July 8, 2022 | Friday

D10 Meeting Updates

Environment Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 12, 7pm

The D10 Environment Committee typically meets on the second Tuesday of every month. All D10 meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.

Next week we will be debriefing recent events, preparing for the July 26 Como Lake Clean-Up, and hearing updates about Lawns the Legumes, Community Garden, and the D10 meeting schedule, in addition to some regular committee updates.

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.

D10 Offering $50 Stipends for Neighborhood Board Representation Training on July 14

Thursday, July 14, 2022, 5:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom

The U o M Center for Urban & Regional Affairs' (CURA) Neighborhood Organizing and Leadership program is looking for Black, Indigenous and People of Color who want to create change and fight injustice in their community through neighborhood board membership.

The Neighborhood Board Representation Leadership Training for Black, Indigenous and People of Color will be Thursday, July 14, 2022, 5:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom virtual meeting.

CURA believes neighborhood residents are the most powerful force against injustice in their community. The Neighborhood Board Representation Leadership Training for Black, Indigenous and People of Color values recruiting and supporting people to join their local neighborhood board to create change in their community and to transform the injustice of not having diverse voices and leadership in neighborhood groups. The program creates learning sessions and a support network for Black, Indigenous and People of Color to join their local neighborhood board and use their power to make their vision for their community a reality through organizing. 

Who is this for?

The training is open to Black, Indigenous and People of Color who want to join their neighborhood board and create local change so they are prepared to run at their neighborhood association or district council annual meeting elections, or want to inquire about board vacancies in their community.

Apply now!

Fill out this brief form to apply

Questions? Email Malik Holt-Shabazz or call 612-624-2300.

The D10 Como Community Council is offering up to 3 $50 Visa Gift Card stipends for Como community members who attend the July 14 training. Please share with your friends and neighbors. You can reach out to district10@district10comopark.org if you have any questions about joining our meetings or board!

Save The Date: Como Lake Clean-Up

Tuesday, July 26 - 6-9pm @ Como Pavilion Lakeside (by the Ice Cream Stand and Boat Rentals)

The Como Community Council, in partnership with the Capital Region Watershed District, plans multiple Como Lake clean-up events each year. Volunteers gather with others in the community to clean trash from the lake surface or shoreline. We’ll meet at 6pm near the dock on the lower level lake side 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 is not required, but it helps us plan and communicate if changes come up.

Como Community Blood Drive

D10 Como Park is partnering with the American Red Cross and the Como Zoo & Conservatory to host a series of community blood drives at the Zoo. Reservations are now available for the August 2 drive.

Upcoming Drive Dates:

• Tuesday, August 2, 2022 – 9am-3pm 

With so many still working from home, workplace blood drives have all but vanished, affecting the Red Cross’ reserve levels. Community blood drives are the perfect opportunity to take a break from the home office or start a trip to the zoo! 

If you’re interested in volunteering at the check-in table, we still have one shift available on August 2 from Noon to 3pm, you can reach out to district10@district10comopark.org.

Interested in a safe neighborhood during the fair?

After shooting incidents and other violence in the neighborhood during the past two state fairs, neighbors have been getting together to do something about safety. 

Over the past year, a small group has taken the neighbors ideas, concerns and feedback and had conversations with partners including the fair, city, law enforcement, district councils, and the city Neighborhood Safety Office. With with guidance from a local community safety expert, they have been working on a plan to focus on prevention to keep everyone safe for the 2022 fair. 

On Wednesday, July 13th from 6:30-7:30 there will be a meeting to provide an update about the efforts so far, introduce the plan and share ideas and ways for neighbors to participate. 

Violent incidents have been increasing and It’s going to take more than keeping our lights on all night to prevent them and create a safe space around the fair. We need all of us working together.

Whether you took part in the meetings last year or the survey, or are new to the conversation, if you care about neighborhood safety during the fair, you are welcomed and encouraged to attend. We can each play a part in making the neighborhood safe for all - residents and visitors alike. 

Meeting details:

• Date: Wednesday, July 13th
• Time: 630-7:30
• Location: Northwest Como rec center gym and on Zoom. 
• Zoom link TBD, contact info below.
• Note: Enter the gym - people won’t be able to enter through Chelsea school

If you have questions or would like to join via Zoom, please email Jennifervl@donategoodstuff.org.

Get Involved: Como/Falcon Heights Block Nurse Program Looking For Fair Parking Volunteers

The Como Park/Falcon Heights Block Nurse Program (BNP) is looking for volunteers to help with one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. They are looking for at least 6 volunteers to help with parking for the MN State Fair (August 25-Sept 5th).

