Category Archives: COVID-19

December 16, 2021 eNews

Navy & light blue graphic that says "Armatage Monthly Meeting" next to a photo of a tree in holiday lights at Armatage Park next to the skating rink. Further down, the graphic reads "Tues, Dec 21 6:30-8:30pm Community members welcome! Register to attend on Zoom at bit.ly/ANAmtgs"

December 21, 2021 Agenda

Please join the last Armatage Monthly Meeting of the year this Tuesday, December 21 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Neighbors are encouraged to attend. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome & Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • President Midterm Election (6:40pm)
  • ANA Committee Work Plans (6:50pm)
  • Safety Rebate Program Changes (7:25pm)
  • Approval of 2022 ANA Budget (7:45pm)
  • Coordinator Report (8:00pm)
    • ANA Web Updates & Financials
    • 2021 Fundraising
    • Holiday Light Tour Wrap-up
    • Staffing Update & Holiday Schedule
  • New Business (8:15pm)

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"

Holiday Light Tour Ends Sunday

Friday, Dec 10 – Sunday, Dec 19
5:00-8:00pm

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage Neighborhood this holiday season!  The tour runs from 5:00-8:00pm each night through Sunday, December 19. Check out this year’s tour map at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/  Please be courteous and respectful of neighbors on your adventure and minimize the amount of time your car is idling. If you leave your vehicle, please maintain social distancing.

Once you’ve visited every stop on the tour, visit https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ to vote for your favorites! Voting closes at 12:00pm on December 20 so don’t wait to get your votes in! To keep things as fair as possible, please refrain from voting until you’ve visited each and every address on the tour. The three addresses with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to an Armatage business.

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

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Tues, Dec 21 & 28
1:00-3:00pm

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

(Can’t make it this week?  You’ll have more chances for socially distanced sledding each Saturday January 8 – February 12 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Armatage Park. Learn more here.)

Sign up for Southwest Voices

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

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

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

New Minneapolis Crisis Response Teams

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

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

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

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

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

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

Make This Holiday Season Low Waste

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

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

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates

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

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

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

Image of a Minneapolis Public Works blue dump truck with an orange plow attached in the midst of plowing a city street.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets and emergency vehicles and other cars can then get around and park. 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.

You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app. Keep your app updated to make sure you have the latest version. Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Pledge to Salt Smart to Protect Water

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. Click here to learn more or reach out to program coordinator, Léa, at lea.payette@minneapolismn.gov

Graphic that says "Keep Minneapolis walkable. Clear your sidewalks. Call 311 to report unsafe sidewalks" over a picture of a person shoveling a snowy sidewalk.

Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sharing this friendly reminder that Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of single family homes and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours. Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Sidewalks are a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city and should be open for everyone.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also be out in neighborhoods actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229. People should call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.  Learn more here.

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

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

Visit the City website for more information.

Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention

ICYMI, the Minneapolis Police Department released tips around personal safety and carjacking prevention in response to the uptick in carjackings, robberies and home invasion.  We’ve shared some of the tips below – see the full list here.

Personal Safety:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look at who and what is around you and take note of anyone following you closely, especially while driving home.
  • Always keep your doors locked, even while you are home.
  • Be aware of what’s happening to others around you and call 911 if you see signs that someone is being threatened or assaulted.
  • Never leave your car running while unattended and never leave a key inside a parked vehicle.
  • Keep some distance between yourself and a stranger who approaches you. Staying more than arm’s length away means someone can’t grab your bag or you, as easily.

Carjacking Prevention:

  • Don’t sit in your car with the door unlocked or with the windows rolled down.
  • Have your license plate memorized. This can help in a fast recovery and arrest.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 and use your key fob or other car alarm if you feel a threat.
  • Keep your distance between the car in front of you so that you can drive around it if needed to get away fast.
  • Be wary of how carjackers lure victims. These include bumping your car, pretending to be stranded motorists or flashing their lights as if there were something wrong with your car.

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 for anyone 16 and up who is at least 6 months past their second dose AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below).

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated 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.

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.

December 9, 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"

The Holiday Light Tour Starts Friday!

