focus on deconstruction, material selection, and pattern making; as you learn to properly remove the old lining and piece your pattern. (No lining - no problem! If you have a coat that doesn't have a lining but you want to add one, we can do that too.)
- Class participants will then have a week to acquire fabric (approx. 3-4 yards) and prepare their pattern pieces.
- Session Two (Sat. Feb. 24 11am-4pm @ John's Pizza Cafe) is dedicated to sewing the lining pieces together and then attaching it to your coat.
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This is an intermediary class. Participants should have some basic sewing experience. All students are asked to bring a seam ripper and sharp scissors to class. Sewing machines will be provided from the MN Tool Library inventory, but participants are welcome to bring a personal machine if they prefer.
Guest Rate: $30 Per Person
MTL Member Rate: $10
Register Today! mntoollibrary.simpletix.com
*Materials costs may range from $20-$40 additional per project
The second session of this class is being held at John's Pizza Cafe. Participants are welcome to enjoy food/beverages during/after class if they so desire. View this event on Facebook.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
ExploraTots (age 3-5) is returning to the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) 3rd Wednesdays this winter. Registration open for February 21 and March 20. Free
Youth Spring Sports registration for volleyball and futsal is open. Registration is free for ages 9 and up! Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U.
Find the latest on the Rec Center Ice Rinks.
Como Park Ski Center Info
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (2-9pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)
*Registration Required
D10 finds this info here in the Parks and Rec registration system, you can often find events further in advance than we have room here in the newsletter for!
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
New License Applications:
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Al's Garage LLC (997 Front Ave. - Former Duke's Location): A new Class N license application for Auto Repair has been shared with D10. Anyone with input can email the Como Community Council or contact the Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Applicant, Alexander Kislng, is planning to attend the Feb. 7 D10 Community Meeting.
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El Aguila (1552 Como Ave.) A new Class N license application for Liquor License - On Sale/Sunday Liquor Sales has been shared with D10. Anyone with input can email the Como Community Council or contact the Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Business License Renewals*:
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Como Golf Course & Clubhouse (1431 Lexington): Liquor and Entertainment licenses are up for renewal on April 18. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 5 City Council office: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
*While license notifications serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.
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Why Are The Street Lights Out or Dark? Wire Theft
We've all experienced how dark things have been lately, especially now that night comes so early.
St. Paul Public Works has a Street Lighting webpage on the issue, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions that have been on many of our minds as we think up our own solutions to the issue.
We need the support of residents and businesses to stop street light wire theft!
Wire theft is not random, but often organized and coordinated with people even wearing vests and putting out cones. If you see anyone “working” on street lights during any time of the day or night and there is a not a City of Saint Paul vehicle near the site, please report the location and activity to the Saint Paul Police Department at 651-291-1111. Do not approach the “workers.”
To report any street lights that are out or damaged, please report the location through the online form.
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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.
The electronics collection site is located at:
Repowered
860 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Second and fourth Saturday: 9am-1pm
Items accepted
All data from electronics is destroyed physically or electronically wiped by Repowered.
- Cameras, camcorders and accessories, including chargers and memory cards.
- Cell phones and accessories, including chargers, adapters and headphones.
- Computers and accessories, including monitors, laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers and scanners.
- Televisions and accessories, including VCRs, DVRs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles and cable boxes.
See items not accepted for disposal options for other electronic items.
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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Recycling is no fairytale in the Twin Cities
Do you wonder what really happens to recyclables when they leave your home? The metro counties are teaming up to assure you that recycling is no myth. It’s real and it works here.
Minnesota is home to many recycling facilities that collect, sort, process and manufacture items made from the bottles, boxes and other containers you put in your recycling cart every day. When you put the right items in your recycling cart, they become new products, locally and regionally.
Glass bottles and jars are sorted by color in Saint Paul. Clear glass is sent to Shakopee to make bottles for drinks, pickles, salad dressing and more.
Plastic milk and laundry detergent jugs are made into durable decking, fencing and landscaping products in Paynesville, and plastic drink bottles and produce containers are made into new plastic bottles in Wisconsin and Ohio.
Recycled paper and cardboard are made into cereal and cracker boxes in Saint Paul.
Recycled food cans are made into new products like wire, and parts for cars and appliances in the Midwest.
Local efforts to recycle and reduce waste save energy, protect resources and support about 78,000 jobs in the state. Annually, the Twin Cities metro area recycles an average of 900,000 tons of paper and cardboard, metal, glass and plastic – that’s the weight of about four large cruise ships!
You can be proud that recycling works in Minnesota.
Learn more at RecyclingExists.com.
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Application for Summer 2024 youth internships is Now Open
Applications accepted through February 29, 2024.
The City's Right Track program offers internship opportunities for St. Paul youth ages 14-21 who live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment. In the summer of 2022, Right Track provided over 704 young people from Saint Paul with a summer internship or online professional development opportunity. Right Track has two primary summer employment programs, YJ1 and YJ2.
LINK TO YOUTH APPLICATION: City of Saint Paul - RightTrack
A couple of eligibility reminders:
- Youth in Saint Paul 14-21 (must be 14 by June 1, 2024, and not older than 21 by August 16, 2024)
- NEW for 2024: Limited spaces available for youth who live in Suburban Ramsey County (outside of Saint Paul).
- Youth should be able to work individually and as part of a team.
- Additional Eligibility Requirements can be found here Program Eligibility Requirements
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Warming Space Locations and Hours
Ramsey County has opened winter warming spaces in Saint Paul for residents who are experiencing homelessness. Through the end of March 2024, the following locations will be open every night from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. On Jan. 1, the Saint Paul Opportunity Center warming space closed for the season.
Central Baptist Church
420 N. Roy St.
For families and youth ages 14-24
Newell Park Building
900 Fairview Ave. N.
For women only
Phalen Activity Center
1530 Phalen Drive
For men only
Union Gospel Mission
435 University Ave. E.
For adult men only
The free shuttle service will run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Ramsey County housing services and support staff will also be answering calls and emails from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to help refer people to available warming spaces or extra shelter beds. You can also find extreme cold and winter weather safety information here.
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What's Happening At The Fairgrounds? | |
Cold Blooded Expos (Reptile Show) | |
DESCRIPTION
Quality reptiles, exotic animals, tanks, cage supplies and feeders for sale.
LOCATION
North End Event Center
HOURS
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ADMISSION
Daily Admission with Credit Card: 11 and Older: $12.00, Children 5-10: $5.00
Daily Admission with Cash: 11 and Older: $10.00, Children 5-10: $5.00
Kids 4 and under: Free
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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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