January 10, 2025 | Wednesday - View this email as a webpage

Como Neighborhood Honor Roll Nominations Open

Know someone who makes the Como Park area a better place to live, work or play? Nominate them for the District 10 Neighborhood Honor Roll.

The Honor Roll pays tribute to everyday people who make a sustained and lasting impact in our neighborhood or Saint Paul as a whole. You can see past Como honorees and submit your 2024 nominations on our website.

Please submit before Sunday, Jan. 13. The Como Community Council board will select three nominees to recognize for 2024.

Save the Date: D10 Blizzard Breakfast

Sat, Feb. 8 10-Noon @ North Dale Rec (1414 St Albans)

Join Parks and Rec and the Como Community Council for a Pancake Breakfast and Winter Activities at North Dale Recreation Center. Try snowshoeing, cross country skiing and skating before you warm up with a bonfire and s’mores. After all the fun outside, head inside for a pancake breakfast (sponsored and served by St. Timothy’s and Como Park Lutheran Churches, Karol Coffee (and their coffee cart), neighborhood resources, kids activity and, back this year, a LOCAL MAKER’S MARKET!

The local makers below will have booths selling their goods at the Blizzard Breakfast – help support local artist, bakers, plant enthusiasts and more at this event! - visit our website to check out this year's booths!

WinterPlay: Interfaith Action Program at St. Timothy

Tues & Thurs Jan. 7-Mar. 28 9-10:30am @ St. Timothy Lutheran (1465 Victoria St. N - enter on Nevada)

A small group of Interfaith Action faith communities will be opening their doors for families with young children to come play during the winter months. Faith communities provide space for children five and under and their caregivers to come in for large-muscle play. 

St. Timothy Lutheran Church will host WinterPlay Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 7 through March 28, 9:00-10:30am. Share the word!

For questions related to St. Timothy’s time, call 651-489-0336 or email pastorliesl@sttimothylutheran.org. To learn more about WinterPlay and its other locations, contact Rev. Rachel McIver Morey Director, Opportunity Saint Paul at rmorey@interfaithaction.org.

St. Timothy is located at 1465 Victoria Street North. Enter through the glass doors on Nevada.

Join Como Ball for their 2025 Season

Registration for the 2025 season is now open! If you are looking for a fun, community-focused baseball and softball experience for your child, you won't want to miss this opportunity. Como Ball offers leagues for boys and girls ages 5–15. Get ready for a season of skill-building, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out—sign up and be part of the Como Ball family!

Register today at comoball.com.

Abogados Offering Dry January Menu & Hours

Abogados Café is offering a limited-time Dry January menu and special hours, Friday and Saturday evenings in January 4-8pm.

You can see their No Burden of Proof menu here or follow Abogados on Facebook for the latest updates.

2025 Music Under Glass Lineup

Select Sundays & Wednesdays, Jan 12-Feb 12, 4:30-6:30pm @ Como Conservatory, Free!

The Zoo and Conservatory has released the schedule for their upcoming Music Under Glass series. Head to the tropical gardens and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass, and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm on select Sundays and Wednesdays. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase. No reservations required.

These concerts are standing room only. Because of fire code regulations, there are no chairs set-up.

2025 Line-up (4:30-6:30pm):

• Sunday, January 12 – Curt Obeda with Brian Z
• Wednesday, January 15 – Duo CORDA
• Sunday, January 19 – Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton, Pat Donohue, and Richard Kriehn 
• Wednesday, January 22 – Kashimana
• Wednesday, January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
• Sunday, February 2 – Switchgrass
• Wednesday, February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
• Wednesday, February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello

More info on the Zoo website

Seed Cleaning Events initiate Pollinator Pathways Grant

Three vibrant Saint Paul neighborhoods—Frogtown, Como, and Hamline Midway—are coming together to expand the urban pollinator corridor! Through private and public gardens, pocket prairies, and greenways, we’re creating spaces where pollinators thrive. Thanks to funding from a state Pollinator Pathways Grant, this initiative is making rewilding a reality.

The first community opportunities with this project are coming up in January. Join Great River Greening, Hamline Midway Environmental Committee and MN SEED to help clean and package community pollinator seed stock! This is a family-friendly event. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training required. Send an email to comms@hamlinemidway.org requesting to join the Bee Line News to get on the mailing list.

Seed Cleaning Dates and Registration Links (and more info):

• Jan.13 11am-12:30pm (Shift 1)
• Jan 13 12:30-2:00pm (Shift 2)
• Jan.14 5-6:30pm (Shift 1)
• Jan 14 6:30-8:00pm (Shift 2)

It’s time for the National Seed Swap Day Seed Swap 2025!  

Sat, Jan 25 1-3 pm @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy N.)

Join us for an epic seed trading session with your neighbors! Everyone is welcome from the newest and youngest of gardeners to experienced cultivators. All seed types are welcome too: native plants, herbs, vegetables, annual flowers, perennials, and more. 

