Category Archives: Board recruitment

February 3, 2022 eNews

Image shows a group of seven Armatage Neighborhood Association board, staff and volunteers standing under a tent at an outdoor summer event. Everyone is wearing navy shirts that say "Armatage".

Join the Board

The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has two open seats on the Board of Directors! We welcome any Armatage resident that is interested in making an impact, wanting to connect with neighbors and can provide a unique perspective! This is an opportunity open to renters and homeowners alike!

The time commitment and duties are posted at https://armatage.org/open-board-seats/ If you are interested in learning more, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org. Photo credit: Jacob Tapia.

Celebrate Black History Month

The first Black History Month was organized in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson to encourage “people of all ethnic and social backgrounds [to] discuss the black experience” (ASALH). Congress passed “National Black History Month” into law in 1986, proclaiming that “the foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity” (Library of Congress).

Here are just a few small ways to learn more:

  • Sign up for free, once-a-day emails from Anti-Racism Daily’s 28 Days of Black History at https://www.28daysofblackhistory.com/
  • The Capri Theater is showing “How It Feels To Be Free,” tonight (February 3) at 7:00pm. The film centers the story of six iconic Black female performers challenging racism in the entertainment industry. Post-screening community discussion to follow. Tickets are available here.
  • Midtown Global Market hosts a celebration this Saturday, Feb 5 from 12:00-3:00pm showcasing the Black community. Check out new pop-up vendors, musicians, food and kids crafts. Learn more here.
  • The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery’s latest exhibit shares the stories of early Black settlers in Southeast Minnesota. Now open with free admission and parking. Learn more here.
  • Read a book with your child:

Thanks to Safety, Equity & Outreach Member Sheila Dingels for pulling these and the following Lunar New Year resources together!

Image shows a cluster of illuminated red lanterns with gold twinkle lights in the background at night.

Happy Lunar New Year

February 1 st is the beginning of the Lunar New Year in Asian culture, and 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. On the stroke of midnight on the first day of the New Year, every door and window in the house is opened to allow the old year to go out. The color red holds a significant place in New Year celebrations. Specifically, people wear red clothes, they decorate poems on red paper, and they give children “lucky” money in red envelopes. For the Chinese, red symbolizes fire, which traditionally was believed to prevent bad luck.

Here are some ways to celebrate or learn more:

  • Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra. This special event on Saturday, February 5 at 8:00pm will draw upon cultural traditions past and present. Learn more here.
  • Watch this YouTube video on how to make Chinese lanterns.
  • Celebrate the Year of the Tiger, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with the Met Museum’s exhibition items online.
  • Enjoy this book with your child: Lunar New Year (Celebrate the World) by Hannah Eliot and Alina Chau.
  • Find interactive videos on New Year and the traditional art of paper cutting through Hennepin County Library (paper cutting kits available at certain library locations).

Graphic has a blue/purple background and shows an outline of a person surrounded by headphones, phones and other devices. The graphic reads "Safety Tip: Be aware of your surroundings" with the Armatage logo.

Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention Tips

Our Safety Equity & Outreach Committee pulled together tips from a wide range of sources from MPD, local media, cities across the country and our own committee members. We hope they help you to stay aware and stay safe.

See the full list at https://armatage.org/safety-tips/  Follow the ANA on Facebook or Instagram for posts to share with family, friends and neighbors.

Image shows a collage of four nighttime photos - one with two women behind a mutual aid table full of donations, another with neighbors and volunteers at event tables with lots of people in the background, the third shows a group of bundled up folks around a fire pit, and the last shows a group of people watching people skate on an ice rink.

Armatage Fire & Ice Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Armatage Park’s Fire & Ice event last Friday! Thanks to your generous donations, six large bags of winter weather gear was given to the People’s Closet in George Floyd Square! They were very happy to get the donations as their supplies were starting to dwindle down.

Special thanks to Armatage park staff for hosting! Extra kudos goes to our outstanding volunteers – Kevin, Sharla, Ethan, Torrie, Joyce, Sheila and Paul! So grateful to each of you!

Join Hennepin County’s Plastic-Free Challenge

Our actions help create a plastic-free world!

Join the 814 participants (and counting!) in reducing your plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics, in ways that fit best in your lifestyle and are most impactful to reducing your footprint. The challenge, which runs February 1 through 28, will help you increase your understanding of plastics and plastic waste, uncover opportunities to cut back on the amount of plastic you bring into your home, and provide support and motivation to make lasting change at home and in your community.  Learn more and sign up at https://hennepinplasticfree.ecochallenge.org/

(The ANA hosted a GREAT workshop on the problem with plastic and practical solutions one year ago with informative speakers from the City, Tare Market, and Eureka Recycling – check it out here!)

Armatage Welcome Bags

Have you or any neighbors on your block recently moved to Armatage? If so, we want to bring 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), Eli or Kevin with a Welcome Bag with your name on it! They’ll swing by to do a 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 newish tenants, please reach out to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and let us know where we can drop off a Welcome Bag!

Graphic of an envelope with a note that says "Calling All Block Leaders! We're gathering contact info for every block leader in Armatage. Send your name, email address, phone, and the block(s) you represent to anacoordinator@armatage.org"

Block Leader Contact Info Needed

The ANA is gathering block leader contact information for every block in Armatage and we need your help! If you help organize any events on your block (like block parties, book clubs, etc.), you’re a block leader and we’d love to connect with you!

