More info: 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!
This event is made possible with funding from St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, Como Park Lutheran Church, Kitty’s Corner, North Suburban Kiwanis Club, and the wonderful staff at North Dale.
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NEW @ BLIZZARD BREAKFAST: Public Works Book and Game Swap!
Before you head to the Blizzard Breakfast, gather some books and games that are gathering dust at your house, but others might enjoy. Bring up to 12 items (books, games, or both) and swap them for something new! Unlimited items to take—the more, the merrier! Check out the website for more information about the swap.
Accepted:
- Board Games
- Video Games
- Books & Magazines
- Puzzles
Not Accepted:
- Electronics
- Toys
- Games/puzzles w/ damage/missing pieces
We're also looking for volunteers to help make the event a success - email organizer@district10comopark.org if you're interested. This swap is in partnership with Saint Paul Public Works.
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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
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Cafesjian's Como Events
Hey everyone! 🎉 There's always something amazing happening in Como Park, from the stunning Como Zoo and Conservatory to the vibrant Pavilion, historic carousel, amusement park, park events, and District 10 happenings. Como Park is loaded with amazing events!
Exciting news: The Cafesjian's Carousel has just launched a new Como Events Facebook Page! 🎠Now you can catch all the fantastic events in one convenient place. Follow them to stay updated and never miss out on the fun! @ComoEvents
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The Twin Cities German Immersion School hosts Prospective Family Open Haus
On Wednesday, January 29 from 6:30-8:00 PM TCGIS will be hosting its Prospective Family Open Haus. All are invited to come for a thirty-minute tour of the school building and a Q&A with a panel of staff and current students at the end. Please plan to arrive within 10 minutes of the event's start time.
Questions? Reach out to Paige Yurczyk (pyurczyk@tcgis.org).
RSVP here!
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Winter Treasure Hunt @ Como Woodland
Sat, Feb. 15 1-2:30pm meeting @ Kilmer Fireplace (1151 Como Ave - park on Wynne)
Want to get the kids outside for some winter nature fun? The Como Woodland Advocacy Committee is offering a Winter Treasure Hunt at the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom for elementary age kids. Kids can enjoy the woods while looking for clues that will teach about how plants and animals survive in the winter time and how indigenous cultures value the land.
Younger kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided. Time and date: Saturday, 15 Feb 2025 from 1-2:30pm. Location: meet at the Kilmer Fireplace west of the Como Pool on Wynne Ave, across from MacMurray Field. Google Maps address is 1151 Como Ave, but park on Wynne. Enjoy winter!
Please register at this site. It is not required but it allows us to call you if there are changes due to inclement weather and prepare for refreshments
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WinterPlay: Interfaith Action Program at St. Timothy
Tues & Thurs thru 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.
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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.
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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):
More info on the Zoo website
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Como High School Shoe Drive
Jan 6-Mar 6 @ Como Park Sr High School (740 Rose Ave W. - Drop off at main office)
Help Como Student fundraise for their annual Family Night by donating gently worn, used and new shoes. All different kinds and sizes are accepted.
Drop off at Como Park Senior High School main office between now and March 6.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Como Exploratots season is back! Free kids ages 3-5 indoor/outdoor activity 2nd Saturdays and 3rd Wednesdays 10-11:30am @ Como Streetcar Station thru May. Register online
- This program starts inside, but will be outside for extended periods. Please be prepared for the weather!
Registration is now open for Como Zoo & Conservatory 2025 Summer Camps!
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)
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
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Application
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Como Park Lutheran Church (1545 Hamline Ave. N.) has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (PDF) for a farmers market with a modification for lot size at their parking lot at Hoyt & Hamline Ave. There is a Planning Commission Zoning Committee Hearing scheduled 1/30/25 to consider the application, comments can be submitted to ZoningCases@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Upcoming License Renewals*
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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.
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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.
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Sign Up: Plastic-Free Challenge
The Plastic-Free Challenge is a month-long effort starting February 1 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 team Saint Paul!
Or start your own team.
The challenge runs during the month of February 2025. Sign up is open now! You might learn something!
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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.
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SPPD Community Engagement
Car Seat Checkup Event
Tuesday January 28th, 4:30-8 PM at the St. Paul Police Western District Station, 389 Hamline Ave N.