Friday, Dec 10 – Sunday, Dec 19
5:00-8:00pm

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage Neighborhood in SW Minneapolis this holiday season!  The tour runs from 5-8pm nightly from Fri, Dec 10 through Sun, Dec 19. Check out this year’s tour map at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/  Please be courteous and respectful of neighbors on your adventure and minimize the amount of time your car is idling. If you leave your vehicle, please maintain social distancing.

Once you’ve visited every stop on the tour, visit https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ to vote for your favorites! To keep things as fair as possible, please refrain from voting until you’ve visited each and every address on the tour. The three addresses with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to an Armatage 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

Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention

Recently, the Minneapolis Police Department has seen an increase in robberies and specifically home invasions. The MPD has specific tips around personal safety and carjacking prevention listed.  We’ve shared some tips below – see the full list here.

Personal Safety:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look at who and what is around you and take note of anyone following you closely, especially while driving home.
  • Always keep your doors locked, even while you are home.
  • Be aware of what’s happening to others around you and call 911 if you see signs that someone is being threatened or assaulted.
  • Never leave your car running while unattended and never leave a key inside a parked vehicle.
  • Keep some distance between yourself and a stranger who approaches you. Staying more than arm’s length away means someone can’t grab your bag or you, as easily.

Carjacking Prevention:

  • Don’t sit in your car with the door unlocked or with the windows rolled down.
  • Have your license plate memorized. This can help in a fast recovery and arrest.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 and use your key fob or other car alarm if you feel a threat.
  • Keep your distance between the car in front of you so that you can drive around it if needed to get away fast.
  • Be wary of how carjackers lure victims. These include bumping your car, pretending to be stranded motorists or flashing their lights as if there were something wrong with your car.

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

Graphic that says "Keep Minneapolis walkable. Clear your sidewalks. Call 311 to report unsafe sidewalks" over a picture of a person shoveling a snowy sidewalk.

Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sharing this friendly reminder that Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of single family homes and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours. Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Sidewalks are a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city and should be open for everyone.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also be out in neighborhoods actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229. People should call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.  Learn more here.

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!

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

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably.

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

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs over six months old currently at the shelter.

Visit the City website for more information.

A graphic that shows a solid blue outline of the Minneapolis city skyline with a piece of paper that says "City of Minneapolis Budget" in front of it.

Final City Budget

The City of Minneapolis held its final public hearing on the 2022 City Budget last night. See the final budget at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget/

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

Winter Weather Resources

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.

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.

Find 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.

2021 Highlights

Another year impacted by COVID-19, but volunteers and staff had plenty of creativity!  Here’s what the ANA did in our community:

January Let’s Talk About Plastic series

In January, the Armatage Green Team & staff hosted a three part educational series on plastic. The first part was a community screening of groundbreaking documentary, The Story of Plastic. Next, we hosted a community discussion on the film. Last, a panel of fabulous speakers from the City of Minneapolis, Eureka Recycling and Tare Market shared the problem with plastic AND practical solutions. We had hundreds of participants from around Minnesota and were so excited to host this series!

Reading Circle

From February through September of this year, a group of Armatage neighbors and Green Team members read and discussed All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, first on Zoom and then outside. This was a slothful book club where members only read a chapter a month so they could fully dive into the content together. It was so successful that the next Reading Circle is planned for 2022!

Solar Workshop

In March, the Green Team hosted another virtual workshop, this time on solar energy with an emphasis on options for renters and homeowners who don’t have a roof conducive to solar. An informative speaker from the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society shared on the history of solar and community options.

Spring Neighborhood Clean-up

The ANA partnered with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to host a DIY Earth Day Clean-up at Armatage Park on April 26. Volunteers handed out supplies and clean-up teams went into the park and neighborhood to gather trash and recycling.

Spring Tea & Blooms

The Community Engagement Committee hosted a Spring Tea & Blooms event outside at Armatage Park on Saturday, May 8. Kids picked up take-home planting kits and free books and did neighborhood scavenger hunts.  Food and drinks were available from Sparrow Cafe, Cafe Ceres, and Jinx Tea.

