Category Archives: Donation

December 6, 2022 eNews

The Holiday Light Tour Starts Friday

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage AND Kenny neighborhoods this holiday season! This year’s tour map will be available on Thurs, Dec 8 atarmatage.org/2022holidaylights/ The tour is self-guided and open to all! Please be respectful of neighbors on your adventure. If you drive, please turn off your vehicle when you arrive at each stop.

Today is Your Last Chance to Register for the Tour Map!

If you live in Armatage or Kenny and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a tour stop on the Holiday Light Tour! The deadline to register is tonight (Tues, Dec 6) at 11:59pm. Learn more and sign up here!

Final City Budget Public Hearing Tonight

Give feedback on the proposed 2023-2024 City budget through tonight’s public hearing or online comment. The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024.  Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

Online comments (click here to submit) will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

There is one final public hearing TONIGHT (Tues, Dec 6) at 6:05pm at City Hall, 350 S Fifth St, in Room 317. Learn more about participating here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget after tonight’s hearing.

Ward 13 Conversation with MPD Chief O’Hara

Join Council Vice President Linea Palmisano for an evening of conversation with new Police Chief Brian O’Hara on Mon, Dec 12 from 6:30–8 pm at Southwest High School (enter through Door #1 on Beard Ave S).  Please pay attention to parking restrictions on certain blocks around Southwest High School.

Chief O’Hara will share some remarks and then open up the floor to Q &A. Pizza and cookies will be served starting at 6:15 pm. This promises to be a great forum – hope you can join in!

Support Your Neighborhood

Join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association Association this giving season! Click here to make a secure donation through Give MN.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events and programs (see the list below), environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for employer matching. Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association

2022 Year in Review

Here’s what your neighborhood association did to build community and make Armatage an event better place to live and work this year:

  • Fire & Ice Skating Party with Armatage Park (Jan)
  • Green Team Monthly Reading Circle (Feb-Sep)
  • Green Team Regenerative Agriculture series (Mar)
  • Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-up (Apr)
  • Tech Help for Seniors drop-in event (Apr)
  • Armatage Pet Fest (May)
  • Garden Tool Swap with City of Mpls (May)
  • Annual Meeting & Board Election (May)
  • Movie in the Park with Armatage Park (Jun)
  • Garden Evolution Workshop (Jun)
  • Armatage Summer Jam (Aug)
  • Rain & Pollinator Garden Program (Aug)
  • Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot (Sep)
  • Electronics Recycling Event (Sep)
  • Fall Neighborhood Clean-up (Oct)
  • Halloween Decoration Tour (Oct)
  • Holiday Light Tour (Dec)
  • New Washburn Tot Lot pollinator garden coming in 2023!

Buying and Selling Safely This Holiday Season

MPD has seen an increase in robberies associated with buying and selling items using social media such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Meeting with a stranger to make a transaction can be a dangerous situation. During an in-person transaction, individuals have been robbed of the item being sold or the money being paid.  In some cases, people have been shot.

Buying/Selling Meeting Safety Tips:

  • Transactions should only occur in a public place where there is good lighting, surveillance cameras, and with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Police precincts, coffee shops, and public libraries are good examples of places to meet.
  • Never meet at your home or at a residence.
  • Do not disclose your personal information.
  • Check-out the buyer or seller’s social media profile to help determine if he or she is legitimate.
  • Bring a friend or family member to the transaction.
  • Have a complete plan in place before meeting, including a public meeting location, specific time, how funds will be exchanged (use transaction apps when possible – if paying in cash, only have the payment due on hand). Be wary and strongly consider canceling if the person changes anything last minute.
  • Trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the meeting.
  • Never meet at night, alone, or in an isolated area.

Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice

Please clear your sidewalk of snow and ice all winter to keep Minneapolis accessible for everyone. Many in our city rely on the sidewalks to get to work, school, errands, appointments and more. One- and two-family dwellings have 24 hours after the snow stops to clear their sidewalks. All other properties must have clear sidewalks within four hours. If you don’t clear your sidewalk, you could get a warning letter and bill from the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229.

Resources are available for people who are unable to shovel or clear their sidewalks. Several for-hire contractors and a few nonprofit organizations can help. If you need help, you can call 311 to find the best match in your area. Visit the City website for more information and resources or to report an issue.

Using the Right Amount of Salt Saves Money and Protects Clean Water

Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt is a major – and permanent – polluter of local freshwater lakes and streams. Seventy-eight percent of salt applied in the metro area ends up in groundwater or local lakes and rivers.  Salt also causes infrastructure damage to things like vehicles and concrete and can hurt pet’s paws. Use the tips below or take the 30 minute Salt Mini Course here.

Salting tips:

  • Shovel: Physical removal is always most effective and prevents snow from turning into ice.
  • Select: Salt or sand? Salt doesn’t melt ice if the pavement is below 15 degrees, so use sand or grit for traction when it’s too cold or choose a different de-icer.
  • Scatter: A 12-ounce coffee cup of salt is enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway.
  • Sweep: Clean up leftover salt and reuse as needed.

Equity Corner: Microaggressions

Microaggression is a term used for commonplace daily verbal, behavioral or environmental slights, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes toward stigmatized or culturally marginalized group, including LGBTQ+ people, people living in poverty, and people who are disabled. The persons making the comments may be otherwise well-intentioned and unaware of the potential impact of their words.

  • This handout has helpful examples of common racial microaggressions we may be unwittingly committing in our day-to-day interactions with friends, neighbors, or co-workers.
  • Also, this YouTube video does a great job of illustrating the little things people say that on the surface may not seem harmful.
  • Finally, if you’d like a quick tool for learning how to avoid microaggressions in the future, you can watch this short video here.

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

Neighborhood Roots Winter Markets

Neighborhood Roots Winter Markets return to Bachman’s with music, fresh food and beverages, produce, crafts, and gifts from local farmers, bakers, and artisans. This market series will take place outdoors (November and December) and indoors (January – March) at Bachman’s and will feature all your favorite vendors from the Kingfield, Fulton, and Nokomis Farmers Market.

