Category Archives: Business Association

August 25, 2022 eNews

Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot

Come to the Washburn Tot Lot for a start-of-school pop-up event on Sat, Sept 17 from 10–11:30am! All are welcome, so tell your neighbors and come on down! We want to extend a special invitation to all of our neighbors who rent who make up nearly 15% of the households in Armatage.

We hope to see you on Sept 17 for…

  • FREE treats
  • Activities for all ages
  • On-site voter registration thanks to the League of Women Voters
  • Free renters’ resources
  • New Washburn Tot Lot pollinator garden community dreaming open house.

E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding Event

Save the date for a fall e-waste and paper shredding recycling event on Sat, Sept 24 from 9am–12pm! Bring documents, TVs, computers, phones, peripherals (cords, computer parts, keyboards, etc.) and small appliances for safe recycling AND data destruction. Thanks to Mayflower Church for hosting the event.

The suggested donation is $5 (or $5 + $5 to sponsor a neighbor), but no one will be turned away. Cash and cards will be accepted on-site. We’re offering a pick-up service for seniors and residents with disabilities (items must be outside). Call us at 612-466-0296 or sign up at armatage.org/ewaste.

Ann Kim Featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table

Exciting news! Ann Kim, owner of neighborhood fave Pizzeria Lola, will be featured in this season of Chef’s Table: Pizza on Netflix!  The show follows chefs from all over the world and this season’s six episode run is all about pizza. Episodes start streaming on September 7 and we can’t wait!  Photo credit: Netflix

Book Club Participating in Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Our very own Book Club is participating in the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge! The challenge brings over 1,000 diners to restaurants and over 25 new and classic vegan dishes to diners throughout the month of August. You can find more information and see each participating restaurant’s offerings here.

Sign up for Adult Fall Sports at Minneapolis Parks!

Spots are still available for Intro- through Advanced-level pickleball, men’s and co-ed softball, and open, co-ed and women’s volleyball. Click here for links to browse upcoming adult sports opportunities and register your team.

Minneapolis Parks is also hiring sports officials. Earn extra cash and stay involved in the sports you love! Follow the link below to get started: Become a Sports Official

Back to School Event at Armatage Park on Sept 3

Check out this free Back to School community event happening on Saturday, September 3 from 11am–3pm at Armatage Park!  The fun includes facepainting, a backpack giveaway, crafts and games and a drawing for a bike. Hosted by Promise Church.

Thanks to Armatage neighbor, Jacob Tapia, for sharing this event!  If you know of a free community event you’d like to share in this enewsletter, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Help Needed: Racial Housing Covenant Interviews

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

To sign up, contact Daniel Rosenblum at rosen918@umn.edu or 267-337-0670. We also hope to have Daniel speak at an upcoming Armatage Monthly Meeting so stay tuned for more info!  And thanks as always to Armatage Reparations & Equity Action, Free the Deeds, and the Just Deeds Project for their work.

Lake Harriet Bandshell Repairs

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is working on plans to renovate the Lake Harriet Bandshell area. The primary focus of the project is replacing the wood roof shingles on the Bandshell and nearby buildings, but additional work could also include upgrades to lighting, electrical and restrooms, adding bird-safe coating to Bandshell windows, and replacing doors and door frames. Work will be scheduled to maintain normal seasonal Bandshell entertainment, concessions operations and bathroom availability as much as possible. Click here to learn more and see a cool historical photo of the previous bandshell!

Repair Timeline

  • Fall 2022: Bid and award construction contract(s)
  • Winter 2022-23: Purchase and prepare new wood shingles
  • Spring-Fall 2023: Perform roof repairs and building renovations

Take the Minneapolis Climate Action and Equity Plan Survey

Minneapolis is working to reduce the impact of climate change. With a 10-year update to the 2013 Climate Action Plan, the City needs your help to meet its ambitious goals: eliminating carbon emissions and improving the daily lives of residents, particularly those most impacted by changes in our climate.Fill out the Climate Action Plan survey here or contact sustainability@minneapolismn.gov.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign to support your neighborhood organization and proudly spread the message that ALL are welcome in Armatage!

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting the ANA’s work in the community. Order online here or grab a sign at Armatage Summer Jam!