Year 4 – W 60th St

Rain & Native Garden Program

The Green Team again led a low-cost Rain & Native Garden program in partnership with Metro Blooms.  15 rain or native gardens were installed throughout the neighborhood as part of the program and the ANA offered additional assistance to residents who met income guidelines and renters. We also created a NEW gallery of Armatage rain gardens that you can check out at https://armatage.org/rain-garden-gallery/

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

The ANA organized this lawn sign campaign to show unity and support for neighbors throughout our community after racist messages appeared around the neighborhood earlier this year. Our goal was to get 100 inclusive, colorful lawn signs into the neighborhood to spread the message that ALL Are Welcome in Armatage!  Volunteers tabled throughout the summer and at events, like the Movie in the Park pictured above. Learn more and get one of the remaining signs at https://armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/

Movie in the Park

At last!  Distanced, outdoor Movies in the Park were back in 2021! On June 12, MANY Armatage neighbors and visitors gathered outside at Armatage Park for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee tabled with All Are Welcome Here lawn signs before the movie.

Summer Food Truck Night

The Community Engagement Committee held a Summer Food Truck Night on August 14 with free hydrodipping art activities, books donated by Jump! Library, and a ton of fabulous food vendors. It was amazing to spend the evening outdoors enjoying good food, music and sunshine with neighbors. Huge thanks to our volunteers, vendors and partners for a great event! Learn more at https://armatage.org/summer-food-truck-night/

New Playground at Armatage Park

The Armatage Park Play Area was redone this year! The ANA shared planning surveys, online public hearing info, and information on the project with the neighborhood. When there was a gap in funding for the project, the ANA Board voted to allocate $27,645.21 from a park improvement budget to cover the funding gap for the playground so it could be completed on time and in full. This donation from the neighborhood made two of the three shade canopies (pictured above) and an accessible seesaw possible. Learn more about the project at https://armatage.org/armatage-park-play-area/

Meet Your Community Helpers Event

On September 25, the Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee hosted an interactive educational event with the helpers that serve our community. Participating organizations included the US Postal Service, Free the Deeds, Minneapolis Fire Department, Armatage Elementary, Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling, Minneapolis Police Department K-9 and Mounted Police Units, Allina Health, Park Board Police, and two amazing health care providers who just happen to be fabulous neighborhood volunteers. Learn more at https://armatage.org/meet-your-community-helpers/

Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

We had an awesome team of kids and adults at the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up on October 2! The clean-up was hosted by the Armatage Green Team with most clean-up supplies provided by the City of Minneapolis. Together, volunteers collected 16 bags of trash and 10 bags of recycling from our parks, boulevards, storm drains.

Jim Crow of the North Screening & Discussion

A member of the Armatage Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee organized an outdoor screening of ground-breaking local documentary, Jim Crow of the North. Neighbors came together on a Thursday evening at the park to screen the film AND to hear from speakers from Just Deeds and the City of Lakes Land Trust.

Halloween Tour

Holiday Light Tour

November 24, 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

Live in the neighborhood and love to decorate for the holidays?  Please sign up to be a part of 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!  Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19 from 5:00-8:00pm, and to have your address published on the tour map. 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!

Picture of seven volunteers and staff from Armatage under a canopy at a summer event. There is a Give to the Max Day graphic added in the corner.

Giving Thanks

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many of you who donated to the Armatage Neighborhood Association this fall!  Every donation matters and directly supports the ANA’s work in the community. As you plan your year-end giving, there’s still time to make a donation to support the ANA at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association

The ANA strives 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. If that resonates with you, please consider making a gift that’s meaningful to you. Plus, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for employer matching grants.  Photo credit: Armatage neighbor, Jacob Tapia.

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

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:

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

Minnesota is unfortunately in the midst of high positivity and COVID-19 case rates. As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Department of Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

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.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Two more public hearings are scheduled for 6:05pm on Dec 1 and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 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. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for all children, ages five and up. Boosters will be available for all Minnesotans starting next week. 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.

November 18, 2021 eNews

Give MN logo that shows an outline of the state of Minnesota and says "giving connects us!" with the Give to the Max Day date, which is November 18, 2021

It’s Give to the Max Day!

Every donation matters (big or small!) and there are so many amazing local nonprofits to support at givemn.org!

Support the ANA’s work 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 by making a donation (big or small) 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.

