Category Archives: Community Engagement

2023 Summer Jam

2023 Armatage Summer Jam

Don’t miss the best neighborhood event of the summer! Bring your appetite, friends and family, and a picnic blanket or lawn chair and come to Armatage Park for a great night of community including:

  • Live show from Heavy for the Hawk!
  • Six delicious food trucks:
    • Taste the Real Nawlins
    • Cafe Cairo
    • O’Cheeze
    • Kurbside Ice
    • Tin Fish
    • Sonny’s Ice Cream
  • A great show and balloons with Magic by Bruce
  • Free inflatables for kids
  • Lawn games
  • Free activities

Organized by our own Armatage Community Engagement Committee! In case of rain, food trucks will be outside and music and activities will move inside the community center.


2023 Event Sponsors

Summer Jam wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of these local businesses!

Gold Level

Eli Johnson – Engel & Völkers Minneapolis

Quantum Fiber

KJB Homes

• • •

Silver Level

Sandy Cleland RE/MAX Results

Streit Law

Kim Herring

• • •

Bronze Level

Fitness with Kaethe

The ANA is Hiring

The ANA is Hiring

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is accepting applications for a new part-time paid Coordinator! Lauren Anderson, who has served the neighborhood for the past several years, is moving on to a new adventure.

We are looking for a dynamic, driven, and enthusiastic self-starter with proven nonprofit administrative experience and event planning skills to join our team. Interested in making a difference in your Armatage community or know someone who may be a fit? See the job description and apply here.  

2023 Highlights

Here’s what the ANA did in our community this year!

Armatage Fire & Ice

In January, the ANA and PTA helped Armatage Park hold another great Fire & Ice event!  This year, we again held a Winter Gear Mutual Aid table and Community Engagement volunteers helped serve cocoa, popcorn and s’mores while keeping the music and fires going!


Washburn Tot Lot Open House

On Thursday, April 13, the Green Team held an open house with neighbors around the Washburn Tot Lot to share about the new garden project and sign up volunteers to help plant and water. It was an beautiful, 80 degree evening (in April!) and perfect way to get ready to see the garden come to life!  More about the garden is at https://armatage.org/washburn-tot-lot-pollinator-garden/

House Plant Swap

Neighborhood Houseplant Swap

Bring your house plants and cuttings to exchange with others, share tips & tricks about propagation, and make new planty friends at the Springtime in Armatage event on Saturday, May 13 from 9am–12pm.

How does a plant swap work? Each attendee brings plants or plant cuttings to share with others. New to the plant world? Bring something simple like some succulent cuttings or babies. Plant enthusiasts — bring some of your special stuff to share with the rest of the collectors. Remember that everyone is in a different place in their plant journey so be prepared to chat, trade, and learn. Learning is half the fun (collecting is the other half!) Please, no plants for sale, just trades.

Helpful tips for propagating your plants

  • How to propagate cuttings: use a sharp knife or shears, taking care not to crush the stem.
  • When taking cuttings of most leafy plants, cut low enough on the stem to leave 3-4 leaf nodes and/or 3-6 inches intact. Other plants can be propagated from one leaf, sections of leaves, or simply dividing new plantlets off the mother plant, depending on the plant.
  • Place cuttings in water immediately, or wrap in a wet paper towel and place in a plastic bag.
    • This is not necessary for cuttings that need to callus over, like succulents, cacti, sansevierias, etc.
  • Please inspect your plants for signs of disease or insects like mealy bugs or mites and “leaf” those at home.
  • This website has a more comprehensive overview for multiple types of plans and propagation:

Please bring:

  • Your plants/cuttings to share!
  • Containers for your swapped cuttings: cup, mason jar, wet paper towels in a plastic bag.
  • A tray or flat carrying surface to make bringing your new plants home easier.
  •  ~Excitement to meet other planty folks~

