Category Archives: Assistance Programs

August 14, 2020 eNews

August 18, 2020 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
  • Fall Planning:
    • Armatage Park Alternative Halloween Event
    • Virtual Happy Hours Topics/Guests
    • Rescheduled National Night Out
    • Litter Be Gone
    • Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop
  • Sweet Treats in the Park:
    • Event Details
    • Volunteer Tasks
    • Minutes – Approved Via Email
  • Neighborhoods 2020 Letter
  • President’s Report
  • Treasurer Report – Financials Emailed
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Fall Newsletter Content and Timeline – Election, Census, Let’s Get Uncomfortable
    • Web and Social Media Content Updates
  • Neighborhood Financials Training

Sweet Treats in the Park

Sunday, August 23
5:30-7:30pm
Armatage Parking Lot

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for a new safe and distanced neighborhood event – Sweet Treats in the Park! 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. Dairy-free or gluten-free? Not to worry – Sonny’s has options for you.

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!).

Donations Needed for the Bridge for Youth

Currently, youth are the most likely segment of Minnesota’s population to be homeless. Of Minnesota’s 6,000 homeless youth, 35% are pregnant or parenting. In Hennepin County, this rises to nearly 50%. Opening this month, Gloria’s Place will be the only emergency shelter specifically for homeless teen parents and their children in the state of Minnesota. Through comprehensive case management, youth in Gloria’s Place will have their immediate needs met, in addition to access healthcare, assistance in obtaining vital documents, parenting groups, enrolling in school and individual and group counseling and more.

You can help the Bridge for Youth create a safe, welcoming environment for the youth at Gloria’s Place by donating much-needed items from their registry at Target. Follow the Bridge for Youth on Facebook and Instagram for more updates along the way and check out KARE11‘s recent feature on Gloria’s Place.


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

On August 11, enumerators (also known as census takers) began 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.


Travel Needs Survey

You are invited to participate in a short University of Minnesota survey on people’s travel needs in the Twin Cities region and how shared automated vehicles may help meet these needs. This survey is part of a larger study titled SCC: Leveraging Autonomous Shared Vehicles for Greater Community Health, Equity, Livability, and Prosperity (HELP), which is funded by the National Science Foundation.

The survey is completely online, is available in English and Spanish, lasts no more than 15 minutes, and is voluntary. After completion, all survey participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of forty $50 VISA gift cards!

Link to survey: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8tRKSNEtnt5HLaB


Emergency Rent Assistance

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

 

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.

August 21, 2020 eNews

August 18, 2020 Meeting Recap

The ANA discussed this Sunday’s Sweet Treats event, possibilities for a distanced Halloween event at Armatage Park, and a new Halloween Decoration Tour during the last week in October.  Additional upcoming events include a distanced Neighborhood Clean-up on October 3 (sign up here) and an anti-racism training on Zoom on October 6 led by facilitators from the Theater of Public Policy (sign-up info coming soon). The Board voted to sign onto a neighborhood funding letter drafted by colleagues from around the city and Accountant, Rachel, held an informative training on city funding and neighborhood financials. Next month’s meeting will be September 22 at 6:30pm on Zoom!

Sweet Treats in the Park This Sunday

Sunday, August 23
5:30-7:30pm
Armatage Parking Lot

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for our safe and distanced event of the summer – Sweet Treats in the Park!  Food trucks Sonny’s Ice Cream and Thumbs Cookies will take orders in the parking lot while practicing new safety guidelines and distanced ordering:

  • Pre-order cookies from Thumbs for easy pick-up at https://www.exploretock.com/thumbscookies/
  • Sonny’s prefers prefers cash at the event (don’t worry – transactions will be totally separate from scooping).
  • Dairy-free or gluten-free? Both vendors will have options for you.

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! More on the event at armatage.org. The weather looks perfect but in case of inclement weather, we’ll post cancellations on Facebook, Nextdoor and Twitter

NEW: Native Plant Rebates!