Armatage neighborhood logo in teal and navy

November 16, 2021 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined the November Monthly Meeting!  Park Director Jordan Nelson gave a quick update on expanded recreation center hours that are coming after Thanksgiving!  The ANA Board discussed and approved new policies that are required to continue receiving City of Minneapolis funding including an updated Americans with Disabilities Act Policy and new Language Access Policies, Member Hiring Policy, Financial Policies & Procedures, Board Training, Board Strategic Funding Plan and Board Development Plan. These will be linked at armatage.org/about/policies/ soon! The Board also approved 2022 staffing contracts for current ANA Coordinator, Lauren, and Bookkeeper, Claire!

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome so bring your ideas and love of Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year, the Winter Solstice, and/or Christmas!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19, and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

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:

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.

Join an optional webinar TODAY (Nov 18) from 6:30-8:00pm. For more information, register on the Solar United Neighbors website.

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.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

Minnesota is unfortunately in the midst of high positivity and COVID-19 case rates. As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Department of Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Two more public hearings are scheduled for 6:05pm on Dec 1 and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 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. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Hennepin County Election Survey

What was your experience voting in the November 2020 and 2021 elections? The Hennepin County Elections Department wants to hear from you on your method of voting, barriers you experienced, your planned method of voting in 2022 and more. Your responses will remain anonymous. In addition to English, this survey is also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, and Russian.

The feedback you provide will help guide decisions about our 2022 election approach and how Hennepin County administers elections going forward. We’ll be accepting responses through November 28. Thank you for helping to make our elections safe, secure, and accessible to all!  Click here to take the survey.

P.S. Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics? Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners voted Nov. 3 to lower the speed limit on parkways to 20 miles per hour (mph). The reduced speed limit on parkways will match the speed limit for local streets in Minneapolis. Slower traffic speeds support safer streets for everyone.

Over the coming months, the MPRB and the City’s Public Works Department, which manages signs along the parkway system, will change existing signage from 25 mph to 20 mph. Drivers should follow the posted speed limit on parkways while signs are updated.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for all children, ages five and up. Boosters will be available for all Minnesotans starting next week. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinics – learn more here:

  • Saturday, Nov. 20. (11:00am-3:00pm) MPS Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway Ave. Pfizer (5 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)
  • Tuesday, Nov 23 (4:30-6:30pm) Patrick Henry High School, 4320 N. Newton Avenue. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)
  • 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.

November 12, 2021 eNews

November 16, 2021 Agenda

Community members are encouraged to join the ANA Monthly Meeting this Tuesday, November 16 from 6:30-8:30pm. This month’s meeting will be held on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs Please note that a portion of the meeting will be closed for staffing contracts.

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • Edits and Approval of Remaining Required Policies – view them here (6:40pm)
    • Americans with Disabilities Act Policy
    • Language Access Policies
    • Financial Policies & Procedures
    • Board Training PowerPoint
    • Board Strategic Funding Plan
    • Board Development Plan
  • Coordinator Report (7:20pm)
    • Give to the Max Day – Thursday!
    • CPP Contract Clean-out Vote: Transfer $30 from Occupancy to Staffing.
    • Proposed 2022 Three Newsletter Timeline:
    • Volunteers for ANA Website Working Group
    • Committee Work Plans
    • December Meeting Date
  • 2022 Staffing Contracts (7:40pm – Closed portion of the meeting)
  • Committee 3 Min Updates (8:10pm)
    • Community Engagement
    • Safety, Equity & Outreach
    • Green Team
  • New Business (8:20pm)

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

Support the Armatage Neighborhood Association

The Safety Rebate Program. Spring and Fall Clean-ups. Holiday Tours. Welcome Bags. Free workshops and community conversations. Neighborhood events. Safety and green initiatives.

Over the past 30 years, your neighborhood association has worked hard to make Armatage a place where all feel welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives,  annual  community-building events, environmental work, advocacy, and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Give to the Max Day is on Thursday, November 18! Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the ANA’s work in our community at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the ANA are tax-deductible and eligible for employer matches.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Public hearings are scheduled for 1:30pm on Nov 16; 6:05 pm on Dec 1; and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 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. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Image of City of Minneapolis trash bin, recycling bin, and bags of yard waste set out for collection.

