December 8, 2023 | Friday | | |
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2024 D10 Como Community Calendar Dates Solidify | |
While most of the details are still barely a glimmer in our eyes, the D10 Committees have set preliminary dates for most of our 2024 outreach and cleanup events to help us plan and increase the opportunities for collaboration with the city and our other community partners.
We’re kicking the year off with a February 3 Winter event at North Dale Rec. Stay tuned for more details, or connect with us at our community meetings on First Wednesdays at 7pm to help us with planning!
If you have any questions or would like to know more about our upcoming events you can view the latest info on our website at District10ComoPark.org/Events or reach out to organizer@district10comopark.org.
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Get Involved: Como Coat Drive
The Como Community Council is partnering with the International Institute of MN to help give New Minnesotans a warm welcome.
From December 1-20, we will be collecting new or GENTLY used and laundered COATS sizes S-L (small and medium especially), thick (not a light jacket or peacoat) at one of our drop off locations below:
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2023 Como Curb Cleanup REPORTING
Como Community Council partnered with Capitol Region Watershed District on this year's Como Curb Cleanup.
Thank you for participating in our 2023 curb-cleaning efforts, we had over 70 households sign up to participate and we loved seeing the signs out in the neighborhood! (Thanks to Mike Ireland for tirelessly delivering them!!). Now we need everyone to take just another minute to fill out our brief reporting form.
Did you participate in curb cleaning but didn't sign up? You can still report your efforts for our community totals!
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. Your efforts to reduce this nutrient flow has a huge impact!
Tracking results helps us a lot with supporting future efforts! Once we've collected the data we'll share the result in the D10 Newsletter a well on the D10 website.
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Join Us Next Week
D10 Social - Wednesday - Dec. 13, 6pm
@ Gabe's (991 Lexington Pkwy)
The Como Community Council is putting down the gavel once a month for a social gathering. This agenda-free meet-up will vary in time and location, but will generally happen between our two monthly meetings on the second Wednesday each month. You will find the details here in the newsletter or on our website.
These events are open to all. They provide an opportunity for D10 regulars, veterans, and newcomers to get to know one another outside our formal meetings. No board business is conducted at these meet-ups.
Join us Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6pm at Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen (991 Lexington Pkwy), our table(s) will be identified with the D10 logo marker adjacent to this text. Come say hi!
Questions? Email district10@district10comopark.org
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Talent Wanted
The Como Community Council is seeking PAID musical/entertainment acts for their 2024 community events that represent the growing diversity of our community. If you or someone you know is part of a historically underrepresented group (LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Renters, Youth or Senior) and has an act you'd like us to consider, please contact organizer@district10comopark.org.
Saw a great act at another event? Send us a referral and we'll get in touch with them!
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Como Makers Wanted
The Como Community Council is looking for neighborhood makers who are interested in selling their goods at our upcoming Como Blizzard Breakfast (Sat, Feb. 3 10am-Noon). This event attracts over 200 community members and we're excited to support our local community makers!
Space is limited, so please contact organizer@district10comopark.org by January 1 if you're interested.
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D10 On-Demand
Through the miracle of modern technology, most of our Como community meeting presentation recordings are available to view on our website. You can even watch on 2x speed.
Booth Brown House – 12/6/2023
At this week's D10 Como Community Meeting we welcomed Erin Foss, Program Director of the Booth Brown House on Como Ave to give us an introduction and update on the operations and opportunities available at their facility. View the recording here on our website.
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Give Blood in Como
Wednesday, December 13, 9am-3pm @ Como Zoo
D10 Como Park partners with the American Red Cross and the Como Zoo & Conservatory to host community blood drives at the Zoo. Appointments are now availble for our next event: Wednesday, December 13, 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!
There's also an opening to volunteer at the blood drive check-in table from Noon-3pm.
DONOR PROMOTION: Give blood at our Dec. 13 events and get a $10 Amazon.com credit!
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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. Below is an excerpt from St. Paul Public Works webpage on the issue. Please help by reporting suspicious activity when you see it.
In the recent years the City of Saint Paul has experienced significant and reoccurring theft of the wire from street light fixtures both in City right of way and parks. While this issue is not unique for other cities and municipalities across the nation, Saint Paul has seen an increase in wire theft since early 2021.
If residents notice that the street lights are "on" during daytime hours, please know that this is intentional. The energized lights helps deter, but not prevent, wire theft.
City staff has put additional resources to repair and replace street lights that have been damaged due to wire theft, only to have the new wire stolen again within a matter of hours. More areas of Saint Paul remain dark as we cannot repair and replace the wire as fast as it is being stolen.
