District 10 Como Community Council
Como council adds 3 to Honor Roll*
The Como Community Council has selected Jonah Fields, Laura Flockencier, and Maggie Zimmerman as District 10’s 2019 additions to the Saint Paul Neighborhood Honor Roll. District 10’s honorees were among those nominated by neighborhood residents. A little bit about them, according to their nominators:
- Jonah Fields. He is the boys’ soccer coach at Como Park High School, where members of his team speak eight languages. Many are refugees from Thailand, and some have never played before. Yet Jonah gets them to play together — and well. Jonah also runs a children’s soccer clinic at Northwest Como Rec Center and coaches a summer team of U12 girls.
- Laura Flockencier. Laura started Girl Scout Troop 55229 when her first daughter was in Daisies. She continues to lead the troop even though her own girls have aged out. She offers as many as 14 hours of activities per month, gives even more time than that to families, and has the girls involved in everything from camping to service projects. Those projects include the annual Como Park cleanup, leaf-raking for neighbors, and food and winter clothing drives.
- Maggie Zimmerman. As District 10 Land Use chair person, Maggie navigates the head-on conflict between the Twin Cities German Immersion School’s expansion plans and some neighbors’ campaign to gain historic designation for the former St. Andrew’s church building. She maneuvers through this potential land mine with grace and humor and incredible mediation skills. Speaking of land mines: Maggie also helps moderate the Como Park Neighbors Facebook group. Plus, she delivers Meals on Wheels in the neighborhood.
The annual, citywide award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations who make a sustained and lasting impact on the quality of life in their neighborhood and the city. Nominees from District 10 and the city’s 16 other planning districts will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 25, at the University of St. Thomas. Ultimately, they will be immortalized with their names on a plaque at City Hall.
Upcoming District 10 Meetings
- Environment committee: Wednesday, Jan. 30.
- Neighborhood Relations and Safety committee: Tuesday, Feb. 5.
- Land Use committee: Tuesday, Feb. 12 (this meeting is rescheduled from its usual day).
- Como Community Council monthly meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 19.
All meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington Parkway and Horton Avenue. Renters, homeowners, and other community members are invited to attend and participate. Whenever possible, agendas are posted in advance in the “Board News” section of District 10’s website.
Streetcar Station Open Once a Month
With the change of seasons, the Como Park Streetcar Station is now open only on the first Sunday of each month. But it is still a great chance to pick up organics recycling bags or kitchen starter kits, or chat with a District 10 board member. Hours remain the same: noon to 4 p.m. Upcoming dates are Feb. 3 and March 3.
Submitted by Michael Kuchta, executive director of the District 10 Como Community Council.
Transition Town — All St. Anthony Park
This neighborhood-based group working for a local response to climate change has two regular standing committee meetings open to the public:
- ïThe Planning Group meets Thurs., Feb. 28 (and every fourth Thursday), 7-8:30 p.m. at CoCreatz, 2388 W. University Ave., to plan projects for a smaller carbon footprint and a stronger community: a positive local response to climate change. Come early at 6:30 p.m. for social time. TransitionASAP.org
- ïThe Transition Your Money Group meets Wed., Feb. 20 (and every third Wednesday), 6:30-8 p.m. at Lori’s Coffee House, 1441 N. Cleveland Ave. It explores ways citizens can align their money decisions with the values of community and sustainability. TransitionASAP.org/TransitionYourMoney