Springtime in Armatage

Springtime in Armatage

Saturday, May 13 • 9am – 12pm
Armatage Park

Come to Armatage Park to celebrate the arrival of spring with upcoming neighborhood event! In case of rain, the fun moves inside the Armatage Community Center:

  • Swing by the ANA table to register to serve on our Neighborhood Board and vote in the annual Board Election.
  • Bring garden tools or equipment you no longer need and pick up free new tools at the Garden Tool Swap.
  • Bring your house plants and cuttings to exchange with others, share tips & tricks about propagation, and make new planty friends!
  • Enjoy free activities and treats from the ANA, Armatage Elementary PTA, and more!
  • Connect with Hennepin County Master Gardeners to get all your gardening season questions answered.
  • Chat with a Minnesota DNR representative to share your love of feeding the birds and other delightful creatures that visit your yard and hear the latest, greatest tips for springtime feeding.
  • Visit Monarch Joint Venture’s table to hear what you can do to protect and promote monarch butterfly habitat in your yard
  • Bike tune-ups: we’re sad to share that we aren’t able to offer free volunteer-led bike tune-ups due to our lead volunteer being out sick! So sorry, neighbors!

Neighborhood Election Day

The 2023 Armatage Board Election kicks off at the event and runs from May 13–16 at armatage.org/2023boardelection.

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is small but mighty and we need more neighbors to serve on the ANA Board.  We’re a volunteer-driven neighborhood with one part-time staff member. Can you help our neighborhood by getting involved and serving as a board member?

Learn more about the time commitment and duties and register to run here. You can also stop by the ANA table and register at the event!


Garden Tool Swap

Huge thanks to Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling for coordinating this annual city-wide swap garden tools and plant-related equipment!  With spring approaching, hang on to unused yard tools and gardening items when cleaning out your garage.

From first time gardeners to those with green thumbs, all are welcome at this free event. All items are intended to be freely given and picked up and you do not need to bring items to the event to take items home with you. Find more info on the City’s website here.


Neighborhood House Plant Swap

Bring your house plants and cuttings to exchange with others, share tips & tricks about propagation, and make new planty friends!

How does a plant swap work? Each attendee brings plants or plant cuttings to share with others. New to the plant world? Bring something simple like some succulent cuttings or babies. Plant enthusiasts — bring some of your special stuff to share with the rest of the collectors. Remember that everyone is in a different place in their plant journey so be prepared to chat, trade, and learn. Learning is half the fun (collecting is the other half!) Please, no plants for sale, just trades.

Click here for what to bring and helpful tips for progagating house plants in advance of the event!


Free Bike Tune-ups – Canceled

We’re so sorry to share that this station is canceled due to our lead volunteer being sick!

Get your bike ready to roll for the season! We’ll have a volunteer providing light duty tune-ups for you or your kids’ bikes at our event. On a first-come, first-serve basis, you can get up to 15 minutes of time for the following tune-up options of your choosing:

  • Getting your tires pumped up to pressure
  • Adjusting your brakes
  • Adjusting your seat heights and/or helmet fit
  • Lubing your chain and/or gears

You can visit the other event areas while you’re waiting for your tune-up to be done, or you can lock up your bike and come back for it later.

2023 Armatage Fire & Ice Skating Party

Fire & Ice Thank You!

Thank you so much for a wonderful 2023 Fire & Ice Skating Party! We are grateful to everyone who came out, our amazing park staff, and stellar Armatage PTA and ANA volunteers! Even with the chilly temps, it was a blast!  Thanks to your generosity, we also collected a ton of gear for the People’s Closet at George Floyd Square and for folks in need who stopped by the event.


Armatage Fire & Ice Skating Party

Join Armatage Park, the ANA, and the Armatage Elem PTA for our annual Fire & Ice Family Skating party on Fri, Jan 27 from 6–7:30pm!

Grab your mittens and hat for this outdoor neighborhood celebration and enjoy a night of skating, cocoa around the bonfire, popcorn and s’mores with friends and neighbors.

No registration required, just come on down!