Currently, city requirements mean that block leader information cannot be shared or accessed by neighborhoods. Thanks to everyone who has already reached out – we’ve got contact information for about 1/3 of all blocks in Armatage and hope to keep adding to this list!

  • If you are a block leader and we don’t have your contact info yet, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org
  • If you’re interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work, visit http://bit.ly/blockclubs to learn more!

Upcoming 58th St/Sunrise Dr/60th St Meeting

Minneapolis Public Works will hold a virtual meeting on the 60th St/Sunrise Dr/58th St repaving project and related assessment on Wednesday, February 23rd, at 6:30pm.  To access the virtual meeting, please visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/58th-st-w/  A link to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be posted on the resurfacing project page the day of the meeting.

If you have any questions about assessments for this project, please email the Special Assessment Office at pwspecialassessments@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2401. If you have any questions about construction, please email: Hazel.Wolf@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-772-2524.

Image shows a proposed Minneapolis ward map

Participate in the Redistricting Process

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 wards and six park districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard. See below for the remaining redistricting process meetings, which you can watch on the City’s website, the City’s YouTube channel, or on Comcast channels 14 or 799.

Public hearings on proposed maps (register online here to speak): Wednesday, Feb 9 at 7:00pm and Thursday, Feb 24 at 4:00pm

Next steps: the Minneapolis Charter Commission is expected to approve proposed ward and park district maps at 4:00pm on Wednesday, Mar 2. The City Council will vote on proposed voting precincts and polling places based on the new maps at its regular meeting at 9:30am on Thursday, Mar 10.

Image shows a basket of vegetables including beets, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and parsnips and a sprig of mint sitting on a wood bench in front of a bamboo fence.

Free Vegetable Growing Basics Classes

Join the Hennepin County Master Gardeners for a 4-week series on Vegetable Growing Basics. Take a deeper dive to learn what you can spend your time planning, selecting and doing while waiting for the outdoor season to begin again. This series of classes provides a post-beginner view of how to plan and get ready for your herb and vegetable garden. Classes take place on Saturdays at 10am or Tuesdays at 7pm starting February 5. Registration is free – sign up here.

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment Deadline is February 7

School enrollment season is coming to a close! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 school year who is not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest (scroll down to the 2022-2023 enrollment) by this Monday, February 7!  This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Saturdays through February 12
10:00am – 12:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has a great sledding hill and winter is the perfect time to burn off some energy sledding with friends and neighbors.

Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance. You can drop by any time for socially distanced sledding! Learn more here.

Graphic with a blue background that says "#maskupmpls at all indoor public spaces" and lists daycare, gas station, government building, grocery store, office building and library.

Mask & Restaurant Testing/Vaccination Requirements

Starting last week, everyone age 5 and older entering an establishment that serves food or drink in Minneapolis must show proof of either being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or having a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days. There are a few exceptions including K-12 and early childcare settings. Get all your questions answered at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/businesses-employees/testing-vaccine-policy/

Mask Mandate: Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, all patrons, employees and visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation. This includes restaurants, bars, libraries, retail stores, schools, recreation centers, rental establishments, theaters and more. Learn more at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/masking-guidance/

Up Your Mask Game

Along with getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a high filtration, well-fitting mask over your mouth and nose in indoor public settings or crowds (whether indoors or outside) is crucial to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Now is a great time to upgrade your masks to a high filtration mask that provides the most protection. Here are a few more tips:

  • Your mask should fit over your nose and mouth and snug against your face with no gaps.
  • If you’re using a cloth mask, wear one with multiple layers or wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask. Be sure your mask fits properly; nose wires improve fit.
  • Surgical masks provide protection against large droplets.
  • Check lists of trusted manufacturers from the CDC and Project N95 to avoid counterfeit masks.

Screenshot taken from the website to order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government.

COVID-19 Testing Options

You can now order four totally free COVID-19 rapid tests per residential household through https://www.covidtests.gov/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

For more local testing options including home saliva PCR tests, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about  boosters here.

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

January 27, 2022 eNews

Image of Armatage Park at night with lights on and snow on the ground. White text over the image says "Armatage Fire & Ice, Friday January 28th from 6:00-7:30pm. Skating, cocoa and popcorn. Hosted by Armatage Park and the Armatage Neighborhood Association"

Armatage Fire & Ice – Tomorrow!

Friday, January 28 
6:00-7:30pm

Join Armatage Park’s annual Fire & Ice Family Skating party tomorrow, Friday, January 28 from 6:00-7:30pm! Bundle up and enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot cocoa by the bonfires (we’ll have multiples going!). COVID-19 safety: as much of the event as possible will be held outdoors. Bring a mask if you need to step into the warming room. Learn more at https://armatage.org/2022-fire-ice-skating-party/

Winter gear donations needed: the ANA would like to gather donations that will help keep our residents, guests and unsheltered neighbors warm. Please bring any new or gently used items to donate and/or feel free to take what you need. We are looking to collect items such as wool socks, hats, mittens, winter jackets, boots and long underwear.

If you or someone you know is in need of winter gear, please stop by the winter gear table and take whatever you need to stay warm!

Image shows a group of seven Armatage Neighborhood Association board, staff and volunteers standing under a tent at an outdoor summer event. Everyone is wearing navy shirts that say "Armatage".

Join the Board

The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has two open seats on the Board of Directors! We welcome any Armatage resident that is interested in making an impact, wanting to connect with neighbors and can provide a unique perspective! This is an opportunity open to renters and homeowners alike!