Water Boulevard Trees

Water is especially important for trees under five years old, including newly planted trees on city boulevards (that is, the land between the sidewalk and the street). Water in the evening to minimize evaporation, track your tree watering by doing it on weekly solid waste collection day. Watering one tree weekly costs only about $3 for 23 weeks – the entire summer-fall season.

How to help: Watch this video or check out the three options below:

  • Option 1: Fill a tree watering bag. If you live near a newly planted tree supplied with a green tree watering bag, fill the bag once a week. When it’s one-quarter full, pull up on the bag handles to straighten it. Bags hold 20 gallons of water and take about five minutes to fill.
  • Option 2: Use a five-gallon bucket to slowly pour water around the base of a tree. Do this four times for 20 gallons once a week.
  • Option 3: Run a garden hose on a slow trickle, placed at least six inches from the tree trunk. Let it run for an hour each week.

New Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

ICYMI, the ANA is excited to announce that we received grant funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program and the Minneapolis People for Parks Fund to create a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot!  The new garden will be installed along the alley to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our community and local pollinators.Community engagement will begin this fall with a Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot event on Saturday, September 17 from 10–11:30am so save the date! We anticipate the new garden will be completed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: find vaccines for kids ages 6 months and up and boosters at mn.gov/vaccine (click on the Vaccine Locator Map). Learn more about boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: order free rapid tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests or at https://mn.gov/covid19/ Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

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

Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

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

July 7, 2022 eNews

Sponsor Armatage Summer Jam

Showcase your company’s name to thousands of neighbors and community members at Armatage Summer Jam! The event will include six food trucks, a live band and other family friendly activities and games. To make this event a success, we are looking for local businesses to sponsor and are offering a wide range of options to support at various investment levels.

By sponsoring the event, you’ll have the opportunity to reach the Armatage community through event advertising including our local newsletter (reaches nearly 5,000 residents), website and social media. Additionally, there will be acknowledgement of sponsors at the event on August 6.  To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here.

Support Local Businesses

Several Penn Ave businesses were vandalized or burglarized this past weekend. You can help by shopping local and supporting Sparrow Cafe, Dreadlocks for Dingoes, Cindy’s Barber Shop and any other business you know that sustained damage.

New Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

The ANA is so excited to announce that we have received grant funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program and the Minneapolis People for Parks Foundation to fund a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot!  The new garden will be installed along the alley to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our community and local pollinators.

Community engagement will begin this fall with a pop-up event at the Washburn Tot Lot on Saturday, September 17 from 10:00–11:30am and and we anticipate the new garden will be completed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign to support your neighborhood organization and proudly spread the message that ALL are welcome in Armatage!

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting the ANA’s work in the community. Order online here.

Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens

Kids and teens 18 years old and younger can receive nutritious meals and snacks free of charge at parks (including Armatage Park!), libraries, other community spaces this summer!

Visit https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/community_park_menus to find community sites or download the Free Meals for Kids app. These free meals and snacks are part of Minneapolis Public Schools’s participation in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Photo credit: Star Tribune

Library Social Justice Book Club

Did you know that the Hennepin County Library System has a Social Justice Book Club? Come together virtually with others in the community who are interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in transforming perceptions. For each book chosen, you will talk about the book and its relevance to us now. Hosted by the Golden Valley Library and held virtually (and there are plenty of ebook copies available to check out for free).

This month’s event happens on July 25 and features An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You can sign up for this event here: Social Justice Book Club | Events | Hennepin County Library (bibliocommons.com)

Take Climate Action and Equity Plan Survey

Minneapolis is working to reduce the impact of climate change. With a 10-year update to the 2013 Climate Action Plan, the City needs your help to meet its ambitious goals: eliminating carbon emissions and improving the daily lives of residents, particularly those most impacted by changes in our climate.

Fill out the Climate Action Plan survey, contact us at sustainability@minneapolismn.gov.

Every Other Week Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection is now every other week due to a Solid Waste & Recycling staff shortage. Please plan to….

  • Leave properly prepared yard waste at your curb or alley line until it’s collected if you can.
  • Call the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 612-673-2917 if your yard waste has not been picked up for more than two weeks.

For more details and a map of the changes, visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/yard-waste-collection-map/

Create Meals, Not Waste: Join the Stop Food Waste Challenge

We love food, which leaves us wondering: why do we let so much of it go to waste? About 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain, and you may be surprised to learn that much of that food waste happens at home. Here in Hennepin County, we throw away enough edible food each year to fill Target Field 1.5 times!

