August 4, 2023 | Friday

Get Involved: Volunteer at the Citywide Drop-off Event Sept. 16 @ Fairgrounds

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.

Volunteers get a voucher for a free drop-off and there will be food provided. Sign up for a shift on our Volunteer Registration Form!

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. 11, 2023. Everything must be outside in front of your house by 8am Saturday, Sept 16, 2022. Rates apply.

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 don't even have to program your VCR!

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood? – 8/2/2023

This past week we welcomed St. Kate’s students Eva Ngono and KC Meredyk who, 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. View the recording here on our website.

Artist with Como Roots Featured at MN Zoo's new Treetop Trail

The new Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo that has been making the rounds in various news outlets also includes an art exhibit at its brand new Hanifl Nature Center.

The Nature Center is a central access point to the Trail and is dedicated to nature education and trees. The art exhibit, titled Rooted in Nature: Inspired by Trees, features select Minnesota artists’ works centering around the themes of Human Connections, Parts of a Tree, Trees through the Seasons, and Minnesota Trees.

The artist, Stephanie Mirocha, who grew up on Midway Parkway and guides our wonderful Como Tree Treks, presents 3 of her artworks displayed in the exhibit under the section Parts of a Tree. All three paintings zoom the viewer in to the closeup world of trees -- an Ohio buckeye blossom in spring, a “flowering” red pine pinecone, and a cluster of newly emerged red maple samaras, (a.k.a. helicopter wings). Created in watercolors of different sizes, the paintings depict Mirocha’s joyful connection and inspiration arising from trees.

Rooted in Nature will be on display through December 31, 2023. More information on Mirocha’s art appears on her website, https://stephaniemirocha.com/ or her Facebook page.

Stephanie and her husband, Erling Ellison, who now live in Aiken, also have had a booth, Otter Creations, at the State Fair since 2011 in the center aisle of the Merchandise Mart, with their paintings and jewelry.

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

Only a couple opportunities left to catch these. 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:

• 8/9 - 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!

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

Heads up: We've heard that the Rec Center Fall programming registration is set to open on Monday, August 7. You should be able to view the programming guide here.

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)

• Thur, Aug 10, 5-7pm | Safe Summer Nights - Incl. Pick-up Basketball Tournament - Free
• Glow-in-the-Dark Art ages 4-9 - Aug. 14-17 - $130*
• New Extreme Robotics: Medieval Madness ages 7-11 - Aug. 21-24 - $145*
• New On the Go Camp ages 10-15 - Aug. 21-25 - $250*
• 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)

• Family Disco Skate Night - Wed, Aug 9, 6-8pm - Free
• Jr. Engineering: Theme Parks ages 5-9 - Aug. 7-10 - $120*
• Musical Theatre Camp ages 6-10 - Aug. 14-18 - $175*
• Artist Workshop Camp ages 11-16 - Aug 14-18, 10am-Noon - $80*
• New Intro to Video Game Design: Nintendo ages 6-9 - Aug. 21-24 - $133*

*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*

• Duke's Car And Towing (977 Front Ave): Auto Repair Garage License is up for renewal Oct. 18. 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.

Mayor to Deliver 2024 Budget Address August 10

Next Thursday, August 10, Mayor Carter will deliver the 2024 Budget Address. The address is free and open to the public to attend in-person.  

Mayor Carter’s 2024 City Budget Address   

Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 10am 

Civic Plaza at Highland Bridge  

2270 Bohland Ave  

Saint Paul, MN 55105 

The 2024 Budget Address will also be live streamed online on the city’s Facebook page. For more information about the City of Saint Paul’s budget, visit Open Budget Saint Paul online at budget.stpaul.gov.  

The Mayor will also deliver the 2024 Library Budget Address the same day at 12:30 p.m. at the Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116).  

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.

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 Health Presents Series: Food Security Needs

Ramsey County invites community members to Public Health Presents on Wednesday, August 23 at the Rondo Library (461 Dale).

Learn how Ramsey County facilitated a Food Security Needs Assessment using qualitative and quantitative data to address their role in supporting greater food security. The assessment was rooted in community engagement and included broad stakeholder input from partners across the food system.  

The presentation will share the process and the findings of the assessment and discuss next steps for a county to combat food insecurity. The results are being used to build a more resilient food system for all residents, especially those who are most vulnerable to food insecurity, such as our racially and ethnically diverse communities. 

Presenters:

• Carissa Dillon, MPH, RD, Ramsey County Planning Manager
• Sarah Auten, MA, Ramsey County Planning and Evaluation Analyst

What you will learn: 

• The assessment process of qualitative and quantitative data collection, with a particular focus on community engagement and how to utilize county-specific primary data for strategic planning.
• How to apply findings to address food insecurity incorporating a race and health equity lens. 
• A general understanding of the general status of food insecurity on Ramsey County community members. 

The presentation will include questions and discussion.

Registration is required: ramseycounty.us/PHpresents

Ramsey County Environmental Resources

New yard waste site policy: Dumping trailers

Starting Sept. 1, 2023, mechanical or hydraulic dumping trailers and dump trucks will not be allowed at Ramsey County yard waste sites - this includes both residential and commercial equipment. Dumping trailers and dump trucks pose safety and contamination concerns and are primarily used by commercial services, which are not permitted at our yard waste sites. If you have a dumping trailer or dump truck, you should use a commercial yard waste site. 

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

Recycle Smart

Bulky plastic items, including lawn chairs, children’s toys and laundry baskets cannot be put in your recycling cart.

If items are still in good, usable condition, donate the items. If they are not usable, find out how to dispose of them at https://ramseycounty.us/residents/recycling-waste/a-z-disposal-guide

Recycle your Mattel toys

Mattel has a program to recycle some old toys. Mattel PlayBack currently accepts Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Matchbox® and MEGA™ toys. Some materials will be recycled into new items, other materials will be converted from waste to energy. Find out more about this program at https://shop.mattel.com/pages/playback.

No information available on recycling your Oppenheimer action figures.