The ANA and Green Team are so excited to launch our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2020 Election

Minneapolis had its higher primary voter turnout in 50 years! Of the 130,888 ballots, 65% of them were cast early through vote by mail or early voting. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and exercise your right to vote this fall:

  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at bit.ly/votemn101
  • Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online but allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101
  • Track your ballot after you mail it at bit.ly/trackmyvote101
  • Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours will be posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!
  • Election judges needed: Eligible voters who can read, write, and speak English, especially if you are multilingual. High school students ages 16 and older can become student election judges. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/elections/become-an-election-judge


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

Funding for neighborhood organizations like the ANA expires in December. The City is considering a new funding plan that would add equity goals for neighborhoods’ work and increase funding for areas of the city that need it most. But it would also drastically reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods to such a degree that core services will be in jeopardy.

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to comment before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Mail in the postcard we included in your latest edition of the Armatage News, email a comment, or write your own.  All the info you need to quickly comment is at armatage.org/n2020.

Comment on Parks for All

Visit bit.ly/MPRBCompPlan (or click on the image above) to learn more and weigh in on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Comprehensive Plan.


Take the Southwest Business Assocation’s Safety Survey

The Southwest Business Association would like to hear from community members around safety. Fill out their quick survey at https://forms.gle/dbqHbP8zfvZwURHDA

Loans Available for Those Affected by Civil Unrest

Minneapolis individuals, property owners, businesses and nonprofits can now apply for low-interest disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for areas in Minnesota affected by the recent civil unrest.

Apply online for one of three types of SBA disaster loans:

  • Home disaster loans for homeowners or renters for disaster-damaged real estate and personal property including automobiles.
  • Physical disaster loans for disaster-damaged property owned by businesses and nonprofits including real estate, inventory and equipment. Businesses and nonprofits of any size are eligible. Applications due October 2, 2020.
  • Economic injury disaster loans for working capital to help small businesses and nonprofits meet their financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. Applications due May 3, 2021.

For help preparing financial documentation, Minneapolis businesses can consult with an advisor through the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program or contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2487 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov. See the Small Business Administration news release and fact sheet for more information.


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

On August 11, enumerators (also known as census takers) began 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.


Travel Needs Survey

You are invited to participate in a short University of Minnesota survey on people’s travel needs in the Twin Cities region and how shared automated vehicles may help meet these needs. This survey is part of a larger study titled SCC: Leveraging Autonomous Shared Vehicles for Greater Community Health, Equity, Livability, and Prosperity (HELP), which is funded by the National Science Foundation.

The survey is completely online, is available in English and Spanish, lasts no more than 15 minutes, and is voluntary. After completion, all survey participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of forty $50 VISA gift cards!

Link to survey: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8tRKSNEtnt5HLaB


Emergency Rent Assistance

Evictions are suspended now through September 11. Hennepin County offers emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help and find more information here:


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 1950 (please note we had this year listed incorrectly in our last edition – our apologies!). Learn more about the grants including eligibility and requirements at hennepin.us/deconstruction.

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 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.

April 22, 2020 eNews

50th Anniversary of Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970.  Scroll below for all kinds of green info including a DIY Earth Day clean-up and easy ways to take action to protect our planet.

April 21 Meeting Recap

Council Member Palmisano gave an update on the City’s response to COVID-19 and City services. Armatage Park Director Jordan Nelson shared MPRB’s new Ambassador program, which is stationing staff at all park properties throughout the City to serve as a resource. Armatage Park’s playground is up for reconstruction over the next year and the ANA is working with the MPRB on engagement and minimizing impact on the neighborhood.

The ANA will hold virtual Annual Meeting and Online Board Elections on June 16 (look for more details to come) and continue monthly virtual Happy Hours with different topics (next month’s Happy Hour is May 12 at 8:00pm with the topic of gardening). In May and June, the ANA will collect pictures of neighborhood art, poetry, knitting/crocheting, gardens, sidewalk art, etc. to create a final pdf or video. The board approved this year’s Mini Grant recipients and the sign-ups for the 2020 Rain & Native Garden program are underway (see below).