Join Hennepin County’s online Stop Food Waste Challenge to learn easy, practical skills that will help you stop wasting food, put more money in your pocket, and create a healthier environment. Even better, taking steps to reduce food waste is one of the most important actions we can take to address climate change.

The challenge goes from August 1 through August 31. Join the challenge now at hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org.

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park

Enjoy free movies, music, performances, art and games outdoors this summer with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County, and the Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series.

Home Help MN – Apply by August 17

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent because of COVID, you can now to apply for the State’s Home Help MN program. Visit https://homehelpmn.org to learn more and get your application started.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: find vaccines for kids ages 6 months and up and boosters at mn.gov/vaccine (click on the Vaccine Locator Map). Learn more about  boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: order free rapid tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests or at https://mn.gov/covid19/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

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

Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

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

December 2, 2021 eNews

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

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour by Dec 7

We need more houses and apartments to sign up for the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome so bring your love of Hannukah, Kwanzana, New Year, the Winter Solstice, and/or Christmas!  If you live in the neighborhood and love to decorate for the holidays, please sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Please plan to have lights on and decorations up throughout the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19 from 5:00-8:00pm. Your address will be published on the tour map, which will be light at armatage.org/holidaylights/ next week. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorites and the three displays with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to a local business!

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

New Feature: Armatage Neighbor Spotlight!

If you have an Armatage neighbor you’d like us to honor, we’d love to spotlight them in the Armatage eNews and on social media!

To submit a Neighbor Spotlight, please send an email with a short description and a picture to anacoordinator@armatage.org Check out out first Neighbor Spotlight of Green Team member Sarah Komoroski below!

Image shows two people, one man and woman with their dog. They are in the snow with pine trees in the background.

Neighbor Spotlight: Sarah Komoroski

Did you know that Armatage neighbor and Green Team member Sarah Komoroski (above, right) attended the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this year?

We couldn’t be more proud and excited for Sarah and are excited to hear moreabout her experience at an upcoming Green Team meeting! She’s pictured here with husband Ethan and pup Sanford. Go Sarah!

Graphic with a microphone on a stand that has a sign hanging from the handle. The sign reads "public hearing"

Final City Budget Public Hearing

The City of Minneapolis will hold its final public hearing on the 2022 City Budget on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:05pm. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the budget on December 8, too.

Find out how to watch the public hearing, send in a comment for the public record, or sign up to speak during the hearing at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/meetings/ **If you’re thinking of speaking, the deadline to register is no later than 3:00pm on December 8.**

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget/

Life on the Southside Free Event

In this virtual event from the Hennepin History Museum on December 7, African-American elders will share memories and stories about life in the integrated middle-class community on the Southside of Minneapolis before and after 35W. This program will highlight the narratives showcased in the Hennepin History Museum exhibit, Human Toll: A Public History of 35W. Speakers include: Mr. Louis Moore, Mr. Anthony Scott, Mrs. Nelda Huggins, and moderator, Dr. Ernest Lloyd.

**Register for this Zoom event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-on-the-southside-tickets-212727141607   Photograph from the John F. Glanton Photographic Collection

Image shows a recent snowfall in an urban neighborhood with snow dusting a tree, a street lamp, a fence and two houses in the distance

Get Ready for Winter Weather

Winter in Minnesota can be tough with extreme cold, whiteout blizzards and power outages. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are especially at risk during cold months. Here are a few tips to get ready:

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

Graphic shows a diagram of underground water lines that run from a water main to a home. The property owner is responsible for the curb valve, water service line, and water meter. The City is responsible for the water main.

Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Water in your service line can freeze during very cold winter weather and prevent it from getting to your faucets. This can happen when:

  • The depth of the frost reaches the depth of the service line.
  • Your basement is not heated where the water service line enters your home.

While water mains are maintained by the City, lines that bring the water from the mains into homes and buildings are the responsibility of property owners. If your service line is frozen, you’ll need to contact a qualified contractor who specializes in thawing frozen service lines. Call 311 for information on contractors who do this type of work.

Most service lines are buried deep enough to not freeze in the winter. If your water service lines have not frozen in the past, they are unlikely to freeze now. Find more information including tips on preventing water lines from freezing on the City website.