The time commitment and duties are posted at https://armatage.org/open-board-seats/ If you are interested in learning more, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org. Photo credit: Jacob Tapia.

Armatage Welcome Bags

Have you or any neighbors on your block recently moved to Armatage? If so, we want to bring 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), Eli 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 newish tenants, please reach out to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and let us know where we can drop off a Welcome Bag!

Graphic of an envelope with a note that says "Calling All Block Leaders! We're gathering contact info for every block leader in Armatage. Send your name, email address, phone, and the block(s) you represent to anacoordinator@armatage.org"

Block Leader Contact Info Needed

The ANA is gathering block leader contact information for every block in Armatage and we need your help! Currently, city requirements mean that block leader information cannot be shared or accessed by neighborhoods. Thanks to everyone who has already reached out – we’ve got contact information for about 1/3 of all blocks in the neighborhood and hope to keep adding to this list!

  • If you are a block leader and we don’t have your contact info yet, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org
  • If you’re interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work, visit http://bit.ly/blockclubs to learn more!

Upcoming 58th St/Sunrise Dr/60th St Meeting

Minneapolis Public Works will hold a virtual meeting on the 60th St/Sunrise Dr/58th St repaving project and related assessment on Wednesday, February 23rd, at 6:30pm.  To access the virtual meeting, please visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/58th-st-w/  A link to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be posted on the resurfacing project page the day of the meeting.

If you have any questions about assessments for this project, please email the Special Assessment Office at pwspecialassessments@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2401. If you have any questions about construction, please email: Hazel.Wolf@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-772-2524.

Image shows a basket of vegetables including beets, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and parsnips and a sprig of mint sitting on a wood bench in front of a bamboo fence.

Free Vegetable Growing Basics Classes

Join the Hennepin County Master Gardeners for a 4-week series on Vegetable Growing Basics. Take a deeper dive to learn what you can spend your time planning, selecting and doing while waiting for the outdoor season to begin again. This series of classes provides a post-beginner view of how to plan and get ready for your herb and vegetable garden. Classes take place on Saturdays at 10am or Tuesdays at 7pm starting February 5. Registration is free – sign up here.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Saturdays through February 12
10:00am – 12:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has a great sledding hill and winter is the perfect time to burn off some energy sledding with friends and neighbors.

Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance. You can drop by any time for socially distanced sledding! Learn more here.

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment

School enrollment season is here! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 school year who is not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest (scroll down to the 2022-2023 enrollment) by February 7!  This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Image shows a gloved hand sprinkling blue salt crystals from a small cup onto a shoveled sidewalk. The salt distribution shown is sparse according to safe salting practices.

Using Less Sidewalk Salt Protects Water & Saves Money

Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt is a major – and permanent – polluter of local freshwater lakes and streams. Seventy-eight percent of salt applied in the metro area ends up in groundwater or local lakes and rivers.  If de-icer is needed, people should use as little as possible. It’s easy to use too much, but more salt does not mean more melting. Removing snow and ice early and often is the best approach. Shoveling instead of using chemicals will protect our waters and with the extra cold temps we’ve been having, most de-icers don’t work below 15 degrees anyway.

Pledge to salt wisely
Any residents and businesses can take a pledge on the City of Minneapolis website to salt wisely. A 30-minute course with self-guided readings and videos will teach anyone about the consequences of using too much salt and about how to protect beloved Minnesota waters from this permanent pollution.

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey by Jan 31

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Jan 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process this year and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Image shows a proposed Minneapolis ward map

Participate in the Redistricting Process

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 wards and six park districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard. See below for the remaining redistricting process meetings, which you can watch on the City’s website, the City’s YouTube channel, or on Comcast channels 14 or 799.

Public hearings on proposed maps (register online here to speak): Wednesday, Feb 9 at 7:00pm and Thursday, Feb 24 at 4:00pm

Next steps: the Minneapolis Charter Commission is expected to approve proposed ward and park district maps at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2. The City Council will vote on proposed voting precincts and polling places based on the new maps at its regular meeting at 9:30am on Thursday, Mar 10.

Graphic with a blue background that says "#maskupmpls at all indoor public spaces" and lists daycare, gas station, government building, grocery store, office building and library.

Mask & Restaurant Testing/Vaccination Requirements

Starting last week, everyone age 5 and older entering an establishment that serves food or drink in Minneapolis must show proof of either being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or having a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days. There are a few exceptions including K-12 and early childcare settings. Get all your questions answered at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/businesses-employees/testing-vaccine-policy/

Mask Mandate: Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, all patrons, employees and visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation. This includes restaurants, bars, libraries, retail stores, schools, recreation centers, rental establishments, theaters and more. Learn more at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/masking-guidance/

Up Your Mask Game

Along with getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a high filtration, well-fitting mask over your mouth and nose in indoor public settings or crowds (whether indoors or outside) is crucial to preventing the spread of COVID-19. With the rapid spread of the omicron variant, now is a great time to upgrade your masks to a high filtration mask that provides the most protection. Here’s a few more tips:

  • Your mask should fit over your nose and mouth and snug against your face with no gaps.
  • If you’re using a cloth mask, wear one with multiple layers or wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask. Be sure your mask fits properly; nose wires improve fit.
  • Surgical masks provide protection against large droplets.
  • Check lists of trusted manufacturers from the CDC and Project N95 to avoid counterfeit masks.

Screenshot taken from the website to order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government.

COVID-19 Testing Options

You can now order four totally free COVID-19 rapid tests per residential household through https://www.covidtests.gov/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

For more local testing options including home saliva PCR tests, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html

Image of the Armatage Community Center at dusk. The sky is inky, snow is on the ground and the building glows in the fading light.