Yard Waste Collection Ends Next Week

The yard waste collection season is coming to an end! The final week of collection will be next week (the week of November 15. Learn more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/

While yard waste collection may be ending, our leaves have not all fallen. If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them after next week, here are a few low cost options:

Graphic with "Armatage Holiday Light Tour," which runs from Friday December 10 through Sunday, December 19 from 5-8pm. The background has holiday lights and a star.

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

Managing the Holidays with Ease

East Side Neighborhood Services has two free sessions on managing the holidays. The first takes place TODAY over lunch but there’s still time to register at 612-787-4076 or lfavin@esns.org

Hennepin County Election Survey

What was your experience voting in the November 2020 and 2021 elections? The Hennepin County Elections Department wants to hear from you on your method of voting, barriers you experienced, your planned method of voting in 2022 and more. Your responses will remain anonymous. In addition to English, this survey is also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, and Russian.

The feedback you provide will help guide decisions about our 2022 election approach and how Hennepin County administers elections going forward. We’ll be accepting responses through November 28. Thank you for helping to make our elections safe, secure, and accessible to all!

Click here to take the survey by November 2

P.S. Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics? Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Two men wearing masks are standing in front of and examining a map of the Minneapolis neighborhoods with ward boundaries.

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

Participate in the Redistricting Project

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners voted Nov. 3 to lower the speed limit on parkways to 20 miles per hour (mph). The reduced speed limit on parkways will match the speed limit for local streets in Minneapolis. Slower traffic speeds support safer streets for everyone.

Over the coming months, the MPRB and the City’s Public Works Department, which manages signs along the parkway system, will change existing signage from 25 mph to 20 mph. Drivers should follow the posted speed limit on parkways while signs are updated.

Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning

If you’re responsible for a child 5 or younger, your home may be eligible for help making it safer for your children.  Lead exposure can put young children at risk for permanent damage and lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Most often windows are the worst location for lead paint hazards. This funding will help replace windows, windowsills, porch floors, staircases and other locations that have lead paint as well as do other home safety work such as getting rid of lead paint hazards, cockroaches, mice, and asthma triggers; adding handrails and radon mitigation systems; and weatherizing.

For a free assessment and help getting hazards out of your home, call 612-673-2301. Find more information on the City website.

Graphic that states "Armatage Bylaws and Funding Plan Approved"

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan!  Community feedback gathered during the public comment period was overwhelmingly positive on both. The ANA Board met to discuss feedback and approved both documents on October 19. Learn more here.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines are HERE for Kids 5-11

Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map to locate and contact providers about vaccines for kids ages 5-11.

November 5, 2021 eNews

Collage of three houses shown at night. The top has an illuminated graveyard, the bottom left has lights on trees, along the sidewalk and a witch in the front yard, and the bottom right has a lit walkway, hay bale, pumpkins and skeletons in the front yard.

Halloween Decoration Tour Results

Thank you to our 15 fabulous participants and everyone who visited this year’s Halloween Tour!  The results are in – the houses that won for each category are listed below and voting was close! Huge thanks to Book Club for donating one of this year’s prizes!

  • Neighborhood Favorite (top): 5821 Sheridan Ave S
  • Spookiest (bottom left): 5621 Morgan Ave S
  • Best Use of Pumpkins (bottom right): 5937 Sheridan Ave S

Election Results

Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics?  Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Thanks to everyone who voted in this year’s municipal election and special thanks to those of you who served as election judges!

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

Support the Armatage Neighborhood Association

The Safety Rebate Program. Spring and Fall Clean-ups. Holiday Tours. Welcome Bags. Free workshops and community conversations. Neighborhood events. Safety and green initiatives.

Over the past 30 years, your neighborhood association has worked hard to make Armatage a place where all feel welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives,  annual  community-building events, environmental work, advocacy, and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the ANA’s work in our community at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the ANA are tax-deductible and eligible for employer matches.

Carved pumpkin that has seen better days and is starting to compost on a front step.

Compost Your Pumpkins

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. Remember to remove any candles, etc.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling, you can put them with your other bagged yard waste for collection. Added synthetic materials such as paint, glitter or jewels make 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. Learn more about organics recycling, yard waste collection, and more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/

Image of City of Minneapolis trash bin, recycling bin, and bags of yard waste set out for collection.

Yard Waste Collection Ends Soon!