Mutual Aid Table for Winter Gear

Bring coats, boots, snow pants, hats and mittens to donate at the ANA Mutual Aid table.

If your family or someone you know needs winter gear, please stop by the table to pick up free items. The winter gear exchange is open to all.

November 3, 2022 eNews

Halloween Tour Results are In

Thank you to everyone who hosted a display, participated in, or voted in this year’s Halloween Tour!  The results are in and voting was close this year!

Huge thanks to Book Club for generously donating a $50 gift card to each of the following displays:

  • Best use of Pumpkins: 5642 Oliver Ave S (bottom left)
  • Spookiest: 5621 Morgan Ave S (top left)
  • Kenny Neighborhood Fave: 5428 James Ave S (bottom right)
  • Armatage Neighborhood Fave: 5821 Sheridan Ave S (top right)

Give Today to Support the ANA

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is Nov 17, but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at 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.


Get Ready to Vote in the 2022 Election

The November 8 election is almost here so make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot! We’ve included helpful links below but if you’ve got more questions, https://vote.minneapolismn.gov is sure to have the answer!


Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events


Pumpkins Can Go in Organics Recycling

When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged but do remember to remove any candles or lights first.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling yet, you can also put them with your other yard waste. Added synthetic materials such as paint, permanent markers, glitter or jewels make that part of the pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.

Find more information on organics recycling on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.


21-Day Equity Challenge

In 2021, the United Way of Olmstead County challenged Minnesotans with a powerful opportunity for learning, action, and growth. The concept was simple – spend 10-15 minutes a day learning about equity and justice issues. Although you cannot sign up to receive daily emails any longer, all 21 days of activities can still be accessed on their website. Activities include watching short videos, reading articles, and listening to music; all things you can do from the comfort of your home. More than 1500 Minnesotans participated in October of 2021; will you challenge yourself to participate now? Access the activities here: 21-Day Equity Challenge | United Way of Olmsted County (uwolmsted.org)

“We must see who benefits from their race, who is disproportionately impacted by negative stereotypes about their race, and to who power and privilege is bestowed upon – earned or not – because of their race, their class, and their gender. Seeing race is essential to changing the system.” – Reni Eddo-Lodge

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!


Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Please do your part to protect our local waterways and keep your leaves out of streets and storm drains. Collect leaves and other yard waste and place them next to your regular recycling and garbage containers for city crews to haul. You can also use leaves as mulch in your garden, mow them into your lawn, or add them to your backyard compost.

In Minneapolis, it is illegal to rake leaves from your yard into the street (Title 17, § 427.270 of the Minneapolis Code). Decomposing leaves wash into storm drains and eventually end up in Minneapolis’ lakes, streams, and the Mississippi River where they over-fertilize the water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae thrive. The result is murky water that isn’t good for swimming or fishing and harms wildlife. Thanks for doing your part this fall! Visit minneapolismn.gov/ solid-waste/yardwaste/ for more information or call 612-673-2917.


Street Sweeping is Underway

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/streetsweep/

Crews will post temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.


Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is approaching (noooooo!). The City of Minneapolis mailed out snow emergency info last week so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.


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.

October 25, 2022 eNews

The Halloween Tour is Here!

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage AND Kenny for this year’s Halloween Tour, which runs each night from 6–8pm through October 31! The tour is self-guided and great for all ages with 23 fabulous displays. Please be respectful and minimize idling if you drive.

Find the tour map and a PDF to print with all the tour stops at armatage.org/2022halloweentour/ Once you’ve visited every address on the tour, head back here to vote for your favorites in the following categories: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, Armatage Neighborhood Fave and Kenny Neighborhood Fave. The display with the most votes in each category will get a $50 gift card generously donated by Book Club at 54th & Penn!