Minneapolis Housing Gap Funding – apply by April 27

Applications are now open for the City of Minneapolis’s Housing Gap Funding.  Eligible expenses include rent payments, utility payments and/or other housing stability related costs.  Apply by 12:00pm on Monday, April 27 at http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding. Please help spread the word!

Find links to the Gap Funding program, assistance programs, free food and meals,  unemployment, chore help, volunteer opportunities, and kids activities at https://armatage.org/covid19.  Thank you to everyone who has shared this resource with their block’s e-list or on social media. 

DIY Earth Day Clean-up

Join the Parks’ Annual Earth Day Park Clean-up, DIY style! Sometime during the month of April….

  1. Use a trash bag from home.
  2. Head to a nearby park or trail and pick up trash you see, while getting fresh air and exercise!
  3. Practice social distancing and other current COVID-19 guidelines. Learn more at www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/
  4. Share pictures your trash haul on our Facebook page – at @MPLSEarthDay – and get a prize!

Learn more at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/earth_day_cleanup/

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

We need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more. Help out 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.

Sign up for the Armatage Rain & Native Garden Program

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is teaming up with local nonprofit, Metro Blooms, again this year to help Armatage residents install a low cost rain or native garden. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and virtual consultations will start right away. Apply today at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Participants pay an average of $300-$450 and are responsible for planting and maintaining their garden. Additional need-based grants are available through the ANA for residents who meet income guidelines: click here for guidelines and to apply for additional assistance. We’ve been busy retooling the program with your safety in mind so site visits and installations will take place through social distancing – learn more at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/.

Transportation Action Plan Open Houses

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Two more Open Houses are scheduled for you to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time:

example Recycling Reminder email

Sign up for Recycling Reminder emails

We encourage you to sign up for our Recycling Reminder emails. By signing up you’ll receive an email every other week that includes:

  • Holiday collection delay notices
  • Seasonal service reminders like the start and end of yard waste collection
  • Tips and tricks to reduce waste, recycle and compost more
  • Notifications of upcoming waste reduction, reuse, and recycling events
  • Fun facts about what happens to your garbage, recycling, organics recycling, etc.

Sign up by finding your recycling day, and clicking “Sign up for Recycling Reminders”.

Fall street sweeping begins Oct. 22

Street Sweeping is Underway

Street sweeping began this week and will continue for the next several weeks.  Look for temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before your street is scheduled. Spring street sweeping is critical clean leaves, debris and other pollutants from the more than 1,000 miles of city streets and alleys to protect our waterways.  Click here to see when your street is scheduled to be swept.

Last Chance to Comment on the SW Parks Master Plan

The comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan ends on April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


 

April 13, 2020 eNews

April 21 Meeting Agenda

6:30-8:00pm | Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94646891472
All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Annual Meeting & Board Elections
  • Virtual Happy Hours & Coffee Breaks
  • Social distancing engagement:
    • Collect art, photos, poems
    • More summer ideas
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – need to approve
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Green Team:
      • Rain & Native Garden Program update
      • Virtual Organics Workshop – May 18
    • Mini Grants: Approve 2020 grant recipients
    • Complete Count: 2020 Census social media campaign
    • Summer Festival: alternatives
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Armatage Park playground construction

Virtual Neighborhood Happy Hour Tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 14
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/502813335
Topic: Supporting Local Businesses

Join your neighbors on Zoom for a virtual Happy Hour. We know this is an isolating time for many so grab a drink or snack of some kind and come share all the ways we can support our local businesses.

Kids, pets and funny background filters welcome! Open to all, whether you live in Armatage or not. We recommend downloading the free Zoom app on your device.

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out 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.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Learn about all the new small business, nonprofit and individual emergency loan programs available,
  • Access Hennepin County assistance,
  • Find free food or meals,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Get more ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our extended #StayHomeMN order?

