News from Ward 5 (August 2, 2024)

August 2, 2024

Celebrate the New Traveling Library!

Join the Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10:30 am for an all-ages, family-friendly kickoff celebration for its brand-new Mobile Library. Join in for a morning of fun to celebrate the launch of the updated, state-of-the-art library on wheels that will travel the city to deliver expanded library services for kids, families and seniors.

Saturday’s event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the dynamic new Mobile Library, which is scheduled to hit the roads of Saint Paul on Sunday, Aug. 4. Event goers will be the first to explore the colorful new vehicle and can cast their vote in the nicknaming contest for the new Mobile Library, happening in person at Mobile Library stops now through mid-August. Other fun activities and light refreshments will be provided.

Keystone Free Farmers Markets

There are three Keystone Free Farmers Markets coming up in August! 

At these drive-through events, free fruits and vegetables are provided to each household. All are welcome. No registration is required. This event is open to those who walk or bike as well as drive. 

• Friday, Aug. 2^nd | 10am-12pm | Roseville Covenant Church | 2865 Hamline Ave N, Roseville 55113
• Friday, Aug. 9^th | 10am-12pm | Rice & Arlington Fields | 1500 Rice Street, St Paul 55117    
• Friday, Aug. 23^rd | 10am-12pm | Allianz Field | 400 Snelling Ave N, St Paul 55104     

Eastside Youth Appreciation Day

Join in the Eastside Youth Appreciation Day!

Wednesday, August 14th | 12 PM - 4 PM | at The Salvation Army Eastside (1019 Payne Ave)

It's not too late to register as an event sponsor. Please fill out the registration link to confirm your participation and specify how you will be supporting the event: REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT.

Como Neighborhood Cleanup Kits

The Como Community Council, in partnership with the Capital Region Watershed District, is offering Neighborhood Cleanup Kits for community members or organizations to borrow to lead their own cleanup events.

Plan a cleanup in your neighborhood, even if it's just your own household, or add one to your annual block party this summer! Get outside and pitch in to keep your neighborhood beautiful!

To reserve a kit email kits@district10comopark.org. Reserve one kit for any event or two for a larger cleanup!

Saint Paul Business Awards

Each year, the Saint Paul City Council recognizes businesses in five award categories for the Saint Paul Business Awards:

• Alice O'Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment
• Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community
• Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years
• People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents
• New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years

Visit www.stpaul.gov/bizawards to learn about previous winners and how you can nominate a business or apply! The nomination period is from July 1st, 2024, to August 23rd, 2024 at noon CT. All applications are due on Friday, August 30th, 2024 at noon CT. If you have questions about the nomination or application forms, please email BusinessAwards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Contact Us

CC-Ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us 

651-266-8650

Schedule a Lake Lap

Ward 5 residents are invited to meet your councilmember while walking a lap around Lake Como. Email or call the Ward 5 office to schedule.

Mini-Grand Opening of Kitty's Corner!

Stop by the newly-refreshed Kitty's Corner (626 W Larpenteur) TODAY, August 2nd, for the mini Grand Opening!

The facility is under new women-led ownership and is seeking to build back a good rapport with the community while managing to keep their gas prices significantly lower than average in the area. Hope you'll stop by and give it a try!

Parks & Rec Programs

Fall Activity Registration

Fall activity registration is now open! Sign up for dance and music, pickleball, martial arts, Zumba, cooking, drones and robotics, yoga, art, senior classes, skateboarding and more! Activities and events are available for all ages. Browse upcoming activities and events. 

Little Africa Festival 

The popular Little Africa Festival and Parade is back again for it's 10th year! Visit Hamline Park on Sunday, August 4 between 12-9pm and experience the rich cultural heritage of Africa with live music dance performances, delicious cuisine and colorful parade, celebrating diversity and community spirit. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Phalen Family Fishing Night

Join professional anglers from Baztec for an evening of free family fishing! All equipment and instruction is provided and no fishing license is needed. No pre-registration necessary – just stop by the northwest side of Phalen Lake on August 13 between 6-7:45pm and let them know you’d like to fish! No family to fish with? No problem. All are welcome. 

Free Summer Meals

Free meals and snacks for youth 18 years of age and under and enrolled in an enrichment program are available throughout the school year and summer. These meals are made possible through a partnership with Youthprise and Saint Paul Public Schools. Meal schedules are available online.

Energy Assistance

Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program helps to pay those energy and water bills. You may apply online or in person.

You can also apply through the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties (CAPRW). The CAPRW site lists the St. Paul location, hours, and phone number to call for questions.

2024-2025 Saint Paul Youth Commission Applications Available

The Saint Paul Youth Commission is a great opportunity to make a difference in the community you live in, meet other students with similar interests, and grow leadership skills.

To be eligible for the Youth Commission, youth must:

• Live in the City of Saint Paul   
• Be in 9th-12th grade while serving on the Commission  
• Commit 6-10 hours a month, Sept - May 
• Have a desire to make Saint Paul the best city to live and thrive 

This school year commitment meets every other week. Dinner and transportation is provided and a $400 stipend at the end of the year. 

Submit an application by August 18! Contact Stephany.Lopez@ci.stpaul.mn.us with any questions.