September 8, 2023 | Friday | | |
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Know Your Como: A Life of Purpose and Accomplishment
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By Sonjie Johnson
An apt description of Marcia Anderson’s journey, and it’s far from over. A published author and retired collections curator for the Minnesota History Center, Marcia moved to Como Park in 1987, partly because of its nature-centered culture and community.
“Billie Pierce, my Girl Scout leader,” she said, when I asked about the influences that inspired her life and career. “I loved nature, and I was a curious kid.” Marcia grew up in Spokane, Washington, and got an MA in museum studies/anthropology from the University of Arizona. It was there where she became first interested in indigenous arts and culture. Read More...
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Citywide Drop-off Event
Saturday, Sept. 16 8am-1pm @ Fairgrounds (see map in link)
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/Rosh Hashanah Pick-Up Last Chance
As part of our coordination, we facilitate at-home pick-ups for qualifying items for community seniors and folks who unable to participate because of Rosh Hashanah celebrations. *If you qualify, live 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 and restrictions apply.
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Get Involved: Lake Como Cleanup - September 23
We're planning our next Como Lake Cleanup for Saturday, September 23, 9am-Noon. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself. We’ll meet near the dock on the lower level lakeside 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 (by Sept. 22) is encouraged, but not required, to help us plan and communicate if changes come up.
Registration has also begun for the 2023 Como Curb Cleanup, in front of your own home!
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Fall Como Tree Trek
Saturday, September 30, 10am–Noon @ Como Park
The D10 Environment Committee hosts Tree Trek, where community members can learn how to identify and appreciate the multitude of different tree species living in Como Park. Volunteer tree expert Stephanie Mirocha is our fabulous second-generation Tree Trek guide (her father was the original Tree Trek Guide).
Stephanie has a contagious passion for trees that expresses itself in so many ways on these tours, it's well worth your while!
The event is free, but please register in advance. Attendance will be limited to 25 participants.
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Como Bakers: Harvest Festival Pie Contest Returns!
Saturday Oct. 7 3-5pm @ Tilden Park
It's time to pull out your best pie recipe for the 2nd Annual Pie Contest at the Como Harvest Festival. Last year, over 250 neighbors voted on their favorites and this year, the winner could be YOU! Find out more and register your pie here - the winner will get bragging rights and a gift card to Hot Hands Pies.
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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 don't even have to download an app!
Passive House – 9/6/2023
This past week at our Environment committee meeting we welcomed John Notermann, Outreach Coordinator for Passive House, who shared about the details and benefits of Passive homes. Dave and Diane Crawford, who live in a passive house in Como, were also present to share their experience. View the recording here on our website.
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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
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Mark your calendars for 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
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2023 CRWD Lake Como Walking Tours
September 12 (Tuesday) & 18 (Monday), 5:30-7pm starting at Como Lakeside Pavilion
Experts Britta Belden and Bob Fossum from Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) will lead two educational tours along Como Lake’s walking path that highlights the lake’s history, its dynamic urban ecosystem, and the water quality issues facing it. They will also provide an in-depth overview of projects aimed at improving Como Lake (both past and future) including shoreline restoration efforts, aquatic plant control, fishery management, and major in-lake and watershed phosphorus reduction projects.
Come with your questions and enjoy a fall evening at Como Lake!
Please register in the links below or by calling CRWD at (651) 644-8888. There is a limit of 30 people per tour. Sign-up will be open until capacity is reached.
The tour will be weather dependent. An event cancellation will be sent out via email the day of the tour if storms are expected.
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Dedicate a Bench at Como Lakeside Pavillion
The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy has an opportunity to dedicate a new bench at the Lakeside Pavilion.
If you’ve sat on the moveable benches for a concert or play lately, you know they are worn (and often wind up in the lake thanks to high winds or hijinks). The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy planning to replace the worn-out benches on the Promenade in 2024 and 2025 with these dedicated benches.
The new benches will be easy to maintain, complement the historic look of the building, and, best of all, carry the name of someone you care about who shares your love of this extraordinary park! Over time, hundreds of visitors, concertgoers, and neighbors enjoying the lakeside view will enjoy your bench.
Name your bench with a gift of $1,500 today. Gifts to the Bench Campaign can be made with cash (checks or securely online), IRA Distributions, or stock transfers.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Registration for fall swimming lessons at Great River Water Park is now open. Great River will reopen for the season on Monday, September 18.
Youth winter basketball registration is now open--free for ages 9 and up!
Parks is also seeking basketball officials (16+), gym monitors (18+), scorekeepers (14+), and volunteer coaches for this upcoming season.
North Dale Rec Center (1414 N. St. Albans)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)
*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
Upcoming License Renewals*
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Automate Car Repair (991 Front Ave): Auto Repair Garage License is up for renewal Nov. 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.
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Speedway (950 Lexington Pkwy): Malt Off Sale and Gas Station Licenses are up for renewal Dec. 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.
*While license renewal dates serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.
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Historic Preservation Candidate Forum
A City Council candidate forum is planned for September 11 to address issues of the preservation of historic heritage sites and buildings in the City of St. Paul. The forums were announced by the SP Historic Preservation Political Committee.
Council Candidates for Wards 1, 4, 5, and 7:
Monday, September 11 from 6pm - 7:45pm at the Rondo Community Library (461 North Dale)
Candidates for City Council will be asked questions about their stands on preserving historic structures and features in the city. They will also be asked about the role they think historic preservation plays in the economic development of the city. Questions will be posed by leaders of the Political Committee, and members of the audience will also be able to pose questions. Eligible candidates must officially file by the August 15 and have a campaign finance report on file with Ramsey County.