Recreation Center & Warming Room Hours Scaled Back

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and staffing shortages, drop-in hours at recreation centers are discontinued and buildings are open only for pre-registered and ActivePass programs now until February 14. Existing recreation center room rentals will be honored, but no new rentals will be accepted through February 14.

Warming room hours are also reduced through the end of the skating season. New hours are Monday-Friday, 4:00-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. Lights will continue to remain on until 9:00pm and outdoor rink-side benches and picnic tables will be added. A friendly reminder: masks are required for all park building visitors, including staff, instructors and sport spectators.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant now dominant in Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about who’s eligible for a booster here.

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

January 13, 2022 eNews

January 18, 2022 Agenda

Please join the first Armatage Monthly Meeting of the year next Tuesday, January 18 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Neighbors are encouraged to attend. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Ward 13 Update – Council Vice President Linea Palmisano (6:35pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:55pm)
  • Special Election for Open Board Seat (7:00pm)
  • Vice President Midterm Election (7:05pm)
  • Lawns to Legumes Grant Opportunity (7:10pm)
  • Armatage.org Updates (7:25pm)
  • Coordinator Report (7:45pm)
  • ANA Committee Updates (8:00pm)
  • New Business (8:15pm)

Graphic with a black background and gold glittery decorations. Text says "Armatage Neighborhood Association Special Election January 18, 2022 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Learn more and register to run at armatage.org"

January Special Election

The ANA will hold a Special Election for one open board seat on January 18, 2022!  The deadline to register to run is this Sunday, January 16!  All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote through an online form on Tuesday, January 18 from 9:00am-7:00pm.

Learn more about the time commitment and duties and register to run at armatage.org/january-2022-special-election/

Image shows a speaker at a podium from a previous Rev. Dr. MLK Day Celebration. There are several people also on the stage.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Monday, January 17
6:30-8:00pm

Annual tributes to Dr. King’s life and legacy take place at several Minneapolis park locations throughout the day, including an evening celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center with speakers, live entertainment and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award.

The celebration will be emceed by Chad Jackson, Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships, with the Minnesota Twins. Adair Mosley, President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, will be the keynote speaker. Musical performances that evening will come from “VocalEssence Singers Of This Age”.  Click here to learn more.

Image of Armatage Park at night with lights on and snow on the ground. White text over the image says "Armatage Fire & Ice, Friday January 28th from 6:00-7:30pm. Skating, cocoa and popcorn. Hosted by Armatage Park and the Armatage Neighborhood Association"

Armatage Fire & Ice is BACK!

Friday, January 28 
6:00-7:30pm

Join Armatage Park’s annual Fire & Ice Family Skating party on Friday, January 28 from 6:00-7:30pm! Bundle up and enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot cocoa by the bonfires. COVID-19 safety: as much of the event as possible will be held outdoors. Bring a mask if you need to step into the warming room. Learn more at https://armatage.org/2022-fire-ice-skating-party/

Lake Harriet Kite Festival

The Kite Festival returns to frozen Lake Harriet on Saturday, January 22, 12:00-4:00 pm! Check out this beautiful event that fills the sky with colorful kites and offers winter activities for all including kite flying (BYO or or enjoy the kites from Minnesota Kite Society), dog sledding, ice fishing, delicious local food trucks and free s’mores by the fire. This year, there will be no heated tents and Art Shanty Projects will be offering an exterior-only experience. All event attendees are encouraged to wear masks.

There will be no parking in the Lake Harriet Parking lot and on either side of Linden Hills Boulevard from W 43rd Street to W 40th Street on event day. A shuttle from the Calhoun Executive Center (3033 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416) will run continuously from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. Masks will be required for all shuttle passengers.

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

School enrollment season is here! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 school year who is not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Open House: learn about Armatage Elementary at the Open House on Tuesday, January 25 from 5:00-6:00pm for any prospective families who would like to tour the building, meet Principal Steve Searl and some of the teaching staff, and hear all about the school! Per MPS policy, please wear a mask.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Graphic that lists a Saturday, Jan 15, 2022 service opportunity to pack kits for neighbors in need hosted by trust.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Saturday, January 15
10:00am-12:00pm
Richfield Lutheran Church (8 W 60th St)

Looking for a meaningful service opportunity to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy?  Join TRUST Inc. for a free “Day of Service” Event packing cold weather kits for neighbors in need. The Keynote Speaker for this event is City Council President Andrea Jenkins. This is a great service opportunity for all ages. All attendees must wear a mask and plan to distance indoors while packing kits. Please give a TRUST a heads up that you can make it by calling 612.827.6159.

Graphic with a blue background that says "#maskupmpls at all indoor public spaces" and lists daycare, gas station, government building, grocery store, office building and library.

Mask & Restaurant Testing/Vaccination Requirements

Starting January 19, everyone over the age of two entering an establishment that serves food or drink in Minneapolis must show proof of either being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or having a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days. There are a few exceptions including K-12 and early childcare settings. Get all your questions answered at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/businesses-employees/testing-vaccine-policy/

Mask Mandate: Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, all patrons, employees and visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation. This includes restaurants, bars, libraries, retail stores, schools, recreation centers, rental establishments, theaters and more. Learn more at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/

Graphic with a white background that shows the outline of a test tube and says "Stay Safe MN COVID-19 Testing"

COVID-19 Testing Options

Did you know that the MDH provides FREE COVID-19 saliva PCR testing from home via rapid delivery (often courier)? All you need is an internet connection to order your test AND to schedule a zoom observation of you taking the saliva test. Drop off the completed test sample at a UPS/USPS/Fedex drop-off site. Here’s a link to order your test: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html The Vault saliva PCR tests have been running out so be sure to check back if the order forms asks for payment as more free tests will be available soon.