Appointments are required.
To register call 651-266-5455 or email sppd-carseatsafety@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Certified technicians will check to see if the child's car seat is installed correctly. If it can't be safely used it will be replaced.
The law changed August 2024 and children should be in a booster seat until 9 years old or until they pass a 5-step test. More information at https://dps.mn.gov/driver-and-passenger-safety/cps
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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.
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Community Participation Requested
City of Saint Paul Climate Action and Resilience Plan Update
The City of Saint Paul is updating their plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build community resilience. Building community resilience leads to healthier and safer communities by reducing harm from pollution and waste. Take the survey to tell Saint Paul about climate issues that are most important to you. Visit the Climate Action and Resilience Plan update site to learn more about how you can help guide Saint Paul toward a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future!
Would your book club, block group, or church committee be interested in talking about climate change? Use the Community Conversation Toolkit to get started! The toolkit includes resources about climate change in Saint Paul, guiding questions, and tips for hosting productive and meaningful conversations. They've also included ways to share your group's feedback with the City during the plan update process.
What is the Climate Action and Resilience Plan?
In 2019, the City of Saint Paul adopted a Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build community resilience while increasing opportunities for all residents—especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts. Community resilience improves the lives of all residents by addressing harmful health and environmental impacts caused by pollution and waste.
Now it's time for the first update - a chance to ensure the latest innovations, best practices and community priorities are incorporated. The original Plan lays out a long-term vision for the City’s work. This first update will refresh the overall plan while creating the first in a series of action plans that can be implemented in five- year increments.
Learn more about how Saint Paul is working towards carbon neutrality and see data on progress in the Climate Action Dashboard.
Como Neighborhood Climate Action Plan - D10 Como Community Council is also developing a Climate Action Plan focused on individual and neighborhood level actions community members can take. After you take the City's survey above, take the Como Neighborhood Climate Action Plan Survey.
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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:
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.
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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.
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How to declutter and stay decluttered in the New Year
Do the post holidays have you feeling overwhelmed with too much stuff? Here are some tips to help you declutter and focus on buying only what you need. You’ll do good for your wallet and the environment!
Tips for decluttering:
- Start small, taking one room at a time.
- Sort items into 3 piles: keep, donate, toss. In deciding what to keep, ask yourself if it brings you joy or serves a purpose. If not, let it go.
- Use Ramsey County’s online A to Z Green Guide to learn how to properly dispose of items you no longer want. The guide also includes donation options for items in usable condition.
- Find a home for everything you want to keep and put items back in their place after each use.
- Repeat these steps regularly. And make a plan to bring less new stuff into your home.
Tips for buying less:
- Know where your money goes. Make a budget and stick to it. Sometimes that’s easier said than done when we don’t use cash for most expenses. You can try a budgeting app to help you keep track. There are many free and low-cost ones available.
- For special occasions, consider gifts of experience for others and yourself. The joy will be in making fun memories instead getting more stuff.
- Fix broken items. Not handy? Attend one of Ramsey County’s free monthly Fix-It Clinics.
- Give thrift stores a chance. Search online and in your community. You might find just what you need second-hand. Refer to Ramsey County’s reuse page for resources.
- Don’t make hasty decisions – wait a day or two and then decide if you really want that item.
- Spend less time browsing the internet or watching TV and more time socializing with friends and family in person. Or pick up a hobby to relax and fill your downtime. Community Education is a great resource for inexpensive classes.
- Keep your spaces organized and you may be less likely to add clutter to them.
Remember—less is more! More money saved in your bank account. More natural resources saved in our environment.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds | |
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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)
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Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition
Jan 24-Feb 2
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Description
Organized by the Saint Paul Vulcans, Vulcan Snow Park takes place on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
Come play in the snow, enjoy amazing snow sculptures, traverse the snow maze, and grab some food!
Location
Block 30
Hours
Snow Sculpting Competition & Maze:
Jan. 24 - 26: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Snow sculpting winners announced on Sunday, January 26th at 1 p.m.
Snow Sculpture Viewing & Maze:
Jan. 27-31: 4-9 p.m.
Feb. 1-2: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission
Free
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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. | | | | |
