May 26, 2023 | Friday

So far this year:

• We held a Blizzard Breakfast at North Dale Rec, where we Bethel Lutheran volunteers helped us serve a Pancake breakfast to 300 community members.
• We helped coordinate two Como Zoo blood drives, with over 100 donors.
• We partnered with St. Paul Parks and Rec for an earth day Como Cleanup, another 140 volunteers!
• We hosted the 2nd annual Pick Up and Party at Orchard Rec, hosting 100 community members.
• We helped coordinate the Como Garage Sale, with over 40 households participating again.
• This week, in partnership with Capitol Region Watershed District, we kicked off our 2023 Lake Como Cleanup season where 32 volunteers helped clean the lakeshore.

The year is only half over and now is a great time to get involved in our work! Keep an eye out for our committee meetings in these newsletters and you can always find our upcoming events here on our website. We can find a place that works for you to get involved in the community.

4th Annual Plant Sale to Benefit the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Food Shelf

Saturday, June 3, 2023 - 9am-3pm

1138 Churchill St, Saint Paul, MN 55103

Fill your garden with plants while raising money for the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Food Shelf.

Veggies, annuals and perennial seedlings will be grown by host Alison Goetzman, and other local gardeners. Plants and seeds are pay-what-you-can, and no one will be turned away. All proceeds will be donated to the food shelf at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center with a goal to reach $1,000 in donations. Read more about the fundraiser in the May issue of The Monitor.

Follow the event on Facebook to find out what plants will be in stock.

Como Graduate's Muyehpen

Exposed Brick Theatre presents the world premiere of Muyehpen, written by Como High School graduate, Ehkhudah Zar, and directed by SPPS teacher and MN Teacher of the Year finalist, Eliza Rasheed. 

Based on a folktale that has been passed down for generations by the Karen people of Burma, the play tells the story of Muyehpen, a woman with supernatural powers who sacrificed for her people. This is her story of resilience and resistance, which lives on today. 

Performances at Mounds Theatre (1029 Hudson Rd.):

• Friday 5/26 at 7:30 pm -SOLD OUT
• Saturday 5/27 at 7:30 pm

Tickets:

Tickets to all performances are sliding scale: Free-$22

You can find more info and reserve tickets here: bit.ly/MuyehpenPlay

Groovin’ In The Garden Free Summer Music Series Returns

6-8pm Wednesdays in June & July @ Como Conservatory Free

Como Zoo and Conservatory invites you to pack a picnic and dancing shoes, spread out a blanket, and join the FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays in June and July from 6pm–8pm. Hotdogs, ice cream treats, beer and wine will be available to purchase.

• June 7 Innocent Reggae Band
• June 14 13 Arrows
• June 21 Ty Pow & The Holy North
• June 28 Red Eye Ruby
• July 5 FLOWTUS
• July 12 Mubbla Buggs
• July 19 Eleganza!
• July 26 The Flamin’ Oh’s

These are outdoor concerts in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The Zoo grounds and Conservatory close at 6pm.

**If it rains, the concert will move inside the Visitor Center Porch next to the Water Gardens.

St. Tim's Neighborhood Day for Families

Wednesday, June 14 - 4:30-6:30pm @ St. Tim's Parking Lot (Victoria & Nevada)

It’s summer and time to connect! On June 14 4:30-6:30pm, the St. Paul Public Library Bookmobile and St. Timothy Lutheran Church are co-hosting a Neighborhood Day for Families in the St. Timothy parking lot (on the corner of Victoria Street North and Nevada). Join Bookmobile Staff for Story Time under the tent, and for the launch of the Summer Spark reading program. All 18 and under can bring home one free book!

Festivities will also include:

• Eggroll Queen Food Truck (Snacks and meals for $5-17)
• Ice Cream (Free while supplies last!)
• Bounce House
• Live Music
• Games

This is a non-religious event for the whole community. All are welcome!

Eco Fair 2023: Powered by Donate Good Stuff

Saturday, June 17 - 9am-4pm @ Como Park

The Eco Fair is returning to Como Park June 17. Experience sustainable living with ​creative & interactive exhibits, and activities for all ages.

FUN EXHIBITS!

• Native seed saving - MNSEED
• Meet the MN Pocket Pet Rescue Tiny Ambassadors
• Up-cycled crafts & ideas
• Water protection & conservation - Get the Lead Out with MN Pollution Control 
• Make a nature journal with Master Naturalists
• Repair and Reuse
• Energy & Clean air
• Land care
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• And more!