Need a rapid or can’t wait? Find community testing site options at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp

Image shows a gloved hand sprinkling blue salt crystals from a small cup onto a shoveled sidewalk. The salt distribution shown is sparse according to safe salting practices.

Using Less Sidewalk Salt Protects Water & Saves Money

Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt is a major – and permanent – polluter of local freshwater lakes and streams. Seventy-eight percent of salt applied in the metro area ends up in groundwater or local lakes and rivers.  If de-icer is needed, people should use as little as possible. It’s easy to use too much, but more salt does not mean more melting. Removing snow and ice early and often is the best approach. Shoveling instead of using chemicals will protect our waters.

Pledge to salt wisely
Any residents and businesses can take a pledge on the City of Minneapolis website to salt wisely. A 30-minute course with self-guided readings and videos will teach anyone about the consequences of using too much salt and about how to protect beloved Minnesota waters from this permanent pollution.

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Deadline Extended for Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Jan 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process this year and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Image of the Armatage Community Center at dusk. The sky is inky, snow is on the ground and the building glows in the fading light.

Recreation Center & Warming Room Hours Scaled Back

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and staffing shortages, drop-in hours at recreation centers are discontinued and buildings are open only for pre-registered and ActivePass programs now until February 14. Existing recreation center room rentals will be honored, but no new rentals will be accepted through February 14.

Warming room hours are also reduced through the end of the skating season. New hours are Monday-Friday, 4:00-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. Lights will continue to remain on until 9:00pm and outdoor rink-side benches and picnic tables will be added. A friendly reminder: masks are required for all park building visitors, including staff, instructors and sport spectators.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Saturday, January 8 – February 12
10:00am-12:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance. You can drop by any time for socially distanced sledding! Learn more here.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant now dominant in Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about who’s eligible for a booster here.

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

January 6, 2022 eNews

Graphic with a black background and gold glittery decorations. Text says "Armatage Neighborhood Association Special Election January 18, 2022 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Learn more and register to run at armatage.org"

January Special Election

The ANA will hold a Special Election for one open board seat on January 18, 2022!  All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote. Learn more about the time commitment and duties and register to run at armatage.org/january-2022-special-election/

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

School enrollment season is here! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 school year who is not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Open House: learn about Armatage Elementary at the Open House on Tuesday, January 25 from 5:00-6:00pm for any prospective families who would like to tour the building, meet Principal Steve Searl and some of the teaching staff, and hear all about the school! Per MPS policy, please wear a mask.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Graphic with a blue background that says "#maskupmpls at all indoor public spaces" and lists daycare, gas station, government building, grocery store, office building and library.

Minneapolis Mask Mandate Starts Today

Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, all patrons, employees and visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation effective today (Thursday, January 6) at 5:00pm. This includes restaurants, bars, libraries, retail stores, schools, recreation centers, rental establishments, theaters and more.

Read the full text of Mayor Jacob Frey’s emergency regulation No. 2022-1 here, which reinstates the citywide mask policy.  Get all your questions answered at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/common-questions/ and click on “Guidelines around wearing masks.”

Graphic with a white background that shows the outline of a test tube and says "Stay Safe MN COVID-19 Testing"

Free PCR Tests Delivered to Your Door

Did you know that the MDH provides FREE COVID-19 saliva PCR testing from home via rapid delivery (often courier)? All you need is an internet connection to order your test AND to schedule a zoom observation of you taking the saliva test. Drop off the completed test sample at a UPS/USPS/Fedex drop-off site and you’ll get results back usually within 48 hours. Here’s a link to order your test: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html

With the Omicron variant surging in Minnesota, it’s extra critical to test often. The Vault saliva PCR tests have been running out so be sure to check back if the order forms asks for payment as more free tests will be available soon.

Image shows two people with a waterfall in the background

Thank You, Joel!

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to outgoing Armatage Neighborhood Association President, Joel Federer (pictured above at right with his wife Carrie)! We are so grateful to Joel for his years of leadership helping the ANA weather staffing transitions, years of COVID, and getting ready for our big city funding program with a steady hand, good humor, and a wealth of expertise.

You’ve likely seen Joel at neighborhood events as he is usually the first to volunteer (even for the the not so fun projects like rewriting bylaws). We are glad he’ll stay involved with the Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee and wish him the best as he heads to a continuing education program this January! 

Image shows a home with lights on at night and a garage with a security camera

Safety Rebate Program Changes

With decreasing city funding, the ANA is making a few changes to the popular Safety Rebate program. As of January 1, the program has a $200 lifetime cap per address for residents (both renters and homeowners) and the business program, which hasn’t had an application in years, is discontinued. The ANA will still issue rebates for eligible home safety updates for up to $100 per address per calendar year until you reach the $200 lifetime cap.

Our goal with these changes is to help as many neighbors make home safety updates as possible while keeping the program operating. Learn more at https://armatage.org/security-rebate-program-for-residents/

Graphic with an image of full bookshelves in the background and a dark pink circle over that that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle " and a small image of the cover of "The Overstory" book

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our neighborhood slothful book club! Each month, we will read a small chunk of The Overstory by Richard Powers and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that portion.

