Category Archives: School

January 6, 2022 eNews

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

January Special Election

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

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

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

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

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

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

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

Minneapolis Mask Mandate Starts Today

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

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

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

Free PCR Tests Delivered to Your Door

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

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

Image shows two people with a waterfall in the background

Thank You, Joel!

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

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

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

Safety Rebate Program Changes

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

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

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

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kid Clutter Pickup Drive

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

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

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

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

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

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

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

Visit the City website for more information

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

Minneapolis Ice Rinks are Open

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

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

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

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

Find a Vaccine:

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

December 23, 2021 eNews

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

December 21, 2021 Meeting Recap

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

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

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

Holiday Light Tour Voting Results

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

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

Rec Centers Open Over Winter Break

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

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

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

January Special Election

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

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

Thank You, Joel!

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

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

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

Safety Rebate Program Changes

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

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

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

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey by Dec 31

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

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

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

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

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

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

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

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

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

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

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

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

Make This Holiday Season Low Waste

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

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

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

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

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

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

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

Visit the City website for more information

Sign up for Southwest Voices

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

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

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

New Minneapolis Crisis Response Teams

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

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

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

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates

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

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

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

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

Find a Vaccine:

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

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

Armatage Elementary Wish List

School Supply Drive

Bring school supplies from this wish list to the Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25 from 2:00-5:00pm and get entered to win a door prize (one of which is a Ring doorbell!). We’ll keep updating this list as we get closer to the event.

Early Childhood Special Education

  • Adhesive back Velcro, white, ¾ to 1 inch, up to 25 feet
  • Thermal laminating pouches 5 ml, letter size
  • 2 classroom sets of finger paints
  • 2 classroom sets of finger paint paper

Kindergarten

  • Blue painters tape (3 rolls)
  • Sidewalk chalk (1 large box)
  • Jump ropes (5)
  • Nerf footballs (3)
  • Applesauce (squeezable pouches) 3 boxes
  • Kindergarten friendly headphones for iPads (24 total)

First Grade

  • 3 classroom sets of fine tip crayola markers (20- 25  per classroom)
  • 3 classroom sets of broad tip crayola markers (20 – 25 per classroom)
  • Headphones for IPads (30 total -10 per classroom)
  • 3 high quality electric pencil sharpeners
  • Kickballs, soft footballs (first grade size) and soccer balls ( smaller size) – 6 of each type of ball for recess
  • 12 short jump ropes for recess
  • 3 long jump ropes for recess

Second Grade

  • 2 high quality electric pencil sharpeners
  • Earbuds for iPads (30)
  • 30 plastic pencil/supply boxes

Third Grade

  • 2 classroom sets of white poster board (52)
  • 1 three-hole punch
  • 2 classroom sets of watercolor paint paper
  • 2 electric pencil sharpeners

Fourth Grade

  • 2 high quality electric pencil sharpeners
  • 4 reams of white card stock
  • 2 classroom sets of “skin-tone” watercolors
  • 2 classroom sets of watercolor paper
  • 6 packages of dried and/or shelf-stable fruit  produced in nut and peanut-free facilities (for kids without snacks)

Fifth Grade

  • TBD

ASD K-2

  • Adhesive back Velcro, white, ¾ to 1 inch, up to 25 feet
  • Snacks – suggest fruit snacks or goldfish crackers or pretzels
  • Thermal laminating pouches 5 ml, letter size
  • 8 cans of Play doh
  • 8 headphones for iPads

ASD 3rd-5th

  • Adhesive back Velcro, white, ¾ to 1 inch, up to 25 feet
  • 12 Play doh
  • 4  Fidgets  (squishy balls,  Tangles, liquid motion bottle, or squishy animals)
  • 4 Puzzles ( 100 to 150 piece)
  • Sensory Sand Mold and Play kit or 3 bags of sensory sand
  • 2-3 rolls of lamination refills.

September 2, 2021 eNews

Playground Reopening Celebration: Sep 9

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

The Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration is rescheduled for 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! Meet Metra outside at the park next Saturday, September 11 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Plus you’ll have another chance to grab an All Are Welcome Here lawn sign from the ANA. Can’t wait – see you there, neighbors!

Meet Your Community Helpers Event

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

Save the date for an outdoor event at Armatage Park with the helpers that serve our community including the Minneapolis Fire Department, Solid Waste & Recycling, MPD, USPS, EMTs and more!

There will be distanced demos, educational activities, a school supply drive and TRUCKS! Learn more at https://armatage.org/meet-your-community-helpers/

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!

