Category Archives: Annual Meeting

April 29, 2021 eNews

April 26 Meeting Recap

The ANA held its rescheduled monthly meeting on April 26. Armatage Park Director Jordan Nelson shared updates on programming at the park and the Armatage Park Play Area reconstruction, which is scheduled to begin in early June and take 4-6 weeks. James Riley, a volunteer with Communities Against Police Brutality, shared information on a proposed change to state statue that if passed would modify response to mental health emergency calls statewide.

The board also finalized the agenda for the upcoming Armatage Annual Meeting on May 18, voted to send digital materials to the Hennepin County Library Archives, and approved a letter drafted by the Green Team in support of the proposed East Phillips Urban Farm. All are welcome to join an upcoming neighborhood meeting. Learn more and register to attend at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Register to Run for the ANA Board by May 9

Please consider running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors this May! Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come. This year in particular has shown how critical strong, local communities are.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color). Learn more about what’s involved, the time commitment, and register to run by Sunday, May 9 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/2021boardelection/

Spring Tea & Blooms

Saturday, May 8
2:00-4:00pm | Armatage Park

Grab your mask and join us for Spring Tea & Blooms at Armatage Park! Jinx Tea and Sparrow Café will take orders outside, soon-to-open neighborhood spot Café Cerés will share samples, and the ANA will give away take-home kids’ planting kits (supplies are limited). Pick up a free book donated by Jump! at 54th & Penn and complete a scavenger hunt and enter to win a gift card to a neighborhood business!

Thank you for following our safety guidelines by wearing a mask during the event, keeping 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, and bringing your treats home or into the park to enjoy. In case of severe weather, cancellations will be posted on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter.

Safety, Equity & Outreach Meeting this Saturday

Saturday, May 1
10:00-11:00am | Armatage Park (outdoors, wear a mask)

Join the new Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee‘s outdoor meeting this Saturday, May 1 from 10:00-11:00am to discuss a wide range of topics including equity, public safety, our neighborhood’s relationship with police, and how the ANA can better reach out to community members who need it most.

Please meet near the pool at Armatage Park, wear a mask, and plan to distance. Kids welcome to join and play. In case of rain, we’ll meet on Zoom. Register at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, May 18
6:30-8:00pm | Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Register at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs to hear from the leaders of Armatage Reparations & Equity Action, connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene, win a gift card to a local business, hear board election results, and learn what the ANA is doing for our community.

Online Board Election: May 11-18

Make your voice heard and vote in the Online Board Election from May 11 through May 18 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business/institutional representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on May 11. Please see above for more details on running for election!

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 help 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 http://renthelpmn.org or by calling 211, which has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions from 8:00am until 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Garden Tool Swap: May 8

Saturday, May 8
11:00am-1:00pm | Various Locations

Spring is officially here! To celebrate many of us are turning towards our home and our green spaces. When cleaning out your storage, hang on to unused yard tools, gardening items, and plant-related equipment and bring them to the first ever city-wide Garden Tool Swap!  Our closest location is at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (4055 Nicollet Ave S). See items to bring, other swap locations and more details here.

The swap is hosted by Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling and community partners. ALL are welcome at the free event, whether you’re a first-time gardener or have a green thumb.

  • All items are intended to be given and taken freely. Garden tools and equipment are not for sale at this event.
  • Please be respectful of your neighbors. Take only what you need so everyone can participate.
  • Wear face coverings and maintain at least 6 feet distance from others.

Social Media – Think Before You Post

Social media can be a great way to stay informed, but we all know, especially in stressful times, messages can take a turn.

  • How would you feel if someone directed your statement at your child/parent/significant other/etc.?
  • Would you share this point-of-view at work/church/public meeting?
  • Would you say this comment in-person to the individual or group of people you are referring to?

To help us all be both good neighbors and sharers of good information, the ANA will continue to compile safety resources through the August trials at https://armatage.org/trial/

Armatage Welcome Bags

Have you or someone on your block recently moved to Armatage? If so, we want to bring you an Armatage Welcome Bag! The groovy, reusable tote bag’s contents include useful information on the ANA, elected representatives, governmental services, local businesses, and a couple of fun items to welcome you.