Oct 18, 2022 Meeting Recap

The ANA had a great October meeting with Park Commissioner Cathy Abene and Aryca Myers from the City’s Neighborhood & Community Relations Department. Commissioner Abene walked the ANA through the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s proposed budget and answered questions on low-cost youth programming and repairs for the Lake Harriet Bandshell. The ANA Board also went through its 2023-2024 city funding applications, outlined and edited engagement plans, and approved the final draft. The meeting wrapped up with a quick refresher board training.


Thinking of Adding Rooftop Solar?

If you’re thinking about going solar, it’s easier now with the Solar United Neighbors Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op. Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit that has done more than 350 solar co-ops around the country helping over 7,400 people go solar. Solar co-ops are neighbors joining together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors, and support each other through the process and Members will access incentives including Minneapolis Green Cost Share funds.

Co-ops are free to join and there’s no obligation/ Learn more, including how to join, at www.solarunitedneighbors.org/twincities and attend an upcoming webinar:


Public Hearing for MPD Chief Nominee Tomorrow

The City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow (Wed Oct 26) at 1:30pm at City Hall on Mayor Jacob Frey’s nomination of Brian O’Hara to serve as police chief. See below for meeting information and learn more about participating in a public hearing including how to stream it here.

  • Public hearing on nomination of Brian O’Hara for police chief
  • 1:30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 26
  • City Council’s Public Health & Safety Committee, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St, Room 317

Room 317 will be open 30 minutes prior to the meeting and you are welcome to register to speak.


Get Ready to Vote in the 2022 Election

The November 8 election is almost here! Make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot. We’ve included lots of helpful links below but if you’ve got more questions, https://vote.minneapolismn.gov is sure to have the answer!


21-Day Equity Challenge

In 2021, the United Way of Olmstead County challenged Minnesotans with a powerful opportunity for learning, action, and growth. The concept was simple – spend 10-15 minutes a day learning about equity and justice issues. Although you cannot sign up to receive daily emails any longer, all 21 days of activities can still be accessed on their website. Activities include watching short videos, reading articles, and listening to music; all things you can do from the comfort of your home. More than 1500 Minnesotans participated in October of 2021; will you challenge yourself to participate now? Access the activities here: 21-Day Equity Challenge | United Way of Olmsted County (uwolmsted.org)

“We must see who benefits from their race, who is disproportionately impacted by negative stereotypes about their race, and to who power and privilege is bestowed upon – earned or not – because of their race, their class, and their gender. Seeing race is essential to changing the system.” – Reni Eddo-Lodge

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels!


Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Please do your part to protect our local waterways and keep your leaves out of streets and storm drains. Collect leaves and other yard waste and place them next to your regular recycling and garbage containers for city crews to haul. You can also use leaves as mulch in your garden, mow them into your lawn, or add them to your backyard compost.  In Minneapolis, it is illegal to rake leaves from your yard into the street (Title 17, § 427.270 of the Minneapolis Code).

Decomposing leaves wash into storm drains and eventually end up in Minneapolis’ lakes, streams, and the Mississippi River where they over-fertilize the water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae thrive. The result is murky water that isn’t good for swimming or fishing and harms wildlife. Thanks for doing your part this fall! Visit minneapolismn.gov/ solid-waste/yardwaste/ for more information or call 612-673-2917.


Street Sweeping Has Begun

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/streetsweep/

Crews will post temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.


Neighborhood Funding Changes for 2023

The Southwest Connector released released a story on the reduced funding for many neighborhoods including Armatage starting this January. In previous years, Armatage received around $31,000/year in funding and as of January 1 that number will drop to just over $14,000/year, which is a big change. Please check it out and learn more here.


Pumpkins Can Go in Organics Recycling

When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged but do remember to remove any candles or lights first.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling yet, you can also put them with your other yard waste. Added synthetic materials such as paint, permanent markers, glitter or jewels make that part of the pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.

Remember: Wrappers from Halloween candy go in the garbage. They are not recyclable or compostable.  Find more information on organics recycling on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.