We couldn’t find these links all in one place so we’ve gathered these and MANY more at https://armatage.org/covid19 and update it daily. Thank you to everyone who has shared this resource with their block’s e-list or on social media. Please email additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.


Transportation Action Plan Open House Today

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House TODAY, Monday, April 13, from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.


Updated Comprehensive District Design Plans

Minneapolis Public Schools has released its final draft for the Comprehensive District Design. The updated plans outline changes to community school boundaries, magnet programs like Armatage Montessori, school pathways, special education, and more.

Community members can view the plans at https://www.cdd.mpls.k12.mn.us/ in advance of the School Board’s scheduled vote on May 12. If you would like to submit a  comment on the plans, please visit https://board.mpls.k12.mn.us/public_comment for detailed instructions. Voicemails will be played during virtual board meetings.


Last Chance to Comment on the SW Parks Master Plan

The comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan ends on April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

ICYMI, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park/neighborhood events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

The ANA is working on ways to support the neighborhood this summer without our usual events.  In the months to come, [lease stay safe while enjoying parks and trails with these tips from the MPRB:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

April 3, 2020 eNews

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out 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.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Find a food shelf,
  • Apply for unemployment or an emergency small business loan,
  • Look up high risk grocery shopping hours,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Find ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our the #StayHomeMN order?

We have links to these and more in one place and are updating our page daily: https://armatage.org/covid19 If you haven’t done so yet, please send it to your block’s e-list or share on social media. Email suggestions for additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. This includes the cancellation of neighborhood events like Armatage Summer Festival that are held at parks. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

Stay safe while enjoying our parks and trails:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

mnhealth on Twitter: "Viruses don't discriminate, and neither ...
Check Out this Message from Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo

There have been increased incidents and attacks against Asian American communities across the nation as a result of racism coupled with coronavirus fears. Watch and share Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo’s video to learn about how the City is responding.

Call 311 to report discriminatory actions to the City’s Civil Rights Department and call 911 in an emergency.

The Minnesota Department of Health also has some great anti-discrimination posters available on its website.

Minneapolis City Trees Program

Low-cost Tree Sales for Minneapolis Residents

The Minneapolis City Trees Program is now open to ALL Minneapolis property owners! Sales are happening on a new online system through May 1 or until trees are sold out.

Unlike past years, there is no lottery and available trees will be smaller in size (#5 and #7 containers) in order to make more trees available to more property owners. Visit https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/ and please spread the word to your neighbors!


SW Parks Master Plan Comment Period Extended

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board extended the comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan through April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed through until May, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


Transportation Action Plan Comment Period Extended

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House on Monday, April 13 from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.

Comment Period Extended to July 15

The City of Minneapolis has extended the public comment period for the Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines through July 15, 2020.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020

We Love Our Neighborhood

Thank you to Armatage neighbors Linda and Maggie for sharing their sidewalk poetry with us during this turbulent time!

Let us know how you’re making Armatage a bit brighter so we can share it with the neighborhood by emailing anacoordinator@armatage.org.

March 27, 2020 eNews


Update from the ANA on COVID-19

Do you need to…

  • Find a food shelf,
  • Apply for unemployment,
  • Look up high risk grocery shopping hours,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Find ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our upcoming #StayHomeMN order?

We couldn’t find all this info in one place, so we created a new page with these links and more and are updating it daily: https://armatage.org/covid19 Send it to your block’s e-list or share on social media and send suggestions for additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Care for our community: follow #StayHomeMN guidelines. Practice social distancing for essential trips out of the house. Support the heroes who staff our hospitals and clinics, emergency services, grocery stores, nonprofits, and care-giving facilities.  Check in with neighbors who may need assistance with groceries, shoveling (though let’s hope snow stays FAR away), or just a friendly phone call or text. ❤️

NEW: Armatage Virtual Coffee Break

Tuesday, March 31
9:00-10:00am
Zoom – https://zoom.us/j/816580272

Join us for a virtual neighborhood coffee break next Tuesday morning. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, download the free Zoom app on your device (trust us, it’s MUCH easier), create an account, and click on the link above. We know this is a tough and isolating time for many of us and hope you can join in and connect with neighbors.