  • Park Board District 6 Candidate Forum: Tuesday, September 28 from 7:00-8:30pm Register to attend or to submit questions at bit.ly/mprbdist6
  • Ward 13 City Council Candidate Forum: Monday, October 4 from at 7:00pm. Registration link coming soon!
  • Charter Amendment Forum: TBD Details and registration link coming soon!

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/

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 on 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.

The Mayor’s 2022 City Budget Proposal is Here

Mayor Frey has outlined his recommended City budget for 2022. The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase and a gradual $2.6 million increase for youth programming through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, ongoing funding for the Office of Violence Prevention, and five recruit and cadet classes to bring new, community-oriented officers into the Minneapolis Police Department. The City Council will begin reviewing the proposed budget on September 13.

Learn more about the budget proposal.

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 Vaccines and $100 Gift Cards at the Fair

Haven’t gotten your COVID-19 yet? The strongest defense against the delta variant is through vaccination. The State of Minnesota will be offering $100 Visa gift cards on site to fairgoers who get their first FREE COVID-19 vaccine dose at the Community Vaccine Clinic at the Minnesota State Fair through Sept. 6.  No ID or insurance is needed – learn more here.

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

  • Whittier Park, 425 W. 26th St. 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • TAKS Faith Community Health Program, 2601 Minnehaha Ave. 3:30- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • Mercado Central, 1515 E. Lake St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8. Pfizer and J & J (12 and older)
  • 2021 Franklin Middle School, 1501 Aldrich Ave. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • Phelps Park, 701 E. 39th St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4. 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.

Employment Resources

Many Minnesota residents have been receiving extended unemployment benefits under a federal program called Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). The federal law that authorized the PEUC program will expire September 4, which means that these benefits will end.

If you’re thinking of returning to a job like the one you had before, CareerForce’s online job bank is available to find the latest job postings. If you need assistance finding a job, your local CareerForce location can help. Staff there can help you update your resume, navigate online job sites and find jobs that are a good fit for you. Connect to the Minneapolis CareerForce locations and please note that North Minneapolis CareerForce is taking appointments for immediate, in-person job seeking services.

You may be eligible for Dislocated Worker Services if you have been laid off (didn’t quit or were not fired), are unlikely to return to your previous occupation or industry, and/or are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Find more information.

Rent and Housing Assistance as the Eviction Moratorium Ends

MN law now requires a property owner or manager who intends on filing an eviction for non-payment of rent to provide a written notice to their renter, along with information about rental assistance, 15 days before filing an eviction proceeding with the courts between now and Oct. 12.

This new law also prohibits a property owner or manager from evicting a renter if the renter has a pending application for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance at the state or local level until June 1, 2022. The renter must be able to prove that they’ve applied for rental assistance. Renters may apply for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance at renthelpmn.org or by calling 211.

If you have questions about your specific housing situation and how it relates to the end of the eviction moratorium, contact:

August 24, 2021 eNews

Aug 24 Meeting Recap

Thank you to all who joined the ANA Monthly Meeting this week!  5th Precinct Inspector Katie Blackwell, Crime Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen, and Council Member Linea Palmisano all gave updates and answered questions. The investigation into the racist messages on milk jugs that have appeared around the neighborhood is ongoing.

The ANA Board approved a draft budget for an upcoming City Plan Modification, approved a final Equitable Engagement Template, and started sharing ideas for the future of the Safety Rebate Program as neighborhood funding starts to drop over the next few years. The Board also approved funds ($325) for 3-4 upcoming non-partisan Candidate Forums and Charter Amendment Educational Forums as well as for an interactive equity-focused activity at the Meet Your Community Helpers event in September ($225).

Postponed: Aug 26 Playground Reopening Celebration

Due to today’s stormy forecast, the Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration will be postponed to a date in September (TBD).  Stay tuned for the new date, which will be shared here, at armatage.org and on social media.  We’re excited to share free cold treats (donated by the ANA and Jonny Pops!) and celebrate the new play equipment with Armatage Elementary and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board soon!

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 Your Community Helpers Event

Save the date for an outdoor event at Armatage Park with the helpers that serve our community including the Minneapolis Fire Department, Solid Waste & Recycling, MPD, USPS, EMTs and more!

There will be distanced demos, educational activities, a school supply drive and TRUCKS! More details to come at armatage.org.

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 Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25 from 2:00-5:00pm at Armatage Park.