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

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

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

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

Take the Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Zero Waste Store, Zeroish Co!

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

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

-Ethan, Armatage Green Team member

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

Interested in Rooftop Solar?

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

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op

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

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

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

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 hitting Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster and getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. All adults are now eligible to get a booster. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinic – learn more here:

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

Other Ways to Get a Vaccine:

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

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.

February 15, 2019 eNews

February 19 Neighborhood Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome
  • Southwest Parks & Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plans
    • Madeline Hudek, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
    • Mike Jischke, Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Citizen Advisory Committee
  • Park Update:
    • Washburn Tot Lot celebration
    • Egg Hunt
  • 2018 Annual Report
  • Neighborhoods 2020
  • Other New Business
  • President’s Report
    • SSL certificate
  • Secretary Report – minutes approved via email
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team
    • Micro-grant Program
  • Coordinator Update
    • Summer Festival
    • Annual Meeting initial planning

Upcoming meetings/events

Feb 19 – Monthly Meeting (6:30-8:00 pm)
Mar 9 – Fix-it Clinic (12:00-4:00 pm)
Mar 12 – Neighborhood Happy Hour (7:00-9:00 pm)
Mar 19 – Monthly Meeting (6:30-8:00 pm)

Southwest Parks and Minnehaha Parkway Initial Designs Released

Initial Concept Designs were released this month for each Southwest Minneapolis park and for the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail.  We’ve posted the design options for Armatage Park, the Washburn Tot Lot, the 58th & Oliver Triangle and Minnehaha Parkway on our website at https://armatage.org/southwest-park-plan-initial-concept-designs/  All Southwest park designs are searchable at minneapolisparks.org/sw and full Minnehaha Parkway designs are at minneapolisparks.org/minnehahacreek.

Share your feedback in a few ways:

  1. Attend the Armatage Neighborhood Meeting on Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30 pm for a brief presentation.
  2. Take the online survey at the SW Parks Plan project page (open through March 31).
  3. Drop off a comment: All 13 Southwest Minneapolis Recreation Centers as well as MPRB Headquarters and Parade Ice Arena have a printed packet of concept designs, along with comment cards and drop-off boxes.

Neighborhoods 2020 – Comment Now Through March 31

The City of Minneapolis just released new framework recommendations to govern and fund neighborhood organizations in 2020 and beyond, after the current funding for Armatage Neighborhood Association and other Minneapolis neighborhoods runs out. Neighborhoods 2020 is an opportunity to further develop and improve upon the City of Minneapolis’ neighborhood based engagement structure and the vision is to have an inclusive community where all people are valued, all communities are engaged, and leadership mirrors the great diversity of the city.

What do neighborhoods do? ANA currently offers the Summer Festival, Safety Rebate program, Neighborhood Happy Hours, Rain Garden program, support for seasonal events and improvements at Armatage Park, neighborhood meetings on pressing concerns, and acts as a conduit for the neighborhood and city. All our meetings (held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month) and events are open to community members and we work to connect residents and businesses with what’s happening in our communities and local government via the newsletters we mail to you four times a year, as well as our eNews, website, and social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.

It should be noted that changes to neighborhood funding are likely.  How much funding is impacted and whether neighborhood organizations continue to exist depends on the support of our City Council. We respectfully ask that you share your thoughts about this plan so the ANA can continue to serve our neighbors as effectively as possible. View the new recommendations at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/2020. and submit your comments in one of the following ways:

Armatage Fix-it Clinic on March 9

Get help with your broken stuff and learn valuable repair skills at  the upcoming Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, March 9 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the Armatage Recreation Center (2500 West 57th Street). Bring in small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more and receive free guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix your items.

Fix-It Clinics teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills, build community connections and reduce the number of repairable items that are thrown in the trash. For more information, visit http://www.hennepin.us/fixitclinic or contact program coordinator Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195. Please email nancy.lo@hennepin.us if you would like to volunteer!


Southwest Small Business & Volunteer Awards

Recognize a great small business or volunteer by submitting a nomination for the Southwest Business Association’s Small Business Awards. Nominations are due February 28, 2019. Criteria and details to apply are posted at swba.experiencesouthwest.com/awards.