The yard waste collection season is coming to an end! The final week of collection will be the week of November 15. Learn more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/

Picture of a Minneapolis Streep Sweeping truck on a city street

Fall Street Sweeping

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/street-sweep/

Graphic with "Armatage Holiday Light Tour," which runs from Friday December 10 through Sunday, December 19 from 5-8pm. The background has holiday lights and a star.

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning

Get the facts, get your home tested, and get your child tested. If you’re responsible for a child 5 or younger, your home may be eligible for help making it safer for your children.

Lead exposure can put young children at risk for permanent damage to their brains and nervous systems, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and other serious health concerns. Protecting them from lead poisoning when they’re young helps them have a better, safer life growing up and as an adult.

Lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Most often windows are the worst location for lead paint hazards. This funding will help replace windows, windowsills, porch floors, staircases and other locations that have lead paint. We can also do other home safety work such as getting rid of lead paint hazards, cockroaches, mice, and asthma triggers; adding handrails and radon mitigation systems; and weatherizing.

For a free assessment and help getting hazards out of your home, call 612-673-2301. Find more information on the City website.

Graphic that states "Armatage Bylaws and Funding Plan Approved"

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan!  Community feedback gathered during the public comment period was overwhelmingly positive on both. The ANA Board met to discuss feedback and approved both documents on October 19. Learn more here.

Two men wearing masks are standing in front of and examining a map of the Minneapolis neighborhoods with ward boundaries.

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

Participate in the Redistricting Project

City Budget Review is Underway

Review of Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed 2022 City budget is underway by the City Council.  The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. The mayor’s recommended City budget invests in affordable housing, youth programming, community safety, climate action and an inclusive economic recovery.  Learn more about the budget process at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget and save the date for upcoming public hearings:

  • Public hearings are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 6:05 p.m. Dec. 1 and 6:05 p.m. Dec. 8.
  • Dec. 8: Council scheduled to vote on budget adoption

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

COVID-19 Vaccines are HERE for Kids 5-11

Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map to locate and contact providers about vaccines for kids ages 5-11.

October 28, 2021 eNews

Armatage Halloween Decoration Tour graphic with pumpkin. Tour dates are Friday 10/22 through Sun 10/31 from 6-8pm each night.

Halloween Decoration Tour

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our second annual Halloween Decoration Tour, which runs each night from 6:00-8:00pm through Sunday, October 31! Check out the tour map and plan your route at armatage.org/halloweentour/

Voting

Once you’ve checked out each tour stop, head back to armatage.org/halloweentour/ to vote for your favorites! The top display in each of the following categories wins a $50 gift card to an Armatage business: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest and Neighborhood Favorite. In the spirit of fairness, please hold off on voting until you’ve visited every stop. Happy Halloween!

Carved pumpkin that has seen better days and is starting to compost on a front step.

Compost Your Pumpkins

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. Remember to remove any candles, etc.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling, you can put them with your other bagged yard waste for collection. Added synthetic materials such as paint, glitter or jewels make 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. Learn more about organics recycling, yard waste collection, and more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/

Halloween Events at the Parks

The Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board is hosting free or low cost Halloween events this week. Click here to see a full list!

Picture of a Minneapolis Streep Sweeping truck on a city street

Fall Street Sweeping

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/street-sweep/

Comment on the E Line BRT Through October 31

Metro Transit is currently holding a public comment period through October 31 on the E Line Bus Rapid Transit proposed station locations.  The E Line BRT would run every 10 minutes each day and most of the evening and Route 6 would also see some changes.

Here is the current Route 6 map versus the proposed E Line/Route 6 map. Also to understand why certain bus stops are being phased out, here is a map showing ridership rates, before the pandemic.

There are a few ways to comment on the plan: 

Get Ready to Vote Early or on Election Day

The Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Ave now has extended hours and is open to anyone who is eligible to vote in Minneapolis. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person Here are the remaining hours to vote early:

  • 7:00am to 6:00pm on Thursday, October 28 and Friday, October 29
  • 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, October 30
  • 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, October 31
  • 7:00am to 5:00pm on Monday, November 1, which is the last day the Early Vote Center is open

Fun Fact: Did you know that more people have now voted early in this year’s municipal election than voted early in any recent municipal elections in Minneapolis? As of yesterday, the City had received 17,000 early ballots for the Nov. 2 election. That’s higher than the total number of early ballots received for municipal elections in 2017 (12,174) and 2013 (5,023).