Please register here so we have enough resources available. Please review this link for seed sharing guidelines which includes resources for labels, what seeds to share, and the swappers agreement. 

This is a FREE Pollinators Pathways event! Available free parking is limited to the parking lot and on-street but the streetcar station is easily accessible via the metro transit bus line. Masks are welcome. We encourage all participants to consider the health of their neighbors as this is an indoor event.

Want to volunteer your time and talents helping with this swap? Sign up here for the opportunities that suit you!

The MN SEED Project is a MN SEED team led community effort centered on empowering people through seed education: collect, clean, save, swap, and grow native, local plants from seed. This swap is part of the Pollinator Pathways of Saint Paul grant programming for 2025. Pollinator Pathways is a collaboration of Hamline Midway Coalition, Bee Line, District 10 Como Community Council, Saint Paullinators, Frogtown Green, #TESTPLOT, Xerces Society and MN SEED.

For questions contact MNSEEDProject@gmail.com

Como Parks & Rec Programming

Spring Sports Registration is now open! Featuring Futsal ages 3-14 and Volleyball ages 7-18. FREE for ages 9 and up! More info.

View Como Park downhill ski and snowboard hill hours, pass info, and classes here online.

View Ice Rink status' and Warming Room hours here

North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)

• Ice Skating Lessons age 3-5 - Sat. 1/4-1/25 - $50*
• Ice Skating Lessons age 6-12 - Sat. 1/4-1/25 - $50*
• Tumbling ages 18m-6 - Various days depending on age - $25-40*
• Taekwondo Jr ages 6-8 - Mon & Weds monthly - $60*
• Taekwondo ages 9 & up - Mon & Weds monthly - $60*
• Judo ages 6 & up - Mon 6:30-8pm monthly - $20*

Ongoing Drop-In Programming

• North Dale Girls Group ages 9-16 - Mon 5:30-6:30 - Free
• Pickleball ages 18+ - Tues & Thurs 11am-2pm - $3
• Fitness Center Membership & Walking Track - $3/day or $30/yr!
• Tot Time ages 0-5 - Mon & Weds 9am-Noon - Free
• Zumba ages 18+ - Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm - $4
• Cribbage - Mondays 9:30-11:30am - Free
• Craft Time For Adults ages 16+ - Tue, Wed, Thurs 6-8:30pm - Free
• Crochet/Knitting - Tuesdays 9:30-Noon Sept.-Dec. - Free
• Senior Day ages 50+ - Thursdays 10am-2pm - Free
• Senior Fitness ages 50+ - Tues & Thurs 9:30-10:30am - Free
• Senior Gamers ages 50+ - Tuesdays Noon-2pm - Free

Northwest Como Rec Center (2-9pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)

• Archery ages 8-17 - Thur 2-4pm 1/16-2/13 - $60*
• International Foods w/ Seigenn ages 9-12 - Fri. 1/10-1/31 - $25*
• Flag Football Skills ages 9-12 - Wed. 1/15-2/05 - Free*
• T. Swift Era Kidcreate Studio ages 5-12 - Mon 2/3-3/3 - $75*
• Taekwondo Jr ages 6-8 - Tues & Thurs monthly - $60*
• Taekwondo ages 9 & up - Tues & Thurs monthly - $60*

*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.

Neighborhood Notes

Upcoming License Renewals*

• Al's Garage (977 Front Ave): Auto Repair Garage license is up for renewal Apr. 1. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 5 City Council office: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• K & L Sales (1523 Como Ave): Second Hand Dealer - Motor Vehicle license is up for renewal Mar 29. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 4 City Council office:  ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

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

Disposal of Holiday Items

Holiday Trees:

One live holiday tree is included in the Citywide Collection program between January 2 - 15 each year. Place your tree next to your garbage cart on your regular collection day. Live trees exceeding 6' and 20 pounds are not included. Take it to a Ramsey County yard waste site for free, where it will be mulched and later used as fuel.

Wreaths, Garland, and Greenery:

Put real greenery in the trash, preferably in a plastic bag. Holiday greenery is not accepted at yard waste collection sites because of the likelihood of contamination from metal wires and decorations.

Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Ribbons & Bows:

Most wrapping paper and gift bags are recyclable. Wrapping paper with glitter or foil, tissue paper, ribbons, and bows are not recyclable; put them in the trash.

For more details on these go to stpaul.gov/recycling/holiday-disposal.

Saint Paul Public Schools Enrollment

Open Houses & Tours

Between now and the Feb. 14 priority enrollment deadline, schools are hosting open houses and offering tours and shadowing opportunities for prospective students. The open house schedule is available at spps.org/openhouses. Families do not need to register to attend! Please share the flyer and/or social media graphic linked below with your networks.

Many schools also offer tours throughout the week. Families should contact the schools they are interested in touring for more information and to sign up.

School Choice Info Session

The SPPS Student Placement Center will host a information session to help families make the best school choice for their student on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5-7 p.m. at 360 Colborne St. Families can get their questions answered about our schools and application process, including the early admission to kindergarten option.

