February 9, 2024 | Friday | |
Join Us Next Week
D10 Como Social - Wednesday - Feb. 14, 6pm
@ Half-Time Rec (1013 Front Ave.)
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, Feb. 14, 6pm at Half-Time Rec (1013 Front Ave.), 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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Como Neighborhood History Project Presents: Unveiling the Untold: Meet St. Paul's Black Rosies, WWII Heroes Who Made Munitions and History
Sat, Feb. 24, 10am-Noon @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)
Go beyond the headlines and learn about unsung heroes of World War II: Saint Paul’s Black Rosies. Como neighbor Jeremiah Ellis takes you inside the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, where African American women made bullets fly and shattered racial barriers. Their courage offers powerful lessons for our time. Discover their inspiring narratives, accentuated by pictures from their lives. Don't miss this chance to honor their legacies and learn from their resilience.
You can read more about Mr. Ellis’ work in this Star Tribune article from last year.
Questions: info@district10comopark.org
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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 feel in the loop when you show up to Half-Time Rec next week!
HHH Job Corps Intro – 2/7/2024
At this week's D10 Como Community Meeting we welcomed Ginny Nayman-Tonn, OA/CTS Manager (Outreach and Admissions, Career Transition Services) and Katie Kapaun, Center Director, from the HHH Job Corps Center on Snelling Ave to give us an introduction and update on the operations and programming for youth at their campus. View the recording here on our website.
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Give Blood in Como
Wednesday, March 6, 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 available for our next event: Wednesday, March 6, 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!
DONOR PROMOTION: Give 3/1 to 3/24 for $10 e-gift card for pet supplies and chance at $3K gift card!
If you’re interested in volunteering at the check-in table, you can sign-up for an opening on our volunteer schedule or email district10@district10comopark.org. The drives are split into two shifts of two volunteers each, 9am to Noon and Noon to 3pm. It’s light work and a great way to connect with another neighbor.
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Not Too Late: Plastic-Free Challenge
The Plastic-Free Challenge is a month-long effort thru February 29 to reduce plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics, in ways that fit best in your lifestyle and have the most impact on reducing your footprint.
Join the D10 Como Community Council team!!!
Or start your own team.
The challenge runs during the month of February 2024. Sign up now! You might learn something!
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Como Park High School Paint-a-Mural Fundraiser
Tue & Thur, Feb. 20 & 22, 3:15-7:15pm @ Como High School
Would you like to become part of Como Park's History and help paint a wall mural reflecting Como students and community? Sign up for a half hour slot or more on dates provided. It is $5 per person for a half hour or pay what you can to help raise funds for their annual Family Fun Night in May.
Above is a picture of what you'd be painting on a wall approximately 8ft by 27ft. Photo includes the faces of Como as well as community attractions like Como Lake, Conny's Creamy Cone, Como Conservatory, and things like the new MN State flag and "Community" translated in languages represented by our students. Drawing created by Como High's very own art teacher, Ms. Veszi. Just bring yourself! Paints and supplies are provided.
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Register For Como Ball!
There is a NEW baseball and softball program starting this spring - right here in Como! - and they are looking for neighborhood kids to join the fun! Como Ball is a nonprofit youth baseball and softball association with the mission of returning quality and affordable youth baseball and softball to the Como Park, Hamline-Midway, North End, St Anthony Park, and Frogtown neighborhoods. There will be an in-house league for kids aged 7-12 as well as travel teams for older kids. The season will run from mid-May thru July, with specific schedules coming soon. Check out the great article about Como Ball that was in the Pioneer Press!
Visit www.comoball.com to learn more and register today!
DONATIONS ACCEPTED: Don't have young kids but still want to support the program? Donations will go toward purchasing equipment and providing scholarships for families, so that finances are not a barrier to kids playing ball. Click here to donate!
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: If you're a local business owner, please join the growing list of sponsors by emailing comoball23@gmail.com. We love community support!
QUESTIONS? Contact comoball23@gmail.com
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Winter Monitoring at Como Lake
Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) began monitoring Como Lake in the winter months about five years ago when the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency added it to the impaired waters list for excess chloride levels. Gathering data year-round at Como Lake gives us a better picture of what is happening within the lake. CRWD’s staff collect winter monitoring data every two weeks at three locations in Como Lake.
You can read more about winter monitoring at Como Lake here on CRWD's website.
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Save the Date: Winter Sowing Workshop March 3
D10 is partnering with MnSEED to coordinate a Winter Sowing Workshop Sunday, March 3 1-2:30pm at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy). Stay tuned for more details!