  • Homeowners: be on the lookout for friendly ANA volunteers Ethan (pictured) or Kevin with a Welcome Bag with your name on it! They’ll swing by to do a masked, distanced drop-off.
  • Renters: if you are a renter who moved in during the past year or if you own a rental property in the neighborhood and have new tenants, please reach out to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and let us know where we can drop off a Welcome Bag!

Community Safety Workshops

Nonviolent Peaceforce is holding Community Safety Training Workshops on May 8 and May 22 from Saturday from 11:00am-5:00pm (optional breakfast will be provided for participants at 10:00am) located outdoors in the Little Earth Neighborhood (meet at Cedar Ave S & 24th St E, Minneapolis, MN 55404). All are welcome to register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunitySafetyWorkshop Wear a mask and plan to distance. Seating and lunch provided.

The Community Safety Training Workshops focus on preparing individuals and communities for handling community safety concerns and situations. The learning objectives are rooted in Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and aim to supply participants with skills for approaching safety concerns and providing a safe space for the community. Learn more at https://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/articles/940-cst

911, 311 & New Minneapolis Tip Line

If you need assistance, there are a few different avenues to get help:

  • Call 911 for emergencies where someone’s safety is at risk that requires an immediate response from police, firefighters, or medics.
  • Call 612-673-5335 or text 847411 to report suspicious activity directly to MPD that doesn’t require an emergency response (example: reporting a fast-moving car without license plates or spotting something odd in an alley)
  • Call Minneapolis 311 at 311 or 612-673-3000 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov for non-emergency concerns.

Get Involved on an Armatage Committee

Neighbors are encouraged to join an Armatage Committee and get involved. Currently, most meetings are held on Zoom. Click on each group’s link below to learn more. Register to attend a meeting at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Safety, Equity & Outreach will next meet this Saturday, May 1 from 10:00-11:00am at Armatage Park (see more above). Kids welcome and plan to wear a mask.
  • Community Engagement next meets Thursday, May 6 from 5:30-6:30pm on Zoom.
  • The Green Team will next meet on Thursday, May 13 from 7:00-8:15pm.

Street Sweeping is Underway

See the schedule and get ready to avoid a ticket and tow at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/

April 22, 2021 eNews

April 26 Meeting Agenda

The ANA postponed its April 20 meeting to better support our community, especially our BIPOC neighbors, after the verdict.  All are welcome to join next week’s rescheduled meeting. Register to attend at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Update from Armatage Park Director Jordan Nelson
  • Open Discussion on the Trial & Community Safety
  • 2021 Annual Meeting & Board Election
  • Leadership Roles & Transition Planning
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Armatage Play Area Update
    • Hennepin County Archives
    • City Funding Update
    • Mail
  • Committees – 3 Minute Updates:
    • Safety, Equity & Outreach
    • Community Engagement
    • Green Team

Register to Run for the ANA Board by May 9

Please consider running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors. Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come. These past weeks and months have reinforced how critical strong, local communities are.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color). Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by May 9 at https://armatage.org/2021boardelection/

Spring Tea & Blooms

Saturday, May 8
2:00-4:00pm | Armatage Park

Grab your mask and join us for afternoon tea at Armatage Park! Jinx Tea and Sparrow Café will take orders outside, soon-to-open neighborhood spot Café Cerés will share samples, and the ANA will give away take-home kids’ planting kits (supplies are limited). Pick up a free book from Jump! and complete a scavenger hunt and enter to win a gift card to a neighborhood business!

Thank you for following our safety guidelines by wearing a mask during the event, keeping 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, and bringing your treats home or into the park to enjoy. In case of severe weather, cancellations will be posted on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter.

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, May 18
6:30-8:00pm | Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Register at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs to hear from the leaders of Armatage Reparations & Equity Action, connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene who will each provide updates with time for questions, win a gift card to a local business, hear board election results, and learn what the ANA is doing for our community.

Online Board Election: May 11-18

Make your voice heard and vote in the Online Board Election from May 11 through May 18 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business/institutional representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on May 11. Please see above for more details on running for election!

Reflect Before You Post

With emotions running high, it is important to take a moment to reflect on our words and how they may affect your neighbors. Before hitting “post” consider:

  • How would you feel if someone directed your statement at your child/parent/significant other/etc.?
  • Would you share this point-of-view at work/church/public meeting?
  • Would you say this comment in-person to the individual or group of people you are referring to?