Runway 17/35 has Reopened

Runway 17/35 at the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport (MSP) reopened last week after being closed since September 6 for safety area restoration work adjacent to the runway. Aircraft operating at MSP had been directed to use Runways 12L/30R and 12R/30L while Runway 17/35 was closed. This caused an increase to air traffic over southwest Minneapolis. More information about the project is available here.

Now that Runway 17/35 is open we can expect a return of typical aircraft activity. Anyone with questions regarding airfield or aircraft noise and/or runway closures may call the Community Relations Office at 612-726-9411.


Apply for Neighborhood Traffic Calming by Nov 1

Each year the City of Minneapolis receives 2,500+ requests for traffic calming measures – far more requests than resources. In an effort to better serve residents, the City just launched a new Traffic Calming Request Process! Visit https://bit.ly/mplstrafficcalming to learn more and apply for traffic calming at an intersection or on a street around Armatage or anywhere in Minneapolis now through November 1!

The ANA submitted comments on this process this past winter and are glad to see the application launch. Please go check it out!


Weekly Yard Waste Collection is Back!

Weekly yard waste pickup is back and the yard waste collection season has been extended through the end of November going forward to catch all those late-to-fall leaves! The week of Nov 28 will be the final week for collection of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings.

Set out property prepared yard waste at your alley or curb next to your carts by 6am on garbage/recycling day. You can use a reusable container, compostable bags (kraft paper bags or BPI-certified compostable bags – look for the BPI logo) or bundled branches string or twine (no wire or tape). Learn more about yard waste collection requirements here.


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.


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.

October 13, 2022 eNews

Oct 18, 2022 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, Oct 18 at 6:30pm!  Meetings now kick off with comments from community members and we’d love to have you attend and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas! Park Board Commissioner Cathy Abene will join us this month – come check it out!

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Armatage Park Director Dillon Clements (6:45pm)
  • Board Representation Survey – City of Mpls Neighborhood & Community Relations (6:50pm)
  • Commissioner Cathy Abene (7:10pm)
  • Edits & Approval of 2023-2024 City Funding Application (7:25pm)
  • Approval of Minutes & Financials (7:40pm)
  • Board Refresher Training (7:45pm)

Sign up for the Kenny & Armatage Halloween Tour

Registration is open for the annual Halloween Tour! We’re excited to partner with our neighbors in Kenny this year! Learn more and sign up at armatage.org/2022halloweentour/ through Oct 19. By signing up, you agree to have your decorations up each night of the tour AND to have the your address published on our map.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite displays in each category: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, Armatage Neighborhood Fave and Kenny Neighborhood Fave. The display with the most votes in each category will get a $50 gift card generously donated by Book Club at 54th & Penn!


Neighborhood Funding Changes for 2023

The Southwest Connector just released a story on the reduced funding for many neighborhoods including Armatage starting this January. Please check it out here.


Minneapolis School Board Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters Minneapolis will host a Candidate Forum for Minneapolis School Board with the Advancing Equity Coalition on Sat, Oct 15 from 1–2:30 pm at the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N, Minneapolis.

This event is free and open to the public. Can’t attend in person? The forum will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/d3LMGXBCM4k and a recording will be available after the event at www.lwvmpls.org. Submit questions before the event to vote@lwvmpls.org. Audience members will also have the opportunity to anonymously submit questions in writing at the event.



Fall Market at Wagners this Sat

Wagner’s popular holiday markets are BACK! Join them this fall and holiday season for a food and maker market series that happens indoors at the Wagners greenhouse! The next Fall Market will be this Sat, Oct 15 from 10am–2pm. More details on this and upcoming events is at fieldandfestival.com


Nokomis Farmers Market Pop-up Tonight!

Our neighbors in South Mpls are hosting a fundraiser to bring back the Nokomis Farmers Market next season and you’re invited! Head to the Nokomis Farmers Market at 5167 Chicago Ave TONIGHT (Thurs, Oct 13) from 4–6:30pm for tons of vendors, live music artists, and food trucks!  The Nokomis Farmers Market is run by Neighborhood Roots, which also runs the Fulton and Kingfield Farmers Markets. Learn more here.