The Mayor’s 2022 City Budget Proposal is Here

Mayor Frey has outlined his recommended City budget for 2022. The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase and a gradual $2.6 million increase for youth programming through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, ongoing funding for the Office of Violence Prevention, and five recruit and cadet classes to bring new, community-oriented officers into the Minneapolis Police Department. The City Council will begin reviewing the proposed budget in mid-September.

Learn more about the budget proposal.

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 Vaccines and $100 Gift Cards at the Fair

Haven’t gotten your COVID-19 yet? The strongest defense against the delta variant is through vaccination. The State of Minnesota will be offering $100 Visa gift cards on site to fairgoers who get their first FREE COVID-19 vaccine dose at the Community Vaccine Clinic at the Minnesota State Fair from Aug. 26 through Sept. 6.  No ID or insurance is needed – learn more here.

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 Clinics

  • Steven’s Square Park, 1801 Stevens Ave. 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 28. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • RSA, 740 E Lake Street (former parking lot of Roberts Shoes at Chicago & Lake) 10-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Pfizer (12 and over)
  • YMCA, 3335 Blaisdell Ave. 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Pfizer (12 and over)
  • Summit Academy IOC, 935 Olsen Memorial Hwy. 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. Pfizer (12 and over)

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.

Rent and Housing Assistance as the Eviction Moratorium Ends

MN law now requires a property owner or manager who intends on filing an eviction for non-payment of rent to provide a written notice to their renter, along with information about rental assistance, 15 days before filing an eviction proceeding with the courts between now and Oct. 12.

This new law also prohibits a property owner or manager from evicting a renter if the renter has a pending application for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance at the state or local level until June 1, 2022. The renter must be able to prove that they’ve applied for rental assistance. Renters may apply for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance at renthelpmn.org or by calling 211.

If you have questions about your specific housing situation and how it relates to the end of the eviction moratorium, contact:

Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants Available

To help divert waste from landfills, Hennepin County has grants available for up to $5,000 to deconstruct residential buildings. Property owners and developers are eligible to apply. Applicants must be a homeowner or developer in Hennepin County and the work must be on residential properties. Projects must meet the reuse and disposal criteria, the structure being demolished or renovated must have been built prior to 1970, and the size of structure or area of renovation must be 500 square feet or larger. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/deconstruction

Meet Your Community Helpers

Meet Your Community Helpers

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 tables for both adults and kids, an interactive neighborhood equity station, demonstrations, and TRUCKS to check out.

Don’t miss this chance to get your pressing recycling questions answered, learn about fire safety, talk with our MPD 5th Precinct staff about community safety, explore the inside of a USPS mail truck, share what equity in Armatage means to you, make an Armatage button, weigh in on the neighborhood Bylaws & Funding Plan, and lots more.

Plus, Sparrow Cafe and Thumbs Cookies will both be on-site with treats! 🙂

School Supply Drive

We are also holding a school supply drive for Armatage Elementary during the event. Check out the school’s wish list here and bring items to donate to get entered to win a door prize, one of which is a Ring doorbell.

Covid-19 Safety

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!

Hosted by the Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee. In case of severe weather, we’ll post cancellations on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

September 11, 2020 eNews


Share Your Comments on the New Armatage Play Area Designs

Check out the plans for new play areas at Armatage Park— and share your comments!  The comment period is open through September 18, 2020.

Here’s how to weigh in:

  1. Review the plan: Concept for Armatage Park play areas
  2. Share your comments: Take an online survey or send an email

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

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

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

Happy Rescheduled National Night Out

To all celebrating their neighbors and block this Tuesday, September 15 as part of our rescheduled National Night Out in Minneapolis, we hope you have a safe and wonderful gathering!

Due to National Night Out, the ANA will hold its Monthly Neighborhood Meeting on September 22 instead.

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

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

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


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

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


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.


Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain? That’s like stepping out of a grocery store with five bags of food and dropping two in the parking lot. You may not think you waste that much food at home, but the little bits here and there add up.

Most of us don’t want to waste food, but in the dash to make dinner, food waste might not be the first thing on our minds. For those of us who want to break the shop-cook-waste cycle, the good news is that with practice, wasting less food can become an effortless cooking habit. Get started by joining the Stop Food Waste Challenge at http://hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org

Get Ready to Vote in the 2020 Election

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

  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at bit.ly/votemn101
  • Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online but allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101
  • Track your ballot after you mail it at bit.ly/trackmyvote101
  • Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours will be posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Comment on Parks for All

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

Free Classes through Literacy Minnesota

If you need to learn English, get your GED or Adult Diploma, gain citizenship, prepare for college or brush up on math and reading, improve your computer skills (internet and email basics, Word, Excel, and more), or train for a new career*, then the Adult Literacy Hotline can help!  They provide referral services in English, Spanish, and have interpreter service to communicate class information in 200+ languages such as Somali, Karen, Vietnamese, French and more.