There will be 3 shifts:

• 9am-12pm
• 12pm-3pm
• 3pm-6pm

Volunteers will be able to park for free all day to be able to attend the State Fair before or after your parking shift. They will also give you a FREE ticket to the State Fair.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please reach out to office@comobnp.org.

Como Parks & Rec

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

• Rocket Builder Design Camp ages 8-12 - Week of July 25 - $99*
• Fantasy Football Draft Simulator Camp ages 11-15 - Week of July 25 - $99*
• Nomination Walk, Blooming St Paul Showcase, all ages - July 25, 6-7:30pm - Free
• New Jr Toylab ages 5-9 - Week of August 1 - $138*
• Musical Theatre Camp ages 9-14 - Week of August 8 - $110*
• New SUMMERFEST all ages - August 18, 5-7pm - Fundraiser for North Dale Booster Club

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Minecraft Masterpiece Art ages 8-11 - Week of July 29 - $36*
• Drone Instruction Basics for Beginners ages 11-15 - Week of August 15 - $115*
• New Strategy Game Buffet Camp ages 6-10 - Week of August 15 - $89*
• New Basketball Camp ages 7-12 - Week of August 15 - $104*

*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

• 1015 Bandana Blvd: A Parking Ramp (Private) license application has been submitted for the existing ramp at 1015 Bandana Blvd. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the Legislative Hearing Officer at LH-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• D&L Food and Gas (626 Larpenteur Ave): Gas Station license is up for renewal July 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.
• Como Zoo & Conservatory (1225 Estabrook Dr.): Liquor license is up for renewal July 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.
• New 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.
• New 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.

Donate diapers to the Mothers First diaper bank

Diapers can cost $70-80 per baby each month. One in three families struggles to afford this. Mothers First is creating a diaper bank to fill Ramsey County families’ urgent need for diapers through donations from the community.

Did you know?

Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to potential health risks.

Diaper needs are a hidden consequence of poverty and lack of resources.

Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities, require parents to provide a day's supply of disposable diapers.

Many parents cannot go to work or school if they cannot leave their babies at childcare.

Drop off diaper donations - through Aug. 27

Mothers First Diaper Bank

1919 University Ave. W, Suite 112

Saint Paul, MN 55104

Sizes needed: 

• Premie - Size 5
• Pull ups, 3T-6T

Questions? Email ssd.mothersfirst@ramseycounty.us or Call: 651-266-4111

Recycle Smart

Recycling has been in the news a lot lately due to shifts in markets and international policy changes. This has left many Minnesotans wondering what is happening to the recycling placed in their carts, and what they can do now to support recycling. In Saint Paul, 100% of residential materials are marketed in North America with 85% of recyclable materials marketed in Minnesota. Even with local and regional markets, the quality control and demand for clean material is ever increasing. It is important now, more than ever, to know what can be recycled and keep problem materials out of your cart.

With support from Ramsey County, Saint Paul is running the Recycle Smart campaign to raise awareness about the importance of recycling the right things. The campaign will focus on important items to keep out of your recycling cart, such as plastic bags, large plastic items, and random metal items. Look for the campaign on Metro Transit ads, social media, and other media outlets. Learn more here throughout the campaign.

Learn what can be recycled in Saint Paul by clicking this link

Transforming Libraries: Design Workshops July 18-21

Monday, July 18, 5-6:30 p.m.

Riverview | 1 E. George St.

Tuesday, July 19, 5-6:30 p.m. 

Hamline Midway | 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave.

Thursday, July 21, 5-6:30 p.m. 

Hayden Heights | 1456 White Bear Ave.

Saint Paul Public Library is inviting community members to hear what they’ve learned through community Survey #2 and see updated design renderings, floorplans, and specifics for library spaces that reflect community feedback. 

LSE Architects will lead attendees through a visual design exercise to continue discussions on the interior and exterior design of the library, including a focus on the look and feel of individual areas in the library.

Please register for the full 90-minute, in-person workshop.

If you can’t attend, information shared at the workshop will be available online by July 23. Another opportunity for input will be available through Survey #3.

St. Paul DSI Proposing Changes for Class N Licensing Process

The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) is proposing changes to Class N Licensing in St. Paul. Class N Licenses are most commonly associated with Liquor sales and Auto Repair, but cover a variety of other businesses as well. 

The changes are intended to simplify and streamline the process for new businesses while still giving time for community notification and engagement. This includes shortening the process time after applications are submitted, but requiring notification to District Councils prior to submitting the application. Certain license types are also being removed from the notification process. You can read more about the proposed changes and Business Licensing in the links below.

What's going on at the Fairgrounds?