Pet Visitor and Social Companion Volunteers Needed

Optage Hospice is currently looking for pet visitor and social companion volunteers in Bloomington and other south and west metro locations. You could help bring comfort, support, and peace to individuals on Hospice and their loved ones. Nothing makes our patients light up more than a friendly pup! Animals do not need to be certified therapy animals, just obedient, good temperament, and current on vaccinations. For more information, email Samantha at ssleeman@preshomes.org.

January 13, 2017 eNews

January 17th Agenda

  • Welcome
  • Guest speaker: Brad Bourn, Park Board Commissioner
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
  • Committee Updates
    • Community Engagement
    • Renter engagement (1/7)
    • Washburn Tot Lot update
    • Happy hours 2017
  • Coordinator Update
    • FixIt Loan update
    • Annual Meeting (ideas: Citizens Utility Board)
    • aMEALiorate
    • City conference 4/1
  • Treasurer Report
  • Secretary Report – December minutes approved online
  • Coordinator evaluation
  • New Business
  • Adjourn



Armatage Fire on Ice

Neighborhood Ice Skating Party
Friday, January 20
6:30-8:30pm

Join us down at Armatage Park our annual Fire on Ice Skating Party!! Grab your mittens and hat for this outdoor neighborhood celebration. Enjoy a night with family and friends skating and a variety of outdoor activities or keep warm with hot chocolate and bonfire. No registration required, just come on down!


Happy Hour Survey

Please take a quick moment to respond to this short survey.

Let us know what day or time works for you and if you have ideas of other venues!


Green Team

We are forming a Green Team to address topics of interest relating to sustainability and environmental issues. Please let us know if you’d like to be a part of this group! We will be planning an initial priority setting dialog soon.


Rain Gardens

By working in partnership, the Armatage Neighborhood Association and Metro Blooms may be able help you create a rain garden for your yard (with less work and cost for homeowners).  We are gathering contact information for people who may be interested in order to determine how much interest there may be in this sort of program. This program would be for 2018 rain garden installations.


Summer Festival

NEW DAY & TIME:
Sunday, August 13
3:00-7:00pm

Planning starting soon! We’d love to have you on our event team! Please let us know if you’d like to help with part of making this event happen.

What:  Kite Festival

When:  Saturday, January 28   12pm-4pm

Where:  Lake Harriet
4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway

Cost:  FREE

*Kites, food and beverages available for purchase*


A Southwest Business Association Happy Hour

Tuesday, January 31st, 2017
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Saguaro
5309 Lyndale Ave S

RSVP NOW!

Running a small business is no small task, but you’re not alone – WE are on your team! Meet up with like minded individuals to bounce ideas, discuss the business climate, connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders, and so much more. This is a great opportunity to connect with other Southwest Minneapolis catalysts that can help grow your business.

IT’S FREE TO ATTEND!

There is no cover charge to attend, we’ll have some tasty apps for you to enjoy, and there will be special happy hour drink options for you too!

NEW THIS MONTH – PRIZE DRAWINGS!

RSVP and attend for the chance to win great local prizes courtesy of Warners’ Stellian Appliance! One ticket for coming, earn another for bringing along a fellow business owner. Additional ticket earning opportunities at the event as well. (Prize information coming soon)

December 18, 2015 eNews – Meeting Highlights

December Meeting Highlights

December 15, 2015

Council Member Palmisano presented updates from the City Council including highlights from the recently passed budget. She also shared about a successful domestic violence pilot program that will be expanded next year. There will be public meetings coming up soon regarding small business policies, in particular regarding paid time off.

The park saw an increase in basketball registrations and have 5 more teams this year than last. The link in the sidebar of this newsletter will connect you with the online sports page for Armatage and Kenny parks (ACC/KPAC). Obviously the skating rink and warming house are not operational yet. As soon as the weather is cooperative, we hope to get skating! The Kite Festival on Lake Harriet is scheduled for January 16. There must be 8-10 inches of ice, however, for this event to take place – so stay posted. Armatage Fire on Ice event will be at our park on Friday, January 22. Watch for details coming soon. The parks also recently released a Winter Highlights flyer which shows park activities throughout the city and is a great winter resource for outdoor fun and more.

The ANA is pursuing new community engagement ideas and programming. First, we are working on a definition of what engagement means, and then will set 3 goals for 2016. We welcome your ideas, and invite you to join our engagement committee! This will be a focus at our January meeting.