The ANA will continue to compile safety resources through the August trials at https://armatage.org/trial/

Community Safety Workshops

Nonviolent Peaceforce is holding Community Safety Training Workshops on April 24th, May 8th, and May 22nd from Saturday from 11:00am-5:00pm (optional breakfast will be provided for participants at 10:00am) located outdoors in the Little Earth Neighborhood (meet at Cedar Ave S & 24th St E, Minneapolis, MN 55404). All are welcome to register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunitySafetyWorkshop Wear a mask and plan to distance. Seating and lunch provided.

The Community Safety Training Workshops focus on preparing individuals and communities for handling community safety concerns and situations. The learning objectives are rooted in Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and aim to supply participants with skills for approaching safety concerns and providing a safe space for the community. Learn more at https://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/articles/940-cst

911, 311 & New Minneapolis Tip Line

If you need assistance, there are a few different avenues to get help:

  • Call 911 for emergencies where someone’s safety is at risk that requires an immediate response from police, firefighters, or medics.
  • Call 612-673-5335 or text 847411 to report suspicious activity directly to MPD that doesn’t require an emergency response (example: reporting a fast-moving car without license plates or spotting something odd in an alley)
  • Call Minneapolis 311 at 311 or 612-673-3000 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov for non-emergency concerns.

Armatage Welcome Bags

Have you or someone on your block recently moved to Armatage? If so, we want to bring you an Armatage Welcome Bag! The groovy, reusable tote bag’s contents include useful information on the ANA, elected representatives, governmental services, local businesses, and a couple of fun items to welcome you.

  • Homeowners: be on the lookout for friendly ANA volunteers Ethan (pictured) or Kevin with a Welcome Bag with your name on it! They’ll swing by to do a masked, distanced drop-off.
  • Renters: if you are a renter who moved in during the past year or if you own a rental property in the neighborhood and have new tenants, please reach out to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and let us know where we can drop off a Welcome Bag!

Get Involved on an Armatage Committee

Neighbors are encouraged to join an Armatage Committee and get involved. Currently, most meetings are held on Zoom. Click on each group’s link below to learn more. Register to attend a meeting at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs


Street Sweeping is Here

Street sweeping began this week. See the schedule and get ready to avoid a ticket and tow at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/

Online Annual Meeting & Board Election

Board Election Results

Congratulations to new board member Eli Johnson and returning board members Joel Federer, Vicky Goberdhan, Ethan Komoroski, Janhel Leandre, and Judy Vecere on their election! Thank you to everyone who voted in the Board Election!

Vote in the Board Election

There are six (6) candidates running for the ANA Board of Directors this year. If elected, each candidate’s term will run from May 2021 – May 2023.  Learn more about the candidates through the ANA Voter Guide and submit your vote online.

Online voting is open from May 11 through May 18 at 7:00pm. Voting closes during the Armatage Annual Meeting. Election results will be announced at the Annual Meeting on May 18 and online the following day.

All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business and institutional
representatives are eligible to vote in the election and help select the next ANA Board.

Voter Guide: learn more about the candidates here. 

Click here to vote in the Board Election.

Armatage Annual Meetingarmatage map

Tuesday, May 18
6:30-8:00 PM | Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting & Board Election on Zoom!  Register to attend at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Why attend the Annual Meeting?  GREAT question!  You’ll be able to…

  • Connect with State Rep (and Armatage resident!) Jamie Long, County Commissioner Marion Greene, and Council Member Linea Palmisano,
  • Hear how the leaders of Armatage Reparations & Equity Action (AREA) are helping neighbors renounce racial housing covenants on their Armatage homes,
  • Learn what the neighborhood is up to and all the great things planned for this year,
  • Enter to win a $25 gift card to an Armatage business (must be present to win).

Annual Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Connect with Elected Representatives (6:40pm)
    • Council Member Linea Palmisano
    • County Commissioner Marion Greene
    • State Representative Jamie Long
  • AREA (Armatage Reparations & Equity Action) (7:15pm)
  • Neighborhood Update (7:35pm)
  • Election Results (7:55pm)
  • Door Prize Drawing (8:00pm)

June 16, 2020 eNews

Armatage Annual Meeting Tonight!

