Know Your Como

By Sonjie Johnson
It’s not every day that a Como Park resident finds a 450-million-year-old fossil in his backyard. But that’s what happened to Joel Alter a few years ago.

A retired, non-partisan researcher for the Minnesota Legislature, Joel has lived in Como Park for nearly 40 years. He was digging in a ravine behind his house in 2006 when he unearthed a large piece of limestone. When he picked it up, a section split apart and he saw what appeared to be a fossil.

By Lauren Erchul Did you know that District 10 is home to an emergency shelter and supportive housing program for homeless youth? Booth Brown House, which was built in 1907 by The Salvation Army, began as a hospital for young mothers. Throughout the years, it has also served as an orphanage for children. Nowadays, Booth Brown House has …

Know Your Como: Booth Brown House Read More »

By: Laura Oyen Our quick transition from winter to summer also meant it was time to work on the Midway Parkway Gardens! The first round of spring clean-up and flower planting has occurred. Notices were posted in the D10 newsletter, Park Bugle and the Como Monitor. Signs were put up near the gardens. But, there …

Know Your Como: Is it Wedding or Weeding? Read More »

By Sonjie Johnson Drawing inspiration from nature found as close as Como Park, or her lake country hometown of Wadena, MN, Mary Jo Schmith creates unique, stoneware dinner, serving ware and commissioned tile installations at Front Avenue Pottery & Tile Co. in South Como. Fish, wolves, birds, bear and other wildlife move through trees, skies …

Know Your Como: Mary Jo Schmith Read More »

It is April and there is still snow on the ground with whispers on the radio that more is on the way. I understand that it is Minnesota, but I really want to see grass, pretty plants, and wonderful gardens!!! So, I think about other things to make me happy like BBQ and sitting on the front deck talking to neighbors and the State Fair.

By Sonjie Johnson
Thirty-five-year Como Park residents, the Burnes worked, met and retired from the University of Minnesota Plant Pathology Department. An avid outdoors couple, they are often seen walking or biking the Como Park paths. That’s where we met and I learned that Pat and Todd are horticulturists.