August 6, 2020 eNews


August Virtual Happy Hour: Let’s Talk About School

Tuesday, August 11
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

“Back to school” sure looks different this year! Connect with neighbors at our next Virtual Happy Hour on Tuesday, August 11 from 8:00-9:00pm to discuss your concerns, share ideas, and talk about distance learning in the time of COVID-19. Grab a snack or drink and feel free to come for part or all of the hour. Funny backgrounds encouraged and friends who live outside Armatage welcome! Full Zoom link and details at armatage.org/events/neighborhood-happy-hours.


Vote in the August 11 Primary

Many polling places in Minneapolis have changed for the August 11 Primary AND November 3 General Election, including in our neighborhood! If you previously voted at the Armatage Community Center, your polling place is now on the opposite side of the building at Armatage Montessori.  Know where to vote on Election Day, see a sample ballot, and read voter tips at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. Don’t forget your mask!

Vote Early In-person

You can still visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center (980 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55414) through August 10 to vote early in person. Hours are currently Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm and Saturday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.  All the details you need to vote early are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov.

Become an Election Judge

Election judges are needed at polling places. Any eligible voter who can read, write and speak English can apply – and multilingual judges are particularly important. Judges receive training and are paid for their time. Hennepin County is working to ensure polling places are safe for both voters and election judges during this COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and apply to become an election judge.


No Contact Drop-off for Absentee Ballots

Not sure your absentee ballot will make it in time for the primary? Minneapolis Elections and Voter Services has a great no-contact option for you! Bikers and pedestrians welcome to drop-off at the hours above.

No ballots may be dropped off at polling places on Election Day so if you need to drop off your ballot on Tuesday, August 11, you must deliver it by 3:00pm to the City of Minneapolis office at 980 East Hennepin Avenue or to the Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street.


Save the Date: Sweet Treats in the Park

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for a new safe and distanced neighborhood event – Sweet Treats in the Park on Sunday, August 23 from 5:30-7:30pm.  Food Trucks Sonny’s Ice Cream and Thumbs Cookies & Milk will take orders in the parking lot while practicing new safety guidelines and distanced ordering.

Thanks in advance for following our safety guidelines to wear a mask during the event, maintain *at least* 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, follow signs and use the pre-marked spaces to wait in line, and eat away from others in the park (or bring your treats home!).



New Round of Hennepin County Small Business Grants

A new round of small business relief grants is open through Hennepin County Government.

Eligible small businesses can apply for up to $15,000 and funds can be used for rent or mortgage, utilities, PPE and more costs related to re-opening safely. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/business-support by Wednesday, August 12 at noon.



Census Takers Start Door-to-door Outreach on August 11

On August 11, enumerators (also known as census takers) will begin going to households to help those who have not yet completed the census. If you do not want someone to come to your door, you can still complete the census:

Census takers will only visit households until September 30. Let’s make sure our community is seen and heard. Be counted now, so we have the resources we need for education, healthcare, housing and other vital services for the next 10 years.


Distanced National Night Out: September 15

Minneapolis National Night Out is officially rescheduled for September 15 this year due to COVID-19. Learn more about registering your event at minneapolismn.gov/nno/nno_register. Here are some ideas for safe and distanced block gatherings:

  • Be out in front yards at the same time to see one another, pop over for a brief conversation, etc.
  • Meet a neighbor you don’t know yet (masks on, 6+ feet apart)
  • Reconnect with 2 neighbors you do know (masks on, 6+ feet apart)
  • Pick up 3 pieces of litter
  • Clean up a storm drain of leaf/tree debris
  • Chalk a picture on your sidewalk
  • Play a song with an instrument or speakers in your front yard for others to enjoy (be mindful of adjacent neighbors doing this to not complete and take turns)
  • Put out a few balloons or other decorations to make the block festive
  • Share an interesting “show and tell” in your front yard for other neighbors  (a chicken, another interesting pet, a historical novelty, a favorite book of yours, etc.; No touching, just looking)
  • BYO food, drinks and chairs


Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants

To help divert waste from landfills, Hennepin County has grants available for homeowners and developers to deconstruct buildings to salvage building materials rather than demolish them. Homeowners and developers of residential properties can receive up to $5,000 to help offset the additional costs associated with deconstruction.

Grants are available for demolition or renovation projects that are 250 square feet or larger on structures built prior to 1970. Learn more about the grants including eligibility and requirements at hennepin.us/deconstruction.



Low-cost Pet Vaccinations Available

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is now offering low-cost pet vaccinations by appointment only to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines and ensure there aren’t too many people in the shelter at one time. Getting animals vaccinated is an important public health and safety service and helps pets live happy, healthy lives.

Services: Rabies vaccination: $10; DA2PP (distemper combination for dogs) vaccination: $10; PRC (distemper combination for cats) vaccination: $10; and microchip: $10.

This service is only open to Minneapolis residents who have or buy a current pet license. Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or MACC at 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1:00-4:00pm on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.



Emergency Rent Assistance & Evictions Suspended Through Aug 12

Hennepin County is still accepting applications for its emergency rent assistance program. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19

With the extension of MN’s peacetime emergency through August 12, evictions are suspended but rent is still due so please continue to share this resource widely.