The next winter market is this Saturday, December 10 from 10am – 2pm. For more information, visit www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org/winter-markets. Pets are not allowed at the market. Service animals are always welcome.

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

Apply for the 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program

The 4d program helps preserve naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) in Minneapolis through commitments from property owners to ensure long term affordability. This program allows property owners to obtain property tax reductions for agreeing to keep at least 20% of rental units affordable for 10 years. The eligibility for 4d property tax rate provides an approximate 40% tax rate reduction on qualifying units with prorated reductions. For example, if you enroll 50% of the units in the building the reduction would be about 20%.

The 4d program also helps rental property owners make their existing buildings greener through cost sharing: $50,000 per building (up to 70% of project costs) with eligibility determined by a free energy assessment and Solar Energy incentives up to $50,000 per project. The application deadline is January 11, 2023 at 5pm. Property owners are encouraged to apply early! For additional information regarding the application process, benefits, and commitments, visit the 4d website. Please feel free to reach out with any questions at 4dprogram@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-5055.

November 29, 2022 eNews

It’s Giving Tuesday!  Will You Support the ANA?

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association Association this Giving Tuesday! Click here to make a secure donation through Give MN.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events and programs (see the list below), environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for employer matching. Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association

2022 Year in Review

Here’s what your neighborhood association did to build community and make Armatage an event better place to live and work this year:

  • Fire & Ice Skating Party with Armatage Park (Jan)
  • Green Team Monthly Reading Circle (Feb-Sep)
  • Green Team Regenerative Agriculture series (Mar)
  • Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-up (Apr)
  • Tech Help for Seniors drop-in event (Apr)
  • Armatage Pet Fest (May)
  • Garden Tool Swap with City of Mpls (May)
  • Annual Meeting & Board Election (May)
  • Movie in the Park with Armatage Park (Jun)
  • Garden Evolution Workshop (Jun)
  • Armatage Summer Jam (Aug)
  • Rain & Pollinator Garden Program (Aug)
  • Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot (Sep)
  • Electronics Recycling Event (Sep)
  • Fall Neighborhood Clean-up (Oct)
  • Halloween Decoration Tour (Oct)
  • Holiday Light Tour (Dec)
  • New Washburn Tot Lot pollinator garden coming in 2023!

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage AND Kenny neighborhoods this holiday season! The tour is self-guided and open to all! This year’s tour map will be available on Dec 8 at armatage.org/2022holidaylights/  Please be respectful of neighbors on your adventure. If you drive, please turn off your vehicle when you arrive at each stop.

Sign up for the Tour by Dec 6

If you live in Armatage or Kenny and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the Holiday Light Tour! The deadline to register is Tuesday, December 6 at 11:59pm. Learn more and sign up here!

Ward 13 Conversation with MPD Chief O’Hara

Join Council Vice President Linea Palmisano for an evening of conversation with new Police Chief Brian O’Hara on Mon, Dec 12 from 6:30–8 pm at Southwest High School (enter through Door #1 on Beard Ave S).  Please pay attention to parking restrictions on certain blocks around Southwest High School.

Chief O’Hara will share some remarks and then open up the floor to Q &A. Pizza and cookies will be served starting at 6:15 pm. This promises to be a great forum – hope you can join in!

Lake Harriet Trolley Events This Weekend

The beloved, volunteer-run Lake Harriet Trolley has two fun events for all ages this weekend! At both events, the Boy Scouts will offer hot cider, s’mores kits, and hot dogs for sale. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Thanks to Armatage neighbor and volunteer trolley conductor, Linda Ridlehuber, for sharing these:

  • Holly Trolley runs Sat, Dec 3 – Sun, Dec 4, 12–3:30 pm, $5 per passenger. Take a streetcar ride with Santa, then toast a marshmallow and warm yourself by a friendly fire. The ride is about 25 minutes. Tickets go on sale each day beginning about 11:30 AM in the Linden Hills Station for any ride that day and are trip-specific so you won’t have to stand in line.
  • Vinternatt (pictured) runs Sat, Dec 3, 6–8:30 pm, $6 per passenger. Celebrate the serenity and beauty of a Minnesota winter night. The historic streetcar is decorated inside and out and hundreds of luminaries light the track right-of-way. Cozy up to the fire and toast a marshmallow. There are no reservations or advanced ticket sales for this event. The streetcar makes frequent trips; purchase tokens at the Linden Hills Depot.

Buying and Selling Safely This Holiday Season

MPD has seen an increase in robberies associated with buying and selling items using social media such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Meeting with a stranger to make a transaction can be a dangerous situation. During an in-person transaction, individuals have been robbed of the item being sold or the money being paid.  In some cases, people have been shot.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while meeting to make these transactions:

  • Transactions should only occur in a public place where there is good lighting, surveillance cameras, and with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Police precincts, coffee shops, and public libraries are good examples of places to meet.
  • Never meet at your home or at a residence.
  • Do not disclose your personal information.
  • Check-out the buyer or seller’s social media profile to help determine if he or she is legitimate.
  • Bring a friend or family member to the transaction.
  • Have a complete plan in place before meeting, including a public meeting location, specific time, how funds will be exchanged (use transaction apps when possible – if paying in cash, only have the payment due on hand). Be wary and strongly consider canceling if the person changes anything last minute.
  • Trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the meeting.
  • Never meet at night, alone, or in an isolated area.


Southwest High School Open House Postponed

Southwest High School has postponed its Prospective Student Open House. Stay tuned for the new date at southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us  If you have an incoming high schooler for the 2023-2024 school year, come check it out and learn about all the fabulous offerings at our community high school.

New Online Tool to Track MPRB Trail and Sidewalk Conditions

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) just launched a new Trail Plowing Status map. When snowfalls accumulate to two inches or more, the online tool shows real-time plowing activity from MPRB maintenance crews on park trails and sidewalks throughout the city.

Park staff and patrons can use the map to see where and when MPRB’s established plowing routes were cleared; they can also submit requests, issues or complaints related to snow and ice.

Click here for more information on winter maintenance in Minneapolis parks.