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Join your neighbors tonight for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting on Zoom. Connect with elected representatives, learn why the 2020 Census matters for Minneapolis, discover what your neighborhood is working on, hear board election results, and win a $50 gift card to Colita or Unwind Within (must be present at the end of the event to win!).

Agenda:

  • Welcome
  • The 2020 Census and Why it Matters for Minneapolis – David Rubedor, Director of NCR
  • Connect with Elected Representatives:
    • County Commissioner Marion Greene
    • State Representative Jamie Long
    • City Council Member Linea Palmisano
  • Current Armatage Neighborhood Initiatives:
    • Neighborhood Art Journal
    • Mini Grant Program
    • Neighborhoods 2020 Proposed Funding Cuts
  • Door Prize Drawing ($50 gift cards to Colita and Unwind Within – must be present to win!)
  • Results of 2020 Armatage Board Election

Last Day to Vote in the Armatage Board Election

Today is the last day to vote in the Armatage Board Election! Voting will close tonight (Tuesday, June 16) at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated representatives of an Armatage business are eligible to vote once. Learn more about the candidates and vote at https://armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Election results will be announced at the end of the Armatage Annual Meeting tonight on Zoom and on armatage.org tomorrow. Responses will be kept confidential and only final totals will be shared.

Hennepin County Library Free eBooks

Hennepin County Library is dedicated to listening, learning, educating, and making the critical changes needed to move toward a more just world.  As part of the library’s commitment to listening, learning and taking action, four eBooks are now available with no holds: How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad, and The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.

These four titles bring to light the many ways in which racism functions, damages, and is perpetuated in our modern world. These books pose essential questions to each of us: How can we hold ourselves accountable? And also, how can we contribute to a society of true equity and justice?

If you’re hungry for even more reading, the University of Minnesota Press has made available a collection of anti-racist books to all to read online for free through August 31.

June 9, 2020 eNews

Community Conversation TONIGHT at 8:00pm

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

Please join the ANA from 8:00-9:00pm tonight (Tuesday, June 9) for an open conversation on how Armatage can learn from recent events and where we go from here to be a more equitable and inclusive neighborhood. (Our original topic for this month’s Happy Hour was brainstorming community projects that could be funded by a Mini Grant, but there is a lot to discuss and process after the last couple weeks in our community).

Vote in the 2020 Online Board Election

Online voting for the ANA Board Election started today and will end on June 16 at 7:30pm during the virtual Armatage Annual Meeting. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives are eligible to vote once in the election. Responses will be kept confidential and only final totals will be shared. Learn more about the candidates and cast your vote at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting on Zoom. Connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene who will each provide updates with time for questions, hear a short fascinating talk on why the 2020 Census matters for Minneapolis, win a gift card to a local business, and hear board election results.

Virtual Town Hall – Thursday at 6:00pm

It’s likely a special legislative session will take place on Friday. Before our state representatives head back into session, Rep. Frank Hornstein, Sen. Scott Dibble, and Rep. Jamie Long would like to share and hear your feedback at a Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, June 11 at 6:00pm on Facebook Live.

They will also be joined by a few Minneapolis Councilmembers, who will share an update on reforming the Minneapolis Police Department. You can find more details and RSVP here.

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

We need art more than ever. Please share pictures of what you and your family members have done to express yourselves creatively by June 30. We will assemble your submissions into a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

A free pdf of the art journal will available to download at armatage.org/art and we will possibly feature your submission in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural. Check out submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Community Safety Updates

Rebuilding Efforts

Support is needed as communities across Minneapolis rebuild – here are two links to organizations involved in rebuilding efforts:

Donations

With the loss of community amenities affecting people’s access to food, clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, and medication, the City of Mpls has compiled this list of assistance, donation and volunteer resources. Follow the link for details on eligibility, volunteer needs, and donation requests. Please confirm the locations are still accepting or handing out donations before heading out.

New Stay Safe MN Guidelines Start June 10

Visit to learn more about how the guidelines are changing this Wednesday at https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/stay-safe-mn/stay-safe-mn.jsp


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County has extended its emergency rental assistance program to include residents of Minneapolis. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 Please share widely!

Vote by Mail Information

Thinking about voting by mail this year? Sign up now to get Absentee ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed directly to you. Once you register to vote or check your voter registration, it takes just a couple minutes to request ballots. Your ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before each election with postage-paid envelopes for return.