Experience Southwest Goes Mobile!

With the XSWapp, you’ll be in the know on the go. It’s now easier than ever to Experience Southwest.

  • Find local events, shops, restaurants and service providers
  • Get exclusive insider updates on local businesses and happenings
  • Access special deals and discounts available through the app only
  • And find all the great events and happenings in Southwest all in the palm of your hand.

Beta testing underway. Download through Google Play now (iTunes coming soon). Please let us know if you find this useful or if you hit a glitch.

Seniors’ first choice for food and independence

Our volunteer-based shopping and delivery service gives seniors personal, reliable access to their choice of food and household essentials, so they can continue to live in their own homes.

We partner with 500 volunteers a year to take client grocery orders over the phone and enter it online, shop customer grocery orders, and provide administrative support.

If you are interested in attending an order taker training or would like to learn more about volunteer shopping and other volunteer experiences at Store to Door please contact Carolyn Swenson Volunteer Program Coordinator at 651-642-1892 or carolyn@storetodoor.org.

Toolkit for Neighbors of New Construction – Updated!

In April 2014, we created the first version of the Toolkit for Neighbors of New Construction in response to multiple requests from residents who wanted to know their rights when it came to residential construction nearby. The document provides Minneapolis residents with the information they may need when living next to a construction site. For example:

  • Who’s who in city government when it comes to construction?
  • Steps recommended to prepare for construction
  • Handling common construction management issues
  • What to do if you experience problems

We keep this Toolkit updated for you, and the latest version reflects new changes to the Construction Management Agreement.


Sign up today: the Citizens Academy starts March 17, 2016

Attend Hennepin County’s Citizens Academy to find out how we are serving you, our residents, each day in ways both big and small. Get an insider’s perspective on the workings of the state’s largest county, and take advantage of tours behind the scenes at several facilities.

Participants meet for seven evening sessions — see the full schedule below. The series is free and open to anyone who is at least 18 years old. Get more information and register at www.hennepin.us/citizensacademy.

October 16, 2015 eNews

October Agenda

Welcome

Safety Update

City Council Update

Park Update

Small Grants program discussion

Committee Updates

  • Safety
  • Community Engagement
  • Summer Festival

Coordinator Update

  • FixIt Loan
  • Kwan’s letter
  • Xerxes crosswalk

Treasurer Report

Secretary Report

New Business

Get Help with Your Heat & Energy Bills!

No family should go without heat in the winter. Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH) can help. CAPSH’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance to Hennepin County residents, including the city of Minneapolis, to help with home energy costs.

To apply, or for more information, call (952) 930‐3541
E‐mail eap@capsh.org
Or visit us online at www.capsh.org

Scam Alert

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is warning taxpayers of a recent over-the-phone phishing scam. Beware of phone calls and voice messages saying you are being audited and demanding you call back to make a payment to settle the tax debt.

Phishing (as in “fishing for information” and “hooking” victims) is a scam to trick taxpayers into revealing personal and financial information which can be used to steal the taxpayer’s identity.

Use caution and NEVER provide personal information unless you are absolutely sure the situation is legitimate.

Learn more about frauds and tax scams and how to report suspicious calls or messages you may have received by visiting the website.

For more emails like this, please sign up for the email subscription service and select “scam and fraud alert updates.”

Fall lawn care tips

Mow – Mow often, leave clippings on the lawn and leave your grass 2.5 to 3 inches high. This strengthens roots and retains moisture for a green, resilient lawn.

Control Weeds – September is the best time to treat dandelions, plantain, clover and creeping Charlie. Limited numbers of weeds should be removed by hand or spot-treated with herbicide.

Sweep up – Sweep up and reuse lawn care products that fall on streets, sidewalks and driveways.

Rake – Rake leaves to keep them out of storm drains and nearby water bodies, where they release phosphorus and other unwanted nutrients. Keep them away from driveways, streets and sidewalks.

What to do with leaves – There are a few water-friendly ways you can get rid of leaves:

  • Compost – Recycles nutrients
  • Mulch – Use leaves as mulch, either whole or shredded
  • Mow – If there is less than 2 inches of leaves on your lawn, leave them in place and make several passes over them with a power mower. This provides your lawn valuable nutrients and makes it look like you just raked!
  • Bag – Rake and bag your leaves for pick-up by city crews. Some towns compost bagged leaves.

