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August 11, 2023 | Friday

This Weekend

Fri, Aug. 11, 8:45pm | Movie in the Park: E.T. @ Phalen Beach House Free


Sat, Aug. 12, 11am-3pm | Rice/Larpenteur Block Party @ Rice & Larpenteur Free


Aug. 11-13 | Lakeside Guitar Festival @ Como Lakeside Pavilion (mostly)


Dock & Paddle Schedule

Upcoming

Mon, Aug. 14, 5-7pm | Community Gardening @ Churchill Gardens


Tue, Aug. 15, 9am & 6pm | SPPD Western District Monthly Community Meetings @ 389 Hamline


Tue, Aug. 15, 6pm | D10 Land Use Committee Agenda


Tue, Aug. 15, 7:15pm | D10 Board Meeting Agenda


Wed, Aug. 16, 6:30pm | Fair Neighbors Safety Initiative meeting @ Northwest Como Rec (1550 Hamline)


More D10 Events

Are You Bringing Como Into The Fair This Year?

Our neighbors on the west end of Como are all too familiar with the State Fair spilling into the neighborhood in a variety of ways each year. (You can sign up here for the Fair Neighbors newsletter, including the daily fair-time updates.)


This year we're hoping to also feature Como neighbors in our newsletter who take things the other direction.


Do you vie for a coveted blue ribbon with your peppers, baked goods, crop art, or other artisan activities?! Do you have a stall where you sell your art or other creations?


We'd love to hear from you and share your efforts with the community. It's always fun to have a specific muffin or collection to look for! You can send your name, Fair entry, and where it can be found (at least the building) to district10@district10comopark.org.

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D10 Meetings Next Week

Land Use Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 15, 6pm

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

The D10 Land Use Committee typically meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6pm. All D10 meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.


Next week we welcome David Eide, Zoning Inspector from the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections for a discussion of Property Related Variances Homeowners May Encounter. We'll also share any updates from the State Fair Neighbors Safety Initiative. Join us!

View Agenda and Zoom Info

D10 Board Meeting - Tuesday, August 15, 7:15pm 

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

The D10 Board meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:15pm. Meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.


Next week the board will get a presentation on Como Lakeside Pavilion Visioning from Tyler McKean, Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor and Ward 5 City Council President Amy Brendmoen.

View Agenda and Zoom Info

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.

View the Accepted Items and Pricing List

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.


Reposted from last week, now with the correct link!

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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:

  • 8/23 - Chris Koza 
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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
  • 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

Get Involved: Midway Parkway Gardens

All are Welcome! All days! All Locations!

Please join us this summer for planting, weeding and community building.


Location: Hamline and Midway Parkway

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

Rec Center Fall programming registration is now open. View the programming guide here.


Japanese Obon Festival Aug. 20 @ Como Conservatory - $3-$5 Advanced Admission Ticket Required


Parks and Rec Athletics registrations have been doing well, which is further increasing the need for referees.

Learn more and apply here (ages 16+).


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

 

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.

More Info and FAQ on Fee Assistance Program

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.

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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.

Love a Como Business? Clock Ticking on 2023 Saint Paul Business Award Nominations

Community members, residents, employees, and business-owners are invited to visit stpaul.gov/bizawards to nominate, apply, explore past winners, and gain insight into the categories and criteria for submitting nominations or applications for the award. 


The 2023 Business Awards nomination period is from July 3 through August 23. Applications and nominations are open to all type of businesses. A Selection Committee made up of past award recipients will decide on the winners. 


Award Categories:  

  • Alice O'Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment 
  • Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community. 
  • Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years. 
  • People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents. 
  • New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years. 


Nominations must be submitted no later than August 23, 2023, by Noon. Find more information and nominate a business at stpaul.gov/bizawards


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

Read the Policy

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.


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.

Recycling in Saint Paul

Food Scraps Composting

Composting your food scraps is easy and free. Drop off your food scraps including meats, bones and paper towels at one of Saint Paul's 8 locations, including in Como just west of McMurray Fields (1149 Beulah Ln). Utilizing these sites is a great way to reduce greenhouse gases and cut down on your garbage bill. Find more drop off locations at www.stpaul.gov/organics


Green To-Go Packaging Initiative

Did you know that the City of Saint Paul has a green to-go packaging ordinance? It requires food vendors to provide either recyclable or compostable to-go containers. If you're a food service business owner in Saint Paul, find details for free resources and assistance here on the City's website

What's Happening at the Fairgrounds?

Fair-time Neighborhooding

The Como Fair Neighbors Safety Initiative has started holding planning meetings for the 2023 fair.


They are hosting an in-person community meeting on Wednesday August 16, 6:30pm at NW Como Rec Center


You can sign up here for their newsletter, including the daily fair-time updates. They're also looking for more volunteers! Help with trash pickup, serve as a communication connector for your block, or just be available to be a visible and helpful presence in the neighborhood. Sign up to volunteer here.


D10 Como Community Council has a “Neighbor’s Guide” to these special rules and regulations, including detailed maps of the overlay district, and who to call to report violations.


The fairgrounds is closed to public access through duration of the fair, which runs Aug. 24-Sept. 4.


Bike to the Fair? Note that the South Bicycle Parking lot has moved to the Loop Gate (near the Miracle of Birth building), they say it's larger than the old location to so it's okay to tell your friends.

Full Fairgrounds Schedule
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Latest Crime Incident Report


District 10 SPPD Incident Report (Same as last week - updated 7/16/23-7/31/23)


Note: Our crime data is sourced from City of St. Paul dataset.


Find past reports on the D10 Website

Environmental Resources

Free COVID Resources

Thank You For Reading!

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Have something you'd like us to consider sharing in our newsletter? Email us at district10@district10comopark.org

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!

Donate to D10 Como Park
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