Give Feedback on the Mayor’s Proposed City Budget

Give feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2023-2024 City budget through a public hearing or online comment. The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024.  Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

Online comments (click here to submit) will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

There is one final public hearing at 6:05pm on Tuesday, Dec 6 at City Hall, 350 S Fifth St, in Room 317. Learn more about participating here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget after the hearing on Tuesday, Dec 6.

Plan for Winter Weather

Winter in Minnesota can be tough with extreme cold, whiteout blizzards and power outages. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are especially at risk during cold months. Take steps now to prepare for severe winter weather:

  • Sign up for weather alerts on your device and download apps such as the free FEMA app.
  • Know important weather terms:
    • Winter weather advisory means that snow, sleet or freezing rain is accumulating.
    • Winter storm watch means that conditions are right for a storm to happen.
    • Winter storm warning means that a storm is happening.
  • Have a plan to stay home safely if the power goes out. Check in with neighbors, friends and family.
  • Have a plan to stay safe while you travel. Don’t crowd the plow. Have supplies in your vehicle such as boots, extra mittens, a hat, a blanket, a shovel, and traction aids like sand or kitty litter for icy areas.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is here so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive snow emergency alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency  app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a snow emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

November is National Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

If you’d like to learn more, or want to celebrate the month with your family, the Meet Minneapolis has an excellent website that shares events, local restaurants, and retailers that honor our Indigenous people’s heritage. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis

One of the very first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, called upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed. Sadly, it took until 1990 for President George H. W. Bush to approve a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Native Americans have been living in America for a very long time. They are not a single nation but include a variety of cultures, nations, and languages. Some people believe that they have been living on the sub-continent for over 30,000 years. The 10 largest Native American tribes are Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Apache, Pueblo, Iroquois, Creek, and Blackfeet, according to census data from 2010. The government of Native Americans serves as the model of federated representative democracy. The government system of the U.S. is based on the system in which the power is distributed amongst the central authority and smaller political units.

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

November 16, 2022 eNews

Give Today to Support the ANA!

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is tomorrow (Nov 17), but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

2022 Year in Review

Here’s what your neighborhood association did to build community, bring neighbors together, educate and advocate in 2022:

  • Fire & Ice Skating Party with Armatage Park (Jan)
  • Green Team Monthly Reading Circle (Feb-Sep)
  • Green Team Regenerative Agriculture series (Mar)
  • Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-up (Apr)
  • Tech Help for Seniors drop-in event (Apr)
  • First-ever Armatage Pet Fest (May)
  • Garden Tool Swap with City of Mpls (May)
  • Annual Meeting & Board Election (May)
  • Movie in the Park with Armatage Park (Jun)
  • Garden Evolution Workshop (Jun)
  • Armatage Summer Jam (Aug)
  • Rain & Pollinator Garden Program (Aug)
  • Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot (Sep)
  • Electronics Recycling Event (Sep)
  • Fall Neighhborhood Clean-up (Oct)
  • Halloween Decoration Tour (Oct)
  • Holiday Light Tour (Dec)
  • New Washburn Tot Lot pollinator garden coming in 2023!

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage AND Kenny neighborhoods this holiday season! The tour is self-guided and open to all! This year’s tour map will be available on Dec 8 at armatage.org/2022holidaylights/  Please be respectful of neighbors on your adventure. If you drive, please turn off your vehicle when you arrive at each stop.

Sign up for the Tour by Dec 6

If you live in Armatage or Kenny and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the Holiday Light Tour! The deadline to register is Tuesday, December 6 at 11:59pm. Learn more and sign up here!

Nov 15, 2022 Meeting Recap

Thanks to everyone who joined last night’s neighborhood meeting to meet our new Hennepin County Commissioner, Debbie Goettel! Unfortunately the MPS School Board meeting was rescheduled for last night so we’ll work to get Rep. Ira Jourdain at a future meeting. The ANA Board approved its 2023 budget and 2023 staffing contracts for Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, and Accountant, Rachel Ireland-Henry (welcome back, Rachel!).

Neighborhood Road Closures

There will be several street closures this month due to CenterPoint Energy’s ongoing Upton Ave S Pipeline Replacement Project.

  • 50th St at Upton Ave S: closed 11/8 and reopening on 11/15.
  • 54th St at Logan Ave S: closed 11/15 and reopening on 11/23.
  • 54th St Eastbound between Penn and Oliver Aves S: closed on 11/15 and reopening on 11/2; one lane of Westbound traffic will be maintained.

Please note that W 50th and W 54th Streets will NOT be closed at the same time.

Public Forums on Police Oversight Changes

Join a City of Minneapolis public forum to hear about the proposed Community Commission on Police Oversight, which would serve as a single community-driven group responsible for the civilian roles in reviewing misconduct investigations and providing oversight for transparent discussions on policing practices, presentations from City officials or staff, and community input. The goal is to increase transparency and to effectively monitor and identify policing patterns, trends, and outcomes for discussion at the commission’s public meetings.

Public forum dates:

  • Mon, Nov 21 from 6-7:30 pm at Powderhorn Rec Center (3400 15th Ave S)
  • Mon, Nov 28 from 6-7:30 pm on Microsoft Teams

Southwest High School Open House

Southwest High School is hosting a Prospective Student Open House on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. If you have an incoming high schooler for the 2023-2024 school year, come check out the event and learn about all the fabulous offerings at our community high school. For more info, visit southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us

Give Feedback on the Mayor’s Proposed City Budget

Give feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2023-2024 City budget through a public hearing or online comment. The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024.  Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

Online comments (click here to submit) will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

There is one final public hearing at 6:05pm on Tuesday, Dec 6 at Room 317, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St. Learn more about participating here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget after the hearing on Tuesday, Dec 6.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is here so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive snow emergency alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency  app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a snow emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

Minneapolis Launches New Animal Foster Program

Can you help animals in need? Minneapolis Animal Care & Control has launched its new animal foster program and you can volunteer to temporarily provide animals extra care, attention and homes.

MACC provides all supplies and medical care. Fosters provide animals with care, play, exercise and socialization. Animals that are placed with volunteers in the foster program may include those who are recovering from surgery or illness, need temporary housing due to an emergency or domestic violence, are too young to be adopted, or need a break from the shelter environment. Learn more and apply here.