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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Get Involved: Join The Como Woodland Advisory Committee!
The Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom is looking for 4-5 individuals to join their Advisory committee.
Advisory committee members work with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation staff to care for the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom, document the flora and fauna in the Woodland, and promote the Woodland by offering educational tours.
The Advisory committee meets roughly monthly throughout the year to take part in stewardship activities and plan educational events.
To express interest, please answer 2 short questions on this form and the committee will get
back to you.
Questions? Contact Britt Forsberg, brittmforsberg@gmail.com
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Cookie Decorating and Cocoa
Sun. Dec. 17, 3-5pm @ Mt. Olive Lutheran (1460 Almond Ave)
Following up on their recent Bread Clinic event, Mount Olive Lutheran is inviting community members to come decorate Christmas Cookies and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa. FREE.
Find their Facebook event here.
Know of other community events happening in the neighborhood? Reach out to district10@district10comopark.org to get your info here in the newsletter.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
New Registration Software
St. Paul Parks & Rec is transitioning to a new registration system and point-of-sale (POS) software. The new system, RecTrac, hopes to better connect community to resources and create a more user-friendly experience.
Our understanding is that users will need to create a new account in the new system. Further, we've heard that Jan-Feb programming registration will go live early next week, so get signed up before the other parents know what's going on! Apologies if the links below all go bad over the weekend as the new system rolls out.
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (12:30-8pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)
*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
Business License Renewals*:
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Ted’s Recreation (1084 Larpenteur Ave): Liquor & Entertainment licenses are up for renewal Jan 31. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 5 City Council office: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
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Half-Time Rec (1013 Front Ave): Liquor, Gambling, & Entertainment licenses are up for renewal Feb 20. 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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Promoting Community Safety: The Crucial Role of Responsible Firearm Storage
A Message from St. Paul Chapter of Moms Demand Action
A sobering reality our community faces is the impact of firearm-related incidents, particularly those arising from unsafe storage practices. When guns are not securely stored many dangers arise: accidental harm from a child “playing” with a loaded weapon; the ease of access for a person struggling with mental illness; and the risk of the weapon being stolen and used for criminal purposes. These are not just threats, but reality in Minnesota. In October, a four-year-old in Martin County wounded his younger sibling after finding an unsecured gun in the seat of a car. Each year approximately 351 people in Minnesota die by firearm suicide, with the availability and effectiveness of firearms increasing the risk of a fatal outcome. Equally concerning is the alarming rate at which guns are stolen from vehicles. The FBI reports that approximately one gun is stolen from a car every 15 minutes on average in cities across the country. In the first two quarters of 2022, the St. Paul Police Department identified that 52% of stolen guns recovered from crimes were stolen from motor vehicles.
Since May 2023, it is also the law in St. Paul that guns must be securely stored following the amendment of Chapter 225 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Secure storage measures, such as gun safes and gun locks, can play a crucial role in preventing unauthorized access to firearms and ensuring compliance with the city ordinance. By practicing and encouraging responsible storage and fostering a culture of awareness within our community, we can collectively contribute to reducing the incidence of firearm-related tragedies and make our homes and streets safer for everyone.
To receive a free gun lock or more information on this issue, please email stpmomsdemandaction@gmail.com. Secure firearm storage saves lives. Secure Storage Factsheet (PDF)
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Met Council Public Listening Sessions
The Metropolitan Governance Task Force is hosting an upcoming series of Public Engagement Listening Sessions. The following meeting dates are reserved explicitly for conducting public listening sessions and hearing testimony from citizens.
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Friday, December 8 at 2pm at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul
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Thursday, December 14 at 12pm at the Lake Elmo City Center in Lake Elmo
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Friday, January 5, 2024, at 12pm at the University of Minnesota's Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) in Minneapolis
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Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6pm at the Scott County Government Center in Shakopee
Additional information on each of these public engagement meeting dates can be found on the Task Force's webpage.
The Task Force is particularly interested in hearing public testimony regarding the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council, including input into whether the Metropolitan Council's board should remain solely governor-appointed or whether other options such as an elected board, council of governments (COG) structure, or something else should be considered instead. The task force would also like input into how the Metropolitan Council could be made more transparent and/or accountable.
If you would like to provide testimony to the Task Force, please join the Task Force in-person on one of the above dates at the designated location. If you would like to speak at one of these meetings, please contact Taylor Koehler at taylor.koehler@lcc.mn.gov. Those who do not sign up in advance may still be able to speak at the meeting if time permits. Even if you don't wish to speak yourself, the task force still welcomes your attendance and engagement!