Register to vote or update your registration here
Request an Absentee Ballot here


Donate Homemade Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday beginning June 8 for Mask Drive Mondays.  Our closest fire stations are at 2810 W 50th St and 5410 Nicollet Ave S.

Please plan to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. The City of Mpls will distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need.

Learn more about the Minneapolis Mask Ordinance here.

Help is Available

Check out our updated COVID-19 Resource Page for links to emergency rent assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new indoor mask ordinance at https://armatage.org/covid19

June 6, 2020 eNews

A Message from the ANA:

Last week, racial slurs were found on the skate park at Armatage Park. It’s unclear whether this was inspired by recent events surrounding the murder of George Floyd or if the timing was coincidental. Regardless, it was a despicable act and the ANA board fully condemns such cowardly and inhumane behavior. It is our hope that the perpetrators of this reprehensible act will have the courage to take a long, hard look at themselves and find the will to change.

We strive to be a community that is welcoming and supportive of all, particularly our neighbors who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color. We recognize the systems in our city that have long harmed communities of color and we as a neighborhood are committed to working toward equity.

Community Safety Updates

Register to Run for the ANA Board by June 8

Please consider running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors. Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come. These past weeks and months have reinforced how critical strong, local communities are.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color). Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by June 8 at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Community Conversation: June 9

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

Please join us from 8:00-9:00pm this Tuesday, June 9 for an open conversation on how Armatage can learn from recent events and where we go from here to be more equitable and inclusive. (Our original topic for this month’s Happy Hour was brainstorming community projects that could be funded by a Mini Grant, but there is a lot to discuss and process after the last couple weeks in our community.)

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting on Zoom. Connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene who will each provide updates with time for questions, win a gift card to a local business, and hear board election results.

Online Board Election: June 9-16

This year’s Armatage Board Election will be held online from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on June 9. Please see above for more details on running for election!

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

We need art more than ever. Please share pictures of what you and your family members have done to express yourselves creatively by June 30. We will assemble your submissions into a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

A free pdf of the art journal will available to download at armatage.org/art and we will possibly feature your submission in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural. Check out submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County has extended its emergency rental assistance program to include residents of Minneapolis. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 Please share widely!


Free Meals for Kids App & MPS Food Distribution Extended

Minneapolis Public Schools has extended their no-contact weekly food distribution program through at least July 24 and added a M-F free food distribution site at Longfellow Park. Boxes of food are free for all children 18 and under, whether they attend a MPS school or not. Check out the updated food distribution schedule here and see pick-up details, menu and heating instructions, and FAQs on the MPS free food distribution site here.

You can also download Hunger Impact Partners‘ Free Meals for Kids app on the App Store or Google Play to find and access free meals at nearly 400 schools and other sites across Minnesota for families and children in need.

Vote by Mail Information

Thinking about voting by mail this year? Sign up now to get Absentee ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed directly to you. Once you register to vote or check your voter registration, it takes just a couple minutes to request ballots. Your ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before each election with postage-paid envelopes for return.

Register to vote or update your registration here
Request an Absentee Ballot here


Donate Homemade Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday beginning June 8 for Mask Drive Mondays.  Our closest fire stations are at 2810 W 50th St and 5410 Nicollet Ave S.

Please plan to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. The City of Mpls will distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need.

Learn more about the Minneapolis Mask Ordinance here.

Help is Available

Check out our updated COVID-19 Resource Page for links to emergency rent assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new indoor mask ordinance at https://armatage.org/covid19

May 22, 2020 eNews

May 19 Meeting Recap

Thanks to Council Member Palmisano for giving an update on how the City continues to address COVID-19, including the current budget deficit. The Board discussed its 2020 Board Election (June 9-16) and planned next month’s virtual Annual Meeting (June 16), approving a small budget for communications and door prizes.

The new Neighborhood Art Journal is underway with many submissions received already. The Board approved funds to continue spreading the word through chalk drawings, social media and flyers around the neighborhood. Additional topics of discussion: board expectations, Mini Grant recipient orientation, Rain/Native Garden program, and the Green Team’s Organics Workshop (thanks to all who attended!).

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

During this time of social distancing, what have you and your family members done to express yourselves creatively? Please share your creations with us as we compile a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage. We will assemble your submissions into a free journal available to download at armatage.org/art and possibly feature them in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural.

See submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Armatage Annual Meeting & Board Election

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Connect with your elected representatives, win a gift card to a local business, and hear a short, fascinating talk on the 2020 Census and its impact on Minneapolis before board election results are announced.

Please note that voting for this year’s Board Election will be held online from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on June 9. See below for more details on running for election!

Join the Board

We will have a few open board seats in June so why not run for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors?  Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color).

Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by June 8 at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Take Action by 5/31 to Win a $50 Gift Card

Did you know that our community loses $2800 per year for every person not counted in the census?  Help out by May 31 and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:
  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Masks Required Indoors Starting 5/26

Yesterday Mayor Jacob Frey signed Emergency Regulation 2020-12, which will require people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation, including grocery stores, recreation centers, hotels, retail businesses, the skyway system, and government buildings.

The order takes effect Tuesday, May 26 and applies to everyone over the age of 2. See mask FAQs at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/faqs#Masks

Request Your Absentee Ballot to Vote by Mail

Many public agencies including the City of Minneapolis recommend voting early by mail this election year. Sign up now to get your ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed to you. It takes just a couple minutes to sign up and ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before those elections, along with postage-paid envelopes for return.

Register to vote (or update your registration) here

Apply for an Absentee Ballot here

Share your Stories with the Hennepin History Museum

As we transition into this new phase of the COVID-19 response, the Hennepin History Museum asks that you take a short survey to document your experiences so far. Their hope is to gather stories to preserve snapshots of our lives.

The museum will preserve these stories in their archive and–if you want–will share some of them online. Stay tuned for snippets from some of the stories that have already been submitted!  Link to survey: https://hennepinhistory.org/documenting-our-experiences/

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

If you haven’t done so yet, there’s just one week left to weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area. Take the survey and sign up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open through May 29 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.

Comment Period for the Transportation Action Plan Ends Today

Did you know that streets and public right-of-ways make up 22% of the land in Minneapolis?  The draft Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for these spaces and for all people in all the ways we move around Minneapolis.

Visit the interactive website at http://go.minneapolismn.gov/ to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which runs through today (May 22).

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Amenities to Re-open

Playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts will slowly open over the next week to groups of 10 users or less. Read through the details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Please keep social distancing measures in place when you and your family members use parks to keep these critical community spaces safe for everyone. Check the MPRB’s COVID-19 page in the weeks to come for updates.

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Minneapolis Firefighters’ Virtual Story Time

Check out Minneapolis firefighters reading children’s books for a virtual story time in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools. Watch the videos here:

Help is Available

Check out our updated COVID-19 Resource Page for links to emergency assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new Stay Safe MN order at https://armatage.org/covid19. We are in this together. <3

June 16, 2020 Minutes

Meeting Minutes – ANA Annual Meeting

Date: June 16, 2020

Format: Virtual meeting held via Zoom, 40+ Armatage neighbors in attendance

Called to Order: 7:03pm

Presided by: Joel Federer (President)

Note taker: Patty Grabski

Board members present:  Joel Federer, Patty Grabski, Tyler Mulcahey, Donte Mearan, Adriana D, Adam Miller, Brett Anderson, Michael Kootsikas, Judy Vecere

Board members absent: Ryan Antkowiak

Others present: Lauren Anderson (Coordinator), Rachel Ireland-Henry (Accountant), Linea Palmisano, David Rubedor, Jamie Long, Marion Greene

Upcoming event: Zoom convo with Linea Palmisano re neighborhood safety and policing on June 25

2020 Census – David Rubedor, Director of Neighborhood & Community Relations

  • Every 10 years – constitutional requirement
  • Many current challenges to accurate representation and distribution of resources
  • MN risks losing a congressional seat = $2.6M potential loss
  • Extension due to COVID and civil unrest – new deadline is October 31+
  • Good news! – ARMATAGE is at 86% self-response rate to date– above 2010 final rate