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

November is National Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

If you’d like to learn more, or want to celebrate the month with your family, the Meet Minneapolis has an excellent website that shares events, local restaurants, and retailers that honor our Indigenous people’s heritage. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis

One of the very first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, called upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed. Sadly, it took until 1990 for President George H. W. Bush to approve a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Native Americans have been living in America for a very long time. They are not a single nation but include a variety of cultures, nations, and languages. Some people believe that they have been living on the sub-continent for over 30,000 years. The 10 largest Native American tribes are Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Apache, Pueblo, Iroquois, Creek, and Blackfeet, according to census data from 2010. The government of Native Americans serves as the model of federated representative democracy. The government system of the U.S. is based on the system in which the power is distributed amongst the central authority and smaller political units.

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

November 10, 2022 eNews

Nov 15, 2022 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, Nov 15 at 6:30pm!  We have fabulous speakers on the agenda including new Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel and Minneapolis School Board Representative Ira Jourdain. Meetings also now kick off with comments from community members so please come share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas!

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Park Update – Armatage Park Director Dillon Clements (6:45pm)
  • Hennepin County Update – County Commissioner Debbie Goettel (6:50pm)
  • Minneapolis School Board Update – Representative Ira Jourdain (7:10pm)
  • Welcome Bag Program (7:20pm)
  • 2023 ANA Budget (7:35pm)
  • Staff Contracts (7:50pm, closed portion of the meeting)
  • Approval of Minutes & Financials (8:10pm)
  • New Business (8:15pm)

Give Today to Support the ANA

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is Nov 17, but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Upcoming Road Closures

There will be several street closures over the next two weeks due to CenterPoint Energy’s ongoing Upton Ave S Pipeline Replacement Project.

  • 50th St at Upton Ave S: closed 11/8 and reopening on 11/15.
  • 54th St at Logan Ave S: closed 11/15 and reopening on 11/23.
  • 54th St Eastbound between Penn and Oliver Aves S: closed on 11/15 and reopening on 11/2; one lane of Westbound traffic will be maintained.

Please note that W 50th and W 54th Streets will NOT be closed at the same time.

Give Feedback on the Mayor’s Proposed City Budget

Give feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2023-2024 City budget through a public hearing or online comment. The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024.  Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

City budget public hearings – learn more about participating here:

  • 6:05pm • Tuesday, Nov 15, room 317, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St.
  • 6:05pm • Tuesday, Dec 6, room 317, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St.

Online comments (click here to submit) will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Tuesday, Dec 6.

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

Neighborhood Roots Winter Markets

Neighborhood Roots Winter Markets return to Bachman’s with music, fresh food and beverages, produce, crafts, and gifts from local farmers, bakers, and artisans. This market series will take place outdoors (November and December) and indoors (January – March) at Bachman’s and will feature all your favorite vendors from the Kingfield, Fulton, and Nokomis Farmers Market.

The first winter market is this Saturday, November 12 in the NE Parking Lot off of Lyndale from 10am – 2pm. For more information, visit www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org/winter-markets. Pets are not allowed at the market. Service animals are always welcome.


Southwest High School Open House

Southwest High School is hosting a Prospective Student Open House on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. If you have an incoming high schooler for the 2023-2024 school year, come check out the event and learn about all the fabulous offerings at our community high school. For more info, visit southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is approaching (noooooo!). The City of Minneapolis mailed out snow emergency info last week so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

November is National Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

If you’d like to learn more, or want to celebrate the month with your family, the Meet Minneapolis has an excellent website that shares events, local restaurants, and retailers that honor our Indigenous people’s heritage. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis

One of the very first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, called upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed. Sadly, it took until 1990 for President George H. W. Bush to approve a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Native Americans have been living in America for a very long time. They are not a single nation but include a variety of cultures, nations, and languages. Some people believe that they have been living on the sub-continent for over 30,000 years. The 10 largest Native American tribes are Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Apache, Pueblo, Iroquois, Creek, and Blackfeet, according to census data from 2010. The government of Native Americans serves as the model of federated representative democracy. The government system of the U.S. is based on the system in which the power is distributed amongst the central authority and smaller political units.

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

November 3, 2022 eNews

Halloween Tour Results are In

Thank you to everyone who hosted a display, participated in, or voted in this year’s Halloween Tour!  The results are in and voting was close this year!

Huge thanks to Book Club for generously donating a $50 gift card to each of the following displays:

  • Best use of Pumpkins: 5642 Oliver Ave S (bottom left)
  • Spookiest: 5621 Morgan Ave S (top left)
  • Kenny Neighborhood Fave: 5428 James Ave S (bottom right)
  • Armatage Neighborhood Fave: 5821 Sheridan Ave S (top right)

Give Today to Support the ANA

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is Nov 17, but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2022 Election

The November 8 election is almost here so make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot! We’ve included helpful links below but if you’ve got more questions, https://vote.minneapolismn.gov is sure to have the answer!

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

Pumpkins Can Go in Organics Recycling

When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged but do remember to remove any candles or lights first.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling yet, you can also put them with your other yard waste. Added synthetic materials such as paint, permanent markers, glitter or jewels make that part of the pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.

Find more information on organics recycling on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

21-Day Equity Challenge

In 2021, the United Way of Olmstead County challenged Minnesotans with a powerful opportunity for learning, action, and growth. The concept was simple – spend 10-15 minutes a day learning about equity and justice issues. Although you cannot sign up to receive daily emails any longer, all 21 days of activities can still be accessed on their website. Activities include watching short videos, reading articles, and listening to music; all things you can do from the comfort of your home. More than 1500 Minnesotans participated in October of 2021; will you challenge yourself to participate now? Access the activities here: 21-Day Equity Challenge | United Way of Olmsted County (uwolmsted.org)

“We must see who benefits from their race, who is disproportionately impacted by negative stereotypes about their race, and to who power and privilege is bestowed upon – earned or not – because of their race, their class, and their gender. Seeing race is essential to changing the system.” – Reni Eddo-Lodge

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Please do your part to protect our local waterways and keep your leaves out of streets and storm drains. Collect leaves and other yard waste and place them next to your regular recycling and garbage containers for city crews to haul. You can also use leaves as mulch in your garden, mow them into your lawn, or add them to your backyard compost.

