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Know Your Como: Little Space Ships Traveling through Time and Space
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By Sonjie Johnson
âEvery seed contains a story of who grew it, where it was grown and the climate it was grown in.â One of the many thought-provoking comments made by Dawn Lamm, organizer of the Como Community Seed Library, during our meeting outside the pavilion.
Born in Southern California and a life-long gardener, Dawn spent most of her tween and early adult life in Nebraska. That experience, coupled with her family ties to agriculture and conservation fostered a strong affinity to growing and location. Throughout her 20âs, she visited Minnesota, and when she married in 1998, the family settled in Saint Paul. Eventually, she and her family moved to the Como Park Neighborhood. Read more...
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Saturday: Lake Como Cleanup - Sept. 28
Sat, Sept 28 9am-Noon, sign-in at Como Pavilion Lakeside (down by the docks)
We're planning our final 2024 Como lakeshore cleanup for Saturday, September 28, 9am-Noon. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself.
District 10 provides volunteer t-shirts(!) trash-grabbers, rakes, buckets, nets, trash bags, and nitrile gloves for those who need them. Or, feel free to provide your own gear. Registration (before Sept. 28) is not required, but it helps us plan and communicate if changes come up.
2024 Como CURB Cleanup
October 1 through November 30, in front of your own home!
Como Community Council is again teamed up with the Capitol Region Watershed District for the Como Curb Cleanup. When it rains, leaves on streets release nutrients into the water that flows into storm drains and the lake. There it becomes food for invasive algae. Join 100+ neighbors in sweeping your curb once a week this fall to help keep Lake Como clean with this surprisingly effective effort.
Signing up to be an official participant helps us track results and helps (a lot) to support future efforts! You can also represent with a cool Curb Cleanup Lawn Sign if you register!
Ready for a full year commitment to your storm drain? Adopt-a-Drain.org is the place to go.
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Space Limited: Como Park Tree Trek
Sat, Sept. 28 10am-Noon @ Como Park Butterfly Lot
The D10 Environment Committee coordinates Como Tree Trek where community members can learn how to identify and appreciate the multitude of different tree species living in Como Park. Volunteer master naturalist Stephanie Mirocha is our fabulous second-generation Tree Trek guide (her father was the original Tree Trek Guide).
The event is free, but please register in advance. Attendance will be limited to 25 participants.
Self-Guided Tree Trek - Anytime
In addition to the guided events each year, the Tree Trek program has also created and installed Tree Tags on 41 species of trees around Como Park and recently published detailed write-ups about each species. We encourage folks to take themselves on a self-guided Tree Trek and Meet the Trees any time theyâd like using the map on our website!
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Join Us Next Week
D10 Community Meeting- 1st Wednesdays - Oct. 2, 7pm
Hybrid on Zoom and @ NORTH DALE REC Rm. 213 (1414 St. Albans N.)
The first Wednesday of every month typï»żically hosts our Environment and Neighborhood Relations committee topics for discussion and planning, as well as guest presentations related to those issues. Occasionally tiï»żme sensitive Land Use and Board/Organizational items are included on the agenda as well.
Due to construction at the Streetcar Station, this meeting is being held at North Dale Rec Center Rm. 213 (1414 St. Albans St.)
Next week we will put a bow on debriefing Lake Cleanups for the year, ramp up into Curb Cleanup season, and check-in on the Community Garden, for Neighborhood Relations we'll finalize things for the Oct. 5 Tilden Harvest Festival, and consider a slew of Action Items including 2025 Blood Drives, Halloween Decorations, Dock & Paddle Halloween, Senior Thanksgiving Drive, Winter Coat Drive, and Pedestrian Improvements. Open to all, come join us!
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D10 Office Snafu
The Como Streetcar Station, where the D10 office is located, suffered water damage as the recent storms hit during a roofing project.
The wonderful staff at North Dale Rec (1414 St. Albans) have made accommodation for our Community meetings during construction. The surprise displacement from our office has strained our capacity in some ways.
We anticipate being office-nomads at least through October. We've restored limited ability to check our voicemail, but emailing info@district10comopark.org is recommended.
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Save The Date: D10 Harvest Festival
Sat, Oct. 5 3-5pm @ Tilden Park (1521 Albany Ave.)
Mark your calendars for the Como Community Council Harvest Festival on October 5th from 3-5pm at Tilden Park climate resiliency demonstrations, pie tasting, field games, kids crafts, and more!
NEW THIS YEAR! Bring your extra garden produce to share at the Harvest Table and take anything youâd use. Extra produce will be donated to Como Park Lutheranâs Grow-a-Row program to be donated to local food shelves.
If youâd like to help make this event a success, help us pass out flyers in the neighborhood or volunteer at the event, or sign up for the pie baking contest (we need at least 4 more entries)!