Ward 13 Climate & Sustainability Initiatives Forum

Join Council Vice President Linea Palmisano for a conversation about climate and sustainability actions/initiatives in the City of Minneapolis on Mon, Oct 24 from 6:30–8pm.

Special Guests and Presenters:

  • Heidi Ritchie, Interim City of Minneapolis Commissioner of Health
  • Patrick Hanlon, City of Minneapolis Director of Environmental Programs
  • Kim Havey, City of Minneapolis Sustainability Manager
  • David Wilson, Green Minneapolis Board Chair

Please register on Eventbrite so you get reminder or the link to stream the forum if you choose to attend virtually.


Apply for Neighborhood Traffic Calming

Each year the City of Minneapolis receives 2,500+ requests for traffic calming measures – far more requests than resources. In an effort to better serve residents, the City just launched a new Traffic Calming Request Process! Visit https://bit.ly/mplstrafficcalming to learn more and apply for traffic calming at an intersection or on a street around Armatage or anywhere in Minneapolis now through November 1!

The ANA submitted comments on this process this past winter and are glad to see the application launch. Please go check it out!


Street Sweeping Starts Oct 18

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/streetsweep/

Crews will post temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed. A friendly reminder that it’s against the law to sweep your yard or boulevard leaves into the street. Use the City Yard Waste program instead.


Weekly Yard Waste Collection is Back!

Weekly yard waste pickup is back and the yard waste collection season has been extended through the end of November going forward to catch all those late-to-fall leaves! The week of Nov 28 will be the final week for collection of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings.

Set out property prepared yard waste at your alley or curb next to your carts by 6am on garbage/recycling day. You can use a reusable container, compostable bags (kraft paper bags or BPI-certified compostable bags – look for the BPI logo) or bundled branches string or twine (no wire or tape). Learn more about yard waste collection requirements here.


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. Daniel will give a longer talk about this project at the Dec  20 Armatage Monthly Meeting.


National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th-October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15th was chosen as the commemoration date because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Hispanic countries. It is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted (in 1821) in independence for the New Spain Colony, which is now Mexico and the Central American nations of GuatemalaEl SalvadorCosta RicaHonduras, and Nicaragua.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States. It is also a time for the U.S. Military to honor both fallen and active-duty Hispanic Americans who served in the armed forces. Sixty-one people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The theme is to encourage all voices to be represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. Did you know that Latinos are the largest ethnic minority (57.5 million) in the U.S. and that 40 million U.S. residents aged 5 and older speak Spanish at home?

Meet Minneapolis has compiled a list of art studios, markets, restaurants and special events where you can support local businesses or celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Upcoming events include: Cine Latino, the upper Midwest’s largest showcase of the best new films from U.S. LatinX, Latin American, and Iberian cinema, from Oct. 13-20

Thanks to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this fabulous write-up!


Energy Assistance Program

Too many low-income residents of Hennepin County have to choose between paying their energy bill and other necessities like food, medicine and healthcare.  The Energy Assistance Program can help!  Call 952-930-3541 or visit www.caphennepin.org for more info.

September 22, 2022 eNews

Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding Event This Saturday!

Armatage is co-sponsoring an e-waste and paper shredding recycling event this Saturday (Sept 24) from 9am–12pm! Bring documents, tablets, computers, phones, peripherals (cords, computer parts, keyboards, etc.) and small appliances for safe recycling AND data destruction. 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.

**Friendly reminder that Mpls Solid Waste & Recycling customers can also set out two electronics items every week and recycle paper in their blue cart for no extra fee!** Learn more at armatage.org/ewaste.