In Minneapolis, it is illegal to rake leaves from your yard into the street (Title 17, § 427.270 of the Minneapolis Code). Decomposing leaves wash into storm drains and eventually end up in Minneapolis’ lakes, streams, and the Mississippi River where they over-fertilize the water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae thrive. The result is murky water that isn’t good for swimming or fishing and harms wildlife. Thanks for doing your part this fall! Visit minneapolismn.gov/ solid-waste/yardwaste/ for more information or call 612-673-2917.

Street Sweeping is Underway

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street–sweep/

Crews will post temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is approaching (noooooo!). The City of Minneapolis mailed out snow emergency info last week so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

Help Needed: Racial Housing Covenant Interviews

Do you live in a home that had a racial housing covenant? Daniel Rosenblum, a visiting PhD researcher working with the Mapping Prejudice Project, is looking for residents from Armatage who would be open to participating in interviews. This would be a great opportunity to share your perspective on your home, neighborhood, racial covenant histories, and recent events in Minneapolis in relation to covenant data compiled by the Mapping Prejudice Project.

To sign up, contact Daniel Rosenblum at rosen918@umn.edu or 267-337-0670.

November 24, 2021 eNews

Graphic with holiday lights at night in the background and text that reads "Armatage Holiday Light Tour, Friday 12/10 through Sun 12/19 from 5-8pm. More info at armatage.org"

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

Live in the neighborhood and love to decorate for the holidays?  Please sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome so bring your love of Hannukah, Kwanzana, New Year, the Winter Solstice, and/or Christmas!  Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19 from 5:00-8:00pm, and to have your address published on the tour map. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorites and the three displays with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to a local business!

Picture of seven volunteers and staff from Armatage under a canopy at a summer event. There is a Give to the Max Day graphic added in the corner.

Giving Thanks

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many of you who donated to the Armatage Neighborhood Association this fall!  Every donation matters and directly supports the ANA’s work in the community. As you plan your year-end giving, there’s still time to make a donation to support the ANA at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association

The ANA strives to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged. If that resonates with you, please consider making a gift that’s meaningful to you. Plus, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for employer matching grants.  Photo credit: Armatage neighbor, Jacob Tapia.

Graphic with full shelves of books in the background and text that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle"

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Hello neighbors! Interested in joining a book club? Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our slothful book club. Each month, we will read a small chunk of a book and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that chunk. That way, the pace is more manageable and the questions feel more relevant.

Last year, we read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and are currently looking for a new title for next year! The goal would be to start in Jan/Feb 2022 and it would last anywhere from 6 to 9 months based on the book we choose. If you’re interested in joining and/or have titles that might be worth sharing with your neighbors, please sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

Side by side before and after images of an Armatage curb. In the first before image, there are many leaves covering the curb and storm drain. In the second, volunteers have cleaned the curb and bagged up all the leaves.

Still Have Leaves in your Yard or Drains? We Have Options!

Yard waste collection has ended for the season but there still lots of leaves falling, including into our storm drains where they cause flooding and lead to all kinds of problems in our lakes and the Mississippi River. The pics above were from a volunteer clean-up earlier this month and WOW – what a difference! Thanks to Armatage Green Team members for sending this in!

For leaves on lawns, consider mulching them with your lawn mower to give your grass a nutrient boost, which is quick and easy.  If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them, here are a few low cost options:

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

Minnesota is unfortunately in the midst of high positivity and COVID-19 case rates. As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Department of Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

Take the Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course

Did you know that Minnesota is over salting our roads and sidewalks? Learn more with the City of Minneapolis educational program, the Salt Mini-Course. Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt can be hazardous to our safety and our environment. Safety is the priority when applying de-icers, and over application of salt is actually LESS effective. More salt does not mean more melting!

Take the pledge to salt smartly with the self-guided Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course! Residents and businesses can learn about the consequences of over salting, and what we can do to help protect our beloved Minnesota waters from the permanent pollutant of chloride salt. If you’re interested in learning more, visit https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/environmental-programs/salt/ or reach out to program coordinator, Léa, at lea.payette@minneapolismn.gov

Picture that shows a storm drain with leaf debris and says "not clearing organic debris from storm drains can lead to..." next to a picture of a lake with lots of green algae and text that says "...algae in our local waterways."

Psst! It’s a Great Time to Adopt a Storm Drain

Did you know storm drains flow directly into our local lakes and the Mississippi River? Rain can carry leaves, trash and other debris and nutrients that can, in abundance, harm our waters. Just five bags’ worth of leaves can deliver one pound of phosphorus to a water body and result in up to 1,000 pounds of algae blooms.

Adopting a storm drain near you at adopt-a-drain.org is a simple, yet effective step in preventing this.

New Zero Waste Store, Zeroish Co!

Interested in reducing your household waste? One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic packaging. And that’s where new nearby store, Zeroish Co, at 50th & Penn and https://www.zeroishco.com/ can help!

Zeroish is a shop where you can find hundreds of sustainable everyday items (think bathroom consumables or kitchen cleaning products, as examples) and eco-friendly gifts. They aim to give people the tips and tools to make positive changes within their means, without the pressure of achieving the “perfect” zero waste lifestyle. Not sure how or where to start? Bring a few empty mason jars and an open mind to the store and let them be your guide!

-Ethan, Armatage Green Team member

Image shows a group of neighbors in front of a two story home with solar panels holding signs that say "we went solar" next to a Solar United Neighborhoods informational table

Interested in Rooftop Solar?

If you’re interested in going solar, 2022 is a great time to do it with help from neighbors. Your participation will also help Minneapolis reach its goal to generate 10% of electricity needs with local solar. This is part of the City’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases. We’re already at 6% today!