Ranked Choice Voting

Minneapolis voters will use ranked choice voting this fall to elect a mayor and members of the City Council, Board of Estimate and Taxation, and Park and Recreation Board. Ranked choice voting is a way of voting that eliminates the need for separate primary elections. Voters rank up to three candidates for each office. The ballot has three columns, and choices are made from left to right in those columns. Ranked choice voting in Minneapolis is used only for municipal elections. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/

Quick Voting Links

Graphic that states "Armatage Bylaws and Funding Plan Approved"

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan!  Community feedback gathered during the public comment period was overwhelmingly positive on both. The ANA Board met to discuss feedback and approved both documents on October 19. Learn more here.

Candidate & Charter Forum Recordings

We teamed up with our neighboring communities to host informative, non-partisan City Council and Park Board candidate forums and an educational forum on the proposed charter amendments to help you get ready for Election Day on November 2! Links to recordings from each event are below:

LWV 2021 Voter Guide

The League of Women Voters Minneapolis has released its 2021 Voter Guide to help you be informed about the 2021 City of Minneapolis elections, learn how to register and vote, find a list of candidates/websites, and read the Charter Amendments language. Check out the guide at lwvmpls.org/2021-voters-guide-now-available/

Two men wearing masks are standing in front of and examining a map of the Minneapolis neighborhoods with ward boundaries.

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

Participate in the Redistricting Project

City Budget Review is Underway

Review of Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed 2022 City budget is underway by the City Council.  The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. The mayor’s recommended City budget invests in affordable housing, youth programming, community safety, climate action and an inclusive economic recovery.  Learn more about the budget process at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget and save the date for upcoming public hearings:

  • Public hearings are scheduled for1:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 6:05 p.m. Dec. 1 and 6:05 p.m. Dec. 8.
  • Dec. 8: Council scheduled to vote on budget adoption

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

COVID-19 Vaccines are Coming for Kids 5-11

Minnesota providers cannot begin vaccinating children until the CDC issues final recommendations, which could come later next week.

Once CDC has approved the vaccine for 5-11-year-olds and your child is eligible, Minnesota families can:

  • Check with their pediatrician or family medicine clinic about appointments;
  • Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map to locate and contact providers near them;
  • Utilize the CDC’s Vaccine Finder at vaccines.gov to find pharmacies offering pediatric vaccinations; or
  • Look to your local school district for more information about vaccination opportunities in your child’s school.

September 9, 2021 eNews

Playground Reopening Celebration Today!

Thursday, September 9
4:30-6:30pm

The Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration is happening today (Thursday, September 9) from 4:30-6:30pm!  We’re excited to share FREE popsicles and cold treats (donated by the ANA and Jonny Pops!) and celebrate the new play equipment with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and Armatage Elementary!

Learn more about the planning process at bit.ly/armatagepark and read how neighborhood funds were used to make completing this project possible at armatage.org/armatage-park-play-area/

Meet Armatage Author Metra Farrari

Saturday, September 11
9:00am-12:00pm

Come meet local Armatage author, Metra Farrari, AND check out her debut novel, All the Blues Come Through, at the park next Saturday, September 11 from 9:00am-12:00pm.

While you’re out, you’ll have another chance to grab an All Are Welcome Here lawn sign from the ANA AND to check out the Armatage September Safety, Equity & Outreach meeting, which is also happening outside at the park from 10:00-11:00am. Can’t wait – see you there, neighbors!

Meet Your Community Helpers Event

Saturday, September 25
2:00-5:00pm

You’re invited to an outdoor event at Armatage Park with the helpers that serve our community including the Minneapolis Fire Department, Solid Waste & Recycling, USPS, MPD, EMTs and more! There will be educational demos, activities, and TRUCKS to check out.  Take a look at Armatage Elementary’s school supply wish list (coming soon at armatage.org) and bring items to donate to get entered to win a door prize (including a Ring doorbell).