Call: 1-800-222-1990
Text: 612-424-1211
Email: krynda@literacymn.org
Search online: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults

September 17, 2020 eNews

September 22 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Potential New Neighborhood Wine/Liquor Store
  • Fall Food Truck Night
  • Halloween Decoration Tour & Trick or Treating Safety Info
  • Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop
  • ANA Response to Neighborhoods 2020
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – Approved Via Email
  • Treasurer Report – Financials Emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Welcome Bags: Volunteer(s) Needed to Adopt the Program
    • Green Team:
      • Native Plant Rebate Program
      • Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge
      • Neighborhood Clean-up (Litter Be Gone)
    • Mini Grants
  • Coordinator Update: Upcoming Supply & Technology Needs


Armatage Play Area Survey Closes Friday!

Check out the plans for new play areas at Armatage Park— and share your comments!  The comment period is open through tomorrow (Friday, September 18).

Here’s how to weigh in:

  1. Review the plan: Concept for Armatage Park play areas
  2. Share your comments: Take an online survey or send an email

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

We know this is a tough time for funding in Minneapolis. But it is an even tougher time to lose our network of community-building neighborhood nonprofits.

Many neighborhoods across the city (including Armatage) are facing such steep cuts in funding that it will be a struggle to keep doors open. Can you take just two minutes to send a comment to the City of Minneapolis before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm? All the info you need to comment is at https://armatage.org/n2020.

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

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

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

Take the Census by September 30

Hundreds of households in Minneapolis remain uncounted. This undercount could leave communities without resources and fair political representation for the next 10 years.

What can you do to help?

  1. Complete the census for everyone in your household. If your household misses the opportunity to complete the census this year, the next opportunity to be included won’t occur until 2030
  2. Already completed the census? Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
  3. Share census information on social media. Post the link: my2020census.gov and tell your networks about the importance of getting counted.

The data obtained by the census allows the federal government to determine where to allocate resources for things like schools, parks, roads and much more. Our communities deserve the proper funding for resources we rely on including programs and services like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start. Visit My2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 and get counted before the Sept. 30 deadline.


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

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


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.


Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage

City Begins Public Review of Draft Built Form Regulations

The City has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

Upcoming online open houses on proposed regulations:

Read more about how to comment on the draft regulations.


Free Meals Available at School Sites

Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week.

Most sites will be open from 11:00am – 3:00pm with some sites open 11:00am-5:00pm. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for locations, menus and special diet information.

Early Voting Starts Friday

Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414 starting tomorrow, Friday, September 18 at 8:00am. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online. Allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101

Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes Resilient Yards Workshops for Fall

Many of us are spending more time in our yards, grateful to have this natural place of solace in these uncertain times. More and more, though, Minnesota and its inhabitants are feeling the impacts of a changing climate on our landscapes, including unseasonable heat and torrential rainfalls. Take control of the situation.

Attend a Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes webinar to learn strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change in your outdoors, and to help protect pollinators, clean water and the local ecosystem.Webinars cost $15 unless otherwise noted and scholarships are available. These workshops are offered with the support of the City of Minneapolis. More information: https://bluethumb.org/events/, or call 651-699-2426.


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain? That’s like stepping out of a grocery store with five bags of food and dropping two in the parking lot. You may not think you waste that much food at home, but the little bits here and there add up.

Most of us don’t want to waste food, but in the dash to make dinner, food waste might not be the first thing on our minds. For those of us who want to break the shop-cook-waste cycle, the good news is that with practice, wasting less food can become an effortless cooking habit. Get started by joining the Stop Food Waste Challenge at http://hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org

Free Classes through Literacy Minnesota

If you need to learn English, get your GED or Adult Diploma, gain citizenship, prepare for college or brush up on math and reading, improve your computer skills (internet and email basics, Word, Excel, and more), or train for a new career*, then the Adult Literacy Hotline can help!  They provide referral services in English, Spanish, and have interpreter service to communicate class information in 200+ languages such as Somali, Karen, Vietnamese, French and more.

Call: 1-800-222-1990
Text: 612-424-1211
Email: krynda@literacymn.org
Search online: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults

October 2, 2020 eNews


Last Chance to Sign up for the Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop!