The first meeting will be Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00pm on Zoom. If you’re interested in joining, please learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

Image shows a speaker at a podium from a previous Rev. Dr. MLK Day Celebration. There are several people also on the stage.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Monday, January 17
6:30-8:00pm

Annual tributes to Dr. King’s life and legacy take place at several Minneapolis park locations throughout the day, including an evening celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center with speakers, live entertainment and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award.

The celebration will be emceed by Chad Jackson, Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships, with the Minnesota Twins. Adair Mosley, President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, will be the keynote speaker. Musical performances that evening will come from “VocalEssence Singers Of This Age”.  Click here to learn more.

Graphic that shows a small white van with "Kid A" on the side, images of used kids gear (stroller, bike, boxes, high chair) that says "Kid Clutter Pickup Drive"

Kid Clutter Pickup Drive

The Kid Clutter Pickup Drive returns to Armatage on Monday January 10th! Schedule one convenient pickup of all your outgrown toys & kid gear, and start the year decluttered. Leave it all on your front step and local organization Kid A will pay you for the items that they resell and donate the rest to local non-profit organizations.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Saturday, January 8 – February 12
10:00am-12:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance. You can drop by any time for socially distanced sledding! Learn more here.

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control currently has NO adoption fee for cats and dogs over six months old! Are you ready to adopt a new furry family member just in time for the new year?

Visit the City website for more information

The image shows a group of recreational skaters of all ages and abilities wearing masks and skating outdoors on a rink on a lake.

Minneapolis Ice Rinks are Open

Skating rinks and warming houses are open across the City! Check the status of each rink using this interactive rink map.

Do you have old or outgrown skates that are still in great condition? Parks (including Armatage Park) would love to adopt them!  You can do the park staff a big favor by making sure they’re in ready-to-go condition and freshly sharpened for new skaters.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant now dominant in Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about who’s eligible for a booster here.

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

Open Board Seats

Join the ANA Board

The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has one open seat on the Board of Directors!

We welcome any Armatage resident that is interested in making an impact, wanting to connect with neighbors and can provide a unique perspective! This is an opportunity open to renters and homeowners alike!

If you are interested in learning more, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Time Commitment & Duties

The estimated time commitment is 5-6 hours per month. ANA Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm. Board members are expected to participate in these monthly meetings as well as serve on a neighborhood committee, volunteer for events (the ANA primarily holds outdoor and distanced events) and help with organizational planning.

If elected, your seat will have a shortened term after which point you can choose to step off the board or run again for a full two-year term. Bylaws that govern our non-profit organization are posted at https://armatage.org/ana-bylaws/

Photo credit: Armatage neighbor, Jacob Tapia.

December 23, 2021 eNews

Graphic with a green background and a pine bough that says "Happy Holidays. The ANA is closed Dec 24-31. See you in 2022!"

December 21, 2021 Meeting Recap

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the last ANA Meeting of 2021! Members of the Green Team, Community Engagement Committee, and Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee presented their 2022 work plans and all the great programs and events planned for next year. The Board approved its 2022 budget and made edits to the Safety Rebate Program. With decreasing funding, the program will now have a $200 lifetime cap for residents and the business program, which hasn’t had an application in years, will be discontinued.

Last, the ANA thanked outgoing President Joel Federer for his service over the past 3.5 years and elected new President Kevin Ross, who has been serving as the current Vice President!  The ANA will hold a Special Election to fill the open board seat and elect a new Vice President in January.

Collage of three images of holiday light tour stops - the upper left shows a white house with lights in front, the upper right shows a whole block holiday light installation and the bottom shows a house with white, red, and blue lights.

Holiday Light Tour Voting Results

THANK YOU to everyone who participated, particularly each of the 14 homes on the tour who put together beautiful displays and welcomed visitors from all over MN!  While the voting has wrapped up, the amazing displays are there for you to enjoy and visit again this season. Find this year’s map and driving directions at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ The three favorite displays from this year’s tour are listed below:

  • 5500 Block of Washburn Ave S (top right)
  • 5812 Washburn Ave S (top left)
  • 5908 Morgan Ave S (bottom)

Rec Centers Open Over Winter Break

Youth are welcome at Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recreation centers over Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Winter Break (Dec. 20-31). As of Dec 20, weekday hours have expanded to 12:00-7:00pm at all MPRB recreation centers.

Drop in for unstructured play or head to minneapolisparks.org/register to search hundreds of activities offered over the next two weeks. Many recreation centers are open outside of public hours for even more activities, classes and sports. (Note: all recreation centers will be closed and programming cancelled Dec 24-25 and Dec 31-Jan 1 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.) Masks are required for all recreation center visitors, including instructors and sport spectators.

Graphic with a black background and gold glittery decorations. Text says "Armatage Neighborhood Association Special Election January 18, 2022 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Learn more and register to run at armatage.org"

January Special Election

The ANA will hold a Special Election for one open board seat on January 18, 2022!  All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote. Learn more about the time commitment and duties and register to run at https://armatage.org/january-2022-special-election/

Image shows two men in the grass at Armatage Park at dusk. One has a stack of green frisbees and the other has a clipboard with an Armatage eNews sign-up.

Thank You, Joel!

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to outgoing Armatage Neighborhood Association President, Joel Federer (pictured above at right)! We are so grateful to Joel for his years of leadership helping the ANA weather staffing transitions, years of COVID, and getting ready for our big city funding program with a steady hand, good humor, and a wealth of expertise.