Kids are welcome in the background (we love Zoom – it’s easy to mute!), no partisan politics please, and if you’d prefer, simply call in on your phone. We’re going to try this out and think about adding an evening (8:00pm?) Happy Hour option, too!


Enter to win a $50 gift card to one of four local businesses! How? The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more. How to help: take the Census, complete a quick action from the following list, and enter your info at armatage.org/2020census for a chance to win a $50 gift card!

  1. Snap a selfie with your Census postcard or completed Census screen and share on social media. Use the hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 and #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
  2. Share a 2020 Census post on social media with a link to my2020census.gov/. Encourage your network to take the Census and use the hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 and #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
  3. Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) and remind them to complete the Census. Leave a note, send a text or email, or say hello from at least 6 feet away using your #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check with neighbors in the coming weeks).

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate. Recipients will be drawn in May. For more census info, visit my2020census.gov/ or www.wecountminneapolis.org/


More info on this order at mn.gov/stayhomemn

March 17, 2020 Meeting Recap

The ANA held its first virtual neighborhood meeting on Zoom – thanks to everyone who joined us! Council Member Palmisano gave an update on the City of Minneapolis’s efforts to prepare for COVID-19. The board planned a COVID-19 resources page (linked above), voted to postpone the Annual Meeting & Board Elections until June 16, and discussed a response for the Neighborhoods 2020 comment period, which ends on April 17. The Mini Grants Committee is in the midst of weighing applications for the 2020 grant round and the ANA’s Complete Count Committee is reworking its 2020 Census outreach strategies to be online-only (see above).


Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions.

Attend an upcoming online open house
We’re planning a series of online open houses to get your input on the plan. Join us to hear about the plan and interact in real time.

Neighborhood Funding to Decrease

The new Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines are here and we encourage neighbors to check out the plan and comment by April 17. The City Council plans to vote on this in May.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020


SW Parks Master Plan Comment Period Extended

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board extended the comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan through April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed through until May, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg
Visiting parks during #StayHomeMN? Use this handy graphic to maintain social distancing!

COVID-19 Resources

We’ve assembled this resource page to keep our community safe, healthy, and updated. Have a suggestion? Email our Coordinator at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

As we enter another season of this crisis, it’s hard not to feel burnt out. Keep following our state mask mandate, practice social distancing, and support essential workers who staff our hospitals and clinics, emergency services, grocery stores, nonprofits, schools and care-giving facilities. Check in with neighbors who may need assistance or just a friendly phone call or text. ❤️

Employment, Insurance & Transportation

Small Business, Nonprofit & Individual Loans/Grants

Housing, Utilities & Internet

Schools, Parks & Childcare

Coronavirus & Health Links

Emergency Assistance, Mental Health & Chore Help

Food Access

Local Businesses Offering Delivery or Curbside Pick-up

Online Kids’ Activities

Be a Helper

  • Donate PPE to health care workers and essential employees:

    • Mask Drive Mondays: bring homemade cloth masks to all Minneapolis Fire Stations each Monday from 10:00am-2:00pm to be distributed to individuals and sites in need.
    • Minnesota Donation Hub: if you have resources to donate or need items, please use these links:
      • Donation Form – for use by organizations/individuals wanting to donate items other than Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
      • Request for Information and Resources – for use by organizations/individuals needing items other than Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    • Hennepin County is collecting new, sealed #N95 and #N100 masks, coveralls, gloves and more from 7:30am – 4:00pm M-F in Mpls: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/emergencies/covid-19#Donations
  • Kingfield’s Volunteer/Donation Hub: our friends at the Kingfield Neighborhood Association have organized this city-wide list of urgent volunteer/donation needs.
  • Sheridan Story is a food program aimed at feeding kids when school lunches are not available. The organization has 30,000 bags of food ready to give to needy kids this week in 31 different school districts.
  • Second Harvest has a food warehouse waiting for volunteers and they’re also looking for donations. You can find out more at 2harvest.org.
  • Metro Meals on Wheels is looking for on-call volunteers in the event of a volunteer shortage. The nonprofit is accepting new customers and people can enroll in the service here.
  • Open Arms of Minnesota is currently providing medically tailored and shelf stable foods to people living with life threatening illnesses who often also have compromised immune systems. They are in need of donations and are adding new volunteer shifts.
  • The Aliveness Project is a meal program, food shelf and community center for low-income and homeless people living with HIV. They are accepting volunteers to help bag groceries and are accepting donations — learn more about how they are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak on its site here.
  • House of Charity serves free meals daily and needs volunteers. View open volunteer shifts and sign up to help at https://houseofcharity.galaxydigital.com/