MINI CLASSES!

• 11am - DIY finishes & paints (adults)
• 12pm - What is 'de-growth'? (adults)
• 1pm - Make your own paints (kids)
• 2pm - Make play-dough (kids)
• 3pm - Make your own 'ellie pooh' journals (kids)

NEW: DONATION STATIONS!

Bring your....

• Paper: for secure shredding (Sponsored by Shred Right)
• Ice cream pails, zip ties & binder clamps: clean pails w/lids, zip ties and binder clamps can be any size/color (For MN Pocket Pet Rescue)
• All Writing utensils: pens, crayons, pencils, markers - working or not (Sponsored by The Pack Up Artist) There will be a 'Soothing Sort' area where we'll sort them for donation and recycling
• Lead fishing lures - "Get the Lead Out" with MN Pollution Control Agency.

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

• Group weeds: 2nd Weds: June 14 & July 12 at 5pm
• Group weeds: 4th Weds: June 28 and July 26 at 7pm
• Questions: Contact Molly O’Rourke at mollyfo.rouke@outlook.com

Location: Arona and Midway Parkway

• Spring plant & weed: Sat, June 3 - 10am-Noon
• Group weeds: 2nd Weds: June 14 & July 12 at 7pm
• Group weeds: 4th Sats: June 24 & July 22 at 10am
• Questions: Contact Jennifer Victor-Larsen at jennifer@larsentag.com

Calling All Youth Volunteers!

Want to make a difference and have fun? Lyngblomsten is looking for volunteers age 13 and up to help enrich the lives of their residents on Midway Parkway. Join for activities such as:

• Board games, card games, bingo
• Fingernail painting
• Ice cream socials and birthday parties
• Wheelchair transport
• Arts and Crafts
• Mail Delivery
• So much more!

They also offer scholarships for students who qualify!

For more information, please contact Jen: jemerson@lyngblomsten.org or 651-632-5406

2023 Summer Camp and Activity Registration Open

Como Parks & Rec Programming

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

• Taekwondo Jr June ages 6-8 - Mon & Wed in June- $60*
• Taekwondo June ages 9-21 - Mon & Wed in June - $60*
• 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
• School Year Rec Check 1st-5th Grade - Weekdays thru June 14 - Free*
• Animals/Nature & Swim Camp ages 7-11 - June 19-23 - $225*
• Baseball Camp ages 7-10 - June 20-23 - $20*
• Baseball Camp ages 10-14 - June 20-23 - $20*
• Pokemania STEAM Adventure ages 6-10 - June 26-29 - $133*
• Fishing and Swimming Camp ages 7-11 - June 26-30 - $200*
• Dance with Me Ballet Camp ages 2-5 - June 26-30 - $43*
• Baby Ballet Camp ages 3-4 - 1pm or 1:30pm June 26-30 - $38*
• Pre and Intro Ballet Camps - ages 5-7 and ages 8-11 - June 26-30 - $38* & $50*

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Taekwondo June ages 9-21 - Tue & Thur in June - $60*
• Taekwondo Jr. June ages 6-8 - Tue & Thur in June - $60*
• Slime-Tastic Art ages 5-12 - June 21-22 - $85*
• Gardening with Bill & Robert ages 7-12 - Misc dates June-August - $20*
• Basketball Skills Camp ages 8-14 - Tue & Thur in July - $15*
• Swimming Field Trip ages 7-12 - Tue, July 11, 12:30-4:30pm - $10*
• Artist Workshop Camp Ages 6-10 - July 17-21, 10am-Noon - $80*
• Easy & Fun Snacks with Luke ages 7-11 - Tuesdays starting July 18 - $10*
• Artist Workshop Camp ages 11-16 - Aug 14-18, 10am-Noon - $80*

*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*

• Como Zoo & Conservatory (1225 Eastabrook Dr.): Liquor licenses are up for renewal July 23. 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.
• 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.

*While license renewal dates serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.

Saint Paul Offering Sewer Charge Credits to Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, and Micro-Distilleries Creating Outdoor Seating

The city of Saint Paul is utilizing $150,000 of federal ARP (American Rescue Plan) Funds to provide licensed food and beverage establishments free SAC credits for the creation of new or expanded outdoor seating. These credits will subsidize up-front costs normally associated with expanding sidewalk and patio seating.

Saint Paul businesses (with customers consuming purchased food and/or beverages on site) are eligible.