Please plan to wear a mask and distance when you’re able at the event. Stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms, were recently exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or are waiting on a COVID-19 test. Thanks for keeping our helpers, neighbors, staff and volunteers safe! Learn more at https://armatage.org/meet-your-community-helpers/

Give Input on Minneapolis American Rescue Plan Act Funding

The City of Minneapolis is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, and neighborhood and community organizations as it considers funding priorities for the second round of American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to the City to address economic and public health impacts from the pandemic.The survey will be open through Friday, September 24. Results will assist City leaders as they determine funding priorities for the remaining federal funding awarded to the City. Take the survey to rank funding priorities here.

Upcoming Candidate Forums

We’ve teamed up with our neighboring communities to host non-partisan City Council and Park Board candidate forums as well as an educational series on the proposed charter amendments to help you get ready for Election Day on November 2!

Jim Crow of the North Free Screening & Discussion

Thursday, October 7
6:30-8:00pm

The Armatage Safety, Equity and Outreach Committee is hosting a FREE community screening and discussion of the TPT documentary, Jim Crow of the North, on the history of redlining in the Twin Cities on Thursday, October 7 from 6:30-8:00pm outside the Armatage Rec Center. Dress for the weather and plan to distance. Free hot cocoa and popcorn provided.

Learn more and sign up at https://armatage.org/jimcrowofthenorth/

Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Saturday, October 2
9:00-11:00am

Join the Armatage Green Team for our annual Fall Clean-up on Saturday, October 2 from 9:00-11:00am! This is a great opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling out of our waterways. Sign-up at https://armatage.org/events/clean-ups/

Early Voting Opens Sep 17

The Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 E. Hennepin Ave. opens at 8:00am Friday, September 17 for voters who wish to cast their ballot early and in person. Also September 17, Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services begins mailing ballots to voters who have requested to vote early by mail. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person  And see what’s on the ballot at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ballot

Minneapolis voters will use ranked choice voting this fall! Ranked choice voting is a way of voting that eliminates the need for separate primary elections. Voters rank up to three candidates for each office. The ballot has three columns, and choices are made from left to right in those columns. Ranked choice voting in Minneapolis is used only for municipal elections. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/

Free Minneapolis Home Energy Squad Visits

For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis Sustainability Division is offering FREE Home Energy Squad visits for residents living in 1-4 unit homes, including renters. A team of energy experts will evaluate energy saving opportunities in your home and install materials to help you start saving on the spot. These upgrades can include door weather stripping, high-efficiency water fixtures, LED bulbs and a programmable or smart thermostat.

If the Home Energy Squad recommends insulation or air sealing, you will receive a personalized quote and an opportunity to schedule the work with a qualified contractor. Minneapolis residents also have special access to 0% APR financing to complete insulation and air sealing work, or to upgrade to heat pump electric water heaters, air source heat pumps, or solar. Sign up at https://www.mncee.org/mpls?energy-audits or call 651-328-6220 to schedule.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage! The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find signs at the park this Saturday, September 11 from 9:00am-12:00pm and at the Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25 from 2:00-5:00pm at Armatage Park.

Minneapolis Public Schools Travel Reimbursement for Families

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is encouraging families who can transport their students to school on their own to do so. The district shared that sporadic school bus service is expected this fall due to a continuing shortage of bus drivers faced by school districts across the country. MPS will also offer travel reimbursements to families who are able to transport their students to and from school. Learn more at https://transportation.mpls.k12.mn.us/bus_reimbursement

Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Haven’t gotten your COVID-19 yet? The strongest defense against the delta variant is through vaccination. Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at Minneapolis Health Department clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and the vaccinations are free. You don’t need insurance, you don’t need an appointment and you don’t need an ID. Learn more here.

Upcoming Free Vaccine Clinics

  • North Community YMCA, 1711 W. Broadway Ave. (Mobile Bus) 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 & Oct. 18. Pfizer (12 and older) Registration
  • Man Up Club – God Flow Festival, 1250 West Broadway, 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • AMLA – God Flow Festival, 2929 Fourth Ave. S., Unit 207, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • North Community YMCA, 1711 W. Broadway Ave. (Mobile Bus) 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 & Oct. 18. Pfizer (12 and older) Registration

You can also sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine connector in English, Spanish, Somali or Hmong to get contacted about vaccine in your area