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Last Chance: Harvest Festival Pie Contest Sign-up
Sat. Oct. 5, 3-5pm @ Tilden Park
Itâs time to pull out your best pie recipe for the 3rd Annual Pie Contest at the Como Harvest Festival on October 5th from 3-5pm. Last year, over 250 neighbors voted on their favorites and this year, the winner could be YOU! Find out more and register your pie â the winner gets bragging rights and Como Gear donated by Chelsea Printworks.
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Give Blood in Como
Tues, Oct. 15, 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: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9am-3pm. Space is limited, reservations required.
Please consider giving blood, with so many working from home, workplace blood drives have all but vanished, these community drives make a huge impact!
DONOR PROMOTION: Come give blood in October for $10 Amazon.com Gift Card.
If youâre interested in volunteering at the check-in table, you can sign-up for an opening on our volunteer schedule. The drives are split into two shifts of two volunteers each, 9am to Noon and Noon to 3pm. Itâs light work and a great way to connect with another neighbor.
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Saturday: Marydale Festival
Sat. Sept. 28, Noon-5pm @ Marydale Park (542 Maryland Ave W)
Our neighbors at D6 North End Neighborhood Organization coordinate the annual Marydale Festival, a community event highlighting local artists and bringing Saint Paulâs North End Community together. There will be food trucks, live music, and activities for kids.
More info at https://marydalefestival.org/
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Jameson/Front Biochar Application
Wed, Oct. 2 10am-1pm @ Jameson/Front Garden (675 Front Ave.) Rain date: Oct. 4
The newly planted Jameson/Front Garden will be working with U of M Researchers to experiment with Biochar as a weed suppressant and soil enrichment amendment. Dr. Emilie Snell-Rood and her team are inviting neighbors to help mix and apply the biochar at the site (765 Front Ave) on Wednesday, October 2nd from 10am-1pm (rain date Oct 4th).
Come with closed toed shoes and clothes that can get messy!
Questions: Email organizer@district10comopark.org.
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St. Timothy Blessing of the Animals
Sat, Oct. 5 10:30am @ St. Timothy backyard (1465 Victoria Street, enter on Nevada)
Join St. Timothy Lutheran Church and neighbors for a tradition of the blessing of the animals on Saturday, October 5th at 10:30 am. Theyâll gather in the St. Timothy backyard (1465 Victoria Street, enter on Nevada) for a short time of prayer, followed by blessing of pets. Please bring leashes or carriers so everyone who gathers is safe and comfortable.
This event will be moved indoors in case of poor weather. View and share on Facebook here.
For more information contact pastorliesl@sttimothylutheran.org or call 651-489-0336.
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Como Neighbors Gathering to Advocate for Clean Energy in Our Community
In the wake of growing climate change concerns, a group of motivated St. Paulites have been working together to create more sustainable and budget-friendly energy solutions, block by block. SP350 and Unidos have partnered to advocate for Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) throughout the city to provide community means of heating and cooling through repurposed thermal energy. Projects like this are already underway in St. Paul at The Heights housing development and several buildings at Como Zoo. The Saint Paul school district has committed to transitioning its school buildings to geothermal heating and cooling, starting with Johnson High School.
Neighbors from Ward 5 and District 10 met with City Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim who supports this effort toward decarbonizing by 2050.
To share this vision for community-scale climate action with neighbors and elected officials, SP350 and Unidos will be hosting a âPeopleâs Climate Action Summitâ on Saturday, October 5, 10:30am-noon, at Academia Cesar Chavez (1801 Lacrosse Ave).
Registration and further details can be found by following this link: https://secure.everyaction.com/2vr5a7dHlU-Alb2q-Nw7ZA2
Thanks to Como Neighbor Claire Klein for sharing this for the newsletter.
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Como Grow a Row
This growing season, Como Park Lutheran Church (CPLC) is teaming up again with the Como Community Seed Library and Como Park neighbors to fight food insecurity through the Como Grow a Row initiative. This initiative is a way for neighbors to dedicate a garden row to donate their produce to a local organization fighting food insecurity; Every Meal and Keystone Community Services both accept fresh produce.
How to Participate:
- Stop by the Como Grow a Row table in CPLCâs Narthex to sign up or Sign Up Here.
- Choose what produce you would like to grow and donate.
- Free seeds are available at the table in CPLCâs Narthex, at some little free seed library locations, or via the Seed Checkout from the CCSL collection for pick up or by mail.
- Track your progress and share your pictures via social media with the hashtag #ComoGrowARow.
- Visit the University of Minnesota site for food safety tips when donating produce; UMN Food Safety Tips.
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If you need help delivering your produce, contact Sue@comoparklutheran.org or 651-646-7127 Ext. 2203.
More info on CPLC website
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Thur, Oct. 3 4:30-6:30pm Pickleball Open House @ Orchard Rec (875 Orchard Ave)
Winter Youth Basketball registration is Now Open (Free for ages 9+) - Final Weekend to Register
Fall Activity registration is OPEN
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
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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!