Selected businesses will receive one free SAC Credit for creating new or expanded outdoor seating. One SAC credit is worth $2,485.

Funds are limited to approximately 60 businesses. If there are more than 60 applicants, a lottery will

determine recipients. Priority will go to small businesses. There will be two concurrent drawings.

• First drawing — Small Businesses*
• Second drawing (if there are remaining funds) — All Businesses

Businesses do not need to be construction permit ready to participate in the lottery.

Businesses only need to submit the Lottery form to indicate an interest in the program and provide a

nonbinding outdoor seating proposal.

Lottery winners will have up to:

• One year to submit (including any fees) a building permit for their new outdoor seating.**
• Six months (after permit issuance) to complete the project and finalize their permit.

A selected business’s new or expanded seating projects:

• Must meet all code requirements
• The project may be larger than one SAC credit. However, the business would be responsible to pay for all SAC credits required beyond the one credit.

Lottery Form due by June 9, 2023

Apply For HomeHelpMN Now

HomeHelpMN is for homeowners who have past-due expenses for their mortgage, contract for deed, manufactured home loan, property taxes, homeowners' insurance, homeowner association fees, lot rent or Tribal land lease.

The program is almost fully subscribed, and the program will soon be coming to an end – apply now before the program runs out of funds!

As assistance funds run low, the HomeHelpMN program will move to a waitlist. If your application is submitted before the waitlist, it will be reviewed subject to available funding. Applications on the waitlist will be prioritized by risk of housing displacement and submitted date and time if funds are available.

APPLY NOW at HomeHelpMN.org or call 800.388.3226

If you have questions about HomeHelpMN, call 800.388.3226. HomeHelpMN Live Chat and Call Center are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central time). Interpretation services are available.

Saint Paul Bicycle Plan Update

An updated Saint Paul Bicycle Plan draft now available for feedback. 

Over the past 18 months, city staff have been working with community members and stakeholders to update the Bicycle Plan. The Bicycle Plan guides investment and resources to make biking safer, easier, more convenient, and more connected.

Community members can review these documents or watch this video to learn more about the updates to the Bicycle Plan:

• Draft updated Bicycle Plan
• Draft Executive Summary of the Bicycle Plan
• Video Presentation on the updated Bicycle Plan

Share your feedback by posting comments on the interactive Bicycle Plan Network Map. You can also share more in-depth feedback through the survey.

The city is looking for feedback through the end of June and a representative from the project is tentatively scheduled to present to the D10 Land Use committee in June (3rd Wednesdays @ 6pm).

For more information, visit stpaul.gov/bikeplan.

Hamline Midway Library will close beginning May 28

Hamline Midway Library will close to the public beginning May 28, 2023 for decommissioning of the existing library building as the process of building a new library continues.

SPPL invites community members to check out books, DVDs, and more from Hamline Midway Library shelves and keep them for the duration of construction and return them once the new library opens.

A few things to note:

• You may check out and return materials to Hamline Midway through Saturday, May 27.  
• Starting May 15, Hamline Midway will no longer be an option to select when choosing a location to pick up your holds. 

Bookmobile

The SPPL Bookmobile will continue to make stops in the Hamline Midway neighborhood, including at Hamline Hi-Rise, Victoria/West Nevada, Lyngblomsten Apartments senior residence, and a new weekly stop at Hamline Hancock Recreation Center. Information on location hours and the Bookmobile schedule can be found on the SPPL website.

You can view the full SPPL press release here.

Free electronics recycling for Ramsey County residents

Ramsey County residents looking to get rid of computers, televisions, cell phones and other electronics now have a free and easy way to recycle them. Ramsey County has partnered with Repowered to refurbish or recycle unwanted electronics, keeping toxic metals like lead, mercury and cadmium out of the environment. All data from electronics dropped off at Repowered will be physically destroyed or electronically wiped.

The electronics collection site is located at:

Repowered

860 Vandalia Street

Saint Paul, MN 55114

Learn more about Ramsey County’s electronics recycling program and check which items are accepted at ramseycounty.us/Electronics or call 651-633-EASY (3279), answered 24/7.

Pothole Patrol

You can report potholes in the following way, depending on whether they are on a city street, county road, or state highway:

• City of Saint Paul: Email potholes@ci.stpaul.mn.us
• Or call 651-266-9700. 
• Ramsey County: Online or by calling 651-266-7100
• Minnesota Department of Transportation: Online