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op helps make rooftop solar more accessible for Minneapolis homeowners. The solar co-op joins neighbors together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors, and learn about solar incentives. The City of Minneapolis is partnering in this effort. Learn more from Solar United Neighbors.

Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards to Re-open in 2022

With Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Incentive Program, if you produce more energy than you need, the extra energy is added to the grid, and excess energy will be credited to your bill.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Two more public hearings are scheduled for 6:05pm on Dec 1 and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 8.

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for all children, ages five and up. Boosters will be available for all Minnesotans starting next week. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinic – learn more here:

  • Saturday, Dec. 4 (9 a.m.-noon) Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)

Other Ways to Get a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.

November 18, 2021 eNews

Give MN logo that shows an outline of the state of Minnesota and says "giving connects us!" with the Give to the Max Day date, which is November 18, 2021

It’s Give to the Max Day!

Every donation matters (big or small!) and there are so many amazing local nonprofits to support at givemn.org!

Support the ANA’s work to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged by making a donation (big or small) at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Armatage neighborhood logo in teal and navy

November 16, 2021 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined the November Monthly Meeting!  Park Director Jordan Nelson gave a quick update on expanded recreation center hours that are coming after Thanksgiving!  The ANA Board discussed and approved new policies that are required to continue receiving City of Minneapolis funding including an updated Americans with Disabilities Act Policy and new Language Access Policies, Member Hiring Policy, Financial Policies & Procedures, Board Training, Board Strategic Funding Plan and Board Development Plan. These will be linked at armatage.org/about/policies/ soon! The Board also approved 2022 staffing contracts for current ANA Coordinator, Lauren, and Bookkeeper, Claire!

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome so bring your ideas and love of Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year, the Winter Solstice, and/or Christmas!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19, and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Side by side before and after images of an Armatage curb. In the first before image, there are many leaves covering the curb and storm drain. In the second, volunteers have cleaned the curb and bagged up all the leaves.

Still Have Leaves in your Yard or Drains? We Have Options!

Yard waste collection has ended for the season but there still lots of leaves falling, including into our storm drains where they cause flooding and lead to all kinds of problems in our lakes and the Mississippi River. The pics above were from a volunteer clean-up earlier this month and WOW – what a difference! Thanks to Armatage Green Team members for sending this in!

For leaves on lawns, consider mulching them with your lawn mower to give your grass a nutrient boost, which is quick and easy.  If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them, here are a few low cost options:

Image shows a group of neighbors in front of a two story home with solar panels holding signs that say "we went solar" next to a Solar United Neighborhoods informational table

Interested in Rooftop Solar?

If you’re interested in going solar, 2022 is a great time to do it with help from neighbors. Your participation will also help Minneapolis reach its goal to generate 10% of electricity needs with local solar. This is part of the City’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases. We’re already at 6% today!

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op helps make rooftop solar more accessible for Minneapolis homeowners. The solar co-op joins neighbors together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors, and learn about solar incentives. The City of Minneapolis is partnering in this effort. Learn more from Solar United Neighbors.

Join an optional webinar TODAY (Nov 18) from 6:30-8:00pm. For more information, register on the Solar United Neighbors website.

Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards to Re-open in 2022

With Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Incentive Program, if you produce more energy than you need, the extra energy is added to the grid, and excess energy will be credited to your bill.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

Minnesota is unfortunately in the midst of high positivity and COVID-19 case rates. As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Department of Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Two more public hearings are scheduled for 6:05pm on Dec 1 and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 8.

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Hennepin County Election Survey

What was your experience voting in the November 2020 and 2021 elections? The Hennepin County Elections Department wants to hear from you on your method of voting, barriers you experienced, your planned method of voting in 2022 and more. Your responses will remain anonymous. In addition to English, this survey is also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, and Russian.

The feedback you provide will help guide decisions about our 2022 election approach and how Hennepin County administers elections going forward. We’ll be accepting responses through November 28. Thank you for helping to make our elections safe, secure, and accessible to all!  Click here to take the survey.

P.S. Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics? Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners voted Nov. 3 to lower the speed limit on parkways to 20 miles per hour (mph). The reduced speed limit on parkways will match the speed limit for local streets in Minneapolis. Slower traffic speeds support safer streets for everyone.

Over the coming months, the MPRB and the City’s Public Works Department, which manages signs along the parkway system, will change existing signage from 25 mph to 20 mph. Drivers should follow the posted speed limit on parkways while signs are updated.

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for all children, ages five and up. Boosters will be available for all Minnesotans starting next week. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinics – learn more here:

  • Saturday, Nov. 20. (11:00am-3:00pm) MPS Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway Ave. Pfizer (5 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)
  • Tuesday, Nov 23 (4:30-6:30pm) Patrick Henry High School, 4320 N. Newton Avenue. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)
  • Saturday, Dec. 4 (9 a.m.-noon) Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)

Other Ways to Get a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.

November 12, 2021 eNews

November 16, 2021 Agenda

Community members are encouraged to join the ANA Monthly Meeting this Tuesday, November 16 from 6:30-8:30pm. This month’s meeting will be held on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs Please note that a portion of the meeting will be closed for staffing contracts.

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • Edits and Approval of Remaining Required Policies – view them here (6:40pm)
    • Americans with Disabilities Act Policy
    • Language Access Policies
    • Financial Policies & Procedures
    • Board Training PowerPoint
    • Board Strategic Funding Plan
    • Board Development Plan
  • Coordinator Report (7:20pm)
    • Give to the Max Day – Thursday!
    • CPP Contract Clean-out Vote: Transfer $30 from Occupancy to Staffing.
    • Proposed 2022 Three Newsletter Timeline:
    • Volunteers for ANA Website Working Group
    • Committee Work Plans
    • December Meeting Date
  • 2022 Staffing Contracts (7:40pm – Closed portion of the meeting)
  • Committee 3 Min Updates (8:10pm)
    • Community Engagement
    • Safety, Equity & Outreach
    • Green Team
  • New Business (8:20pm)

Graphic with pink flowers and a blue backyard that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."

Support the Armatage Neighborhood Association

The Safety Rebate Program. Spring and Fall Clean-ups. Holiday Tours. Welcome Bags. Free workshops and community conversations. Neighborhood events. Safety and green initiatives.