Marion Greene, County Commissioner

  • Money from fed govt for COVID response to Hennepin C
    • $25M for small bus support – 2k bus asking from 36 cities
    • Funds for nonprofits
    • $15M in rental
    • $2.5M in employment assistance
    • Homelessness – expand shelters to make them COVID safe; expand to hotels, spread by 50%
      • 24 hr services for daytime safety
      • Vulnerable ppl housing support – age, illness – 625 hotel units supporting for QT
      • Working on permanent housing, affordable housing project – increased funding
      • Adult shelter connect line
    • Youth focused resources
      • Distance learning – kids without wifi or computer – $1.5M
      • $1-3M for summer youth activities – creating city programs
    • Concern for elections – $3.5M to ensure elections go smoothly
      • Apply for an absentee ballot for primary – auto gen for federal election – this will help with social distancing, some locations will be closed, there will be pressure on polling locations
  • Lobbying at the legislature for reform re George Floyd
    • Looking at jail terms??
    • Look to the court system to evaluate outcomes
    • Respond to destruction on lake st etc; property ownership, work on gentrification
  • Weekly newsletter available – tells how money is spent etc, updates on city activities

Jamie Long, State Representative

  • Introduced bill: Commitment to police reform, change the way we prosecute police-involved shootings; independent prosecutors, handled by attorney general
  • Working on bill for Civilian review process – hamstrung by state laws
  • Residency requirements – 90% of our PO do not live in the city of Mpls – maybe set reqs, up to the city; PO arbitration for reinstatement process
  • 20 bills submitted to propose transformative change
  • Senate bills passed have been quite modest
  • COVID – called leg into special session; stay safe phase – 10 indoors, 25 outdoors, reduced capacity for retail and gyms
    • Extended unemployment
    • Pandemic unemployment for self-emp and independent contractors
    • Grants for childcare providers and food shelves
    • Energy assistance
    • Workers comp for COVID medical
  • Elections – pushing for vote by mail
  • Bus Rapid Transit including the E Line along France Ave is in this round of the bonding bill but no agreement yet
  • $15 million for Solar Rewards Program
  • How can citizens help to push changes forward – most impactful to reach out to those who represent you.
  • Rep Long’s office got 6,000 messages over the past several weeks after George Floyd and the unrest, which is by far more than he’s received on any other issue since taking office. He has proposed a $350 million package to help rebuild, which unfortunately won’t scratch the surface. The state is also pursuing emergency funding for emergency food shelves.

Linea Palmisano, City Council Member

  • COVID Series of cost containment measures – $61M of additional savings to city budget to keep balanced
    • Need to cut $165M
    • Budget amendment in July – strategic cuts
    • 24% cut to some services – will feel like
  • Stance on defund the police – transparency, accountability, etc
    • ‘year of community involvement’?
  • What can we do
    • Block org and neighbor involvement and coop was increased – working at the block club level
    • Participate in public hearings
    • Q on ballot – charter amendment of city charter re requiring a police dept and details
      • Hearings by august 21 in order to be on ballot in November
    • Need methods to receive feedback and input
  • 2040 plan
    • How to undo impacts of redlining – need greater integration in our city  – need more kinds of public housing and different levels of income, need senior housing, etc
      • Need all orgs to create impact, not just zoning
      • Need to recover Lake St to maintain racially diverse businesses etc

Mini Grants Update

  • Goal is to fund projects that support, strengthen Armatage
  • https://armatage.org/mini-grants 
  • 2019 projects
    • Community art mural
    • Neighborhood thermal camera
  • 2020 projects
    • Equity committee at Armatage Montessori
    • Outdoor Curriculum with Armatage Montessori PTA

Neighborhood Art Journal 

Neighborhoods 2020

  • Focused on creating equity across the city and redirect funds
  • Neighborhood base funding to drop from $30k to $10k
  • ANA requesting council to consider $15
  • Significant changes to services able to provide to the neighborhood
  • Residents please review the draft funding plan and comment to the city by July 15
  • Draft letter available on ANA website – to send to city council
  • https://armatage.org/n2020E

Election Results

  • 119 total votes!
  • Samantha Bild
  • Sean Burke
  • Adriana Dobryzcka
  • Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler
  • Kevin Ross

Door Prize Drawing

  • Chris – Colita
  • Josh – Unwind Within

Please join us for a neighborhood conversation with Linea Palmisano on Thursday June 25