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Re-Lining a Wool Coat Class
Does your favorite coat have a torn lining? Or maybe you just want to refresh your wardrobe with a fun pattern or pop of color? The MN Tool Library is coordinating a two part sewing skillshare where you'll learn how to replace the lining in a wool coat.
- Session One (Sat. Feb. 17 11am-1pm @ St Paul Tool Library) will focus on deconstruction, material selection, and pattern making; as you learn to properly remove the old lining and piece your pattern. (No lining - no problem! If you have a coat that doesn't have a lining but you want to add one, we can do that too.)
- Class participants will then have a week to acquire fabric (approx. 3-4 yards) and prepare their pattern pieces.
- Session Two (Sat. Feb. 24 11am-4pm @ John's Pizza Cafe) is dedicated to sewing the lining pieces together and then attaching it to your coat.
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This is an intermediary class. Participants should have some basic sewing experience. All students are asked to bring a seam ripper and sharp scissors to class. Sewing machines will be provided from the MN Tool Library inventory, but participants are welcome to bring a personal machine if they prefer.
Guest Rate: $30 Per Person
MTL Member Rate: $10
Register Today! mntoollibrary.simpletix.com
*Materials costs may range from $20-$40 additional per project
The second session of this class is being held at John's Pizza Cafe. Participants are welcome to enjoy food/beverages during/after class if they so desire. View this event on Facebook.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
ExploraTots (age 3-5) is returning to the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) 3rd Wednesdays this winter. Registration open for February 21 and March 20. Free
Youth Spring Sports registration for volleyball and futsal is open. Registration is free for ages 9 and up! Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U.
Find the latest on the Rec Center Ice Rinks (They're likely closed for the season)
Como Park Ski Center is CLOSED for the Season
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (2-9pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)
*Registration Required
D10 finds this info here in the Parks and Rec registration system, you can often find events further in advance than we have room here in the newsletter for!
Now seeking a concession vendor for Saint Paul aquatics facilities
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is seeking proposals from vendors to manage concession operations at four aquatics facilities: Como Regional Park Pool, Highland Park Aquatic Center, and Phalen Beach. Proposals for will be accepted through February 9, 2024 at 3pm.
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
New License Applications:
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Al's Garage LLC (997 Front Ave. - Former Duke's Location): A new Class N license application for Auto Repair has been shared with D10. Anyone with input can email the Como Community Council or contact the Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
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El Aguila (1552 Como Ave.) A new Class N license application for Liquor License - On Sale/Sunday Liquor Sales has been shared with D10. Anyone with input can email the Como Community Council or contact the Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Business License Renewals*:
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Como Golf Course & Clubhouse (1431 Lexington): Liquor and Entertainment licenses are up for renewal on April 18. 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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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.
St. Paul Public Works has a Street Lighting webpage on the issue, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions that have been on many of our minds as we think up our own solutions to the issue.
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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Boundary Waters Day at the Capitol
Wed, Feb 14 10am-3pm @ State Capitol
Join Friends of the Boundary Waters and other clean water supporters as they stand up for the Boundary Waters and make sure elected leaders understand the grave importance of clean water.
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:
- 10:30-11:30am: Rally in the Rotunda with legislators and fellow supporters.
- 12:00 - 3:00 pm: Meet with legislators and tell them to support Prove-It-First and other clean water legislation.
To make this day as successful as possible, they ask that you RSVP.
Please direct any questions to maggie@friends-bwca.org or 612-446-4676.
In addition to the Prove It First Bill, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has drafted a suite of laws designed to update laws and allow agencies to better serve Minnesotans and the water and wilderness we’re so famous for. Find out more about the legislative action on their website.
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SPPL's Read Brave 2024
Saint Paul Public Library has shared the book selection and theme for Read Brave 2024, Saint Paul's annual citywide book club. Read Brave taps into the power of books to bring residents together to read and talk bravely across generations about an issue critical to Saint Paul and its future.
Read Brave 2024’s theme is Celebrating Identities. This year’s Read Brave will focus on one young adult book title, Man o’ War by Cory McCarthy. Like themes in the book, they invite residents to dig into complexities of who we are, how we relate each other, and what it means to create a city where all identities belong. Read Brave programming will take place March 18–24, 2024.
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Application for Summer 2024 youth internships is Now Open
Applications accepted through February 29, 2024.