You’ve likely seen Joel at neighborhood events as he is usually the first to volunteer (even for the the not so fun projects like rewriting bylaws). We are glad he’ll stay involved with the Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee and wish him the best as he heads to a continuing education program this January! 

Image shows a home with lights on at night and a garage with a security camera

Safety Rebate Program Changes

With decreasing city funding, the ANA is making a few changes to the popular Safety Rebate program. As of January 1, 2022, the program will have a $200 lifetime cap per address for residents (both renters and homeowners) and the business program, which hasn’t had an application in years, will be discontinued. The ANA will still issue rebates for eligible home safety updates for up to $100 per address per calendar year until you reach the $200 lifetime cap.

Our goal with these changes is to help as many neighbors make home safety updates as possible while keeping the program operating. Learn more at https://armatage.org/security-rebate-program-for-residents/

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey by Dec 31

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Dec 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Tues, Dec 28
1:00-3:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance.  Please register in advance just so staff know how many to expect.

(Can’t make it this week?  You can drop by any time!  Kids will also have more chances for socially distanced sledding parties each Saturday January 8 – February 12 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Armatage Park. Learn more here.)

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

School enrollment season is here! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 who are not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Open House: learn about Armatage Elementary at the Open House on Tuesday, January 25 from 5:00-6:00pm for any prospective families who would like to tour the building, meet Principal Steve Searl and some of the teaching staff, and hear all about the school! Per MPS policy, please wear a mask.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Make This Holiday Season Low Waste

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling has a TON of helpful resources to help you celebrate low waste holidays, find answers to your “where does this go?” recycling questions, and more!

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

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

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

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

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control currently has NO adoption fee for cats and dogs over six months old! Are you ready to adopt a new furry family member just in time for the new year?

Visit the City website for more information

Sign up for Southwest Voices

We’re happy to announce that the Armatage Neighborhood Association will be partnering with Southwest Voices, a local news and information service covering SW Minneapolis. Southwest Voices has a free daily newsletter with information on how to get involved with the city, fun local events, restaurant openings and closings, live reports from School Board, Park Board, and City Council meetings, and information about community happenings. Sign-up at SouthwestVoices.news.

The ANA will receive a portion of each membership fee from people that sign up from our neighborhood, so if you sign up to support Southwest Voices, you’re also supporting the ANA. As a civic news organization that believes that good local journalism starts with listening, Southwest Voices wants to hear from you! Shoot them a note at info@southwestvoices.news or a text message at 612-204-2887 to share what you’d like to see covered and follow them on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Image shows a City of Minneapolis press conference from Dec 13, 2021 with diverse attendees and sign language interpretation

New Minneapolis Crisis Response Teams

The City of Minneapolis launched a behavioral crisis response teams pilot project. Canopy Roots will provide crisis intervention, counseling, and connection to support services as an alternative to police responders.  Two mobile units will operate throughout Minneapolis 7:30 am to midnight, Monday through Friday, and eventually ramp up to service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Each vehicle will have a team of two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies, such as water, socks, snacks and toiletries.

People should continue to call 911 for help with behavioral crises. 911 dispatchers will gather information and determine if the incident is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response. The teams will not respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior. The Minneapolis Police Department will only be on scene if dispatch determines the need to clear the scene first or the response teams request assistance to complete their work. Learn more about the behavioral crisis response teams here.

The image shows a group of recreational skaters of all ages and abilities wearing masks and skating outdoors on a rink on a lake.

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board staff are hard at work preparing the ice for this year’s skating, hockey and broomball season!  None of the rinks or warming houses are open yet, but you can watch the progress using this interactive rink map.

Do you have old or outgrown skates that are still in great condition? Parks (including Armatage Park) would love to adopt them!  You can do the park staff a big favor by making sure they’re in ready-to-go condition and freshly sharpened for new skaters.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant now dominant in Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster for anyone 16 and up who is at least 6 months past their second dose AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below).

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

January 2022 Special Election

January 2022 Special Election

Update: No candidate came forward for the January Special Election so the open board seat will remain unfilled for the time being. We know this is a really busy time of year for many, so if you are interested in joining the ANA Board, please contact us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

See the full January 18, 2022 Monthly Meeting agenda at https://armatage.org/january-18-2022-agenda/

Run for the Board

Register to run for the ANA Board here. The deadline to register is Sunday, January 16 at 11:59pm (the form is also linked below). Your name, picture and responses (excluding your contact info) will be published in a voter guide here and at armatage.org in advance of the January 18 Special Election.

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

Click here to register to run!

Board Time Commitment and Duties

The estimated time commitment is 5-6 hours per month. ANA Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm. Board members are expected to participate in these monthly meetings as well as serve on a committee, volunteer for events (the ANA holds a few outdoor and distanced events each year) and help with organizational planning.

If elected, your seat will have a shortened term from January 2022 – May 2023, after which point you can choose to step off the board or run again for a full two-year term. Bylaws that govern our non-profit organization are posted at https://armatage.org/ana-bylaws/

Vote in the Special Election

All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote. We’ll post a candidate guide and voting form here on January 18.

Election Process

Vote online here on Tuesday, January 18 from 9:00am-6:30pm or live via Zoom at the ANA Monthly Meeting, which starts at 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 18. Register to attend at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Election results will be announced live on Zoom during the meeting and at https://armatage.org the following day.

If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our Coordinator, Lauren, at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

May 18, 2021 eNews

Armatage Annual Meeting Tonight!