December 12, 2019 eNews

December 17, 2019 Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Park Update
  • Chili Cook-off and Fire & Ice event
  • ANA 2020 Planning
  • Staffing Contracts
    • Coordinator
    • Accountant
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – approved via email
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Mini Grants 2020 Round
  • Adjourned


Snow is falling today! Your neighbors, people pushing strollers or using wheelchairs, and the many people in Minneapolis who walk thank you for keeping our sidewalks safe and accessible!

In Minneapolis, we are required to clear sidewalks after the end of a snowfall within:

  • 24 hours for homes and duplexes
  • Four daytime hours for apartment and commercial buildings (daytime hours begin at 8 am)

Get all your snow removal questions answered here and pick up free sand at the Public Works building at 6036 Harriet Ave S.

Supplies Needed for the Crisis Nursery

While the ANA didn’t host a Tree lighting event this year, the annual neighborhood-sponsored holiday lights are up in Armatage Park along the east side of the building.

You can still drop off new, unopened formula, diapers, pull-ups, children’s toiletries, new with tags clothing and more to benefit the Greater Twin Cities Crisis Nursery now through December 20. Check out the Crisis Nursery’s full donation wish list here and look for a donation bin in the lobby of the Armatage Rec Center.

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Comprehensive District Design Studies & Listening Sessions

Have you been following the district’s Comprehensive District Design process that aims to increase equity and close student achievement gaps in MPS?  Two new studies available this week propose changes to Minneapolis Public Schools’ magnet programs and community school boundaries. The studies outline significant proposed changes for Armatage School and Zone 3. If passed by the school board next spring, proposed changes would start to take effect in Fall 2021.

Community listening sessions are scheduled for January and February and you can also give feedback online.  Learn more about the Comprehensive District Design process here.


Cold Weather Resources

Resources are available for Minnesotans who struggle to afford their heating bills. The Cold Weather Rule, which went into effect last month, helps protect people from having their heat shut off when they need it the most. There are also energy assistance programs to help renters and homeowners pay for heating costs and furnace repairs.

More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available here, and you can read more about the Energy Assistance Program here. Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors.


The City of Minneapolis is now accepting applications for the Minneapolis 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program, which helps property owners obtain property tax reductions for agreeing to keep a portion of rental units affordable for 10 years.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline of January 8, 2020. Property owners are encouraged to apply early. Learn more about the 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program here.


Take MnDOT’s 35W@94 Outreach Survey

Take the community engagement survey to let MnDOT know how their team is doing on community engagement for the 35W@94 project and how they can improve for 2020. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

For translated surveys in Spanish, Somali or, Hmong, visit the project website.

New Hennepin County Deconstruction Incentives

Planning some home remodeling? Hennepin County will begin offering deconstruction incentives for both homeowners and developers to reduce the amount of reusable or recyclable building materials in our waste stream.

The deconstruction incentive program will provide up to $5,000 per project for the complete removal or major renovation of residential properties, offsetting some of the costs associated with utilizing deconstruction techniques versus traditional demolition. To be eligible, structures must be built before 1950 and the area to be renovated must be at least 250 square feet.  Much more info is to come, but read the preliminary details on the county’s website here.