Sept 20, 2022 Meeting Recap

Thanks to Council Vice President Linea Palmisano for joining this week’s ANA Monthly Meeting. The ANA Board discussed the new city traffic calming process (see below for more info) and were joined by neighbor Lara Bergman who represented a group of neighbors that are planning to apply for traffic calming measures at 57th & Penn.  PhD candidate Daniel Rosenblum gave an overview on his project to interview residents of homes that had racial housing covenants (more info below). The ANA Board also discussed its 2023-2024 city funding applications. Funding for the ANA is set to drop to $14,131 per year on January 1, 2023.


Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for our annual fall clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Sat, Oct 1 from 9–11am!  No need to register – just show up!  Every single person who volunteers makes a huge impact and this is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from polluting our waterways. Learn more at armatage.org/events/clean-ups/


Register for the Kenny & Armatage Halloween Tour

Registration is open for this year’s Halloween Tour! We’re excited to partner with our neighbors in Kenny on this year’s tour. Learn more and sign up at armatage.org/2022halloweentour/ through Oct 19. By signing up, you agree to have your decorations up each night of the tour AND to have the your address published on our map.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite displays in each category: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, Armatage Neighborhood Fave and Kenny Neighborhood Fave. HUGE thanks to Book Club at 54th & Penn for generously donating gift cards for this year’s prizes!


New Neighborhood Traffic Calming Request Process

Each year the City of Minneapolis receives 2,500+ requests for traffic calming measures – far more requests than resources. In an effort to better serve residents, the City just launched a new Traffic Calming Request Process! Visit https://bit.ly/mplstrafficcalming to learn more and apply for traffic calming at an intersection or on a street around Armatage or anywhere in Minneapolis now through November 1!

The ANA submitted comments on this process this past winter and are glad to see the application launch. Please go check it out!


Fall Fun Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot on Saturday! It was such a blast to see so many of you! Special thanks to our renters who stopped by and everyone who gave input on the new community pollinator garden! Stay tuned for more information on the garden.

Thanks also to our event partners: Move Minnesota, Metro Blooms, League of Women Voters, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.


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. Daniel swung by this week’s ANA Monthly Meeting and will give a longer talk about this project at our December  20 meeting.


Register for Fall Park Programs

Fall is here and it’s a perfect time to register new programs at your local Minneapolis parks!  There are some especially great programs for toddlers, preschoolers and older adults – check them out here!

Find and register for all activities and programs at https://apm.activecommunities.com/minneapolisparks/Activity_Search


Free Meals and Snacks for Youth 18 and Under

Whether it’s after school, on school-release days, or during summer, kids 18 and under can visit participating community sites for no-cost healthy meals and snacks from Minneapolis Public Schools. Children do not need to attend Minneapolis Public Schools to participate! Find the full list of participating community sites at https://nutritionservices.mpls.k12.mn.us/community_park_menus


Hearing Increased Airplane Traffic? Here’s Why!

Runway 17/35 at MSP Airport is closed for a runway restoration project, likely through mid-October. Flights that would normally use this runway are currenly directed to the other runways, which bumps up the airplane traffic (and likely noise) that we experience in Southwest Minneapolis.

Runway use and flight activity information are available on the MAC’s FlightTrackerAnyone with questions about runway closures may call the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s community relations office at 612-726-9411.


National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th-October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15th was chosen as the commemoration date because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Hispanic countries. It is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted (in 1821) in independence for the New Spain Colony, which is now Mexico and the Central American nations of GuatemalaEl SalvadorCosta RicaHonduras, and Nicaragua.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States. It is also a time for the U.S. Military to honor both fallen and active-duty Hispanic Americans who served in the armed forces. Sixty-one people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The theme is to encourage all voices to be represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. Did you know that Latinos are the largest ethnic minority (57.5 million) in the U.S. and that 40 million U.S. residents aged 5 and older speak Spanish at home?

Meet Minneapolis has compiled a list of art studios, markets, restaurants and special events where you can support local businesses or celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Upcoming events include:

Thanks to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this fabulous write-up!


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.

Thanks to all who gave feedback on the garden at Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot. We anticipate the new garden will be completed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.