Special Election for District 3 County Commissioner

Tuesday February 11, 2025 @ Find Your Polling Place (Absentee Voting Began Dec. 27)

There is a special election being held for the Ramsey County District 3 County Commissioner seat vacated by Trista Martinson in August. Special Election Day is February 11.

District 3 County Commissioner serves residents of the following communities: Falcon Heights and Saint Paul neighborhoods of Payne/Phalen, North End/South Como, All of Como Park, Frogtown, Hamline-Midway and St. Anthony Park. Find a District Map Here.

The League of Women Voters of St. Paul did hold a Candidate Forum for this election back in September, you can find the recording on LWV-SP YouTube.

Community Participation Requested

Committee Openings

Advisory Committee on Aging Openings

The ACOA has three openings for people aged 55 and older.

ACOA consists of residents and community partners who advocate for and provide policy guidance to the City of Saint Paul on aging and seniors, promoting their dignity and independence. Powers and duties include examining city services, advising the mayor on ordinances affecting older residents, advocating on issues impacting seniors, and more.

For more information, questions, and to apply go to stpaul.gov/seniors.

HREEO Commission Openings

The Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission (HREEO) has several vacancies. Mayor Carter encourages applicants to get recommendations from their City Council members.

• The HREEO Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Department, reviews the performance of the Department and hears and determines discrimination complaints under the Saint Paul Human Rights Ordinance.

Last Chance - St. Paul HUD Consolidated Plan     

The City of Saint Paul is in the process of gathering community input for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.

Each year, Saint Paul receives about $8 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan identifies priorities for how to use these funds to address housing, economic development, public facilities and infrastructure, and public service needs.

The Consolidated Plan helps local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, and make data-driven, place-based investment decisions.

Visit engagestpaul.org/conplan to learn more about the process and share your feedback through the online survey (available in English, Hmong, Karen, Spanish, and Somali) thru Jan. 16.

Ramsey County overnight Winter Warming Spaces for people who are unsheltered

Three Ramsey County Winter Warming Spaces are open, providing a safe, warm place to stay overnight from 9pm - 7am These spaces will be available through March 31, 2025.

Each location offers seating, blankets, light snacks and warming supplies (such as hats) when available. The sites include:

• Phalen Activity Center, 1530 Phalen Dr (adult single males)
• Newell Park Building, 900 Fairview Ave. N. (adult single males)
• The Holy Christian Church, 125 Stevens St. W. (women only)
• St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, 100 Oxford St. N. (families and youth up to age 24)

Shuttle service is available to and from the sites. Contact Ramsey County staff at 651-266-1035 or email ColdWeatherReferrals@ramseycounty.us to receive a referral. 

Learn more at ramseycounty.us/WarmingSpaces.

Free citizenship services available for Minneapolis and St. Paul residents

If you live in St. Paul or Minneapolis, you may be eligible for free support and legal representation throughout your citizenship application process. Becoming a U.S. citizen provides many important benefits, including the ability to vote, protection from deportation and access to higher paying jobs. Learn more about how to apply for citizenship in these Spanish and English videos sponsored by the City of Minneapolis, or click below.

Citizen and Immigration Resources from the International Institute of America.

Bulky Item Pick Up

St. Paul residents have 2-3 bulky items, depending on cart size, included in their garbage program each year. Call your hauler to schedule pick up. Bulky items are anything that is too large to fit inside or is prohibited by law from being placed in your garbage cart, including furniture, appliances, electronics and mattresses.

Visit the City of St. Paul’s residential garbage website

How do I dispose of broken string lights?

Non-LED string lights may be placed in the trash. LED string lights cannot go in the trash because they contain printed circuit boards and are considered hazardous. Bring LED string lights to a household hazardous waste collection site for free.

Libraries too! Drop off your broken or unwanted string lights and cords at any Saint Paul Public Library now through January 22, 2025. Look for the "Holiday String Light Recycling" bin at your local library. Learn More.

Do you have a question about recycling and disposal and can’t find the answer in Ramsey County's A to Z Green Guide? Call their Recycling & Disposal hotline at 651-633-EASY (3279) or send a message.  

What's Happening at the Fairgrounds

Ice Castles

Description

The winter attraction features tunnels, caverns, towers, fountains, and slides, built entirely from ice. Features are weather dependent, and may be temporarily closed or unavailable due to weather.

Location

Parking lots South of Randall Ave.

Hours - Thru Feb. 17

Mondays: 4-9 p.m.

Tues & Weds: CLOSED

Thursdays: 4-9p.m.

Fridays: 4-10 p.m.

Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sundays: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Holidays: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission

Please see website for pricing. (Ranges from $12-$24)

Winter Antique Show

January 11-12

Description

100+ dealers exhibiting indoors at the Warner Coliseum. The dealers offer a unique blend of antique furniture and collectable items. Interested dealers can visit the website or call Prime Promotions directly.

Location

Warner Coliseum

Hours

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission

General: $10 ($9 with coupon)

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.