The City's Right Track program offers internship opportunities for St. Paul youth ages 14-21 who live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment. In the summer of 2022, Right Track provided over 704 young people from Saint Paul with a summer internship or online professional development opportunity. Right Track has two primary summer employment programs, YJ1 and YJ2.
LINK TO YOUTH APPLICATION: City of Saint Paul - RightTrack
A couple of eligibility reminders:
- Youth in Saint Paul 14-21 (must be 14 by June 1, 2024, and not older than 21 by August 16, 2024)
- NEW for 2024: Limited spaces available for youth who live in Suburban Ramsey County (outside of Saint Paul).
- Youth should be able to work individually and as part of a team.
- Additional Eligibility Requirements can be found here Program Eligibility Requirements
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Recycle Smart: Keep Plastic Bags out of your cart!
This Valentine's Day, have a heart - keep plastic bags out of your recycling cart and don't bag your recyclable materials in a plastic bag either. Plastic bags tangle in the gears at recycling facilities and are not accepted in Saint Paul’s residential recycling program. Next time you go shopping bring a reusable bag instead. Check your local grocery or retail stores for recycling or drop-off options.
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Ramsey County Environmental Resources
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.
The electronics collection site is located at:
Repowered
860 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Second and fourth Saturday: 9am-1pm
Items accepted
All data from electronics is destroyed physically or electronically wiped by Repowered.
- Cameras, camcorders and accessories, including chargers and memory cards.
- Cell phones and accessories, including chargers, adapters and headphones.
- Computers and accessories, including monitors, laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers and scanners.
- Televisions and accessories, including VCRs, DVRs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles and cable boxes.
See items not accepted for disposal options for other electronic items.
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.
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Recycling is no fairytale in the Twin Cities
Do you wonder what really happens to recyclables when they leave your home? The metro counties are teaming up to assure you that recycling is no myth. It’s real and it works here.
Minnesota is home to many recycling facilities that collect, sort, process and manufacture items made from the bottles, boxes and other containers you put in your recycling cart every day. When you put the right items in your recycling cart, they become new products, locally and regionally.
Glass bottles and jars are sorted by color in Saint Paul. Clear glass is sent to Shakopee to make bottles for drinks, pickles, salad dressing and more.
Plastic milk and laundry detergent jugs are made into durable decking, fencing and landscaping products in Paynesville, and plastic drink bottles and produce containers are made into new plastic bottles in Wisconsin and Ohio.
Recycled paper and cardboard are made into cereal and cracker boxes in Saint Paul.
Recycled food cans are made into new products like wire, and parts for cars and appliances in the Midwest.
Local efforts to recycle and reduce waste save energy, protect resources and support about 78,000 jobs in the state. Annually, the Twin Cities metro area recycles an average of 900,000 tons of paper and cardboard, metal, glass and plastic – that’s the weight of about four large cruise ships!
You can be proud that recycling works in Minnesota.
Learn more at RecyclingExists.com.
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2024 STAR grant applications open Friday, April 5
Save the date! The 2024 grant applications for the City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR programs will open on Friday, April 5.
Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods and Cultural STAR grants support arts and cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul.
Online applications for both programs will be due Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m.
Visit the program websites for more information on this year’s STAR programs. The 2024 guidelines and information on application workshops will be available in March.
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Warming Space Locations and Hours
Ramsey County has opened winter warming spaces in Saint Paul for residents who are experiencing homelessness. Through the end of March 2024, the following locations will be open every night from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. On Jan. 1, the Saint Paul Opportunity Center warming space closed for the season.
Central Baptist Church
420 N. Roy St.
For families and youth ages 14-24
Newell Park Building
900 Fairview Ave. N.
For women only
Phalen Activity Center
1530 Phalen Drive
For men only
Union Gospel Mission
435 University Ave. E.
For adult men only
The free shuttle service will run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Ramsey County housing services and support staff will also be answering calls and emails from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to help refer people to available warming spaces or extra shelter beds. You can also find extreme cold and winter weather safety information here.
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What's Happening At The Fairgrounds? | |
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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. Feb. 10
Doors Open at 5 p.m.
Bout at 6 p.m.
ADMISSION
$15
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The Minnesota State Fair employs nearly 80 year-round full-time staff members and approximately 150 seasonal and 1,750 fair-time staff members. Working at the Minnesota State Fair is an opportunity to be part of welcoming guests to celebrate the best Minnesota has to offer in our state’s most storied end-of-summer tradition. Benefits include free fair admission, valuable work experience, making great friends and so much more. Learn more about the opportunities.
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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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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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