Over the past 30 years, your neighborhood association has worked hard to make Armatage a place where all feel welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives,  annual  community-building events, environmental work, advocacy, and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Give to the Max Day is on Thursday, November 18! Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the ANA’s work in our community at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the ANA are tax-deductible and eligible for employer matches.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Public hearings are scheduled for 1:30pm on Nov 16; 6:05 pm on Dec 1; and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 8.

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Image of City of Minneapolis trash bin, recycling bin, and bags of yard waste set out for collection.

Yard Waste Collection Ends Next Week

The yard waste collection season is coming to an end! The final week of collection will be next week (the week of November 15. Learn more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/

While yard waste collection may be ending, our leaves have not all fallen. If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them after next week, here are a few low cost options:

Graphic with "Armatage Holiday Light Tour," which runs from Friday December 10 through Sunday, December 19 from 5-8pm. The background has holiday lights and a star.

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

Managing the Holidays with Ease

East Side Neighborhood Services has two free sessions on managing the holidays. The first takes place TODAY over lunch but there’s still time to register at 612-787-4076 or lfavin@esns.org

Hennepin County Election Survey

What was your experience voting in the November 2020 and 2021 elections? The Hennepin County Elections Department wants to hear from you on your method of voting, barriers you experienced, your planned method of voting in 2022 and more. Your responses will remain anonymous. In addition to English, this survey is also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, and Russian.

The feedback you provide will help guide decisions about our 2022 election approach and how Hennepin County administers elections going forward. We’ll be accepting responses through November 28. Thank you for helping to make our elections safe, secure, and accessible to all!

Click here to take the survey by November 2

P.S. Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics? Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Two men wearing masks are standing in front of and examining a map of the Minneapolis neighborhoods with ward boundaries.

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

Participate in the Redistricting Project

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners voted Nov. 3 to lower the speed limit on parkways to 20 miles per hour (mph). The reduced speed limit on parkways will match the speed limit for local streets in Minneapolis. Slower traffic speeds support safer streets for everyone.

Over the coming months, the MPRB and the City’s Public Works Department, which manages signs along the parkway system, will change existing signage from 25 mph to 20 mph. Drivers should follow the posted speed limit on parkways while signs are updated.

Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning

If you’re responsible for a child 5 or younger, your home may be eligible for help making it safer for your children.  Lead exposure can put young children at risk for permanent damage and lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Most often windows are the worst location for lead paint hazards. This funding will help replace windows, windowsills, porch floors, staircases and other locations that have lead paint as well as do other home safety work such as getting rid of lead paint hazards, cockroaches, mice, and asthma triggers; adding handrails and radon mitigation systems; and weatherizing.

For a free assessment and help getting hazards out of your home, call 612-673-2301. Find more information on the City website.

Graphic that states "Armatage Bylaws and Funding Plan Approved"

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan!  Community feedback gathered during the public comment period was overwhelmingly positive on both. The ANA Board met to discuss feedback and approved both documents on October 19. Learn more here.

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines are HERE for Kids 5-11

Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map to locate and contact providers about vaccines for kids ages 5-11.

November 5, 2021 eNews

Collage of three houses shown at night. The top has an illuminated graveyard, the bottom left has lights on trees, along the sidewalk and a witch in the front yard, and the bottom right has a lit walkway, hay bale, pumpkins and skeletons in the front yard.

Halloween Decoration Tour Results

Thank you to our 15 fabulous participants and everyone who visited this year’s Halloween Tour!  The results are in – the houses that won for each category are listed below and voting was close! Huge thanks to Book Club for donating one of this year’s prizes!

  • Neighborhood Favorite (top): 5821 Sheridan Ave S
  • Spookiest (bottom left): 5621 Morgan Ave S
  • Best Use of Pumpkins (bottom right): 5937 Sheridan Ave S

Election Results

Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics?  Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Thanks to everyone who voted in this year’s municipal election and special thanks to those of you who served as election judges!

Graphic with pink flowers and a blue backyard that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."

Support the Armatage Neighborhood Association

The Safety Rebate Program. Spring and Fall Clean-ups. Holiday Tours. Welcome Bags. Free workshops and community conversations. Neighborhood events. Safety and green initiatives.

Over the past 30 years, your neighborhood association has worked hard to make Armatage a place where all feel welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives,  annual  community-building events, environmental work, advocacy, and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the ANA’s work in our community at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the ANA are tax-deductible and eligible for employer matches.

Carved pumpkin that has seen better days and is starting to compost on a front step.

Compost Your Pumpkins

When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged. Remember to remove any candles, etc.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling, you can put them with your other bagged yard waste for collection. Added synthetic materials such as paint, glitter or jewels make pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.

Remember: Wrappers from Halloween candy go in the garbage. They are not recyclable or compostable. Learn more about organics recycling, yard waste collection, and more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/

Image of City of Minneapolis trash bin, recycling bin, and bags of yard waste set out for collection.

Yard Waste Collection Ends Soon!

The yard waste collection season is coming to an end! The final week of collection will be the week of November 15. Learn more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/

Picture of a Minneapolis Streep Sweeping truck on a city street

Fall Street Sweeping

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/

Graphic with "Armatage Holiday Light Tour," which runs from Friday December 10 through Sunday, December 19 from 5-8pm. The background has holiday lights and a star.

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning

Get the facts, get your home tested, and get your child tested. If you’re responsible for a child 5 or younger, your home may be eligible for help making it safer for your children.

Lead exposure can put young children at risk for permanent damage to their brains and nervous systems, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and other serious health concerns. Protecting them from lead poisoning when they’re young helps them have a better, safer life growing up and as an adult.

Lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Most often windows are the worst location for lead paint hazards. This funding will help replace windows, windowsills, porch floors, staircases and other locations that have lead paint. We can also do other home safety work such as getting rid of lead paint hazards, cockroaches, mice, and asthma triggers; adding handrails and radon mitigation systems; and weatherizing.

For a free assessment and help getting hazards out of your home, call 612-673-2301. Find more information on the City website.