May 14, 2020 eNews

May 19 Meeting Agenda

6:30-8:30pm | Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94646891472
All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Update from Council Member Palmisano
  • June Online Annual Meeting & Board Election
    • Resolution for a Remote Annual Meeting
    • Agenda and speakers
    • Board election volunteers
    • Communications and budget
  • Art Journal Project
    • Communications & Outreach Plan
  • ANA Board & Committee Expectations
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – need to approve
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team
    • Mini Grants
    • Complete Count
  • Coordinator Update:
    • New Board Orientation & Board Refresher

Monday, May 18
7:00-8:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83728133761

Thinking of making a change that will have a huge impact on your family’s environmental footprint? Now is the perfect time to start organics recycling and check out our free Organics Recycling How-to Workshop on May 18! We’ll cover what can and can’t go into the green cart, tips and tricks, and lots of ideas to affordably set up your home.

Taught by our Coordinator, Lauren, who ran organics recycling programs and taught workshops all over the Twin Cities before coming to the Armatage neighborhood, we promise it’ll be a short and fun Zoom workshop! Open to all, even if you live outside Armatage: armatage.org/online-organics-recycling-workshop/

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

During this time of social distancing, what have you and your family members done to express yourselves creatively? Please share your creations with us as we compile a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

Your submission could be artwork and paintings; sidewalk art; original poetry or short stories; knitted, crocheted or sewn creations; new gardens; home DIY projects; recipes you’ve cooked up; or images from walks. We will assemble your submissions into a free journal available to download at armatage.org/art and possibly feature them in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural.

See submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Armatage Annual Meeting & Board Election

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Connect virtually with your elected officials and hear a short, fascinating talk on the 2020 Census and its impact on Minneapolis before board election results are announced.

This year’s Board Election will be held online from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives will be able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org. See below for more details on running for election!

Join the Board

Thinking about running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors?  Thank you!  Board members will have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color).

Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by June 8 at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Take Action and Win a $50 Gift Card

Help neighbors and friends take the Census by May 31 and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Help is Available

We updated our COVID-19 Resource Page to make it much easier to navigate, especially on mobile. Check it out to find links to emergency assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new Stay Safe MN order at https://armatage.org/covid19.

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

Dreaming of when we’ll be able to safely play in parks again? Us too! In the meantime,  please help weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area by taking the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s survey and signing up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open now through May 29 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.

Comment on the Transportation Action Plan by May 22

Did you know that streets and public right-of-ways make up 22% of the land in Minneapolis?  The draft Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for these spaces and for all people in all the ways we move around Minneapolis.

Visit the interactive website at http://go.minneapolismn.gov/ to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which runs through May 22.

Stay Safe MN Details

Beginning May 18, non-critical businesses, like retail stores and main street businesses, can reopen if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent capacity. Also, starting May 18, Minnesotans are welcome to gather with friends and family in groups of 10 or less with safe social distancing practices in place. Learn more at https://mn.gov/covid19/

Comprehensive District Design Passes

The Minneapolis School Board voted to approve the district’s Comprehensive District Design recommendations this week.  Learn about the changing school boundaries and pathways, magnet schools and timeline for implementation at https://www.cdd.mpls.k12.mn.us/

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Closures

Minneapolis playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts are closed. Check out the closure details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Parks and trails are still open during this time. Please do your part to keep them safe for everyone and check the MPRB’s COVID-19 page in the weeks to come for updates.

2020 Annual Meeting

Armatage Annual Meeting & Board Election

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Connect with your elected officials, win a $50 gift card to Colita or Unwind Within (must be present to win!), and hear a short, fascinating talk on the 2020 Census and its impact on Minneapolis before board election results are announced.

Agenda:

  • Welcome
  • The 2020 Census and Why it Matters for Minneapolis – David Rubedor, Director of NCR
  • Connect with Elected Representatives:
    • County Commissioner Marion Greene
    • State Representative Jamie Long
    • City Council Member Linea Palmisano
  • Current Armatage Neighborhood Initiatives:
    • Neighborhood Art Journal
    • Mini Grant Program
    • Neighborhoods 2020 Proposed Funding Cuts
  • Results of 2020 Armatage Board Election
  • Door Prize Drawing

This year’s Board Election will be held online and voting runs from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives can vote once  in the election. Learn more about the candidates and cast your vote at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Full Zoom invite:

Topic: Armatage Annual Meeting
Time: Jun 16, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Meeting ID: 898 1501 9195
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