If you are unable to attend these public engagement specific meetings, you may still provide public testimony, either written, virtual, or in-person at the Task Force's regular meetings. Please contact Taylor Koehler at taylor.koehler@lcc.mn.gov to arrange this testimony.
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Ramsey County Environmental Resources
Saint Paul Regional Water reports elevated levels of lead in recent water testing
Saint Paul Regional Water System (SPRWS) found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes during its most recent sampling, June-September 2023.
SPRWS tested tap water samples from 105 homes within its service area and found 13 were above the federal action level for lead. Lead is rarely found in natural water sources. Homes built before 1946 may still have lead service lines that connect them to the public water system.
Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. The most common source of lead exposure is from deteriorated lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in homes built before 1978.
Ramsey County encourages residents to work with their healthcare providers to get their children screened for elevated blood lead levels – especially those most at risk for serious health problems. When pregnant women and children are diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels, the county works with families to identify sources of lead exposure and provides services to remediate and reduce risk to continued exposure.
SPRWS maintains a lead service line inventory where residents can look up their property to see if they have a lead service line and are eligible for a no cost replacement. SPRWS also offers free water testing to residents in its service area which includes Saint Paul and other Ramsey County communities.
Contact Saint Paul – Regional Water at 651-266-6350 for information on obtaining a water sample container for testing.
East Side Neighborhood Development Company is holding free lead testing clinics in December.
Learn more about lead at home.
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Collection programs switch to winter hours
Ramsey County's yard waste and household hazardous waste collection sites are now operating on winter hours.
Yard Waste
Saturdays - 9am-5pm.
Sundays - 11am-5pm.
Household Hazardous Waste
Fridays and Saturdays - 9am-4pm.
These hours are in effect through March.
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Recycle Smart: Recycle holiday lights & cords at Saint Paul Public Libraries!
Through January 22, recycle your holiday lights and cords at any Saint Paul Public Library or Saint Paul Regional Water Services (1900 Rice). Look for the "Holiday Light Recycling” drop off bin.
Accepted items: Holiday lights, electric cords, telephone cords.
Prohibited items: Cord adaptors, battery packs, plastic rope lights, CFL lights.
Holiday lights and cords cannot be put in your city recycling cart. For more details, visit http://stpaul.gov/recyclingholidaylights.
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Ramsey County Housing Stability
2023‐2024 Cold Weather Plan for Unsheltered Residents
Ramsey County Housing Stability will operate warming spaces every night this winter from Nov. 15-Mar. 31 to supplement existing shelter beds, and will provide referral and transportation to and from these warming spaces.
These spaces will provide seating, blankets, light snacks and beverages (such as coffee and cocoa), and warming supplies (such as mittens and hats).
These low‐barrier spaces will be open every night from 6pm-9am.
Primary Overnight Warming Spaces
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Single Adults
St. Paul Opportunity Center
422 Dorothy Day Place
St. Paul, MN 55102
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Families & Youth ages 14‐24
Central Baptist Church
420 N. Roy St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
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Overflow Warming Spaces (as needed) | |
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Single Adults
Phalen Activity Center
1530 Phalen Dr.
St. Paul, MN 55106
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Families & Youth ages 14‐24
Newell Park Building
900 Fairview Ave N.
St. Paul, MN 55104
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Transportation
- Van transportation loops will operate every night from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 A.M.
- One loop will include the adult warming spaces, Listening House, Safe Space, and Regions Hospital.
- A second loop will provide transportation for families and youth to those warming spaces.
Staff Contact Information
- Referral staff will be on duty from 5:00 P.M. – 1:00 A.M. to refer people to open shelter beds and warming spaces.
- Contact referral staff at 651‐266‐1050 or ColdWeatherReferrals@co.ramsey.mn.us.
- Family shelter staff can be reached 7:00 A.M. – 5:15 P.M. at chs.fas.shelterteam@co.ramsey.mn.us. After 5:15, people can contact the cold weather referral line or go directly to a Warming Space.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds? | |
North Star Roller Derby
DESCRIPTION
North Star Roller Derby is a member-run, nonprofit roller derby league based in Minneapolis. Skaters play a version of the roller derby you may have seen on TV in the 80s, but on a flat track instead of a banked track.
LOCATION
Warner Coliseum
HOURS - Sat. Dec. 9
Doors Open at 5 p.m.
Bout at 6 p.m.
ADMISSION
$15
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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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