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

Join your neighbors TONIGHT for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! There’s still time to register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Why Attend the Annual Meeting?

Great question!  By attending on Zoom, you’ll be able to…

  • Hear how the leaders of Armatage Reparations & Equity Action (pictured above) are helping more neighbors renounce racial housing covenants on their homes.
  • Connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene.
  • Enter to win one of six $25 gift cards to Armatage businesses including Cafe Ceres, Red Wagon, and more (must be present to win).
  • Vote in the Board Election and hear results,
  • Learn what your neighborhood has been doing for the community and what we’ve got planned for the rest of the year!

Register to attend at bit.ly/ANAmtgs and see the agenda at https://armatage.org/2021boardelection/

Voting Open for the Board Election

Today is your last chance to help select the next Armatage Neighborhood Association Board! Learn about the candidates running and vote online at armatage.org/2021boardelection/

Voting runs through tonight (May 18) at 7:00pm. Election results will be announced live at the Armatage Annual Meeting tonight (see above to sign up!). All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated representatives of a neighborhood business/institution are eligible to vote. Click here to learn about the candidates and cast your vote!

Support Your Neighborhood

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and engaging our community. Donations drive our work. Support the neighborhood through GiveMN here.

With funding from the City of Minneapolis to drop significantly next year, even a $5 donation makes a difference! Thank you for your support.

Minnesota Rent Help

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

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

Minnesota Vaccine Connector

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

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

May 13, 2021 eNews

Armatage Annual Meeting

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

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs to attend.

Why attend the Annual Meeting? GREAT question! You will be able 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, enter to win one of six $25 gift cards to Armatage businesses (must be present to win), hear Board Election results, and learn what the ANA is doing for our community.

See below on how to vote in the Board Election through May 18!

Voting Open for the Board Election

Help elect the next Armatage Neighborhood Association Board by voting at armatage.org/2021boardelection/We have six fantastic candidates running this month.

Voting opened May 11 and runs through May 18 at 7:00pm. Election results will be announced at the Armatage Annual Meeting on May 18 (see above to sign up!). All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated representatives of a neighborhood business/institution are eligible to vote. Click here to learn about the candidates and cast your vote!

Spring Tea & Blooms Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Spring Tea & Blooms event this past weekend!  We had a blast handing out take-home planting kits, giving away cookies donated by Café Cerés and free books from Jump! at 54th & Penn, and seeing neighbors after a long winter. Thanks to Jinx Tea and Sparrow Café for being part of the event and an especially huge thank you to our Community Engagement volunteer team!

Support Your Neighborhood

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and engaging our community. Donations drive our work. Support the neighborhood through GiveMN here.

With funding from the City of Minneapolis to drop significantly next year, even a $5 donation makes a difference! Thank you for your support.

Minnesota Rent Help

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

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

Minnesota Vaccine Connector

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

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

Armatage Welcome Bags

Have you or neighbors 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, meetings are held on Zoom or outdoors and distanced. Click on each group’s link below to learn more. Register to attend a meeting at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • The Green Team meets tonight (Thursday, May 13) from 7:00-8:15pm on Zoom.
  • Community Engagement next meets Thursday, June 3 from 5:30-6:30pm on Zoom.
  • Safety, Equity & Outreach next meets Saturday, June 5 from 10:00-11:00am at Armatage Park (see more above). Kids welcome and plan to wear a mask.

Changes to COVID-19 Restrictions

Read about the state’s changing COVID-19 restrictions at https://mn.gov/covid19/stay-safe/overview/index.jsp

May 6, 2021 eNews

Spring Tea & Blooms this Saturday!

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

Grab your mask and join us for Spring Tea & Blooms at Armatage Park this Saturday from 2:00-4:00pm! Jinx Tea and Sparrow Café will take orders outside, new neighborhood business 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. The weather looks great but in case of severe weather, cancellations will be posted on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter.

Register to Run for the ANA Board by this Sunday

Please consider running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors through our annual Board Election this May. Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come and it’s a great way to get involved and give back.

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/

Support the Armatage Neighborhood Association

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and engaging our community. Donations drive our work. Support the neighborhood through GiveMN here.

HUGE thanks to GiveMN for hosting Spring Forward MN this May so we can give generously to help nonprofits and schools across Minnesota spring forward into what comes next for them—whether that’s continuing to help our neighbors through this crisis or working to reopen their doors. There are so many organizations to support – visit www.givemn.org to learn more.

Register for the 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 attend.

At the Annual Meeting, you will 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, enter to win one of six $25 gift cards to a local business (must be present to win), 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!

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 – Pause Before You Post

Social media can be a great way to stay informed, but it’s important to consider whether the information you’re reading is from a trusted source and to pause before posting or sharing. Last Friday, a crime was reported as occurring in Armatage on a local Facebook group and on Nextdoor. When we followed up with the Minneapolis Police Department to learn more, we learned that the original incident hadn’t actually occurred in Armatage at all but was misreported and then shared widely.

You can do your part by seeking trusted sources for news and taking a moment to pause before sharing information on social media. Does your post or the post you’re sharing:

  1. Focus on behavior and how/why you think it is suspicious (which might change depending on the time of day)
  1. Provide a full description of the person/s involved, including clothing, as well as details about the location, vehicle, etc. to avoid over-generalizations

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/

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.

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

  • Community Engagement next meets tonight, 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 on Zoom.
  • Safety, Equity & Outreach next meets Saturday, June 5 from 10:00-11:00am at Armatage Park (see more above). Kids welcome and plan to wear a mask.

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