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In a Let’s Get Uncomfortable workshop, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage


Free COVID-19 Testing in Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 testing events during the month of October. You do not need insurance to participate and all are welcome. See the full list of upcoming testing events here.

Upcoming LWVMpls Voter Forums

The League of Women Voters Minneapolis is hosting two upcoming forums to help you get ready to vote in the 2020 Election:

  1. Civic Buzz on Tuesday, October 6 from 6:00-7:30pm on the LWVMpls’ Facebook event page. with Michael Wall, Voter Outreach Specialist from Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office; Katie Lauer, the Communication and Outreach Coordinator for Minneapolis Elections and Voter Services; and LWVMpls Voter Services Chair, Marilyn Cantisano.
  2. Minneapolis School Board Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 8 from 7:00-8:30pm on MCN Channel 6 and available for live streaming on the LWVMpls Facebook page. The Forum will also be recorded and a link posted for viewing at www.lwvmpls.org. Email your question(s) as soon as possible to vote@lwvmpls.org. LWVMpls will start sorting questions by subject matter as soon as they are received and make a selection to present to candidates during the Forum.  You may also submit questions during the Forum via the LWVMpls Facebook page.

Low-cost Shredding Event

Join the Minnesota Hoarding Task force for fundraiser shredding event tomorrow, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am in Eden Prairie just off 169 and Valley View Road. The cost to participate is $10.00 for 2 grocery bags with no limit. This is a good time to take advantage of securely disposing of any sensitive documentation you may have piling up. You can purchase tickets on the MN Hoarding Task Force website, mnhtf.org, or at the event itself.


Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

The Armatage Green Team is hosting a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! If you see volunteers out tomorrow, be sure to tell them thank you!

Thanks to Litter Be Gone and the City of Minneapolis for providing supplies!

Fall Food Truck Night

Sunday, October 18 • 4:30-6:00 PM

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for one more safe and distanced neighborhood Food Truck Night! Gerhard’s Brats, Fair Faves and Thumbs Cookies will take orders at a distance while practicing extra safety precautions.

Thank you for following our safety guidelines to wear a mask during the entire event (unless you’re eating), keep *at least* 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, use pre-marked spaces to wait in line, and eat away from others or bring your treats home!

Get Ready for the First-ever Armatage Halloween Tour

Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, October 31

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our first-ever Halloween Tour! The self-guided tour is geared for all ages and runs from dusk until 8:00pm on Sunday, October 25 through Saturday, October 31. The tour map will be available on armatage.org starting Friday, October 23 so you can plan your route. Please be courteous and respect your neighbors during your adventure.

After you’ve checked out every stop on the tour, visit our website to vote for your favorites in the following categories: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, and Neighborhood Favorite.  The winning displays will each get a $50 gift card to an Armatage business.

Sign up to be a Tour Stop by October 22

Love to decorate for Halloween? Sign up for the Halloween Tour and be a bright spot in the neighborhood this season! Complete the sign-up form at armatage.org by October 22 and we’ll add your address to the tour map. By signing up, you agree to have your decorations up each day of the tour from ~6:00pm through 8:00pm.

Public Review of City Draft Built Form Regulations

The City of Minneapolis has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

One last online open house is scheduled on the Wedneday, Oct 7 from 3:00-4:00pm (focused on downtown). Read more about how to comment on the draft regulations here.


Southwest Parks Plan Public Hearing: October 7

The MPRB will hold a public hearing on the Southwest Parks Plan on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:45pm during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting. The plan sets a vision for the improvement, operation and management of all neighborhood parks in Southwest Minneapolis over the next 20-30 years and was created after nearly two years of community-based engagement, planning and design with individuals, neighborhood groups and community organizations.

View the meeting from home and email comments to the Secretary to the Board at jringold@minneapolisparks.org before 3:30 pm on October 7. Comments should be limited to approximately 300 words, which is similar to three minutes when read out loud by the Secretary at the Board meeting. Check out the proposed Southwest Parks Plan at minneapolisparks.org/sw later today. After the hearing, the Planning Committee will consider approval of the Southwest Parks Plan. The full board could consider final approval at either its October 21 or November 4 meeting.


Free Meals Available at School Sites

Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week.

Most sites will be open from 11:00am – 3:00pm with some sites open 11:00am-5:00pm. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for locations, menus and special diet information.

Early Voting & Absentee Ballots

Early voting has started at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online. Allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101

Absentee ballots cannot be brought to your polling place but you can drop them off at the Early Vote Center (address above) or the Hennepin County Elections office (skyway level of Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street).


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.