The sponsoring organization for these forums is the SP Historic Preservation Political Committee (SP HPPC), a non-partisan political committee established under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The committee is registered in Ramsey County, and may collect and distribute contributions to campaigns. The mission of the SP HPPC is to support candidates for City office who support the preservation of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes through voter education, advocacy, and support through activism and monetary contributions.
Questions about the SP HPPC can be directed to Paul Hardt, Secretary/Treasurer, paul_hardt@yahoo.com or through their Facebook page.
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League of Women Voters Candidate & 1% Tax Forums

The League of Women Voters is holding numerous forums leading up to the election. You can submit questions and hear directly from the candidates. Questions can be submitted at the forum or in advance by emailing lwvstpaul@lwvmn.org. The forums will be recorded and posted online for later viewing.
Don't forget to check out The League of Women Voters one-stop-shop for all things voting at Vote411.org. Find your polling place, key deadlines, first time voter checklist, and more! By the end of September 2023, the online Voters' Guide will be up an running. Compare candidates side-by-side, share links to candidate info with friends and learn about who is seeking to represent your interests.
September 14, 2023, 5-6:30 PM, Ward 4 City Council Candidate Forum at SPNN TV Studio (550 Vandalia Street, Suite 170, St. Paul, MN 55114)
September 18, 2023, 7-8:30 PM, St. Paul School Board Candidate Forum at SPNN TV Studio (550 Vandalia Street, Suite 170, St. Paul, MN 55114)
September 18, 2023, 6:30-8 PM, 1% Sales Tax Forum (Webinar) Facebook Event
September 22, 2023, 6-7:30 PM, Ward 5 City Council Candidate Forum at Dock and Paddle at Como Lakeside Pavilion (1360 Lexington Parkway N, St. Paul, MN 55103)
Click here to learn more and forums for other wards.
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Saint Paul Regional Water Services Updates Water Conservation Measures due to Ongoing Drought Conditions
SPRWS Customers Are Encouraged to Engage in Watering Schedules Starting September 7
Although cooler temperatures are here, the area remains in a severe drought that is impacting communities across the Twin Cities and beyond. Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) is requesting increased water conservation measures. Starting Thursday, Sept. 7, SPRWS customers are encouraged to engage in watering schedules involving odd/even watering and watering time restrictions.
ABOUT DROUGHT CONDITIONS As of August 29, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shows nearly the entire state is abnormally dry and the Twin Cities is in severe drought. Enforceable water restrictions may become necessary in the next few weeks if drought conditions get worse and/or water reduction goals are not met. In the coming days and weeks, SPRWS will continue to work with water service partners, including the DNR, to monitor drought conditions in the community and formal restrictions will be announced if/when necessary.
ABOUT WATER CONVERSATION MEASURES Effective Thursday, September 7, SPRWS is asking water customers to engage in these watering schedules until the end of the year:
Odd/Even Watering
- SPRWS customers with odd-numbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor watering to odd-numbered days of the month.
- SPRWS customers with even-numbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor water use to even-numbered days of the month.
Watering Time Restrictions:
- SPRWS customers are asked to limit outdoor watering to the cooler times of the day - before noon or after 6 p.m. - to minimize evaporation.
Exceptions to the Request Include:
- Commercial uses of outdoor water, including nurseries or community gardens.
- Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required.
For more water conservation tips, visit SPRWS's website at stpaul.gov/departments/saint-paul-regional-water-services/water-conservation.
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Alley Captain Conference at October Snow Summit
Sat, Oct. 14 9am-2pm @ Dale Street Municipal Garage (891 Dale Street)
Calling all Alley Captains past, present, and future! Saint Paul Public Works Department is planning a Snow Summit on October 14 that kicks off with an Alley Captain Conference from 9-11am, for those who organize the required annual snow clearing of shared alleys.
This is a special free forum to bring together Saint Paul residents who are currently serving as the alley (or block) captain for your neighbors to learn from other alley captains. The conference is open to current and prospective alley captains - and anyone who is interested in learning more about how to organize their neighbors to get their alley plowed by the residents or a private contractor. This conference is also open to board and committee members of Saint Paul District Councils.
From 11am-2pm community members can visit with different exhibitor groups, organizations, and city departments to learn about winter preparedness and check out winter equipment. (And Food Trucks!)
The event details are still being worked out, but Public Works is asking interested Alley Captains (and wannabe Alley Captains) to RSVP to secure their spot and help them plan!
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Ramsey County Environmental Resources
Recycle old tires for free
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District has a free tire recycling program to pick up unwanted tires from district residents, which includes Ramsey County residents. Several different types of mosquitoes use water that collects in waste tires as their habitat, which can increase the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease. Tires will be collected throughout September. Learn more.
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Become a Recycling Ambassador
Registration for the fall Recycling Ambassador Program training is now open. Recycling Ambassadors undergo a six-week training to learn more about environmental health. Using knowledge gained, Recycling Ambassadors volunteer 20 hours or more annually to encourage others to reduce, reuse and recycle. Topics covered in the training include:
- Waste systems in Ramsey County.
- Composting.
- Climate change.
- Environmental justice.
- Household hazardous waste.
- General recycling.
The trainings will take place virtually using Zoom from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday from Sept. 20 -- Oct. 25.
Volunteer activities include tabling at community events, participating in neighborhood clean-ups, assisting at monthly Fix-It Clinics and more!
Learn more and sign up.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds? | |
Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
SEPTEMBER 8 - 30, 2023
DESCRIPTION
Many household products contain hazardous materials. Bring these items to Ramsey County's free household hazardous waste collection sites for safe disposal. Located in the lot south of Como Avenue.
HOURS
Fridays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Fairgrounds should be open for walking again this weekend.
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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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