Graphic that states "Armatage Bylaws and Funding Plan Approved"

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan!  Community feedback gathered during the public comment period was overwhelmingly positive on both. The ANA Board met to discuss feedback and approved both documents on October 19. Learn more here.

Two men wearing masks are standing in front of and examining a map of the Minneapolis neighborhoods with ward boundaries.

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

Participate in the Redistricting Project

City Budget Review is Underway

Review of Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed 2022 City budget is underway by the City Council.  The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. The mayor’s recommended City budget invests in affordable housing, youth programming, community safety, climate action and an inclusive economic recovery.  Learn more about the budget process at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget and save the date for upcoming public hearings:

  • Public hearings are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 6:05 p.m. Dec. 1 and 6:05 p.m. Dec. 8.
  • Dec. 8: Council scheduled to vote on budget adoption

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines are HERE for Kids 5-11

Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map to locate and contact providers about vaccines for kids ages 5-11.

May 28, 2021 eNews

Get Your All Are Welcome Here Lawn Sign

The ANA is organizing an All Are Welcome Here lawn sign campaign!  Get your lawn sign and proudly display it in your yard!  This is a way to show up and support our BIPOC neighbors after racist messages appeared in the neighborhood earlier this spring. Our goal is to create a sea of signs throughout the neighborhood to show that All Are Welcome in Armatage.

Signs are $20 each and by ordering through the ANA, you’ll also help us continue serving our community. Order your sign at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ or find us at an upcoming in-person sale date – see the full list here.  Huge thanks to All Are Welcome Here for helping us organize this campaign!  To learn more, visit armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at Armatage Park

Saturday, June 12 | dusk

Join the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Armatage Neighborhood Association for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at Armatage Park on Saturday, June 12! The sun sets at 9:00pm and the movie will start at dusk. Bring your blanket, bug spray and plan to distance to keep yourself and neighbors safe. See the full list of Minneapolis Music & Movies at www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/music__movies/

Armatage Playground Construction Starts June 2

The Armatage Park Play Area construction is scheduled to start next Wednesday, June 2. Crews will begin by fencing off the play area and removing existing play equipment. The new play area should be completed and ready for use around July 12-16. While the playground is under construction, we encourage neighbors to enjoy the Washburn Tot Lot playground at 5825 Washburn Ave S or, outside of school hours, to use the Armatage school playground. Sign up for project updates at bit.ly/armatagepark

Save the date for the Armatage Monthly Meeting on June 15 from 6:30-8:30pm, outdoors at Armatage Park, when Project Designer Francisca Pass will be sharing a construction update and the ANA will discuss contributing neighborhood funds to the project.

Get Involved on a Neighborhood Committee

There are lots of ways to get involved in the neighborhood and with weather warming up, now is a perfect time to join an Armatage Committee! Neighbors are encouraged to check out a meeting or sign up for a committee’s e-list. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs and here’s what each group is working on:

  • Community Engagement meets on Thursday, June 3 from 5:30-6:30pm on Zoom to get ready for the Summer Movie in the Park and plan our next Food Truck Night in August.
  • Safety, Equity & Outreach meets on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00-11:00am outside at Armatage Park to discuss our neighborhood’s relationship with MPD, the All Are Welcome Here lawn sign campaign, and plan a Meet Your Community Helpers event for the fall.
  • The Green Team meets on Thursday, June 10 from 7:00-8:30pm outside in one of our members’ backyards to plan a great summer of environmental advocacy and programs. Register to attend and get our meeting address.

Armatage Safety Rebates

Did you know that the ANA offers $100 per household per calendar year to each Armatage household (both renters and homeowners) for security enhancements including items such as doorbell camera systems?

Learn more and apply for a rebate at armatage.org/security-rebate-program-for-residents/

Annual Meeting & Board Election Thank You!

Huge thanks to everyone who voted in the Board Election or attended the Annual Meeting last week!

Congratulations to our newly elected board member Eli Johnson and to re-elected board members Joel Federer, Vikisha Goberdhan, Ethan Komoroski, Janhel Leandre and Judy Vecere!

Free Business Advertising in Armatage Welcome Bags

Are you a neighborhood business that would like to advertise for FREE? Consider providing content for our Welcome Bags that are delivered to all new neighbors in Armatage! The reusable bags contain useful information on our neighborhood, community involvement, area businesses and local government. Your contribution can include menus, brochures on your business, gift cards, coupons, branded trinkets, or even just business cards!

Businesses in and around the Armatage neighborhood are welcome to donate and excluding the cost of producing your item, it’s free to contribute. You can also consider a tax deductible cash contribution to our non-profit organization to help support the cost of producing the bags. Learn more about the Welcome Bag program at armatage.org/programs/welcome-bags/

Minneapolis Mask Requirement is Still in Place

Mayor Jacob Frey has kept Minneapolis’ mask requirement in place pending review of public health data and local vaccination rates. Private businesses, public transportation and other settings also have face covering requirements including Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, which stays in effect requiring masks in schools through the end of the school year.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced May 13 that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can start doing many things they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Gov. Walz has lifted Minnesota’s mask requirement while still strongly recommending Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings indoors. These are still subject to local restrictions. Learn more here.

Minnesota Rent Help

RentHelpMN was created to help Minnesotans who have fallen behind on their rent or utility bills or fear that could happen. If you find yourself in this position, RentHelpMN is here to help. Eligible renters can receive assistance with rent and utility bills dated on or after March 13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months of total assistance.

Find out if you qualify and apply at renthelpmn.org or by calling 211, which has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions from 8:00am until 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Minnesota Vaccine Connector

With COVID-19 vaccines now approved for young people 12 to 15 years old, sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine connector and get updates on vaccine opportunities in our area in English, Spanish, Somali or Hmong. Getting vaccinated helps all of us get back to what we’ve missed sooner and safely.

Do your part now by continuing to help slow the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask, wash your hands often, stay 6 feet away from anyone you don’t live with, and stay home if you are sick. Doing all of these things will help keep people healthy until all Minnesotans have the opportunity to get vaccinated.