Yard waste collection will end the week of November 16, 2015.

Working Families Agenda Update

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time and energy to attend meetings and send in comments on the Working Families Agenda. Your comments have been well thought out, and have made a huge impact. Without your participation, we would not be seeing changes to the proposal as we now are.

Exciting news was announced yesterday on the Working Families Agenda. The Southwest Business Association (SWBA) has been working hard on behalf of area businesses, and is pleased the Mayor is dropping the problematic implementation of the predictive scheduling component from the Working Families Agenda. The Mayor acknowledged feedback from employees and employers as one of the components of the decision. We appreciate she has been listening to what the many small business owners, their employees and the associations representing them have been saying.

October 9, 2015 eNews

Notice of Public Hearing

Date: October 21, 2015
Time: 6:00 p.m. or thereafter
Place: Armatage Recreational Center

Purpose: To gather public opinion and solicit comments regarding the application from Kwans for an On Sale Wine with Strong Beer Class E license. If approved, they intend to operate a full service restaurant with 34 seats inside and 20 seats outside.

Applicant’s Name (Legal Entity): Kwans Chinese Cuisine on Penn
DBA/Trade Name: Kwans
Current License(s): Restaurant
Requested License(s): On Sale Wine with Strong Beer Class E

Nature of Entertainment: A Class E license allows for prerecorded background music and karaoke.  The applicant intends on offering background music only with no outdoor speakers.

Off Street Parking: The Zoning Department requires four off-street parking spots.  Applicant has met this requirement.

You are invited to attend, express your opinions, and/or submit such in writing. Please send comments to Inspector Julie Casey at 612-673-3905.

Information in Other Languages:  Para asistencia 612-673-2700. Rau kev pab 612-673-2800. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

2015 Minneapolis Energy Fair

Learn how to save money and help the environment at the inaugural Minneapolis Energy Fair sponsored by NRG Energy. This family friendly event will feature a variety of presenters highlighting ways to make your home energy efficient with the opportunity to learn more about solar options for your home.

Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Center for Energy and Environment, and Clean Energy Resource Team representatives will be on site to answer questions and provide information on signing up for money saving programs.

  • Kid’s activities
  • Xcel Energy sponsored free LED lightbulbs
  • Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy sponsored free Home Energy Squad Visits
  • Grand prize giveaway
  • Complimentary continental breakfast
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Directions and Parking
Questions? Contact Michael Rainville, 612-767-8074.

 

The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights, the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, Minneapolis City Council,and the Minneapolis Mayor are pleased to present the 2016 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. This contest is open to all Minneapolis students in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. All submissions are due by November 16th, 2015.

The contest winners will receive a gift card to be awarded at a ceremony before the Minneapolis City Council in January 2016.

First Place $ 300.00
Second Place $ 200.00
Third Place $ 100.00

 

Working Families Agenda Update

Things continue to move at a fast pace on the Working Families Agenda (WFA). The City Council has set November 4th as a public hearing date for the WFA. The two principal authors of the policy framework, Council Members Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8) and Lisa Bender (Ward 10) and they announced revisions to the proposal based on feedback they have received. Mayor Betsy Hodges issued a press release supporting these revisions.

While the Mayor and Council Members Bender and Glidden assert there is growing consensus for these revisions the Southwest Business Association has heard no consensus for these revisions in the many meetings its board members and staff have attended or input we have received from you. Instead, we continue to hear from the small business community that the implementation of the proposal, even with the revisions, has serious implications for their business operations, cost structure and their employees.

It continues to be very important for businesses to write in and share with the council what doesn’t work in the policy and why. Please send your comments to workingfamilies@minneapolismn.gov

Thank you to the Minneapolis Chamber and Workforce Fairness Coalition for translating the proposed policy documents into additional languages.

Continue to speak up! The deadline for comments is Friday, October 16th.

 

Volunteer coaches for winter youth sports needed

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Youth Volleyball program begins in October and we are seeking volunteer coaches at recreation centers in Minneapolis.

We are also seeking coaches for winter sports programs (basketball, hockey, and wrestling) that begin in November/December.