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 contact the Ward 5 City Council office: 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 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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2025 City Budget Engagement
Mayor's 2025 City Budget Proposal
The Mayor recently delivered his 2025 Budget Address, announcing his proposed budget for the upcoming year.
Mayor Carterâs budget totals $855 million, with a general fund budget increase of $24.5 million and a property tax levy increase of 7.9%, totaling an increase of about $11 per month on a median-value home.
LINKS TO THE 2025 BUDGET ADDRESS AND PROPOSAL
View the Mayorâs Budget Address, along with the full text of the address as prepared for delivery, full budget proposal documents, and highlight materials here.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL BUDGET PROCESS
Following the Mayor's delivery of the 2025 Budget Proposal, the City Council will now begin meeting with department leaders to review the Mayorâs proposed budget. As required by state law, the City Council will set the maximum property tax levy in September. Budgets may be adjusted, but they cannot exceed the maximum tax levy.
Before the end of the year, the City Council holds hearings on the budget and votes to adopt a 2025 budget and tax levy for the city. While the budget may represent changes made by the City Council to the Mayorâs proposed budget, the Mayor has line-item veto authority over the Council-adopted budget.
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Save the Date: Snow Summit - October 5, 2024
Public Works is planning the 2nd annual Saint Paul Snow Summit on Saturday, October 5. This fun, free, family oriented event is geared to get Saint Paul residents ready for winter. Come celebrate all things snow in Saint Paul! Rain or shine.
Prior to the Snow Summit, the City will host a free "Alley Captain Conference and Connections." Registration is strongly encouraged.
- Saturday, October 5
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10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Alley Captain Conference & Connections
For current or interested alley captains and district council board/committee members. Register for the Alley Captain Conference.
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Snow Summit Exhibits & Open House
Location: Dale Street Municipal Garage (891 Dale Street, Saint Paul, MN 55103)
Cost: Free to attend; Please register to attend the Alley Captain Conference in the morning
The City is planning to record all educational presentations and/or live stream them the day of the event. Recordings will be made available on the City's website after the event.
If you would like to attend and need special accommodations or interpreters, please contact Public Works in advance of the event at 651-266-6100.
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Election 2024
Register to vote or update your registration. You may register online or in person. The pre-registration deadline in Minnesota is 21 days before the election.
Voting for the general election began on Sept. 20. You may vote by absentee ballot, or in person on or before election day.
Find information on the Ramsey County website ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting.
Voting in Saint Paul
Prepare for Election Day with Saint Paul Public Library. Host of several polling sites, SPPL also offers online information and resources as well as in-person educational events to help residents connect to what they need for Election Day on November 2.
On October 8, 11am-Noon @ George Latimer Central Library learn about Minnesotaâs voting system and how to navigate information online that is timely, relevant, and accurate with Secretary of State Steve Simon. On October 16, 6-7:30pm, at Merriam Park Library go behind-the-scenes with Star Tribune reporters Kelly Smith and James Walsh to learn how they work, the ethical guidelines they follow, and how to be a wise news consumer in an era of increasing online disinformation.
Visit www.sppl.org/elections-voting for more information.
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Community Participation Requested
Met Council Water Policy Plan
Every ten years the Metropolitan Council creates policies that guide cities and their long range plans on how land should be used. There is new language in the draft that pertains to urban agriculture. This language guides how cities within the 7-County Metro will include agriculture in their plans and policies for the future.
Learn more and comment on the Water Policy Plan, and its objectives, policies, actions. Comments Due: Mon, Oct. 7.
Feedback sought on Metro Transit plan
Metro Transit is seeking your feedback on Network Now, a plan designed to grow ridership, expand job access, and better meet the region's changing mobility needs.
They want to hear from you:
Comment now through November 15. Your feedback will help ensure theyâre on the right track and determine what to focus on first. They will make the final changes in phases, depending on workforce hiring and retention.
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Domestic Violence Support & Resources
No one ever thinks that they will fall victim to domestic abuse until it happens. That is why it is so important to be able to find support and assistance quickly.
Note: many of these websites have "quick exit" links and instructions on how to clear the site from your browser history.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds | |
Minnesota Mineral Club Annual Rock, Mineral + Gem Show
September 28-29
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DESCRIPTION
This annual show features lapidary demonstrations, exhibits, kids' corner activities, rock identification, 35+ rock, mineral and fossil vendors, and food trucks.
LOCATION
Dairy Building
HOURS
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ADMISSION
Free
$3 suggested donation for 17+
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Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
September 8 - 28
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ï»żDescription
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.
Location
The parking lot south of Como Avenue.
Hours - Sept. 6-28
Fridays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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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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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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Please note that this newsletter aims to inform and publicize local events and activities in our community. The inclusion of any event or activity does not imply endorsement by the District 10 Como Community Council. | | | | |