  • Athletes range from 6-18 years old
  • Teams practice 1-2 times per week
  • Games are scheduled 1-2 nights a week and/or Saturdays
  • MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches

Contact Nicole at 612-499-9258 or email recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org for more information about coaching and other volunteer opportunities.

Can’t coach this Winter? We’ll need coaches for Gymnastics, Baseball, Softball, T-ball, and Track and Field this spring, too.


Animal Welfare in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) is proposing ordinance changes to better reflect best practices for animal welfare, and the changing needs of the community. MACC is hosting three upcoming meetings to collect feedback from the public on the proposed changes. The dates and times are:

October 21, 6:30-8:30pm at East Phillips Park
2399 17th Ave. S. – Spanish interpreter will be present
October 22, 6:30-8:30pm at Fairview Park
621 29th Ave. N. – Hmong interpreter will be present
November 2, 6:30 – 8:00pm at Fuller Park
4800 Grand Ave. S.

Highlights of the proposed changes

For Community:

  • Better defines the City’s role and expands protections to all animals, not just domestic or companion
  • Increases transparency and accountability through enhanced record keeping
  • Includes expanded definitions and clarifies the City’s scope of authority

For Owners, Shelters and Rescue Organizations:

  • Simplifies application process and streamlines notification requirements
  • Introduces expected standards of care for all animal owners, shelters and partner rescue organizations
  • Adds specific protocols to be considered in case of euthanasia, including creation and use of a rescue partner registry
The purpose of the changes are to ensure that our values and vision for being leaders in animal protection laws are mirrored in our code and respond to the changing world of animal welfare and the needs/demands of our community. We look forward to seeing you at one of these meetings and hearing what you think.

Request this information in flyer form in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.

September 18, 2015 eNews

September Meeting Highlights

  • City Council Update: Linea Palmisano was present to give some updates, including:
  • Safety Committee Update: Block leader recruitment continues. Only 16 blocks in Armatage don’t have a block leader at this point (watch for a listing of open blocks in the October Safety News).
  • Community Engagement Committee Update: Engagement ideas were gathered, including: the ANA hosting a social hour; supporting a winter festival; more activities (perhaps in partnership with the park) for kids and adults, specifically older adults; etc. More to come!
  • Summer Festival Committee Update: Overall the event was deemed a success. Thanks to Mother Nature for her support, as well as a big shout out to all our volunteers, sponsors and board members for helping make it all happen. Feedback has been collected through the Survey Monkey and direct comments, and will be reviewed as plans for 2016 get underway.
  • Other Business:
    • We welcomed three new members to the ANA board! That brings our board membership to 10 (out of a maximum 11). We continue to encourage involvement, if not on the board, on one of the above mentioned committees!
    • The ANA is considering a micro grant program. This type of program has been done in other neighborhoods such as East Harriet and Fulton, supporting such activities bully prevention workshops, Earth and Arbor Day celebrations, hosting a household hazardous waste drop-off site, etc. More to come.
    • The board received notice that Kwan’s Chinese (at 54th and Penn) has begun the application process for a beer and wine license. The new owner has “received wonderful welcoming support from our customers.” They are also considering adding outdoor seating in the near future.
    • Information about solar garden programs was shared. At this point the board would like to learn more about the pros and cons of these programs, to see if this is something we think would be a good fit for our community.

Experience Southwest

The Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) would like to introduce you to our new name. Taking a cue from our expanded service area and our popular “Experience Southwest” brand, the organization is excited to announce its new name: the Southwest Business Association (SWBA). (Also you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter!)

FixIt Fund

This home improvement loan co-op brings together resources from partnering neighborhoods to offer low-interest home improvement loans to our residents. The initial phase restricted fund access with monies put into the “pot” by each neighborhood being only available to their neighborhood residents. Armatage was the largest contributor to this program, but currently has the lowest participation rate. Soon our funds with be co-mingled, and people from all four neighborhoods will access to the merged dollars from all four neighborhood associations.

Openings on City Boards

Applications are now being accepted for a number of open boards and commissions positions that the City Council and Mayor will appoint this fall. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis provide valuable insights, help shape key policy decisions and provide community-based input into administration of services. The City is seeking applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to strengthen the work of the City.

There are open positions on the following City boards and commissions:

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 23, 2015. However, the positions are open until filled. Visit the City’s website for a list of appointment opportunities, position descriptions and to apply:
www.minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings/index.htm.